The life of an unknown author is one of frustration. I have a novel that I worked on for 1 1/2 years. I put my heart and soul into it. I had one novel self-published a few years ago and this time I wanted to go the traditional route in getting published. I sent out query letter after query letter, sample chapters after sample chapters and I got the same replies back from agents.
It was always, "No, I'm going to pass." or "It doesn't fit into what I am looking for." or "I considered it, but then decided I wouldn't go with it." Other agents did not even bother to answer back. They would put on their websites something like, "If you don't hear back from us in three months, then we're not interested."
An unknown author is caught between a rock and a hard place. Most top publishers won't talk with an author directly. They want you to get an agent.
No one wants to give an unknown author a chance in the traditional publishing world. Agents have told me right out that they take on less than 1% of projects. With many agents they want to know if you have been previously published. So you can't get published if you don't have an agent and you can't get an agent if you
haven't been published. For first time authors, it is an uphill battle that never seems to end.
Yesterday I received two rejections from agents. In almost a year of trying to get an agent, that brings my total of rejections to 62. I have kept positive for as long as I can and I now have to face reality. I have had friends ask me when my next novel will be published. Is it fair to them and to myself to keep my novels from them? I don't think it is any longer. I am now searching for a self publisher that doesn't charge an arm and a leg. Many of them want astronomical prices to get published. I have found a few that is within reason, if I wish to go with them.
Then I got to thinking. I read that there are about 750,000 manuscripts submitted each year and less than 3% get published the traditional way. Many of those manuscripts will never get published at all. They will sit in someone's drawer on on their computer forever. I wonder how many of those manuscripts are great stories. I bet many of them are. It is a shame that people that love to read will never get to see them.
I feel that it is not my loss that I can't get published the traditional way. I feel it is the loss of the agents, the publishers, and people who love to read. My readers will get to read my novels. If they like them I hope they tell others. If they don't like them I hope they tell me. I write from the heart and when I tell a story I want the reader to get a smile on their face, a tear in their eye, or a chill down their spine.
I know many other authors who are going through the same thing that I am. I feel their frustration just as I do.
It is a tough business, but I will not give up. I think I am meant to write stories and as long as I have people that want to read them I will keep writing. I now have two completed novels that I want to share.
Copyright Larry W. Fish 2014
Larry, I hear your frustration. I only publish short stories, however it has been hard to find homes for my short stories too. One blogger wrote about finding the right "soul mate" and I think that is an accurate description. I has taken me about 4 - 5 years to find publishers for my three stories. I published my very first story back in 2009.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do know two authors who have self-published their books. Frankly, having read their books I understand why a publisher didn't take them. So self-publishing can be both good and bad.
My blog is about my personal life and short stories. Some of the stories need to be expanded, but I keep struggling with that thought as I don't want to ruin the story. If you have the opportunity, I hope you will stop by and read some of the stories on my blog. I am looking for people to comment as I want constructive criticism or ideas for future stories.
What do you mean by "I am now searching for a self publisher that doesn't charge an arm and a leg"? You do it yourself; create an Amazon author account and upload your book. It's that simple. The problem is getting people to find your book. Join a writers' group, ASMSG is the best in my opinion but there are lots of others. I occasionally drop into World Literary Cafe.
ReplyDeleteAaron David is correct with his suggestions. Also Linkedin has groups, Writers 750 which offer monthly short short story contests. The stories can be published in anthology form and I've had the fortune to have several short-shorts published in those anthologies. This is in preparation for publishing my novel. Easy way to get your name out there, though not large exposure, at least you can say that you are published.
ReplyDeleteReference Gwenn Roger's comment, make certain you book is error free, which sounds like preaching, but I agree with Gwenn that some of the self published books had spelling, punctuation errors, and other errors. In your case it is like slogging through a thick forest filled with books scrambling over each other trying to make it past agents and publishers. It is difficult to get to the publisher's desk and even harder to convince him to spend money publish your book. Today expense is the bottom line.
I've known several people who have self published with some decent results. That's the path I plan to take.
The best of everything and success above all else!
I agree with both Aaron and Michael plus, Michael, thanks for the tip on Writers 750!!! I've only been in one anthology and that was for free, but I absolutely LOVED the experience.
ReplyDeleteLarry, once you've self published (which isn't as easy as it may seem -you ABSOLUTELY have to pay attention to detail. EVERY detail, to get a professional result) all you need to focus on is marketing, ie: getting it out there that your FABULOUS, not-to-be-missed book is out there. Get friends and family to spread the word, and, once someone's read and loved your book, it's the magic of word of mouth, plus comments and reviews on your book marketing page. Bon courage!
Hello Sir. I'm also an author. I didn't have a lot of confidence that I could write anything. I took a chance on self publishing my work through amazon and since then I have been getting readers. I got many reviews from people, but some of those seem to be their own personal pain and nothing to do with my work. If you don't take a chance you will never know if your work will be read by anyone. I'm always grateful when someone reads my work. I write for the joy of it and that is all. Readers find it enjoyable and that is great too. They tend to come back and read my other work as well. I use blurb.com for my hard copy books. They also got options to sell the books through amazon lately as well. They even have ebooks coverters as well. Great success to you on publishing your work.
ReplyDeleteThank all of you for your comments. They are always welcome. Writing is a tough business, but an enjoyable one as well. I was told why look for a self-publisher just go to amazon and make an account. That is an option that I have considered. However there are many self-publishers out there and it is always best to research anything. I have found a company that I think will do a good job at a reasonable price. I will soon know if I made the right choice. Again, thank you all.
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