I know
there are many writers who claim to do well self-publishing. I applaud and
commend them for their efforts. However, be aware that this involves a great
deal of intensive work on the part of the writer and often requires a costly
lay-out of expenses for professional services such as cover art and editing if
the writer wants to present a quality product.
My
suggestion is to try traditional publishing first. Let’s assume you have written
a unique book, whether fiction or nonfiction. You have made certain that there
are no obvious typos or grammatical errors. You now feel ready to present it.
Step One: create a query letter. Google for suggestions. There
are many detailed articles on this topic available for free on the internet. Generally,
query letters which you send to agents
are going to be relatively short. Agents are busy people and these days they
have shorter attention spans than ever. So you want your letter to sound as interesting
and professional as possible. Describe the genre of your book, the length, and
give a brief, intriguing blurb in your first paragraph.
Second
paragraph, offer your expertise for writing this particular book. Give any
background info that will impress the agent. What have you previously had
published?
Any
awards for writing in this subject area?
Step Two: Now that you have put together a general query
letter, start examining the various agents. Get a listing that tells you what
the various agents are interested in representing. You don’t want to send a
query for a romance novel to an agent who only represents nonfiction.
Do some
research on Google. Start with the better known agents in your genre. You can
always work your way down.
Pay close
attention to the directions for querying and follow them exactly. Should agents
responds affirmatively, submit what they request in the prescribed manner.
The top
agents work with the big publishers. They in turn pay advances, get your novel
reviewed by influential review publications as well as providing PR people who
help provide publicity and promotion. Most of all, the big publishing houses
have distribution. This is vitally important if your book is going to sell and
be read by the public.
Now for
the commercial message: My latest novel
THE
INHERITANCE from Intrigue Publishing is available for
pre-order
both in print and inexpensively as an e-book. It’s a romantic mystery with cozy
elements and suspense. It’s also a “clean read”.
You can
check it out here:
Also:
and many other
booksellers.
Interested
in what makes a bestseller? I’ve examined current trends and statistics on this
topic. Check it out at: http://jacquelineseewald.blogspot.com
Good luck
to you in getting your book well-published!
Wishing
each of you great success and recognition in your field of expertise.
Questions
and comments are most welcome here.
12 comments:
Great advice, Jacquie!
Thanks for sharing
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT
Great advice, Jacqueline! And I'd add, if you can't snag an agent, do your own self-promotion to get a good SMALL publisher, rather than one of the Big 6. I've been published by both big and small and I MUCH prefer working with small publishers who care about their authors. LOVE your new cover, BTW and hope to read it soon.
I pre-ordered your book. Can't wait to read it!
I completely agree that a new writer should try to find a publisher first whether they go the agent route or search for a small publisher. However, after they've gotten their name out there (takes time and a lot of work) and published a few books, I think self-publishing future books might be a good option.
Pam,
Thanks for the good wishes!
Hi Susan,
I agree. I've also been published by large and small publishers. I've had several agents who represented my work. They didn't sell anything. I sold my own work. However, for someone just starting out with a first book, I think querying top agents first is the way to go.
Hi Patricia,
First, thank you for your support. When someone has read my previous novels and wants to read the latest one, I consider that the highest accolade.
I totally agree that once a writer has been published and developed a following, self-publishing is viable and can prove lucrative.
Good advice, Jacquie, and especially useful now with the changes going on in Five Star and Penguin. As you point out, self-publishing has costs, but both traditional and self-pubbing require time and discipline. Good luck with your new book and new publisher.
Hi Susan,
Getting well-published is requires time, effort and patience.
Whether trying traditional or self-pubbing, it's not for the faint of heart.
Good advice, something that I've grown to expect from you. Also expect this latest book will be another winner! You are a great role model for other authors and writers.
Thank you, Kathy! This mystery novel is a departure for me--new characters in a new setting. I hope readers will enjoy it.
As always, Jacqueline, you offer good advice based on your been-there-done-that experience. Thanks for all you do.
Earl,
Thank you. I very much appreciate and enjoy reading your blogs as well.
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