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Also…for those who practice, I wish you and your families a shana tova (or a L’shana tova)—a happy new year. May it bring (much) more sweetness and good health. xxPaul
Today’s Episode
In today’s episode I talk with author and creativity coach
of about what it means to write and publish memoir in 2024. She describes her own unconventional route into publishing, highlighting the importance of hard work and persistence over connections. She also shares insights into the craft of memoir, including the benefits of using a "dual timeline” structure, plus the need for writers to turn personal stories into universally relatable books. We also talk about the importance of publishing “off the book” pieces to gain attention, and the evolving landscape of self-publishing.
Credit: Michelle Gevint (Domestika)
“In memoir, you need something like a plot, and most people leave that out. They just talk about what happened in the past, and how they feel about it now. And that's that's not enough in this market.”
Key Takeaways
There’s often a major disconnect between writers’ neuroses and what agents/editors think writers are worried about. This was a driving factor behind writing and publishing Before and After the Book Deal in 2020.
More than a developmental editor or book coach, Courtney calls herself a creativity coach. That reflects the core of her approach—diagnostic, focused on moving past emotional and psychological blocks, and providing “big picture” guidance.
Many writers of memoir set all the action in their books in the past; there’s no “present day” story in their books. This leads to “no forward momentum…no motor in the car,” as Courtney says. You can help resolve this issue by using a Dual Timeline structure.
In today’s market, writers of memoir also make the mistake of sticking to hyper-specific and personal stories. However, the books that are connecting most with publishers and agents now have a strong universal topic woven in. Again, a challenge that a Dual Timeline structure helps you address.
The idea that you’ll score a “quick Big 5, 6-figure book deal” in 2024 is a fantasy. Be prepared to put in hard work, and lots of trial and error with your agent queries, book drafts, proposals etc. Consider doing readings, book reviews, and publishing “off the book” pieces to help build your author platform.
Today many successful writers can move between self- and traditional publishing during their careers. Self-publishing can be a viable and lucrative option for authors, offering more control over their work and direct engagement with their audience.
“The more I talked about [my idea for Before and After the Book Deal], and…the more people like Roxane Gay and Anthony Doerr and Garth Greenwell were answering my emails right away..the more I knew: ‘I’m onto something. If these people are willing to talk about their disappointments and frustrations and petty little jealousies then I'm really onto something.’ But the gatekeepers were worried for me.”
Discussed on this Episode
Before and After the Book Deal, by Courtney Maum. Buy it here.
Writing & Pitching Hybrid Memoir in Today’s Market was a course offered by Courtney Maum for Jane Friedman on June 26, 2024.
Memoir: Write a Personal Story for a Universal Audience is Courtney Maum’s online course introducing the “3-Act, Dual Timeline” structure
“Let’s Talk Self-Publishing,” published at
, explores many of the same points Courtney makes on the show
About Courtney Maum
Courtney Maum is the author of five acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking publishing guide that Vanity Fair recently named one of the ten best books for writers, Before and After the Book Deal and the memoir The Year of the Horses, chosen by The Today Show as the best read for mental health awareness. Her parallel 20-year career in marketing and advertising has allowed Courtney to help writers improve their craft while also learning about the business of publishing so they can feel empowered—instead of bewildered—in a competitive and often classist industry. A Joyce Carol Oates prize nominee and frequently published essayist, Courtney writes across multiple genres and has published with the “Big 5,” Indies, Micro-presses, Audible and vanity presses, making her the perfect companion for the writing journey you are on.
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