| Author |
Message |
    
Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
602
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 01:04 pm: |   |
Today I am mailing 19 packages to agents and a couple of publishers for a new story I just finished. My cost (not including my time, of course) is around
$40.00. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a couple of other places I could use forty bucks! I know it is the cost of doing business and must be done, but...
I included a paragraph in the query letter that says, "Please note there is no SASE. Should you garner interest, please contact me by E-mail. Thank you very much."
Now, I know it sounds somewhat pompous, but, so far, the pomposity has been in only one direction.
I don't want to spend any more money to maintain a collection of form letters that say, "Not for Us". Some are worded to appear a little more considerate but a boilerplate nonetheless. You've all gotten them, so you know what I mean.
My thinking is that I don't want to hear from those that have no interest, just someone who might. If they do, I'm betting they'll drop me a line. If not, I've saved .37 cents plus envelope for the SASE.
What are your thoughts?
bn |
Trina Green
Wandering Member
Post Number:
182
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 02:25 pm: | |
I feel ya Brother. I'm finding it hard these days to finish my manuscripts so I can start that process. When one puts so much of themselves into a project that they believe in, it is disappointing when others have no interest in the work. In fact if they would explain why it doesn't meet with their expectations whether negative or not you could at least have an idea of what these folks are looking for. Right now it's the effect of spitting into the wind and hoping to hit something. We must keep on keeping on. As long as there is a hope of making that one good connection that will validate you as a writer. All the best to you and I hope you receive a positive response this time. |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
3485
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 02:39 pm: | |
I overcame that expense by not soliciting agents or publishers bymail. Granted, mine is not a good outlook but like you said.....that money spends better elsewhere. Never again and I DO MEAN NEVER AGAIN, will I go the snail mail SASE route.
My hat is off to those who have not lost heart in the process. And I will cheer loudly in the crowd honoring the successful ones. But if it involves contacting agents and publishers by mail and SASE then I will NOT be a contender. Adding more over copied xerox copies of rejection form letters is no longer on my to do list.
Good luck, Bill.I will cheer for you when the time comes. |
F.E. Mazur (Unregistered Guest)
Work-in-progress guest
Posted From: dialup-4.224.78.70.dial1.cincinnati1.level3.net
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 03:08 pm: | |
It's worth a try and please let us know how many do respond negatively, although I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's in your favor. If I were to search my files, I'm sure I could come with a list of people who never responded in spite of the fact I sent them a SASE. |
Violet Towe
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
369
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 03:56 pm: | |
Bill, I too have been quering by email and one of those queries resulted in an agent sending me his submitting package, and even requested (to save the author money and all) to submit the information back to him in three attachemnts.
He emailed back when he received the package and said he'd let me know something in 10 days, this is the second day, just 8 more to go.
I wish you all the luck in the world, Bill, and let us know as soon as you hear anything good back from any of those you sent the information to.
Violet |
Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
606
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 05:29 pm: | |
Vi,
I sent six e-mail queries. Four, "not for us", two want to see more.
One, asked for 100 pages, but, get this, insist that it be sent by
snail mail! Huh! Didn't we just have this nice conversation by e-mail? What's up with these people? 100 pages would hardly plug up his system, and no, I wouldn't send it as an attachment.
Nothing is easy!
bn |
Jennifer Lynn
Unity Member
Post Number:
1517
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 06:27 pm: | |
Being from out of country when I query anything US, I NEVER send a SASE because I don't have US postage. Now, I know I can order it online now, I just don't. I DO send a SAE and when I do, I always get a response, even if it's negative.
Jenn
Jennifer Lynn
www.jenniferlynn.ca |
Violet Towe
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
370
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 07:15 pm: | |
Bill, I know what you mean when you say getting a response and want the first 100 pages sent by snail mail.
I think a lot of these agencies are afraid of getting a bug in their system when they receive something by way of attachment. What they don't understand, or maybe they do and simply don't want to waste their paper printing it out, is the same thing can happen with receiving a simple email. I agree with you, don't make sense.
As far as sending the first 100 pages, or the first 5 chapters, the reason behind that is this.
I've read many articles written by agents and/or publishers and they state: If they are not taken with the first one or two pages, then they don't bother to read any further. However, sending the first 100 pages gives the agent, or the assistant which is most likely the one who will read it, an idea how your story will flow or how good the story is written.
Then I will add this. Most likely they won't even read the complete 100 pages. Probably the first 3-5 pages, skip over 19-20 pages, read more, skip to the last 3 pages and read that. I know it don't make sense, but most times that's the way they do it.
Also, did they ask for a synopsis? They will most likely read that before reading the pages you sent, if the synopsis interest them, then most likely they will read the whole 100 pages. If that keeps them interested, they will probably request the complete manuscript, and it starts all over again.
My ms that I sent to this agent who sent me his package, requested a 1-2 page synopsis. Now, writing a 1-2 page synopsis on a 82K+ word ms, is hard to do, and give the complete picture, but I did it. Now I wait.
Look at it like this. At least they liked the way your query read and wanted to see more, be thankful for that. They could have wound up saying what the others said, 'not for me'. It's a pain, but its their show, and we have to abide by their rules.
Hi, Jenny, how's things up your way?
Violet |
Jennifer Lynn
Unity Member
Post Number:
1519
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 08:29 pm: | |
Hi Violet... chilly here tonight. They're predicting 25cm of snow this weekend.. brrrr. I went out and did my grocery shopping tonight (along with every other freakin' person in Calgary) so that I won't have to drive tomorrow.
