I've written umpteen novels over many years. I currently have 7 manuscripts I consider ready to publish, in the sense that I've worked them all to a point where I personally cannot see what I could change, or do, to make the books better. This blog, and the associated personal website I've set up, is my latest attempt to get some attention or, even, recognition. I'm ambitious. I'd like to see my books published.
In truth my campaigns to get published have been sporadic and low intensity for many years. When I had to earn a living any free time I preferred to use for writing, not chasing publishers and agents and doing all that time consuming stuff needed to get a manuscript in front of someone's eyes. In the early days, before the Internet and Word Processing, I would send a paper copy of my manuscripts directly to publishers, most of whom returned them immediately, probably without even looking at them. Occasionally I'd get an encouraging word in the brush-off letter.
Latterly I've been trying to engage an agent, and even though Word and the Internet make life easier, there is still a heck of a lot required in the submission processes of each agency. I check the "small print". Most want samples of our work, either 50 pages or the first 3 chapters or 10,000 or 15,000 words. Some want the script double spaced, some want it one-and-half line spacing. Some will only accept Word documents. All expect a synopsis or summary of varying specification, as well as a covering letter (email) often quite strictly specified too. So one is forced to read everything each agent has to say and tailor make a package for each one.
Still, I do what I'm asked and I still get all the rejections, though an odd encouraging word too from some. I shall be intensifying my efforts.
A word on self publishing. I sent one of my manuscripts, rather naively, to an outfit I soon discovered were in the self publishing business. Wo and behold they were prepared to publish my book, as long as I paid for it and took all the financial risk. I declined. I will say this - it's not referred to as "vanity publishing" for nothing.
Fortunately, I'm not vain. If I never find anyone who wants to publish my work in the traditional way then I will have to admit my stuff probably isn't good enough, or my campaigning inept, or I'm an overlooked genius. The thing is: I am a writer. No one can take away from you the sheer joy of creating a story. I will always have that no matter what.
Comments