Writing and Writer Career Overhaul (30.08.2024)  

Mod has updated the way we think about book writing and the writer's career. Now, we see these as active professions with over 40 different paths to follow. You can choose from a variety of options, whether you prefer to work by phone (using the work menu) or at a computer (using the writing menu).

**Author Career Branch**

In the Author Career Branch, characters automatically receive assignments from agents and have permanent contracts for publishing books. They also have individual goals and promotion requirements to meet. This branch offers over 30 work-at-home opportunities for authors.

**Journalist Career Branch**

Journalists in this branch have specific promotion requirements and tasks, including those available in other packs. They focus on writing articles and sometimes need to edit their work before publication. Journalists must meet deadlines set by editors to complete and publish their articles. Once published, there is a chance for the article to be featured on the cover.

**Preparation for Writing**

Characters who create an outline before starting to write a book can stay focused. Those who research their writing can get inspired.

**First Draft**

Sims now take a bit longer to write their first draft (6 hours instead of 4 hours), but this time decreases with each point your Sim earns. When the draft is finished, depending on their writing skills, they can either make the final touches themselves before publishing or add it to their personal collection. If they are level 5 or higher, they can write a query letter to attract an agent or editor. If they already have an agent, they can request a draft and receive suggestions. Sims in the author thread will always have an agent.

**Finding an Agent/Publisher**

To get published, a Sim must find a publisher. The first step is writing a query letter. There is a chance they may be rejected, but they can send a few more letters until they are successful. Once an editor or agent is interested, they will need to send a copy of the draft.

If your book is published, there is a chance an agent will call and pitch you. Additionally, established authors who don't have agents can approach them and hire one.

**Book Deal**

If the editor or agent likes what they see, they will make an offer if they are an editor, or they will sign a contract and find your Sim a publisher who will make an offer if they are an agent. The chances of an editor noticing your query letter are not very high compared to the chances of getting an agent, but having an agent when pitching a book deal is beneficial. Only Sims who have agents are eligible for multiple book deals.

Once a book deal is negotiated over the phone in the work menu, your Sim will receive an advance and a response from the publisher's editor.

**Editing Process**

When your Sim hears back from the publisher, there is a chance they will make the edits they want your Sim to make to the draft. Sims must meet deadlines set by editors, although extensions are possible. Missing too many deadlines can result in Sims breaking their contract and losing the rights to the book.

**Preparing for Publishing**

Once all revisions have been made or if none are needed, the Sim can chat with the development team via the computer in the Writing menu. After meeting with them to discuss the design of the book, the Sim will send the final draft to the publisher who will send proofs based on the design discussion. The Sim will need to approve the layout for printing, and once that is done they can publish their work!

**Having an Agent**

If a Sim has an agent and has already been published, many steps in the process are simplified. Agents are available at all stages of the process and Sims can call them at any time. They can help negotiate better deals, suggest changes before the editing process begins which can reduce the need for revisions, answer questions, and review the draft. If the Sim decides not to self-publish or collect, the agent can ask a publisher to review the draft. If they want to clarify where they are in the process, they can always contact their agent via the chat menu on the computer or the work menu on the phone who will tell them what to do next.

Cheats: There are several cheats. You can access them by pressing shift+ on your virtual persona. You can use cheats to get an agent, remove marks, get a book deal, and get your book published.

If you are a freelance writer and are working on a book that is not related to your career, it is important to finish that book before starting a new one for your career. If you are in the process of a gig, you should finish the gig book first, then start your personal book.

You cannot have two unfinished books at the same time. Finish the gig book first, then move on to your personal book if you have two books in progress at the same time.