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How did you get published?
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Emily V, Head Mod
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Jan 28, 2012 09:49AM
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Write something good. Edit it again and again until you can't find any more mistakes. Have someone else read it. Take their feedback to heart. Re-write, edit some more. Then and only then shop it around.
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Yep
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Good advice
I agree with Ann - that you need to take it through several versions and take the time to feel that you're happy it's the best before putting it out there. What I should say is that publishing isn't once what it was... you can self-publish easily and relatively cheaply (promotion is tough though) where that was not really an option before ebooks.
I've published Hope's Daughter myself because:
I'm really impatient and didn't do well with the traditional agent/publishing route. What I'd do is get a piece ready, send it away, wait X months and when it came back as a negative would begin something completely different thinking "well if they didn't like this, maybe they like this" (hence I've done several books before Hope's Daughter). I think I'd sent one proposal to three places and Hope's Daughter to one, before I decided to go the indie route - and that took me five years because of what I did in between.
My sister now works in product design and marketing and she agreed that it can be SO subjective whether they take on a book or not. You've got to get the individual liking it and then also from a business perspective it must fit - that's a lot of considerations and a 'business' approach for a book. And look at some of the dross publishers do put out, simply because they want to replicate Twilight or another success story!
Personally - that wasn't what I needed. Of course I'd love to hold a 'real' copy of my book in my hands or see it on the shelf in a shop - but the 'virtual' world bookshelves aren't much less exciting. Your first good reviews are no less wonderful because someone's read your book on a kindle and not in hardcover.
Creative writing is something I do when I'm not working and so it didn't have to pay the bills (if that's what you want - good luck - I've read that only 5% of authors make a living doing solely that), so when I was happy with the book I put it out there, I wanted to get wider feedback on the book beyond my local readers. And also, I'd written it so 'why not'? It wasn't doing anything sat inside the laptop.
And I suppose - from the occasional self-pub success story you see - if you are good, sometimes generating your own readers can demonstrate to publishers that you are viable as an author...without having to wade through dozens of slush piles to show them (also another long shot - but it does happen).
Hope's Daughter had been through five full MS edits as well as numerous localised ones - so I was happy with the story. Four pre-readers had gone through it and given me feed back. I'd read it so many times I could probably recite scenes from memory - so I did it!
If you are going self-pub, make sure you're ready to market - ideally before the release of the book - as you can get REALLY bogged down in the writing/publishing side to organise this properly. One of the best prepared launches I've seen this year was Marie Landry for Blue Sky Days - she used her network of blogs to ensure there was excitement for the book before release and then a very strong blog tour starting immediately after. Plus - it's a good book! :)
Also - couple of good places to hone your skills - try Miss Lits (I've seen them on facebook) - you get to write short or full stories, everyone reads, reviews, etc. and you get constructive feedback, which like Ann says, you can then work on. Also - goodreads groups often have writing areas which you'll get support and feedback on for your stuff so try there.
Phew - sorry - i got on a bit of a roll there - but hopefully it's a little helpful and not just waffle. It's almost a blog post :) Basically, if you love writing - do it! Get the feedback, take it on board and practice. And when you're really happy, try whichever route you want to go and works best for you
Mel x
Thanks :) I still need to work on less waffle though lol
My satirical book got published because we were written about in The NYT for tricking major news outlets. From that we had publishers knocking down our door!
Melanie wrote: "I agree with Ann - that you need to take it through several versions and take the time to feel that you're happy it's the best before putting it out there. What I should say is that publishing is..."
Great post, Melanie!
I would add that the GR giveaways are some of the best promotions I've done. And I have blog, website, and presences on every major social network that I add to daily. Marketing is probably the hardest part of all of this. I blogged about it a couple of days ago, which tells me how frustrated I get with the process. We all can't be Amanda Hockings!
Ann
Have a great story. Write it. Then edit...edit...edit!! After that go to Create Space and YOUR PUBLISHED. Then, promote! and promote! Oh, and don't forget to keep writing the books! :)
Good Luck.
http://shadowedvalleyblogspotcom.blog...
Good Luck.
http://shadowedvalleyblogspotcom.blog...
In 1992, aged 13, I submitted a typewritten manuscript to the Doctor Who New Adventures range at Virgin Publishing. Obviously it was rejected (it was truly dreadful), but Gareth Roberts added a reader's note which included the following advice: Write a lot, read a lot, live a lot.So I did.
Work incredibly hard, and don't take the inevitable rejections to heart. Submit your work widely, but intelligently, always read publisher's guidelines and don't send anything unless or until you're sure you're not wasting their time.