Other than that, same ole..
Jenn
Jennifer Lynn
www.jenniferlynn.ca |
Fred Dungan
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
712
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 09:20 pm: | |
I have a hard time understanding why a publisher would want a manuscript in anything other than a digital format since there are few if any presses who set print by hand. Having worked as a letter carrier for 11 years, I can readily testify that the USPS takes its time in delivering anything other than priority (first class) or express parcels. To give the devil his due, the USPS does give writers a break with their new media rate, which can save you money if you're not in a hurry for your manuscript to get there.
I've taken to showcasing my work on my website with the idea that the street should run both ways. While I usually have to go to them, there have been occasions where publishers have come to me.
http://www.fdungan.com/vigilantes.htm |
priceless1
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
408
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 10:12 am: | |
"insist that it be sent by snail mail! Huh! Didn't we just have this nice conversation by e-mail? What's up with these people? 100 pages would hardly plug up his system, and no, I wouldn't send it as an attachment."
Okay, okay, in defense of those rotten publishers who fill up the mail system, may I explain why I like hard copies? I prefer getting three chapter submissions via email attachment because I can work it through my logs much more quickly. If I want to confer with my chief editor I can simply email her the text in question, or the entire submission. If I get a hard copy three-chapter submission, I lose that ability.
Conversely, I receive full manuscripts via email attachment as well, but I request a hardcopy as well. It doesn’t plug up my system in the least. But I want both the e-file and hardcopy for a reason. The e-file is for my editor in case I have questions. A hardcopy simply reads better than reading from a screen and doesn’t glue me to the computer. Not only that, but I can take it everywhere with me and make notes in the margins. I can’t do that with an e-file.
100 pages falls into an over-the-line thing with me since I request three chapters or 50 pages. I have no problem with printing up a submission and we do this all the time. Printing 100 pages really adds up when you have 30 – 40 authors doing it. I have no idea how big the publishers are that you’re submitting to, Bill, but it’s possible they have the same criteria I do.
So, that’s just my side of the coin and hope it offers some clarity to a frustrating situation.
Lynn
behlerpublications.com
lynnprice.net
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Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
610
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 10:20 am: | |
Lynn,
First, the ones who want snail are agents.
Secondly, I can easily see why a full manuscript to edit would be much better in hard copy for the reason you quote. BUT, at the query stage where just a few (even 100)pages are in play, I don't get it.
However, we all know you editors live in a different world anyway.
bn |
priceless1
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
410
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Well, this isn't to say that I haven't printed out 100 pages. I have. Now, if I typically asked for 100 pages for a submission then I'd expect to print that up at my cost as I do with my 50 pg. requests. As for the world we live in...heh, heh, we merely vibrate at a different frequency.
Lynn
behlerpublications.com
lynnprice.net
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Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
612
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 12:03 pm: | |
Hey, Lynn,
Do I recall correctly that you once mentioned Reiki? Are you an advocate?
If yes, are you familiar with Chakras?
Your comment about vibrations brought this to mind.
If no, never mind!
bn |
Joyce Scarbrough
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
358
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 12:27 pm: | |
I have also adopted a policy of not querying anyone who doesn't accept the initial contact by email. I don't mind sending any subsequent samples requested by snail mail because I also hate reading more than a paragraph or two on-screen, but I do appreciate the ones who will allow me to send them electronically. When I procure an agent, the USPS will have their chance to again make money off me.
Like Frank said, there are plenty of publishers and agents who didn't bother to respond even with the SASE I sent with my query. That really bugs me and is a big part of why I decided to stop sending paper queries.
Toyce
True Blue Forever
Read the first chapter at http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1
Read two chapters of Different Roads at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/mtr.asp?id=7737&loc=ShortStory
Read my interview at http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=authors.interview&interview_id=44
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Violet Towe
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
372
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 01:27 pm: | |
Joyce, that's exactly what I do. I don't understand why a lot of agencies don't or won't take a simple query through email. I mean, it's the fastest way to get a response of either 'send more' or 'not for me' answer.
Do you think that some of these agencies like the power they hold over authors?
What really gets me is this. I search through the book looking for an agent, they have their email address listed, then states in bold letters, no email queries. Then, pray tell, do they list their email address? Go figure.
Violet |
Joyce Scarbrough
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
360
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 06:27 pm: | |
Violet, I've wondered about that as well. And, I don't completely trust the guidelines listed in the books because I've gone to websites before and found that they will accept e-queries when the book said they didn't and vice versa.
Toyce
True Blue Forever
Read the first chapter at http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1
Read two chapters of Different Roads at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/mtr.asp?id=7737&loc=ShortStory
Read my interview at http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=authors.interview&interview_id=44
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Violet Towe
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
375
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 06:39 pm: | |
Joyce, I don't know why I put 'look through books' for, because I subscribe to the Writers Market on line, and I really do use P&E to look up agents and publishers too.
Even on the WritersMarket.com list of agents, many of them will have their email address out posted, then scan on down to the submission guidelines, they say NO EMAIL QUERIES. I wonder how many writers sends an email query anyway, simply because they have their email address posted?
Violet |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1951
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 07:47 pm: | |
"I can’t do that with an e-file."
Lynn, with a laptop and Microsoft Word, you can...
When editing, I'll often put notes on particular sections, with the 'reviewing' toolbar...
Just thought I'd point that out...
Todd
Mindsight Moderator
Check out Who Needs a Hero?
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