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From the Email Bag - How to Become a Published Author By Christine Durst & Michael Haaren Nov. 1, 2012 Dear Rat Race Rebellion: I’ve wanted to write a romance novel for a long time, and now I’m almost done. My company offered me early retirement a few months ago, and I took it, so I finally had the time I needed. It’s a very steamy romance, and when my husband read it he got pretty embarrassed. But all my friends like it. Anyway, now I need to get it published. What’s the best way to do that? Do I need an agent? – Carrie in Topeka, Kan. Dear Carrie: Not necessarily. The publishing world has seen a lot of turmoil lately, and the answer is more complex than it would have been a few years ago. Some background will help you figure out what to do next. Here’s the gist. In the old days, you sent your manuscript to a group of agents, and if one of them liked it, they signed you as a client. If the manuscript needed more work, they would help you whip it into shape. Then they sent the manuscript to publishers. If one wanted to buy it, they negotiated the contract for you – including an “advance” on your future royalties – and sent you a check, minus their commission, usually 15 per cent. Then agents began to require a “book proposal” from authors. This included such things as a synopsis of the book, a survey of competing titles, and the author’s proposed marketing plan. If the book was fiction, they wanted to see the full manuscript. For nonfiction, a few chapters would do. The writing had to be market-ready, with little or no editing needed. This would all be sent on to the publishers, to see if one would bite. Now, agents and publishers both are squeezed by the collapse of bookstores and libraries, the rise of cheap ebooks and Amazon (which is now a publisher as well as a bookstore), and the surge in self-publishing. They have to be pickier, and as a rule they want first-time authors to have both a quality manuscript and a “platform” – an existing fan base (from a blog, for example, or Facebook, Twitter, etc.) – or recognition from writing contests, established authors, faculty in creative writing programs, etc. Since the burden of marketing books long ago shifted from publishers to authors, many authors say, “Why should I jump through all these hoops and share my revenues with agents and publishers if I’m doing all the work?” So they publish their books themselves and sell them on Amazon and other sites. So, you have to weigh your options. Romance novels are in steady demand, though the blockbuster success of “Fifty Shades of Grey” created a glut in steamy manuscripts. This means that agents and publishers may be an even tougher sell than before. (You haven’t mentioned a “platform,” so we’ll assume you don’t have one yet.) All told, you may want to self-publish this first book. For tips on self-publishing – including how to get a compelling cover design for your book, a top priority – see the article by David Carnoy at http://tinyurl.com/7r6ftx2 and check the resources at Smashwords.com. At Amazon, go to Amazon.com, scroll down on the home page and click on “Independently Publish with Us.” For the literary agents’ perspective, check their blogs. To find them, search using the term “literary agents blog” (without the quotes) and similar phrases. Romance Writers of America, an authors association, also maintains a helpful site. You’ll find them at rwa.org. ---- Christine Durst and Michael Haaren are leaders in the work-at-home movement and advocates of de-rat-raced living. Their latest book is Work at Home Now, a guide to finding home-based jobs. They offer additional guidance on finding home-based work at www.RatRaceRebellion.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2012 BY STAFFCENTRIX, DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM |
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