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Teena Haywood
Awareness Member
Post Number:
15
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 01:20 am: |   |
Hi fellow authors:
Okay, this is a test. Pay close attention because I'm going to ask questions later (grin). Look back on your first published book. To those of you that did not go with a Traditional Publisher and knowing what you currently know about the publishing world. Below are a few simple questions.
Re: Your Next Book
Will you rather:
1) Wait for a traditional to make you an offer even if it takes months/years?
2) Send your query to agents and wait patiently on their replies?
3) Self-publish?
4) Go with a vanity publisher that charges $$$?
5) Pour gasoline on your next manuscript and burn it up before you'd send it to the company that published your first book?
6) All of the above.
My personal choices are 1), 2) & 5).
What are yours?
Teena
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Todd Hunter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1428
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 05:14 am: | |
#3
I've seriously considered going the self-published route for my next one. For the simple reason that I'd know exactly what was going on with my book at any given time. If the general public is telling me ALL THE TIME that my book is overpriced, I don't have to sit there and beg and plead with anyone else...I just turn around and discount it...
The only trouble is that self-published authors sort of get lumped in with vanity press authors...so who knows? I may just have to do #1...Wait for a traditional to make me an offer...but unlike #2, I wouldn't wait patiently...... |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2888
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 06:31 am: | |
1) That would be like waiting for hell to freeze over. No.
2) I have decided that rejection and unprofessional responses are not in my best interest. No again.
3) I've self published before so it's a possibility. At least I can control things better that way.
4) iUniverse and ONLY iUniverse.
5) I'm tempted to pour gasoline on ALL my manuscripts, regardless of publishing potential.
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Bill Nelson
Hunger Member
Post Number:
84
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 08:50 am: | |
What an interesting question.
Don't you think that the internet has changed the face of publishing forever?
Writers of all ilks have so much more info on where, how and to whom to send an mss these days that agents are becoming obsolete.
The conventional houses are in such turmoil, who knows what will happen with them in the future.
If one has to do all his own promotion (making one a book-salesman, not an author) one may as well self-publish for the reasons stated above.
I'm not sure what I believe to be the best way for an unknown to try to hit the big time.
If one claims (as many do) that they just write for the hell of it and don't care if they are successful or not, well...
Maybe put on a tight sweater and hang out in a drug store in Hollywood. No, wait, that's another story. Never mind.
bn |
Teena Haywood
Awareness Member
Post Number:
16
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 09:44 am: | |
"If one has to do all his own promotion (making one a book-salesman, not an author) one may as well self-publish for the reasons stated above."
Bill, I totally agree with your reasoning...been there, done that. I suppose it's an author's choice regarding which route to take. I've found the Internet to be an excellent tools when it comes to submitting one's manuscript to publishers or agents. It's saturated with informative articles on who's good, bad or ugly.
Teena
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Jennifer Lynn
Unity Member
Post Number:
1208
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 10:01 am: | |
Questions, questions....
1) I'd love a traditional, however in the meantime I'm working up a fan base in the small press/electronic market.
2) Agent? I don't need no stinking agent! (most romance authors manage on their own anyway)
3)No, no desire to self publish.
4)Nor vanity presses.
5)Nah,I like what I write, I'll save the gasoline for the car. It's expensive anyway.
Jenn
Jennifer Lynn
www.jenniferlynn.ca |
Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
882
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:54 pm: | |
Re: My Next Book
1. I've signed with a traditional publisher and my next book will be released on May 7th. I couldn't be happier with the whole experience. However, before I signed with this publisher, I had already decided that I had to go with a traditional publisher. Though having my 1st book published and having the few that read it, like it a lot, built my confidence some as an author and made me feel good about it, it just wasn't enough. I want something more, a career and a feeling of accomplishment, out of my writing and feel only a traditional publisher will help me achieve that. However, I don't know that I would have wanted to wait the years a major publishing house can take. Luckily, I didn't have to.
2) Most of the publishers' sites I looked at before sending Flowers for Megan to PA or The Butterfly Game to Authors Ink, didn't require agents, so I probably wouldn't use an agent.
3) No.
4) No.
