Will someone in the literary industry give my advice?

Question

I'm writing an autobiography and I hope to get a book deal of some kind in December. This is my first book and so far I think that after I work on it and give it some TLC it is going to be good book. I don't plan to get an agent. Should I get one? What other advice would you give to a first time author?

Answer 1

As an experienced writer and published fantasy author, I suggest you find a good editor to clean up your manuscript and get it ready for submission to various agents. You'll have to research agents for your genre, as there are no generally accepted answers when it comes to agents EXCEPT that you need one if you're a new author. Most major publishers these days won't even open unsolicited manuscripts unless you have previously published something OR you have a super strong query letter or an agent submitting for you. Publisher slush piles are in the thousands, so don't waste your time, postage or printing costs submitting direct.

Once you have a finished, polished manuscript and an agent to handle it, you should be able to find a publisher sooner or later. Agents know the game and they know what the publishing houses are looking for. Trying it on your own is a long, tedious and often disappointing road to oblivion.

I hope this helps. If you're serious about getting published, you can make it happen. It takes time, patience and a lot of luck. And as a note of reality, of all the fiction books published in a given year, only about 13% ever sell more than 1,000 copies. Most (75%) sell fewer than 500. For nonfiction, the numbers are even more dismal. Contrary to popular belief, most first time authors don't get rich.


That's my advice. Good luck with your book.

Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)

THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)

(For a FREE copy of The Scythian Stone or a full color, four chapter illustrated demo of The Blackgloom Bounty, email me at [e-mail]).

My author blog: http://the-blackgloom-bounty.blogspot.com/

Answer 2

No offense intended, but would your autobiography interest the public reader if you're not a Hollywood celebrity, a high-profile political icon, or from the rich and famous jet set?

Your life's story and its title will certainly have to catch the attention of the public for it to sell, and that is the major requirement for any publishing house--it must sell, they must make money so you can make money.

Answer 3

First, you write the book.
Second, you should sent it to publishers. You can get an agent if you want but probably after you get an actual deal. But I don't think you need one unless you plan to write other books.

Good luck!