How many Best sellers, were lost forever because all the agents and publishers were too busy to read them?

Question

I find it discouraging that all the agents I mail to send back a one sentance reply, usually torn off, not even on a full page of paper and never even formaly say my name or my book in the paper. I bet EB White never had to put up with this sh#@! It really looks discouraging. My book is great, but no one gives me the time of day, saying "sorry, we only work with published authors." Make me one, so you can work with me! I say.

Answer 1

Well, it looks to me like you've got two choices: keep writing and plugging away at it, or quit.

No one owes you a book deal. As for how many potential bestsellers may or may not have seen the light of day, let's be honest: neither you nor I really give a flying @#$%. The question would not even be asked if your book had been picked up already, right? It's just a way of telling yourself it's the system, rather than your book (or possibly the way you are approaching publishers and agents), that needs fixing.

You are wrong.

Simply put: there are just two things that get writers published: talent and persistence. If you have both, then it's just a matter of time -- though sometimes it can be a very long time. If you are missing either, you can forget about it. While many people think they have both, 99.9 per cent of them are wrong. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror, and if you decide you've got what it takes, keep plugging away.

I know it's extremely difficult, but getting published is an extraordinary accomplishment which requires extraordinary effort. I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

42

Getting published, especially today, is insanely hard unless you know someone or are tenacious with submitting your work. You could look into smaller independent publishing houses or you could try publishing it yourself and distributing it through literary festivals, etc. If you have sent it out and received a reply that means someon at that company read part or all of your manuscript and didn't feel it was a good fit for their company. Publishing a book is a big investment for a PHouse, they have to be onboard that they can make money off it. Keep on writing, if its good, someone will see it.

Answer 3

Most publishers do read the manuscripts that are sent to them but only chose those that best fit their particular audience. Are you sure you are sending yours to the right houses? It's not a good idea to send an SF book to a publisher that prints cook books.

Have a look at www.stephenleather.com

A very useful site with agents and publishers who are actually looking for new talent.

Answer 4

The extra I hear approximately brokers these days, the extra happy i'm that each and every of those I utilized to rejected me... Supposing i needed an agent, would i'd like an editorial or non-editorial one? i'd desire one that knew what they have been doing. Reject my e book as a results of fact it relatively is no longer publishable, or settle for it and help me to edit it to make it publishable - i do no longer care the two way. do exactly no longer settle for it and throw it at an editor in the desire that he will forget the failings as a results of fact it relatively is in a subgenre it is warm good now. That purely makes the two one persons seem unprofessional.

Answer 5

A best seller usually trashy watered down or overly sentimental. The fact that you aren't getting published is a sign that you are a true artist who won't compromise for anyone. Sucess isn't measured in copies sold. If you're good enough you're books might be best sellers years later, and you can tell the publishers I told you so!!!

Answer 6

The only best sellers that were lost are those whose authors gave up. Try joining a writer's group that is notable that also puts on a writers conference. Entering your work in a writers conference is a great way for unknown authors to become known.

Answer 7

One can only imagine how many potentially great books are lost in this manner. I certainly cannot imagine someone like Victor Hugo getting published in this day and age, given his choice of themes and focus in his writing, and yet his works are now considered veritable classics.

Perhaps you would like to resort to self-publishing?

Answer 8

WOW! That is a good question..and I hope that you don't give up...because maybe we never would know about the little pig who was humble and radient....or the spider who told the world about it...if it were not for an author that didn't give up! Keep the faith....and Good Luck to you!