Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader. Using his extensive experience in the production of motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, he brings the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his adventure and mystery stories, written especially for tween boys. Both boys and girls have reported that reading one of his books is like being in an exciting movie.
Learn more about Max and his books on his website: www.maxbooks.9k.com
Below, Max shares his journey to publication:
Genre: Primarily action-adventure & mystery books, especially for boys 8 – 13. I also write articles for 
adults, and will have a personal story in a Guideposts book in 2010.
How many books have you had published? Seven
Years you've been writing: Eight
First thing you ever had published: A book, Newspaper Caper.
In a paragraph or two, describe what the road to publication was like for you. I connected with my first publisher through social networking. In fact, the publisher actually formed in order to publish my books. The principals had 25 years of publishing experience. This happened after I had received a rejection from one of the major, Christian publishers.
If you self-published, what was that process like and would you recommend it? I’m not self-published, but I’d like to say one thing about it. Unless you already have a substantial platform, there are a lot of pitfalls associated with self-publishing to be considered first.
Did you/do you have an agent and how did you go about acquiring him/her? My agent is Terry Burns at Hartline Literary. Terry and I had a relationship, again, through social networking, before he became an agent. In addition, he had provided comments from his grandchildren, for the back of one of my books, so he was already familiar with my work.
I didn’t have an agent for my first books, but Terry now has several proposals out, and circulating, to publishers.
Are you a fan of writing contests? Why or why not? I’m a fan of any writing that causes people to test their writing quality and ability in a way that gives them objective criticism and reaction.
How long was it from the time you first started submitting to editors and/or agents to the time you landed a publishing contract? It’s been a couple of years since I signed with Hartline. However, the consolidation in publishing was well underway then. There’s no doubt that writers have far more manuscripts chasing fewer and fewer publishing slots. Having said that, I have a manuscript that, at the time of this writing, is due to go to committee at a secular publisher any day now, so I’m hopeful.
Describe the first time you got "The Call." My first “call” came from the editor at Guideposts, for a story I had submitted. I will always remember the last thing he said. “Now you have a Publisher in New York.”
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out? I had no idea how long the process would take to penetrate the national market. I realize that some authors rise to the top quickly, but this is not the road most of the rest of us will follow. My professional background includes experience in marketing and promotion, but again, I didn’t realize how much the success of your book relies on your efforts. My blog, Books for Boys http://booksandboys.blogspot.com is an example of the platform I’m working to build. It has attracted publisher interest as well as potential readers of my books. 
Three books on writing/publishing you'd recommend: I don’t remember specific titles, but this might help. When I began to consider writing, I went to the library and, over three visits, checked out every book on writing fiction that I could find. I read armloads of books, compared what each had to say, and then charted my course. It was helpful to find consensus, from several authors, on the major issues.
How is being published different than you thought it would be? It’s silly, actually, because I know who I am and how I reached the point where I am now. But the reaction from others has been odd at times. For some reason, people tend to elevate authors to a status they don’t really deserve. It’s important not to let this go to your head.
At the same time, it’s wonderful to hear from a young reader. Here’s an email that I received just last night. “I dont know if this is your email but i am a fan. I have read Mountain Cabin Mystery and North Woods Poachers. I am 13 years old. I would like to let you know you are a very good writer. I am sorry if this took to much of your time but i am not sure you wil even get this.” (boy)
A response like this makes it all worthwhile.
Love that letter - priceless! What are two pieces of advice you would give to writers who are desperately seeking publication? Don’t obsess over it. Getting published simply opens up a new world and it takes time to develop. The best thing that could happen is for the process to take a long, long time. This helps you to decide if it’s really the life for you, and to prepare, ahead of time, for the kind of person you’ll be as a published author.
I don’t know how many times I’ve read interviews and articles, from successful authors, who relate that it took ten years or more to become established. Writing is a job, and publishing is a business. Make no mistake, I love every part of it, but you need to take time to prepare, and then be realistic. Remember, if God called you to write, publishing will happen in His time, not yours.
Thanks, Max, for taking the time to share your journey to publication!
IN TOUCH INTERVIEW WITH MAX ELLIOTT ANDERSON
MORE AUTHOR JOURNEYS TO PUBLICATION
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Great article Lynda!
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