Chick Lit Writers discussion
Publishing
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I Finished My Book! Now What?...
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I mentioned before that my parents are constantly pressuring me to write a book. I always ask my dad--Well, what am I supposed to do once I'm done?? He just says "Don't worry about it." I really have no clue! My grandma wrote a book and paid a lot of money to have it published! So I guess that is an option. ha. However, I actually found it here on Goodreads! So I guess I shouldn't laugh.
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I'm definitely no where close to finishing my book but it's always something to think about for the future...
I like that this site allows you to do a search for agents currently accepting submissions cause in my brief amount of research I've relaized that many publishing houses won't even accept your submissions without an agent in the middle...
Thanks--that is helpful! I've actually never even looked into it, since I'm nowhere near being done.
I've heard you definitely need an agent...which works for me I would rather have someone fight for me at the big publishing houses.
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Sorry if this question is totally ridiculous, but I just can't help but wonder... let's say you actually do get your first book published. This shouldn't cost you any money, correct? (I mentioned before that my grandma paid to have her book published). Also, what kind of money could you expect to earn? Do you actually get any money for a first novel, or are you more likely to get money for future books?
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Thanks Cathy! I'm so glad you started this group because I am learning so much. I really should try to get a copy of See Jane Write. From what I could find online, it should not cost you any money, though. Is this correct?
In one of Jen Lancaster's books (I think Such a Pretty Fat) she mentioned still struggling with money, even though Bitter is the New Black was being published. It makes sense though--if your first book sells well, then they're more likely to pay you more for future books.
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But I assume it should not cost any money and if it does, I would be suspicious...the only thing that might cost is a percentage to go to your agent or publishing house but that's after you make something...
From what I understand there are two kind of theories of though on publishing. There is the self publishing route or getting publishing through a publishing house. Self publishing costs money. It is easier since you don't have to get a contract go through rejections and such. But, this will cost you money, though I do think you get the money from the copies that sell, but still hard to make up what you put out I think. The other thing is that if you do this you are giving up your first copy rights (they may have another name I don't remember right now). So, if you did have a publishing house interested that story would be harder to get someone to buy the right to since the first publish right are gone.
Going through a publishing house or agent how I understand it should cost anything until you sold something and make something.
Thanks for the sites Cathy I will check them out. I have been debating with this exact thing. It is tempting to do one of the so many online self publishing things. But, I do think if it is long enough and I am happy with it that I do want to try and send it out some. Actually, on my life list is being confident enough to write a novel and to submit and try and get it published.
Hey All- I was reading the posts, and as a new author, I am dealing with everything you are talking about. I got the book published from a very small publishing house. I was one of the lucky ones, I knew a friend of a friend. The publisher read the story and said, "We'll take a chance on you, but you are going to do all the work." It has been a battle ever since.
My book is getting good reviews, however, how do you get people to buy it? I cringe when I hear people say, "I loved your book, and I am passing it around to all my friends." My mind flashes to the boxes of books my publisher has at his office! I have now been told, that you have to write a second book in order for the first book to take off. Jen Lancaster's books did not take off until her THIRD book, then people went back and bought her other ones.
Right now, I am trying to get an agent....however, I can staple the walls of my home with all the rejection letters. What to do, what to do....I have been on radio shows, book tours, and Barnes and Noble will not let me do a signing in their store because it isn't "in store" approved....again going with a small publisher has its drawbacks. So the million dollar question is, how do you get the book into the hands of readers..."... self-publishing is one way to go BUT BE careful of the "media" promotions they tack on. I have heard people have wasted thousands of dollars using these services.
Okay, I don't know if I helped by adding my two cents, but there it is! =)...I guess I will start my new book! lol....
Congrats on getting your book published, Dianne! That is awesome. I want to read your book! I have it on my to-read list. :) So where should I buy it? I will admit I've been trying to get as many books as I can from the library lately, to cut back on spending. But I do make a few exceptions. :) The only thing I can think of is Facebook, but you're probably already on there. What about blogs? There are tons of blogs where people review books and I'm sure that helps encourage people to buy those books. One of my friends has a blog and I swear I must have added every single book to my to-read list!
Hey! If the book becomes book club of the month which it is nominated for... I will make sure you all get a special price on it, Suzanne! :) I don't want you guys paying full price.
That would be great! I just voted. :)
That sounds great Dianne. Good luck! I know how hard it is to promote your own business (book). I was a Mary Kay consultant for five years.
Dianne wrote: "Hey All- I was reading the posts, and as a new author, I am dealing with everything you are talking about. I got the book published from a very small publishing house. I was one of the lucky ..."
What is the book about Dianne?
Hey Tara- you can read the first 20 pages on my website. It is about my adventures in online dating...all of the dates, dumps and disaster.
Thanks Dianne-I will get on your website in a few minutes!!!
Great!!! I hope you like it. Tell me what you think.
I just read it Dianne and LOVED IT! I want to know more....LOL!
Hey all- One of the MANY things we must do as writers is give the public what they want. Book Trailers are HUGE now...I wanted to show you mine. What do you think?
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7145492/...
Dianne wrote: "Hey all- One of the MANY things we must do as writers is give the public what they want. Book Trailers are HUGE now...I wanted to show you mine. What do you think?
http://video.yahoo..."
I bought your book Dianne for my Kindle. I can't wait to start reading the rest of it.
Ahhh, nice. I was just on a local radio show here is San Jose, Ca. I am hoping that jump starts some sales. Thank you for your support. I can't wait to hear what you think.
Good luck on the book sale. I have no doubt it will sell. :)
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http://chicklitisnotdead.com/2010/07/...
I watched your video and left a comment. It's darling. I'm sure it is going to help book sales. I worked like a dog making my trailer, but have only gotten a few comments. Take a look at it if you get a chance and let me know what you think.
http://youtu.be/XD-8VhG5evE
http://youtu.be/XD-8VhG5evE
I enjoy reading lit agent Kristin Nelson's blog, pub rants - http://pubrants.blogspot.com/ and former lit agent Nathan Bransford's blog - http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
both blogs have a wealth of info
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and former lit agent Nathan Bransford's blog - http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
both blogs have a wealt..."
Awesome tips, Lisa, thanks so much for sharing! These look like great resources for learning what to do with that finished manuscript...especially the weekly wrap up in books on Nathan's blog, what a variety of info! now if I could just get mine finished.....type type type...:)
What was the process like? Is there a right and wrong way to go about seeking out a publisher? What is a query letter and how do you write one? The publisher of my dreams won't accept my manuscript; how do I get an agent to help me out? I keep getting rejected, do you have any advice for me?