To self-publish, or to seek thy agent?

Question

Not long ago, I published a book online with a supposedly reputed publisher. It was definitely a learning experience, and I resolved to try a different method for the next one. Well, I just got started, and I've been thinking: since I basically have an idea of how it actually works, should I try doing it by myself again? Or should I try to get an agent to deal with it, which will take longer? Granted, an agent might get me more money; still, they can't deliver miracles. (I'm planning on hiring a professional editor for this one, to minimize any mistakes.) However, since I've already been through the SP mill once, and know (somewhat) what to expect, is it possible that the outcome may prove to be more pleasant?

Answer 1

Ok, drop the idea of getting an agent. They are almost impossible to get these days. Getting into the major publishing houses are almost as bad. What is open and accessible are the small publishers like Hard Shell Word Factory, Zumaya Publishing and others.

These small publishers have professional editing staffs and produce quality books and they DON'T have the stigma of self publishing. Their books appear on www.fictionwise.com and can be ordered via Amazon. You will have to do some marketing of your own, but you are used to that if you have self-published.

Answer 2

Publishing is a tricky business. The whole you must be a published author to get an agent and to publish you must have an agent cycle deters many. Since you've been through the experience of publishing on-line you have some experience, but what you need to know is that a reputable publisher will never ask you for money. Their job is to make both of you money. Publishers have the skills, resources and experience to make a book a success. That said, if you are unable to find a publisher and are considering self-publishing (known as vanity press) then you need to realize that your book will be extremely hard to market and find buyers/readers for. If all you care about is having something you've written in print then by all means self-publish. But, if you are wanting your book to be distributed nationally and available to the world at large then keep submitting it to publishers as listed in the

Writer's Market 2007 (Writer's Market) by Robert Lee Brewer (Paperback - Aug 4, 2006). This book will give you specific information on how to submit your book to individual publishers. Best of luck!

Answer 3

Knight:

There are many publishers out there and believe me, it is hard to find one. I spent two years and many, many manuscripts sent with only three replies to the negative. One took three years to reply? Just type in (Canadian) USA or English Literary Agency's and try some of these. They will tell you what type of books they handle and how to send your manuscript. If your work is excepted there are no charges to you. They will give you upfront $ and a percentage on books sold. Usually about 15%. Best selling authors can demand much, more. Good luck.
I went the self publish route. Very hard row to hoe. It worked for me only because I am retired and had time to do many book signings. Knight, If you wish I can tell you my method of selling that works well for me. email me at [e-mail]. I charge nothing.
I write this mainly to warn you about the bad guys out there trying to take your money for nothing. Check (Warnings & Cautions for Writers) May save you some headaches.
Wayne Russell, The Vagabond Writer

Answer 4

both valid is what the Self is? The separate self is an concept with the means to create desires. A Self won't be able to be accepted and yet, in contradiction, is experiencing contained in the nothingness of that concept. The self concept fulfills the will or want to be. The imagined desires create and fill the pretend self in its own concept mold. This ideology of ego creates a separation between it and all life; wholeness. There aren't any you contained in the international you're the international experiencing in dream. the historic Hindu stated as it Maya; phantasm. Fears no longer, awaken and merely be; regardless of each little thing it truly is already the case. If desires be, be creativity.

Answer 5

have posted this for other writers who have asked similar questions:

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Traditional route, large publishing house: You will need an agent. An agent is someone who knows how to work with the big publishers. An agent will read your manuscript and suggest changes to increase it's chances of publication. Most large publishers will only accepted agented submissions.

An agent can even start representing you before your book is finished. A good agent can get you a deal before the book is complete. So you don't even need a final manuscript to work this way.

An agent is paid on commission, and is only paid if they place your book. Generally they will get a 10-20% cut of the royalties. An agent that asks for money up front, or tries to sell add-on services, is a scam.

And contrary to popular myth, it is NOT impossible to get an agent. Agents are always hungry for new talent. Remember the mantra "Every published writer was once an unpublished writer."

Traditional publishing, small press: Most small press publishers will review non-agented submissions. However, you must query first. If they are interested, they will ask to see the completed manuscript.

In either traditional route, it will not cost you one dime. The publisher will use it's own editors, proofreaders, book designers, and salespeople to design and market your book.

Non-traditional publishing, Subsidy: Subsidy publishing in any form is a scam. In these scenarios, the alleged publisher asks the writer to "invest" in the project. They may ask you to pay for special services. Or nickel and dime you by charging you for proofreading, editing, etc. This is not how a traditional publisher works. Subsidy publishing should be avoided.

Self-Publishing: With self-publishing, you act as your own publisher. This is a good option if:

1. You have a "niche" book that would only be of interest to a small market (i.e. A book on the history of your hometown, a book on shovel collecting, etc)
2. You have a strong understanding of how to market. You will need to write your own ad copy, press releases, etc. If you don't know how to market, you won't sell books.
3. Have a strong understanding of the process. Publishing involves more than typing up the story. There is proofreading, editing, book layout, cover art, even silly things like font choices, blurbs, etc. If you don't know how to do something, you will have to pay a professional to do it for you. Which brings me to...
4. Have a budget. Self-publishing costs money. Even if you use Lulu, which has no upfront costs, you will still have to spend money. You will have to buy copies of the book to send to reviewers. You will need to send comp copies to bookstores to encourage them to stock the book. You will have to buy advertising. If you need professionals, you will have to pay for them.

Ultimately, it depends on your goals. I operate my own small press, because I love the challenge and the process of creating a finished book. I've had the pleasure of working with dozens of very talented writers and artists, and for many of them it was the first time they had ever submitted anything for publication. While I'm not making tens of thousands of dollars, the company does pay for itself, thus financing my love of literature.

One of our anthologies, "Dead Men (and Women) Walking", was created solely because my little sister said I should do a zombie anthology. Now that wouldn't have been much of an incentive to go to a traditional publisher. But as a small press, I could do it without worrying about "marketability." The book has received great reviews, and has done well for it's little niche sub-genre. But the look on my sister's face when she opened up the book and saw the dedication written to her was worth more than a thousand sales.

Ultimately, it depends on your goal and how much you are willing to work.

Answer 6

my mom's an author, and from what she's said, self publishers don't get taken seriously and usually end up bank rupt. Go for a small publishing company where you may have to do a lot of your own publicizing. It's easier than getting a big company but a lot more practical than self publishing

Answer 7

Go with a small to medium sized company, skip the agent.

Look for one that takes entire manuscripts in the mail, they'll go based on quality, not connections. You likely won't make much money, but if you're serious, then that won't matter. It's about getting your name out there, if you can be consistant with that company and show a marked increase in readers then you can seek for a big company.

Answer 8

try doing it your self again, now that you have an idea of how things work. i do beleive you need a proffessinal editor, maybe not an agent just yet.