I won a novel writing competition - publication was the prize.
Emily wrote: "Share the secret of getting published."Write, edit, query, repeat. The more you write, the better you'll get. It's like any other skill. It must be practiced.
I think reading as much as possible is crucial, too, when it comes to informing one's editing skills beyond the writing itself. And exposure to a variety of genres helps a writer develop style. Experimenting with different forms teaches one's self about boundaries, strengths, etc. For a while in graduate school I focused so much on reading one or two types of writing my own work felt limited after a while. So I say read everything--essays, poetry, memoir, fiction, fantasy, newspapers, and more. Even music can help you establish beat and rhythm of language in your prose as well as dialogue. I say live your life like a sponge, anyway. But certainly try to read that way.
About five years ago I wrote my first novel. I workshopped it and added in everything people suggested--to the point that I completely mucked up the storyline. I sent it out to agents and publishers (because I thought it was wonderful) and was rejected 25 times. For NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2010, I decided to write a prequel to the above novel. I polished it for NaNoWriMo 2011. The first publisher I sent it to (Briona Glen Publishing) bought it. Now I'm working on a sequel. Someday I will get back to the original one and whip it back into shape.
I wrote my first novel as an assignment in graduate school. My professor encouraged me to shop it around. I purchased The Writers Market guide and several manuscript boxes completely unaware of what I was in for. I kept all my rejections as a badge of honor.
I researched publishers to find if they had a history of publishing books like mine. I sought out agents and got nowhere because I was unpublished.
One night I was doing a web search and found a publisher that seemed a perfect match for my material. They contacted me after two weeks to say they were interested. At around the same time, another publisher contacted me and wanted the book.
I went with the first, even though they had fewer titles under their belt, because they seemed passionate about their vision. I'm glad I chose them.
The book was also my thesis project for Grad school where I received the greatest compliment from the head of the review board. She said many people write well, but what set me apart was a capacity to tell an interesting story that people want to read.
My son had a friend who helped me with my agent queries. I got a few bites, but only caught one fish! She (Denise Barone) found my publisher for me. Thanks, Denise!
Perhaps I am veering a little off topic, but anyone have suggestions on finding an illustrator for a children's book? I just finished my first draft.I have heard from several other authors that the publishing houses will connect you with an illustrator IF they accept your book. I know the children's book market is packed, so I am willing to go the self-publishing route, I just need an illustrator.
Again, apologies for veering slightly off topic, if anyone can direct me someplace better I would be eternally grateful.
Again, apologies for veering slightly off topic, if anyone can direct me someplace better I would be eternally grateful.
I was a bit vague in my first answer on here. I personally got published by writing a short story which I thought was quite good, going to JBWB when it was in its regularly updated heyday, picking a bunch of relevant magazines and then submitting my work to one at a time.I think it was the third magazine that bought it for £10 and a free copy.
I wrote my novel a good long time ago, then submitted it around to numerous agents, publishers, etc. with a few kind words but no offers to publish. I turned to plays, and have enjoyed the opportunities for feedback that playwriting offers ever since. At the very least, you can invite a group of friends over to read it. Then, there are contests and long lists of other opportunities for production. But, theatre is as hard as any writing endeavor in terms of acceptance of new work. It is extremely frustrating to see the local amateur theatre group do "Arsenic and Old Lace" for the tenth time, but not a nibble at anything new. So, I pulled the novel out of the drawer, updated it to slightly more current time period, and added a big presence for the wife of the protagonist, with her own POV. I then looked around on the internet and found a subsidy publisher that I could live with. It's been a joy editing the book, and now I'm studying everything I can lay my hands on re: promotion.
Promotion is hard and a constant. Good luck and all I can say is Brand,Brand, Brand. I self-published because I finished writing my book when my mother became ill. While shopping the book around to agents and publishers unsuccessfully, I wanted her to have my book in her hand and be able to read it. So, I self-published through createspace. This had its own challenges. Bad enough I am not an editor and I skimmed over so many mistakes. Friends and family read the book. I corrected more mistakes. Couldn't afford an editor for hire, so I sent it in as it was. Wouldn't you know my mom found ALL my mistakes. Guess I will let her edit from now on. She overcame cancer of the pancreas. Almost unheard of. Thnaking God! So she will hopefully be around to edit my next book!
@Lisa -
That's fabulous about your mother!!! May she be around to edit your manuscripts for decades more!
That's fabulous about your mother!!! May she be around to edit your manuscripts for decades more!
