You may remember I posted a new novel, Selfies, here a while back. I had a total of four (count 'em!) reactions from the Four Or Five Guys©. Two used the same phrase - "quite enjoyed it". Imagine the impact they'd have on the cover! Another "eventually" found it to be a satisfactory read, presumably after slogging through the beginning and middle parts. The fourth sent me a much appreciated and thoughtfully detailed positive reaction (thank you, Nico!). So at least four of you read it. There may be more, who didn't quite enjoy it, or enjoy it enough to get through it, and were kind enough to keep their opinions to themselves.
Over the last few months I've submitted it to thirty-nine literary agents, in the UK, the USA, and three publishers in France who accept manuscripts in English. I researched individuals who represent this genre of novel. Each submission has to conform to specific and slightly differing requirements in terms of what they want to see, and what they want to know about you. It's nothing like as simple as emailing the manuscript (you never send the whole book). Each submission is individually researched and tailored and formatted.
I contacted a total of forty-two (count 'em!) people, each of whom advertised their wants specifically enough for me to not waste their time. Let's count the replies: zero. I'm not talking about rejections. I'm talking about simple acknowledgement of receipt. Something along the lines of thank you for your submission, I'll get back to you. Or not. How long would it take to press send on a boiler-plate reply like that? But no, nothing. Zip. Nada. A deafening silence.
Either the submissions were not read at all (very likely) or speed-scanned and spiked, or read and ignored. But not one was even acknowledged. This is publishing.
I never thought it would be a publishing sensation. It's just entertaining escapist fun, with strong movie potential. A holiday read, or, if the reader is the thoughtful type, something to think about. We'll never know, will we?
No, I'm not going to "self-publish" on Amazon or anywhere else. I checked the numbers. It would be lost in the flood. Millions of books out there, for free, not getting read. This is publishing.
I never saw the post, sadly. I would love to give it a read. I could pass along to my friend Joe (never once gave it away) D'Allesandro who has always urged me to get into publishing.nJames LaFond, the violence guy, has a new publisher. Check his blow or I will. You have my email addie.
ReplyDeleteOke.
DeleteNot only is this publishing it's also filmmaking and record making as well. Lots of outlets and armies of people vying for attention.
ReplyDeleteI think we can include every profession/job in the list. What came as a surprise was the 100% lack of acknowledgement.
DeleteTo my mind, the lack of acknowledgment is unpardonable. When I was a managing editor (and now retired) for a couple of large-ish publishing houses (we loved saying houses and not companies), anything that came into and went from my offices demanded at least an acknowledgment and my editorial assistants KNEW that was the case (I didn't dissuade them from thinking it might be a fireable offense). You'd think it would be especially true for mss. going to agents that there would be at least a form letter that got triggered as a response. I'm embarrassed for them . . . -Muzak McMusics
DeleteMy son drew all the characters for his childrens book.Australian animals in animated cartoon style.Very cute story suitable for sub 8 yr olds etc.After many many knock backs one replied.Pay us $6,000 up front send us full manuscript etc we will prepare draft. They sent it back with totally different characters etc said they new best for market.He is now not interested in Publishing!
ReplyDeleteYour son paid the publisher!? This is where the story ends.
DeleteNever, ever give a publisher money, if they like your book, they will give you money it’s called an advance.
DeleteUnfortunately, Farq, (as Psychfan pointed out) I think it applies to life in general nowadays!!
ReplyDeleteYes it does, and I'm not suggesting otherwise.
DeleteSlap me around with a dead fish!! I have got it downloaded .. but, just don't do much reading anymore!! Why not??, you ask. Not sure!!
ReplyDeleteI too downloaded it, and sorry to say I have Selfies in a folder with some pdf biographies, all are still unread - waiting to get a laptop or other tech. I still prefer a paper book.
DeleteThat’s not how it works, that’s not how any of this works !
ReplyDeleteMost major publishers do not accept (read) unsolicited manuscripts directly from authors, only from literary agents. The agent acts as the necessary gatekeeper, giving you access to major imprints. Beyond just selling your book, a literary agent is a professional who represents writers to publishing houses. Acting as your “champion” and legal advocate, they pitch your manuscript to editors, negotiate publishing contracts, secure advances, and help manage your long-term writing career in exchange for a standard 15% commission. Like it or not, this how the book publishing industry works.
You talking to me? I contacted thirty-nine literary agents, in the UK and the USA, and four publishers in France (where the system is different, and publishers don't necessarily deal only with agents). Each of these agents had been carefully selected - they're usually pretty precise about the type of material they're interested in. I must have looked at (literally) hundreds of agents to find these thirty-nine. It's a long business. Not one took the trouble to acknowledge receipt, and that's the worrying bit. Not that I haven't had an offer, or I think the book merits one, but the absolute vacuum out there.
DeletePS My previous agent is long retired and completely out of the business, as is my first publisher (in the UK) who took the book because I gave it to him, a deal made before I got an agent.
DeleteDude, untwist your boxers!
DeleteI was just stating how it works to people not in "the loop". Did I say anything that isn't true?
My boxers are as loose as your furry mules, Babs. I don't understand who or what "that’s not how it works, that’s not how any of this works!" refers to, is all. It's not clear. Agents can be the champions you describe, or they can be incredibly lazy, as was my movie agent back in the Helium days, perfectly content to scrape off his 15% on a deal I'd basically brokered myself.
DeleteI see you updated your original post to include agents. Speaking of which, what you have to say about literary agents is true of any profession who works on commission.
DeleteDamn these fluffy mules are comfy!