A note from Jane
Those who follow the business of book publishing—what’s selling, what’s not—probably know that fiction has been reigning over the bestseller lists for a while now. Last year, of the top 10 bestselling new releases, only one was a nonfiction book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
There’s ongoing concern about the lackluster nonfiction market and how long the softness might continue. For as long as I’ve been in the business, these things have been cyclical, but some argue a much bigger shift is underway in how we learn and acquire information. Indeed, one of the nonfiction books I read last year (Outlive by Peter Attia) works very well to lead people to a podcast subscription for deeper and continuous learning on the topic.
One bright spot: I ran across a fascinating statistic last week about the history category. It’s seen increasing sales in both the US and UK. Moreover, history books outsold political books for the first time in an election year.
While I don’t have a researched answer for why, I have a personal one. I’ve been reading Will and Ariel Durant’s The Lessons of History, where they attempt to pithily summarize the themes of human civilization and culture. It is perhaps a nonfiction lover’s form of escapist reading: It makes today’s problems appear no different than the problems that civilization has always faced. I take comfort in that, alongside looking at pictures of distant galaxies—something my mother has modeled for me. She keeps a picture of the greater cosmos above her nightstand.
Jane
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Jane’s Electric Speed List
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RIP David Lynch. I recommend his book on creativity.
Catching the Big Fish is a short yet profound book by David Lynch on capturing and working with ideas, published in 2006. Meditation comes up frequently. Presumably because of his passing, this book is now only available on backorder at some retailers. Here’s a good bit: “This idea comes to you, you can see it, but to accomplish it you need what I call a setup. For example, you may need a working shop or a working painting studio. … Or a computer room where you can write something. It’s crucial to have a setup, so that, at any given moment, when you get an idea, you have the place and the tools to make it happen.”
An invaluable tip on working with others
“Unless I hear differently” — use it!
The busy bar: LED pixel screen for your work area
I am very tempted to buy this “busy bar” so my husband, Mark, can see it from across the room and know when he shouldn’t interrupt me. Maybe you need one, too.
Laterpress: sell direct to readers
This tool has been around for a while (and in fact Laterpress once sponsored this newsletter!), but it’s worth surfacing again given the continued and growing interest by authors and publishers in direct-to-consumer sales. Laterpress allows you sell ebooks and serializations from your own website, using your own domain if you like. Laterpress does not take a cut of your sales; they earn money through other services. Learn more.
The Art of Foreshadowing with Tiffany Yates Martin / Jan. 29, 2025, 1–2:30 p.m. EST
Foreshadowing isn’t just for mysteries and suspense stories. Elegant and well used foreshadowing can heighten suspense, tension, and reader anticipation in every genre. And it’s not just a hoity-toity literary device for Important Works of Literature. No matter what you’re writing, skillful foreshadowing makes a story feel plausible and cohesive, as well as inevitable. In other words: good foreshadowing is the storyteller’s secret weapon.
This course examines core techniques of foreshadowing, exploring how to plant hints, build tension, and deliver satisfying payoffs that keep readers engaged. With plenty of specific examples, participants will learn how foreshadowing can create richer and more cohesive narratives that make for unforgettable stories.
Your turn: favorite snow gear ❄️
In the last issue, I asked you to share your favorite snow gear or supplies. Here’s what you said.
- In order to continue running all year ’round and in all weather, I rely on slip-on spikes or grippers when the roads have snow or ice. Also good for trails in the woods. The small size points do not interfere with running comfort, but are very effective for slippery conditions. Either the stretchy rubber eventually snaps, or one or two spike inserts pop out. Good to always have a spare pair for the next outing! —Peter Billard
- Postropaky ski pants. They’re fleece-lined and waterproof, and they have tons of accessible pockets and a much sleeker profile than the snow pants of yore. I got them for myself, my husband, and my parents, and we all love them. They come in a variety of lengths, so my 5'3" mom and my 6'3" dad both found sizes that worked. They’re inexpensive, and if you don’t love supporting Amazon, you can usually find pairs on eBay or Poshmark for even cheaper. —Stephanie Ricker
- My favorite snow gear is tied to my current life with horses. I ride my young gelding five days a week, weather permitting, and it takes a lot to keep me from riding! So, in a nutshell, a good heavy winter coat from my skiing days. Not a puffy coat but a regular Under Armour jacket with pit zips. I have a Salomon parka for non-horse activities. Base layers are crucial as well—I have lightweight and medium-weight bottoms, plus heavy Under Armour tops. Wool socks. And BOGS insulated waterproof boots. Insulated boots are crucial when you spend your time in snow and mud, and this year is alternating snow and snowmelt. —Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Next question: This question comes from reader Ritu: “What are your favorite cookbooks or books on cooking that also tell stories?” Hit reply to this message, or head over to Discord to share.
Free resources featuring Jane
Upcoming online classes
Meet Jane at an event
- AWP Conference & Bookfair (Los Angeles), March 26–29, 2025
- My book launch event: Mercantile Library in Cincinnati, April 8, 2025
- ECPA Leadership Summit (Nashville), April 29–30, 2025
- Marketing Before and After the Book Deal (Reisterstown, MD), May 10, 2025
- AI & Publishing: The Technology Is Here. So Now What? (Reisterstown, MD), May 17, 2025
- NonfictioNOW Conference (Notre Dame, IN), June 11–13, 2025
- Craft & Publishing Voyage (cruise ship!), Aug. 27–Sept. 3, 2025
“At electric speed, all forms are pushed to the limits of their potential.”
—Marshall McLuhan
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