Getting published was way harder than I ever thought it would be in all honesty. I wrote my book and then found out that very few people are willing to even read manuscripts anymore. After some research I found out that if you pretty much have to have an agent in order to get publish, self-publish, or work with one of those companies that have you pay for part of the publishing process. Since we were flat broke after our oldest son's battle with cancer I tried to get an agent. I eventually found an agency who said they loved my book and wanted to represent me. After, I had done a few changes to the manuscript which they asked of me, they said it was now a waiting game. So, I waited for about two years and never heard much of anything.Last month Xlibris Publishing, a company who had said they liked my manuscript earlier, but wanted me to pay part of the publishing cost, contacted me to let me know that they had started a new e-book publishing company and they would epub my book for free. The rest is history. My book is available on Kindle, Nook, iPad, and on most eBook distributor sites.
Best of luck to everyone in their ventures in the world of literature.
http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Her...
I was represented by a notable Australian agent. I left her last year on my own accord (respect and thanks for her past help). I had an early bid in my career, from Random House (2007). I was advised to decline it (painful story--don't ask further). An early manuscript in my series even went to the Frankfurt Book Fair. World rights available. A fleeting moment of excitement. I had a near bid from Hachette in 2011. Then midyear I finally decided that the submission process was bad for my health, and ultimately, bad for my writing. I decided to go the indie way...
I unintentionally wrote a book. I was writing as a way to 'decompress' during Grad School. Once my book was complete, I thought 'what-the-hell' why not send it out there. I submitted to three small press publishers. Two respectfully declined. Melange Books sent a contract.Solstice Night was released last February!
I think that's lovely. Must have been exciting too!
I'd like to add to this discussion with my unvarnished opinion of the world of NY lit agencies: they seem to be mostly narcissistic, "prove you're worthy of being in my slush pile" folks who--perhaps not sadly--have begun to drop like flies in the last few years of economic hard times.Now for getting published. After almost two years and probably over 200 queries, I finally found an e-publisher who accepted three at once. And then, very naively, I submitted three more which they accepted. Word of warning: they tried to publish them every two weeks, and I almost had a nervous breakdown! I should have insisted on a more reasonable schedule, but I was slavering in gratitude and did not.
So...after six novels were contracted, I sent a four-book saga to another e-publisher who snapped them up instantly. Was it because I already had the other novels under my belt? I don't know...but the old cliché is that success breeds success.
My advice to new authors is to try e-publishers first (not self-pub places). I found dozens of them in my genre by entering "e-publishers" in my search engine. The benefit is that they pay royalties, they create your covers, and many of them do a lot of promotion and offer your stuff on a variety of platforms--and you pay nothing. Once you have a few books on your resumé, it seems like it gets easier each time you submit.
All this is just my humble opinion, formed in the fires of rejection.
All the best to all my friends on Goodreads, Erin O'Quinn
Erin wrote: "I'd like to add to this discussion with my unvarnished opinion of the world of NY lit agencies: they seem to be mostly narcissistic, "prove you're worthy of being in my slush pile" folks who--perha..."Wow! What an experience! I just write part-time and only finish 2 books a year. I think I would have had a stroke if asked to write 2 books in two weeks!
I get braver the more I write. And more confident.
I've recently started a group that aims to pool writer resources such as cover artists, editors, beta readers, etc. Hoping it will grow to be a complete database. Thought I'd drop the link: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
For those of you on Facebook, a new independent authors group was formed a few months ago. It seeks to be a non-promotional group that helps its members in all phases of self-publishing. It is a wellspring of helpful information. Apply for membership here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/indieau...Erin O'Quinn
I began writing my first adult novel in 2001, when I had to say home with my second kid. It flowed well till chapter five and then stalled, even though I had planned all the chapter, character bios, timeline, synopsis, etc..Anyway,I got busy with other work and it sat on my PC until I joined a dance class for weight loss and got the idea for a past and present comparison story, from the ashes of the old one.I hunted for an agent while I was writing it and suffered quite a few rejections until I found an Indian agent and she found me a publisher. Now my book is out on the net in hardback and as an e-book.
I missed the thread earlier, on how I first became a published author. So here's my story.It started with literally hundreds of queries to NY literary agents and about twenty percent actual brief responses of "No thanks!" The rest simply never bothered to respond. One day--this would have been roughly December of 2011-- after plugging "romance" Into my search engine, I noticed the name of a publisher that was new to me. I sent in not one but two MSS. Within 30 days, both were accepted for publication! I was in a state of shock! I realized then that I had a third book, the one I thought was the weakest of the three, but it was the logical beginning. So I sent it in too. As of June 12, those three novels are published as a trilogy.
