by Sharon A.
Member since:
October 21, 2006

I Have A Question For You Writers Out There

July 31, 2008 11:28 AM EDT
views: 63 | rating: 9.7/10 (7 votes) | comments: 19
Hi Everyone,

I am in a dilemna!   I am so busy lately, and I have to make a decision.

I wonder if I should keep looking for an agent, or just self-publish?  Either way, I think I should have editing done on my manuscript.

Please tell me your experience.  I have been wrestling with this for too long now.

Oh, and does anyone know of anyone who is a reliable editor?

Thank you so much!
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Comments: 19

Sharon A. Jul 31, 2008, 11:29am EDT
I see the page has changed quite a bit since I was here last, I apologize for my writing on here this way-I am in a hurry all the time these days! Thanks in advance for any help and/or suggestions you can throw my way!
C A. Jul 31, 2008, 11:40am EDT
Sharon - do NOT self-publish. Generally, it's a tremendous waste of money and time. Getting a good editor is a good idea, and you can find one through other writers, sites like Writers Market (www.writersmarket.com), etc.

I had a friend help me with my manuscript. She'd been a magazine editor, but honestly, she suggested very few changes. Seems I'm a pretty good editor, myself.

Once your MS is polished, and ready to go, you can look to Writer's Market, and other networking sites to find a publisher and/or an agent.

Don't get discouraged. A very famous, and prolific author, still has all 27 rejection letters he received for his first novel. That author? Stephen King.
Richard Frisbie Jul 31, 2008, 11:54am EDT
Editing is critical - and not just in the book. Your promotional material, queries to editors and publishers - everything needs to be well written for the pitch to succeed. Once you have an agent, they may suggest an editor for you, a publisher may also. Good Luck!
Jean, just the teensiest bit odd, F. Jul 31, 2008, 11:59am EDT
Sorry, can't help you... My work's been published in many different venues but, I'm not a book writer -- only magazines...
John Doyle Jul 31, 2008, 12:09pm EDT
Which ever you choose be very careful. Choose an agent the way you would choose a husband or doctor When you find one get all of the terms and conditions in writting. Personallt I would neved do business with a money yp front agent. Deal with a strictly commission. that way they will hustel for you

and again, Be careful
A. F. Stewart Jul 31, 2008, 12:17pm EDT
Get an editor.

As for self-publishing vs agents and traditional publishing, it depends on how soon you wish to be published or if you wish to be published.
If you self-publish it is a great deal more work, you will have expenses (but there are ways to limit them) and you have a lesser chance at sales. The best self-publishing options are Lulu.com or Createspace.
If you go the traditional route you will have less work, less expense, and most likely better sales. But unless you are very lucky (or find a willing small press publisher) you most likely will be waiting a while to be published. Sometimes it takes years.
Sharon A. Jul 31, 2008, 12:19pm EDT
Wow! Thank you so much my friends, for your honest advice. I definitely feel that it has to be edited. I had a sample done, and it was not that bad. However, I do feel that it does a manuscript justice to have it professionally edited. Does anyone know a good editor that they could recommend to me? I would be so grateful to you. ( I would owe you one) LOL. I have noticed too, that I probably need more help with the synopsis. The query letter is at the point where it is opening doors, but then, the door is slammed shut when the agents/publishers read the sample I send their way along with the synopsis. So, I am thinking that it might be editing.
Sharon A. Jul 31, 2008, 12:23pm EDT
Ok. It sounds like the best way to go is to:1). Get an editor. 2) keep plugging away at the agents/publishers- and expect it to take a few years.

I wonder when someone should consider self-publishing, as opposed to traditional. I am concerned about the length also. I have lengthened the manuscript as much as I can, and I still fall a little short of 300 pages. I know some agents can be sticklers on this as well.
C A. Jul 31, 2008, 2:23pm EDT
Sharon - when you consider the sheer volume of manuscripts most publishers received each year, it's amazing any new talent ever gets discovered!

I have had many "Your style is polished, and your story intriguing, but........." letters, so I know my synopsis and query letter are good. However, it's getting a publisher to want to see those sample chapters that's my current obstacle.

I've been trying to get published for five years now. LOL

Truth be told, I am not all that ambitious, and may only send a query or two per year.

I'm also quite picky about where I send my queries, and have decided against an agent until/unless I need one. They're just as busy as publishers any more.

Sorry, but I don't have any editors to suggest. You must be choosy about them, too. Make your expectations reasonable, and find an editor with which you are personally comfortable.
Sharon A. Jul 31, 2008, 3:28pm EDT
Oh Wow. I know what you mean CA. I have been sitting back a little while myself. I do need help though with the sypnosis and the manuscript itself.

Very interesting. I have gotten rejections like: "Well, I don't love it." And, "Well, this one is not for me, but it is all subjective." I wish someone would give some criticism that would help! LOL.
C A. Jul 31, 2008, 4:02pm EDT
Ah, there's the rub, Sharon! You don't get criticism for free!

You could post a chapter, or two, on here and ask for feedback. Sure, you'll get a lot of stupid comments, but you'll also get some people who give you honest (and helpful) suggestions. At least you'd know where to start editing.
Pat Bertram Jul 31, 2008, 4:59pm EDT
One thing about publishing today, whether you do it yourself or through a publisher, is that you have to promote. If you're busy and have little time to promote, there really is no point to publishing. You'd be better off setting it aside for a while, then editing it again when you can see it more clearly.
Elmo A. Jul 31, 2008, 5:19pm EDT
Self publishing or conventional publishing is tough. I think C A has a good idea, but I would suggest 5 pages rather than 1 or 2 chapters. That should gives readers a taste of what you are about.
Lookman Author/Screenwriter Jul 31, 2008, 5:38pm EDT
This year it is almost impossible to be conventionally published because bookshops are de-stocking and publishers are sacking authors in droves. It is a recession year. What matters at the moment is if you are famous and can you bring an audience. If you are a ghost writer you have a better chance. That is why promotion is important. The problem with self publishing is you are unlikely to get on a bookshop. Just being in a bookshop sells books. In the US promotion may be easier because you have localised radio and media.
Sharon A. Jul 31, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
Oh man...my heart is beginning to break. The thought of never being published is not something I think I can live with right now.

Most of you guys/gals out there know exactly what I mean. It has been a lifetime dream of mine to be published. I guess this is why so many people are just "self-publishing" now.

I was reading Nathan Bransford's blogs. (He is an agent in San Francisco). He suggested that writers go to conferences and make their rounds. Before I go to a conference, I am going to study the publishing business itself. Great suggestion.
Patricia J. Aug 1, 2008, 3:19am EDT
Go to that website for editors and find one with a good resume. Once you talk to them you can see if they're the one for you.
Daytona A. Aug 1, 2008, 4:44am EDT
I'm having my husband edit my book for me he's a much better speller than me. And also knows what sounds good and what doesn't.
I suggest looking for somebody that you know who can be a editor.
The publisher I don't know what to tell you about that.
Good Luck:)
Sharon A. Aug 1, 2008, 8:38pm EDT
Thank you so much! Which site? I am going to look again. Thanks
Xelene *. Aug 17, 2008, 4:15pm EDT
I know what you mean about your heart breaking if you never get published, but I think it would be worse to get published, and then have your book end up on the remainder tables in stores because the publishers never promoted it. Be sure you think this through. Read about the publishing industry, read books about self-publicity, read books about self editing. And most of all, give yourself time. Rushing into something because you have no time is the worst reason to do something.

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