Do Your Homework

With the recent announcement of Harlequin adding two new lines, there's been much discussion the last few days pertaining to the publishing world. While this is in no way intended as a right vs wrong topic for this week, I'd like to share some of my experiences with you in the hopes someone else might benefit from what I've learned.

Many, many years ago when I began writing in earnest, I deluded myself into believing all I had to do was write a story, send it to a publisher and then BAM! Instant success. I couldn't have been more wrong. Or more naive. Writing takes practice. And more practice. And more practice after that. Each day, you must hone your skills and keep learning, as the industry changes from one minute to the next.

Back then, I knew as much about the business side of the industry as I did the writing--next to nothing. Creating the stories was fun; I was in control and could set the plot and make my characters do and say what I wanted. But as many of you know, I didn't know POV, scene structure or layering the chapters with just enough of everything. I didn't even know writing groups existed all across the country, and in many different genres, until I met one of my favorite authors and she gave me the advice to join such a group. I did and have been grateful ever since.

These wonderful ladies taught me POV, scene structure, how to make my dialogue strong and so many other things pertaining to putting words on paper. They also taught me about the business side of my career; from how to form a good query letter to where to go to find legitmate editors, agents and publishers.

So with manuscript in hand, I submitted letters in the hopes of landing an agent. Then I tried sending my story to the editors at the publishing houses. Nothing seemed to work, as I got one rejection letter after another--the market was, and is, over-saturated with many people submitting their work. So then I learned about another form of publishing from some members in my group; the Ebook.

At first, I had no idea what an ebook was. Someone had to explain it to me, and even then I was a little leary. Being computer illiterate, and always having enjoyed curling up on the couch with an actual book in hand, I really couldn't wrap my brain around this new concept--reading an entire book from a computer screen. Heck, I couldn't even use all the features on my cell phone. I still can't, and it only comes with the basics; no email or picture taking. But, I talked with the Ebook published authors in my group, asked questions and listened to what they had to say. And then I checked out a few sites and thought, maybe I should give this a try. It can't hurt.

At the right time, someone had put up a link advertising a new company to the Epublishing world. They were taking submissions and their response time wasn't too long. So I sent them my manuscript, fully expecting them to reject it like everone else before them, and they shocked the bejesus out of me by sending back a reply saying they'd like to publish Luck of the Draw. I've been with Asylett Press ever since and have never looked back.

In between my naive period and joining a writing group, I fell into some situations where I thought I was doing the right thing when in reality I wasn't. I paid out money when I shouldn't have, trusted a few places I wouldn't dare today, because I didn't know any better and believed they were above board and had my best interests at heart. Any reputable publisher, or agent, will not charge fees for anything; reading, postage, editing and the list goes on.

While my practical side urges me to dissuade you from vanity presses, I won't. I feel each person is entitled to make his own decision based on what he feels is right for him, but before you do, be informed. About everything. Do your homework and research publishers, use search engines to see what others have to say about houses they've worked with before you make a commitment and put down your hard earned cash. And always remember what has worked for one may not necessarily work for you.

As far as traditional publishers and Epublishers are concerned, they do vary in some areas, but I think in one area they remain the same--both strive to market good, quality novels the public will enjoy. Each have editors, offer contracts and payment to you. And each helps to build an author's career. The major difference I have found is a traditional publisher offers an advance, which the author then has to earn back in sales before collecting any royalties. Ebook publishers don't give advances but offer a bigger percentage of royalties, which begins as soon as the book hits the website shelf.

Whichever way you decide to go, and each of us has our own unique situation, remember to Do your homework and research. I can't stress that enough. Nor can I stress enough to have faith in yourself. It took me over ten years to get published; ten years of learning and rewriting and learning some more. But I did it, and you can, too. Have patience. Be smart in your decisions and always keep writing.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all luck and success and hope you take some of what I have learned the hard way and apply it to your own career. That's the best advice I can give, without telling you what to do.

Julie
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Published on November 19, 2009 16:37
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