Consistency and Publishing

By Dennis Lantz

Having three ‘debut’ novels published nearly simultaneously is not common. I’m not sure it has been done outside the world of self-publishing. But if it has, I am certain that the author would agree that it makes the process interesting. Over the next two months I will post updates on the progress. Here and on Facebook.

I’m currently putting the finishing touches on the front matter (opening pages) and back-cover copy, as well as working with the publisher on cover designs for all of the novels. (Zander’s Tale has cover art and illustrations by Amy May Evans.)  

The publishing industry has changed over the past two decades. Once it was inconceivable (and inadvisable) to saturate one’s personal market with three books. Big market publishers limited an author’s book releases to approximately one each year. Prolific authors, like Stephen King often put out second or third books using pseudonyms. King wrote Thinner, The Running Man, Roadwork, etc. under the pen name, Richard Bachman. They were released at the same time as books bearing his name.

My three novels are not similar, but will all have my name on them. This is another way that I am disregarding some traditional publishing rules.

Zander’s Tale is an anthropomorphic adventure story that has elements of an allegorical morality tale. While technically it could be classified as Young Adult, there are elements of violence and death that make it more acceptable for an adult audience.  

The Spiders of Eden is a first person, survival story set in an authoritarian, dystopian world. It has no youthful characters (except the main character’s childhood memories) so it is for an adult reader. However, it is not dissimilar to hundreds (or thousands) of books I read as a young adult.

Pine Street and the Mighty Mutation Circus takes place in the same world as Spiders, but years later after the dystopian edge has somewhat worn away. (I call it semi-dystopian.) Like Zander’s Tale it could be classified as Young Adult because the main character is young.

But I would argue against such classifications. My stories were not written for an age group. They were written for anyone who wants a good story. For any who wish to stretch the imagination or escape to a different place.

Consistency in an author’s books isn’t just about a publisher’s desire to market similar books to the same people. If Stephen King wrote a romance novel that wasn’t also a horror story, it is quite unlikely his name would be on the front cover. A writer is a brand. If they have several different styles or genres, some readers are certain to be disappointed. Publishers don’t want dissatisfied readers.

My novels are not quite different enough that I need a pseudonym, but I will tell you up front that those who enjoy Zander’s Tale or Pine Street and the Mighty Mutation Circus might not like The Spiders of Eden. (I know I shouldn’t say such things. It has nothing to do with my opinion. Each of them is excellent, but they are different.)  

The Pine Street story is set to be a trilogy, so books two and three of that series will obviously be similar in style to book one. But my future novels (and I hope there are many) may be nothing like my others. This isn’t about me finding my voice. I enjoy many types of stories and that will be reflected in my writing.

I have half a dozen other novels started and they cover a wide range of interest. One is a coming of age, religious/spiritual story. Two others are dark thrillers (one has elements of a murder mystery). Another gives a man’s reaction to his terminal illness.  I have also outlined a Tanner Z. Landsight comedy as well as yet another story from the world of Pine Street or Spiders.  Some of my earlier work included stories about vampires, ghosts and dragons. I am just as curious as you to see what ends up being finished.

I appreciate the support that I have received thus far. If you enjoy anything that I have written, please spread the word. Follow me on Facebook. Stay tuned. Soon there will be newsletters and a website.

Until next time,

Read, Learn, Live