The surprise to me was that the publisher was an electronic pub--something I only dimly realized to be "kind of" viable. Now I realize that ebooks are the books of the future.
Thanks for listening! :) Erin O'Quinn
Epublishing, my friends, and self publishing has become easier and free. When Borders went under I said heck with traditional publishers because they aren't any more stable than the new epublishers out there and decided to jump on the ebook train before it left the station. I'm so glad I did. I think epublishing is getting established and am glad I hit it in the early stages!
I self-published this time last year. I never considered going the traditional route until after I published and started receiving some good feedback. It has been a continual process with building my brand but things seem to be coming together. I am celebrating my 1st year of being published by organizing a virtual book tour (something I came to understand more after publishing and blogging for a while). I am also considering republishing with a Christian publishing company that I have been in contact with.
OK so I have self-published my 1st book on create space and I've sold !0 copies so far but how do I promote more? All my friends and family know about it and I even have it in a public library but I want to go bigger so how do I do that? I am currently writing my 2nd book in the series as well and would like to know for future reference any other ways to publish? This is my book.
Untold Secrets: Fire & Ice
I published on line through smashwords, and also separately on Amazon Kindle 2 months ago, I have sold a total of 17 books that I know of. I won't know about the rest of the retailers for a while, but even if it's not a lot, I'm thriled! I do frequent posts on fb, and have entered the book-trailer in competitions. I have launched a company called Your Cover Stories to do covers and trailers for self publishers like me.(I'm a graphic designer and worked in ads and marketing) You have to work hard to sell. If you were being pushed by a publisher, you would have to work just as hard! Take an hour a day to make "noise" about your book!
Rhachelle wrote: "I self-published this time last year. I never considered going the traditional route until after I published and started receiving some good feedback. It has been a continual process with buildin..."I published on line through smashwords, and also separately on Amazon Kindle 2 months ago, I have sold a total of 17 books that I know of. I won't know about the rest of the retailers for a while, but even if it's not a lot, I'm thriled! I do frequent posts on fb, and have entered the book-trailer in competitions. I have launched a company called Your Cover Stories to do covers and trailers for self publishers like me.(I'm a graphic designer and worked in ads and marketing) You have to work hard to sell. If you were being pushed by a publisher, you would have to work just as hard! Take an hour a day to make "noise" about your book!
Georgina wrote: "I've recently started a group that aims to pool writer resources such as cover artists, editors, beta readers, etc. Hoping it will grow to be a complete database. Thought I'd drop the link: http://..."Hi, tried to join, but couldn't! HELP!!!
Manuela thank u for the advise! Where is ur company located? how do I find it?
Thank you for this thread which is really informative and interesting (both for those who are thinking of self-publishing and the traditional route too). I may not be publishing yet, but it is always useful to know for the future.
I'm not sure that there is a secret - a lot of it probably comes down to luck. My book proposal was accepted by the fourth publisher that I tried, but perhaps it could just as easily have been the first or the 100th.Then again, I'm sure there are some things that will help your chances a lot: (1) come up with something distinctive, (2) think about the market, (3) edit your work VERY thoroughly before the initial submission, (4) be courteous, reliable and professional.
My very first publisher was Siren Bookstrand. I submitted a trilogy of mainstream romance books, the same ones that I had submitted singly to various other publishers who had rejected them. Maybe the key was submitting all three at once; or maybe it was the unique universe (ancient Ireland.) Who'd-a-thunk of putting a romance heroine in the same room with St. Patrick? Now, I have books contracted by other publishers, and my writing has gone from mainstream to erotic, from m/f to m/m. But I'm grateful to Strand for giving me my start.
Thanks ~Erin O'Quinn
There is no secret trick to getting published. Mostly it's blind, dumb luck - you know someone who knows someone who has an agent. I have never had any luck with query letters, or with submitting to publishers. A phone call (from an agent) is what usually does it. The real trick is to find an agent.
Erica wrote: "There is no secret trick to getting published. Mostly it's blind, dumb luck - you know someone who knows someone who has an agent. I have never had any luck with query letters, or with submitting t..."Great advice, thanks x
I am someone who can tell you the downfalls of publishing as I went with the worst company in the business, PublishAmerica. You can check out my blog where I describe how bad they are but yeah..Im still battling them as they are soo sooo awful.
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Books mentioned in this topic
Untold Secrets: Fire & Ice (other topics)Solstice Night (other topics)
