'Publishing is a business'

'Publishing is a business and therefore what is wanted is books that will sell. The difference between the commercial writer and others is the former writes for a readership and others often just for themselves. A book has to be shaped to fit market needs and has to be of interest to as many people as possible. It is difficult to anticipate trends in publishing, not least because the book commissioned today may not be delivered until next year and published the year after that. That said the boom in history and especially narrative, military and social history, popular science and literary fiction continues. Some 100,000 books are published each year so there is plenty of scope for variety.'

Agent Andrew Lownie in Writers' ForumBritish writers' magazine which is highly recommended for all writers. It features wide range of news and articles which help writers to improve their work and get published: www.writers-forum.com