It's not that I haven't found a few small publishers to send my manuscript, etc to....but I do notice that SOO many require an agent!! In fact, the very ones I want to see my manuscript require an agent! Am I forced to give in and find one??
Or, am I doing the better thing by sending my manuscript to smaller publishing houses anyway?
I have been using Predators and Editors...but I also check Amazon for best sellers in my category..and often find a publisher that's not even listed on P&E.
If I'm only going to get 6 to 8 percent of the retail price on trade paperbacks, 6 to 10 percent of the retail price on mass market paperbacks, and 10 to 15 percent of the retail price on hardcover....what will those figures lower to if I have to have an agent??
WOW, this has been hard!!
2007-01-17 11:55:08 · 5 answers · asked by followingmybliss 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
It is close to impossible in the current writers' markets to get published in a meaningful way without an agent.
Sorry.... it's a hard cold fact. You need a connection to the publisher that they respect.
Similarly you probably can't get anywhere in the music or acting business without being related to an existing superstar or business person in the business.
At least it isn't as arbrtrarily unkind for writers. Ability still counts for something. But it's hard to get through to someone who'll notice it.
2007-01-17 12:02:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The publishing business is rough on beginners. Agents will tell you that they don't have the time for unknowns and publishers will tell you they don't want unsolicited work, go get an agent.
You don't have to stick with small publishers. You can take your chances with the big houses as well. You can be successful on your own. However, if you get lucky to grab the interest of a publisher, you will need an agent for the legal end of the publishing deal. At this point, you won't have trouble acquiring an agent because the deal is more or less done.
But if you go in search of an agent, never--ever--pay them a reading fee. They don't get their cut until you get paid by the publisher.
Good luck. If you really want to strike out on your own, self publish. Go with a print on demand publisher.
2007-01-18 00:51:17 · answer #2 · answered by Call Me Babs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the publisher that you want to submit to requires an agent (and many do) then you have to have one. Be aware that agents are very selective about the clients they take on. They only make money if they sell your book (and if they ask for money from you—RUN), so they will only take you on as a client if they really feel that they can sell the book.
Merely my personal opinion, if you can find an agent and sell to a larger/better know publisher then it’s more beneficial in the long run than selling to a smaller/lesser known publisher. Because of course, your sales are likely going to much higher with a bigger/better known publisher.
2007-01-18 10:28:09 · answer #3 · answered by kp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know from experience, but from all the material I've been reading about the publishing industry - your best bet for getting your foot in the door is to find an agent. They know the publishing industry, and if you find the RIGHT one, they will help you immensely.
I've also read that patience and determination are two hard core key qualities if you want to get in the biz. Good luck!! I'm cheering for you.
2007-01-17 20:09:05 · answer #4 · answered by Globetrotter 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Another alternative is self publishing. You'll have to do most of the promotion yourself. It can be done. Try
authorhouse.com
2007-01-17 22:54:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