Wow, an agent!

[Neil]

I was recently contacted by a prominent NY literary agency who shall remain nameless at this point, about possible representation. They got wind of me because of my constant promotional efforts and then explored a little deeper into the kinds of books that I write. They have not said they will definitely represent me but want to see more samples of my writing and my future projects.

I am having a tough time trying to decide what to do about this sudden interest in me so I’ve listed the pros and cons of having an agent at this point in the game.

First the pros: It will open me up to a higher level of the industry; also, I may get a large advance (though advances are rapidly disappearing), I can tell all my friends I have a big-time agent… that’s about it. I’m sure there’s more, but that’s the gist if I don’t have to worry about contracts, clauses, and timeframes.

Now the cons of having an agent: I can’t write whatever I want and must adhere to what someone else will think will sell, I can only put out a book a year even if I write more, I have to wait a minimum of two years for a book to go through the publishing process before it even gets on a shelf, (if bookstores still even exist at that point), my royalties will be less than half what I make now, I have to wait for committees and meetings and budget proposals before I even know if my book will be published, it will only be published if the house thinks it will make them money— I’ve had enough!

Although it is as alluring to sign with an agent as it is to eat the forbidden apple, I must confess I think I’m done with the corporate BS for good. When I was signed with FinePrint Lit and then Signature Lit., my agent and I came close to signing a deal so many times my heart just couldn’t take it anymore.

The last straws for me were when one of my middle grade sci-fi novels was rejected, not because the editor didn’t think it was good (he said it was great) but because their marketing department said it wouldn’t appeal to girls age 9-12. Another editor (the VP of Random House Children’s Division) requested and read one of my other YA fantasy books in one night. He got back to my agent the next day praising the book, but said he had no idea how he would get it passed the dozens of hurdles needed to publish when the story was so non-mainstream. He rejected it.

Sitting here, thinking back to those heartbreaking days and thinking about the joy I feel every time I see another one of my books sell on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, or through Smashwords, I just can’t justify signing away my artistic freedom just to boost my ego. I think I’ll stay indie, thank you.

To read more about me and my books please check out my blog: ALWAYS WRITING

Click here to read my blog!
http://www.neilostroff.blogspot.com

[S.]

You know, I've read a lot of pros and cons about indie publishing and agent representation, but none have really ever made such fantastic points so fine before.

Now granted, I do want to see my name on the shelf in the bookstores, and people will always go to a bookstore because people like me prefer the actual book, but it is true, they are slowly dying out. That's really the only reason I'm against the indie publishing route; I want my name to get out there, and I'm still not sure I'm the best person to do it. Having someone else market my book is what I want to do, so I can focus more on my writing (especially since I have a day job). Yes, I'll keep in touch with readers, but the rest of my time I want to use writing.

And speaking of day job--how does someone find time to self market their book, and so as much marketing is needed by themselves, while still finding time to write WHEN they have a day job. Lord knows art doesn't pay unless you're in the 1% of famous artists, so where would you find the time to do all of this? Especially if you have a family on the side.

Again, indie publishing is definitely a route to consider. I'm just worried that the first book I stick out won't sell but a few copies, when I've spent so many years (decades even) on it, and feel it deserves better. It's not like I'm not writing anymore, or that I'm writing for money, but I'm trying to get my stories out there for the world to see--and one of the best ways is still through an actual bookstore.

Any thoughts? I'm not new to the writing world (a pretty long-time veteran), but I am new to the publishing world, and I'm trying to get out there. I've never taken it so seriously until now, and I want to make sure my stories get the care and love it deserves in the market. I mean, yeah, everyone says they write well--I've actually scored really high in an RWA contest with the story I'm wanting to get published. I don't want this thing to shoot the bucket instead of the public (bad simile, I know), but it's ready for readers.

Problem is, I've already been rejected by countless agents, even though I'm still querying. Should I just skip them and go straight to the publishers?

Thoughts, suggestions, or opinions on anything?

Btw, with your permission, I might wish to use your comment about indie pub vs agent rep elsewhere (might).

[Neil]

I would skip trying to get an agent. It's just a waste of valuable time. Concentrate on indie publishing and marketing your books. That first sale to a stranger is so sweet. Good luck.

You can quote me anywhere. Would love it if you posted a link to my blog.