5) I'm with Laurel on this one. None of them are ever good enough in my eyes, but my publisher seems to have a different opinion. Plus, editing was very thorough, so that cut down on my anxiety somewhat. I had to send my 2nd manuscript to the 1st company. Luckily, they turned it down.
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Joyce Scarbrough
Awareness Member
Post Number:
10
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 01:18 pm: | |
I would have to say #1.
The biggest problem I had with submitting True Blue Forever to traditional publishers and agents was that it didn't fit neatly into any genre. Different Roads is easier to categorize and I think that's why I got a much better response to my queries. It's currently in the hands of an editor at a small traditional press in Alabama and I have high hopes for signing with them. If they turn me down, I would submit to a few more traditional publishers and then I would consider submitting to a POD publisher who has addressed all the negatives associated with PA, and the only one I know of like that so far is Behler.
Lynn, you'd better not be crossing your fingers for Different Roads to get rejected now!
Toyce
True Blue Forever
Read the first chapter at http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1
See the hunk at http://www.southernbelleauthor.com/joycepersonalpage
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Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1654
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 01:19 pm: | |
I truly do not want to go POD again. Of course, I didn't want to go POD with Graven Images. I told that to PA and was assured that they were a traditional publisher. Yeah, right. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that the reason had to do with wanting my books to get into bookstores.
But - water under the bridge. From now on, I intend to hold out for publishers who have returnable books - and do some actual promotion.
I feel good about where things are going now. I did actually sign a contract with one publisher who uses POD technology, but these guy are super promoters, and are open to working with their authors.
But from here on out, however, I would rather sit on a manuscript than go POD.
Nancy
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Trina Green
Awareness Member
Post Number:
30
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 02:08 pm: | |
Hell no!!!! I'm getting an agent. Traditional publisher all the way and not just one who proclaims to be traditional.
(Message edited by tyger on April 24, 2004) |
Teena Haywood
Awareness Member
Post Number:
20
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 04:15 am: | |
Well, perhaps I went a little overboard by saying I'd pour gasoline on my manuscript and burn it. However, I'd purchase the world's best rocking chair, sit there and read it (over & over again) until I'm 90 years old (or as long as my eyesight holds out) whichever comes first.
NANCY this is well-said:
"I truly do not want to go POD again. Of course, I didn't want to go POD with Graven Images. I told that to PA and was assured that they were a traditional publisher. Yeah, right. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that the reason had to do with wanting my books to get into bookstores."
Although it's "water under the bridge," we move on, but it doesn't hurt any less. Don't you agree?
GLORIA: I'm estactic for you! You're a great example for each of us.
BILL: "If one claims (as many do) that they just write for the hell of it and don't care if they are successful or not, well..."
For years, I wrote for myself because that was my way of putting my emotions on paper and it's what I enjoy. I would write and hide it away. I did this for years. Then, one day, my wonderful (nosey) husband (who never knEw I wrote) discoved my manuscripts, poems, etc., and suggested that I have some of my works published. That's why I'm now a "Published Author." I don't know whether to thank him or kill him. I'm thinking of doing the latter (smiles).
JOYCE: Way to go!
TODD: An agent has read my mss and it's a go. I'm waiting, but patience is not one of vitures. I know it's not going to be easy. I think it'll be worst the wait, since I know my book is going to be published by a Traditional Publisher. I know I'll receive an advance & royalties(as opposed to waiting twice a year for a royalty check that's just enough to purchase coffee at McDonalds and perhaps a newspaper). This also makes the waiting easier to cope with. You're correct, Self-Publishing has gotten a bad rap. It's forever compared to Vanity or Subsidy. The reason I never considered going the Self-Publish route is I just couldn't imagine paying money to get my book published. In retrospect, it probably would have been better than the route I choose. I'm sure you'll be satisfied in the option you choose.
JENNIFER: "5)Nah,I like what I write, I'll save the gasoline for the car. It's expensive anyway." I must say that I agree. I guess I had a "Senior Moment" when I posted #5 (grin).
And last but not least...
TRINA: "Hell no!!!! I'm getting an agent. Traditional publisher all the way and not just one who proclaims to be traditional." Trina, don't be so shy. Would you please speak up? (smiles). Short and to the point...that's what I'm talking about! I agree with you.
