Ugh, the dreaded words for any debut novelist: “We do not accept simultaneous submissions.” Don’t get me wrong-I get it. Why should a publisher or agent put their time and energy into a manuscript when you may sign with another press or agency?
I’ve done an extensive amount of research on this subject. Especially, since a few terms can be confusing. For instance, a publisher may accept “simultaneous submissions,” but not “multiple” submissions. Although every press and agency is different, the general guidelines are that simultaneous submissions are a single work sent to multiple agents and presses at the same time. A multiple submission is sending the same agent or publisher different manuscripts before receiving notification on your initial submission.
What’s an author to do?
Showing posts with label literary agent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label literary agent. Show all posts
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Query Letter Resources for New Authors
When I first started this process of getting my book published, I knew very little. I had heard about query letters, but my work as a freelance writer did little to prepare me for the importance of getting your pitch just right. Don't be surprised to find all sorts of advice when doing a Google search for query letter help. Some sites will want you to pay them to write or edit your query letter. However, after a few drafts and help from some good online resources, you should have the perfect letter ready to send out to literary agents and publishers in no time.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Small Press or Self-Publishing?
As I go through the submission process for my novel Second Sight, I find myself facing a possible quandary: small independent publication or self-publishing?
The obvious plus for going with an independent press is that I can say my novel has been traditionally published. However, the publishers that have been interested in distributing my book of course have their own suggested changes to the work. Although some of the edits are helpful, none of the suggestions have been clear across the board. It's such a subjective business, I'm uncertain whether the content edits would improve the story. Not sure if I want to give up creative control in order to say that I've been traditionally published.
There's also the issue of royalties. Obviously, self-publishing your book earns you a bigger cut than going with a small press. However, when compared to major book publishers, your royalty cut will be most likely higher when publishing with a small press.
Another point to consider is marketing. Whether or not you publish your book on your own, you need a marketing plan. Most literary agents and publishing houses will request one as part of the submission process. Although a publisher may do some of the marketing, you're still responsible for promoting your book.
Not ready to make up my mind definitely either way yet. I've send out partials and fulls to several literary agents. I'm planning to wait to hear back before deciding what route to go.
The obvious plus for going with an independent press is that I can say my novel has been traditionally published. However, the publishers that have been interested in distributing my book of course have their own suggested changes to the work. Although some of the edits are helpful, none of the suggestions have been clear across the board. It's such a subjective business, I'm uncertain whether the content edits would improve the story. Not sure if I want to give up creative control in order to say that I've been traditionally published.
There's also the issue of royalties. Obviously, self-publishing your book earns you a bigger cut than going with a small press. However, when compared to major book publishers, your royalty cut will be most likely higher when publishing with a small press.
Another point to consider is marketing. Whether or not you publish your book on your own, you need a marketing plan. Most literary agents and publishing houses will request one as part of the submission process. Although a publisher may do some of the marketing, you're still responsible for promoting your book.
Not ready to make up my mind definitely either way yet. I've send out partials and fulls to several literary agents. I'm planning to wait to hear back before deciding what route to go.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Helpful Websites for Finding Literary Agents and Book Publishers
Attempting to get your book published is an overwhelming process. When I first started looking into publishing Second Sight, I had no idea what these book publishing terms meant: POD, chapbooks and vanity publishers. Another problem was I had no freaking clue on who I should send my book to. These three websites I've found to be extremely helpful to anyone looking for a book agent or publisher:
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