Researching Your Markets
August 13th 2007 05:37
One of the most important things for an aspiring writer to do before submitting ANYTHING for publication is to read, reread, and reread again the submission guidelines.
And while I know we'd all love to get a book deal with Random House or Penguin, there are hundreds of smaller online presses-they don't pay advances, they don't sell as much, but you get a higher percentage of the royalties.
Many of these online presses have the advantage that you work more closely with your editor. Your book gets more attention and promotional effort because there are fewer. You get the small press much-needed attention and vice ver sa, each person's work contributing to the other person's reputation.
A small press is also more likely to actually publish. They don't follow the traditional formulas and they're more open to new writers.
Research your market. Buy a book or two, support it. Look at the professionalism. Would you want to have your book represented by them? Read for quality, too. Some publishers are more selective than others. Whoever you're interested in, try to get ahold of a sample contract. Read it through.
If you're hell bent on Random House for some reason, get an agent. Don't argue. Get one.
Here are some good smaller presses-and a Penguin branch-that accept submissions from unagented, newbie authors:
Really Long Link - Ace and Roc, Penguin
Really Long Link - Aspen Press, smaller
Really Long Link - Bancroft Press, not too small but annoyingly literary
Really Long Link - A fairly small ebook publisher now offering paperbacks through lulu.com, you pay for NOTHING, Double Dragon is accepting unsolicited submissions until August 31st, as far as I know
That's it for today...
And while I know we'd all love to get a book deal with Random House or Penguin, there are hundreds of smaller online presses-they don't pay advances, they don't sell as much, but you get a higher percentage of the royalties.
Many of these online presses have the advantage that you work more closely with your editor. Your book gets more attention and promotional effort because there are fewer. You get the small press much-needed attention and vice ver sa, each person's work contributing to the other person's reputation.
A small press is also more likely to actually publish. They don't follow the traditional formulas and they're more open to new writers.
Research your market. Buy a book or two, support it. Look at the professionalism. Would you want to have your book represented by them? Read for quality, too. Some publishers are more selective than others. Whoever you're interested in, try to get ahold of a sample contract. Read it through.
If you're hell bent on Random House for some reason, get an agent. Don't argue. Get one.
Here are some good smaller presses-and a Penguin branch-that accept submissions from unagented, newbie authors:
Really Long Link - Ace and Roc, Penguin
Really Long Link - Aspen Press, smaller
Really Long Link - Bancroft Press, not too small but annoyingly literary
That's it for today...
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Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
We can never have too many choices for publishing a book. Always good to get more ideas on potential publishers.
Nice to meet you, Dianna.
A.
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
So true, so true. I'm not even sure I'm going to bother going to an agent and a large publishing house with my first book... it's a bit *too* out there for the current trends.
Nice to meet you, too.
~Dianna
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Don't ignore the big publishers or agents, especially with your first novel. Try anyone you can find. And don't take "no" for an answer.
Current trends aren't the "be all and end all", it can be good to be different, agents can be important in getting a deal. Become a great editor and you can help your own career no end.
You have a lot of potential, keep trying.
A.
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
There's this part of me that wants to send to agents and bigger publishers, and there's part of me calilng that part crazy. I don't know for 100% at this point.
And querying the agent I'm most interested in is pointless for now. She's on vacation.
~Dianna
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Age shouldn't matter. That's not to say that it doesn't matter, just that it shouldn't. If you write in a mature and interesting way then they should treat you just like any budding author.
Honestly? Writing is one of the most difficult professions to succeed in so all I can suggest is that you don't cut any options out. And when you forward your manuscript and CV to agents, don't mention your age ... I don't.
Good luck.
A.
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
I'm just wary of big publishing companies. They're more likely to make writing a duty by providing lots of deadlines. And there's also the fact that the royalties are higher with 90% of small presses than they are with the big companies.
That said, I'm going to be querying a couple agents anyway, but I'm definitely leaning more towards small presses at this point. The agents I'm going to query? One's on vacation, one just joined a new agency and is pretty busy-but queriable-and the third one...
Well, I'm just waiting for my critiquers to finish. Even though I somehow think I can get this thing published without a fifth draft... *laughs at self*
I'm not planning on mentioning my age until there's a contract... I'm a bit too smart for that. From what I understand, agents/publishers tend to be a bit harsher when dealing with teenagers.
Thanks for your comments/advice,
~Dianna