I queried well over 100 agents, received about 20% rejects, no replies from 79% of them, then I finally received a "YES". The internet is wonderful tool to find agents, plus it saves 37 cents stamps.
Fellow Authors, just remember, whether a Traditional Publisher or an Agent rejects your manuscript, I'm sure Nancy, Gloria and other authors on this board can attest to the fact that "NO" can just as well turn into a "Yes"!
CAUTION: Please note, this is the longest reply I've ever written. Why? Caffeine kicked in a few minutes ago...good stuff!(grin) I have just started a new novel titled, "Why Me?" It's about a Mother that has 11 children and decides to give away the one that's the youngest at that moment. However, she has another child after that and keeps him. Actually, it's my life story. But I've decided to make it a novel to refrain from hurting my siblings. I think I'll go now and use some of this "Caffeine Engery" to continuing writing my book.
In all seriousness, I sincerely enjoy communicating with each and every one of you.
Happy writing!
TO C.E.: I must commend you, once again, for implementing this board and allowing us to participate on it.
Teena
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C. E. Winterland
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1456
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 01:34 pm: | |
Well, thanks, Teena 
The forum is only what it is because of its patrons. Heck, I rarely post lately.
CEW |
Donna Brown
Awareness Member
Post Number:
43
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 04:47 pm: | |
I would never go POD again, nor would I self-publish because I have no desire to do all of that work. I am in the process of doing the agent search and though it's difficult to be patient, I am learning. I want a traditional publisher this time around because I want to get my foot in the door with those publishers who don't accept unagented work. I'm a bit leery of sending to publishers and agents at the same time, though I have submitted to a few small, traditional publishers simply because I don't think these are the houses agents will target (when and if I get an agent). I'd have no problem going with a small traditional if they'd have me.
Deej |
Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1662
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 09:49 pm: | |
Teena,
You said: Although it's "water under the bridge," we move on, but it doesn't hurt any less. Don't you agree?
At first, yes. But, you are a WRITER. It really doesn't matter what anyone else does to you. They can't take that away from you unless you let them. I mean, it's something that is inside you. PA doesn't own that. Maybe you feel that they messed up one of your books, but where that came from - there's more!
Prolific writers like Stephen King or Mary Higgins Clark probably couldn't even name all of their books! LOL!
I think the key is this: Do what you can with what you have in hand now, then move on to the next one. Graven Images, the book I had with PA, is being republished with someone else. (Who has returnable books that are reasonably priced!) I sold another book not long ago to a good company and another one is right on the edge of acceptance with a different company. So, I'm not sunk. I've just begun.
Keep going, girl. You'll get where you want to go if you don't give up!
Nancy
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Teena Haywood
Awareness Member
Post Number:
26
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 02:30 am: | |
"At first, yes. But, you are a WRITER. It really doesn't matter what anyone else does to you. They can't take that away from you unless you let them. I mean, it's something that is inside you. PA doesn't own that. Maybe you feel that they messed up one of your books, but where that came from - there's more!"
Nancy, thanks and I totally agree with your feedback. The operative sentence is: "At first, yes." The word "hurt" described my initial reaction when my first book was published and I received my first royalty check and each one thereafter. I was blessed or cursed with a very strong personality and I would never allow anyone to take anything away from me(including my self-esteem)...ask my husband(grin).
You're correct, when you state: "where that came from - there's more!" The experience only made me more confident to keep going forward and taught me never, never to go that route again. I've posted comments about my latest book: "Beyond Plantation Road," a 617 page novel depicting the slavery era on other threads on Mindsight Forum, which has been obtained by a New York agent. While wating for my agent to find the best publisher for "Beyond Plantation Road," I've started another book title: "Why Me?"
I recall my Grandmother saying: "Teenah, experience is the best teacher...without it you'll never grow." I was so young, I thought she meant I'd never get any taller. I also thought she was just an old lady spouting off words, but believe I understand what she meant now and she was so-o-o right.
To make a long story short, I've moved on and will continue to do. I only wish that I could warn some of new authors (and have them listen) about some of the pitfalls that's ahead of them. Sigh...oh well.
Again Nancy, thank you. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Teena
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