Abstract

During my Fall 2021 sabbatical, I focused on revising a novel I had been developing for over 15 years and researching how to market fiction in a rapidly evolving publishing landscape. With a background in journalism and creative writing, I confronted the challenge of transitioning from non-fiction to fiction, where the industry rules differ significantly. I began by re-evaluating the novel’s core themes, particularly the role of place and magical thinking, eventually rewriting large sections to restore the story’s authenticity and coherence. Daily journaling and playful methods like sketching helped clarify character dynamics and setting. Concurrently, I studied current industry practices, noting the shift from traditional mail submissions to digital platforms and the emphasis on polished, near-complete manuscripts for fiction. I submitted 75 queries, encountering common barriers, including the preference for self-published authors with proven sales. Feedback from editors and agents highlighted the need for stronger narrative grounding, which I addressed with input from peers. Through this process, I refined not only the manuscript but also my understanding of genre, ultimately framing my work as a ghost story rooted in speculative fiction. I also recognized how industry volatility mirrors trends in music and media, reinforcing the necessity of diversification and adaptability. Ultimately, the sabbatical deepened my awareness of the challenges writers face today, underscoring the importance of creative flexibility, persistence, and embracing subjective experience as the enduring core of literary art in an era of technological transformation.

Disciplines

Creative Writing | Fiction

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