tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post2554247913095775218..comments2023-06-12T17:08:36.320+01:00Comments on How Publishing <i>Really</i> Works: How I Got Published: Tell Your StoryJane Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411253302725735470noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-22429424862542248972009-11-13T11:04:53.961+00:002009-11-13T11:04:53.961+00:00Thank you for that.I will bear such in mind if I e...Thank you for that.I will bear such in mind if I ever decided to do!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-3145107190028625252009-11-13T11:01:04.642+00:002009-11-13T11:01:04.642+00:00Sarah, the problem with self-publishing in order t...Sarah, the problem with self-publishing in order to get yourself "out there and read" is that without a mainstream publisher behind you, it takes a huge amount of effort and time in order to draw attention to your work; chances are that the self-published writer (no matter what genre he works in) will find himself with a published book on his hands, his first rights gone for good (making it difficult-to-impossible to find a mainstream publisher willing to take it on), but not many more readers than he'd have had if he'd have sent a CD with his book on it out to his friends and family.<br /><br />With poetry, the best route into print is to get published in the well-respected journals and literary magazines. It's how I started, all those decades ago, and it still works.Jane Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03411253302725735470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-24822019018103655382009-11-01T11:52:57.732+00:002009-11-01T11:52:57.732+00:00So many write and yet not a lot read or even buy.I...So many write and yet not a lot read or even buy.I am thinking that with Poetry anyway. You have to have something really special to stand out, in the 'word world'<br />But 'self-publishing' is an anvenue to explore, I am told. To just get yourself 'out there' and read.<br />I am glad I 'popped' in here. Thanking, you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-37077734283861185722009-09-28T21:53:47.396+01:002009-09-28T21:53:47.396+01:00Hi Jane, speaking of unhappy experiences, I was wo...Hi Jane, speaking of unhappy experiences, I was wondering if you had read my email reference giving permission to use your blog's name in a piece I wrote for Struggling Authors.com?<br />You have given me a lot of good information so I would love to be able to point other struggling, "prepublished" authors, (brilliant)in your direction.<br />Reg :-)R.R.Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17834582008567973188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-29888500499946448662009-09-28T21:22:08.937+01:002009-09-28T21:22:08.937+01:00An excellent idea. I look forward to reading the s...An excellent idea. I look forward to reading the stories.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-55943409422556975652009-09-28T19:56:36.789+01:002009-09-28T19:56:36.789+01:00I look forward to reading this series - and hopefu...I look forward to reading this series - and hopefully contributing in due course :)<br /><br />Based on my own observations, there is no One True Way to publication. A few writers get there by knowing the right people, most by hard work and persistence - and I know one writer who was "head-hunted" by a major publisher for a media-based novel series, based on the quality of her fan fiction! But what it all comes down to in the end is - writing books that people want to read...Anne Lylehttp://www.annelyle.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-77202421905435219142009-09-28T18:58:00.236+01:002009-09-28T18:58:00.236+01:00Good idea, instructive. As for not knowing who Bal...Good idea, instructive. As for not knowing who Ballantine is, go check out the authors' yearbooks before committing text to mail... The library is a useful (and free!) tool for wannabe writers. As an editor of many years, it surprises me how many wannabes haven't understood the basics which can be found in so many guidebooks freely available in libraries. As for magic formula to get published, there isn't one, otherwise whoever espoused it would be the richest person on the planet. However, there are plenty of do nots to avoid the most obvious pitfalls and rejections. Yes, success stories inspire and every writer needs inspiration, me included!Nik Mortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10060923673065456386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-20604374538504160462009-09-28T18:46:54.756+01:002009-09-28T18:46:54.756+01:00What a wonderful idea - _'m really looking for...What a wonderful idea - _'m really looking forward to reading these!K M Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09801740095715755112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-18518788065787295752009-09-28T18:45:48.359+01:002009-09-28T18:45:48.359+01:00I'm a new writer and my dream is to one day pu...I'm a new writer and my dream is to one day publish something. I would love to hear how people actually got published. I find this blog very inspiring! =)Melanie's Randomnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11331778717585609001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-35581505393806479572009-09-28T16:52:43.223+01:002009-09-28T16:52:43.223+01:00I'd almost forgotten about this!
If people en...I'd almost forgotten about this!<br /><br />If people enjoy it and have supplementary questions, I'm happy to answer them. <br /><br />I'm afraid I don't have a blog, but I am happy to be contacted via my website at www.danielblythe.com - or just comment here tomorrow and I'll do the same!Daniel Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07487799866651688342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-123126730414268202009-09-28T16:15:03.963+01:002009-09-28T16:15:03.963+01:00I am looking forward to this very much, Jane. Grea...I am looking forward to this very much, Jane. Great idea.Teresa Ashbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350697922935549188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-51819775389042585032009-09-28T14:18:11.991+01:002009-09-28T14:18:11.991+01:00This summer I have put the two novels in e-book fo...This summer I have put the two novels in e-book format. I continue to query them out like little lost lambs and am working on other books.<br /><br />The agent is no longer working. I can't even explain how upset I was or how I have beaten myself since. But, everything teaches us something. I will take your suggestion on the comment.The Voicehttp://wade-inpublishing.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-61604829995943627882009-09-28T14:13:46.921+01:002009-09-28T14:13:46.921+01:00Great idea! Looking forward to reading it.Great idea! Looking forward to reading it.Lydia Sharphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15328254761920829040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-21406799042962425812009-09-28T14:03:25.770+01:002009-09-28T14:03:25.770+01:00"all over the place" am I? Do you mean g..."all over the place" am I? Do you mean geographically or mentally?? Kuh. I am usually only in one place at a time, even though it's often not in front of my desk. However, as you know, i am happy to show off my gorgeous iphone at any time, so here I am with it.<br /><br />Anyway, I rather think you've heard enough of me.<br /><br />Voice - interesting you had there. Gosh, you learnt the hard way, didn't you? I'm v sorry. But, maybe (I hope) you are writing something else now and it will be all the better for the wait?Nicola Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189894289540344094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-67498697521156174432009-09-28T13:27:14.249+01:002009-09-28T13:27:14.249+01:00Stroppy, it's on the front page of my blog and...Stroppy, it's on the front page of my blog and it's "hprw at tesco dot net". I don't like to put it into my posts as I have to change it periodically, and wouldn't like for someone to try to reach me using an out-of-date email address. <br /><br />And Voice: I'm shuddering now. I'm not clear, though: did you end up self-publishing your novel in the end? After turning down an offer from Ballantine in favour of PublishAmerica? That's awful. I'm horrified that an "agent" (I use the term loosely here) could steer you towards them. What was his name? Is he still at work?<br /><br />If you didn't self-publish you might want to point out to the people at Wade that this quote from their blog is troublesome: "Fiction and nonfiction novels". