writing a book at 13?

Question

I am only 13 and have recently written 2 book's ( Life According to Lizzy Mitchel and another untitled book) I am 13 and live in the UK I have tried to get them published as my English teacher suggested (she is sadly no longer with us and I dedicated them to her) but every publisher i approach takes one look at my age and says no one even admitted that if it had been written by an adult he would publish it? Is this fair? and is their any way I can publish without meeting the publisher or revealing my age? Also any ideas for the name of my other book its about three boys who are hiding from a dictator who killed their family building a comuntiy together?

Answer 1

No, it isn't fair, but then again few things in life are. Most of the answers you have gotten here are from your peers offering suggestions - let a professional tell you the truth based on fact.

No, there is no way to hide your age. You are a minor and your parents have to sign any contracts for you. So, even if an agent or publisher expressed interest in you, they would have to know your age before any decision was made. Until a contract is signed, sealed and delivered, a publisher or agent can always change their mind. And they probably would when they discovered you deliberately set out to deceive them. I sure would. And it would earn you a terrible reputation in the business if word got around that you were trying to sell a book using deceptive business practices. That is fraudulent.

I cannot believe that publishers are turning you down strictly on age. Publishers are out to make money. They buy what sells. If a publisher felt he stood to make a buck from your work, they would publish it. Look at the OJ Simpson book. Do you honestly think a publisher put that out because they were just so excited about a book that tells how a guy killed his wife? Of course not - they saw dollar signs.

Have you written a book proposal? Have you showed publishers who your market is? If you have written a strong book proposal and a publisher sees your book has a big potential market, they will read it and consider it - whether you are 13 or 103. Maybe the way you are approaching publishers isn't the right way to do it.

Also, I am wondering if you have had your books edited. Your use of the word "their" is incorrect and suggests possibly your grammar at the age of 13 is lacking and your book needs editing. I see that kind of mistake in young author's manuscripts a lot, and it is a huge turn-off to publishers to read unedited manuscripts.

I suggest finding an editor first, then try for agents. And I suggest honesty always. Pax - C

Answer 2

Just find an adult who can take the books to the publishers. As for a name for your other book, that would be difficult without reading. Some authors find a line from the book to make the title.

Answer 3

See if you can get an agent. Your parents may have to act as guardians because of legal issues, but if an agent is representing you, the publisher won't know your age. If you can't get an agent interested, go back to the drawing board and keep writing. Eventually you'll have something publishable.

Answer 4

Contact agents with a query letter about your book, but do NOT disclose your age, to see if it gets a fair chance.

Answer 5

Well, it is a bit young, maybe wait 'till your writing stlye had grown and developed, but if you feel you are already good enough, just send in query letters WITHOUT mentioning your age.

Answer 6

I'm 14 and I recently started writing a book. I have been wondering the same things. Do you think you could email me any helpful answers you get? Thanks.

Answer 7

This is where you need to Ghost-write or use a pseudonym.


Who keeps down-thumbbing perfectly good answers!?