Kitty rogers: what is the magic trick? Will you help me learn the ways of publishers?

Question

If there is little point sending the manuscript to a literary agent, then what is the next step? Appraisal by a professional appraisal agency?

I'll give you a cut when it's finally in print if you help me out . . .

Answer 1

You don't want to send an entire manuscript to an agent. Most of them do not want unsolicited submissions. What you would send first is a query letter, and whatever other material they request. This varies from agent to agent, but will often be a summary or outline of the story.

I've never heard of anyone getting a manuscript appraised. I saw the post which you originally mentioned that, and I'm not sure where it came from. I didn't see Kitty mention anything about an appraisal agency.

I reread Kitty's answer, and what she said was that there was little hope in sending a manuscript to a publisher unless you are going through an agent or have prior approval. What she meant by approval is that they ask you to send in your manuscript, for instance if they have liked your query letter and sample chapters (once requested).

Take a look at the book "Guide to Literary Agents" (I believe there is a new 2007 version that is out). This will help you do the research to find agencies which represent the kind of writing that you do.

If you write any short stories or poetry, you might want to try submitting those to journals and magazines that are suitable. Having some publishing credits under your belt can help you appeal to an agency, because it is some proof that you write work that sells.

This is not an easy process and you will be rejected, but there are no shortcuts. Keep querying those agents and you WILL find one to represent you!

Answer 2

First, there's no little point to a literary agent. But if you're convinced, here goes.

You can always send a synopsis and the first three chapters to a respectable publisher. It won't help in most cases, but you can.
They accept and read them.

You can self-publish. There are a lot of respectable and honest publishers of this kind. One even in my hometown. Although, you probably won't make much if you break even.

If you're like me and not a good salesperson, find the best friend that you can give that person a copy of your manuscript and see if they like it. If they do and their your friend, ask them to sell it to a literary agent for you. Literary agents don't buy, but like everyone else in the world aren't interested unless their sold.

Answer 3

I suggest you read Lynn Flewelling's informative and encouraging article entitled "The Complete Nobody's Guide to Query Letters". Just type the title into your favorite search engine.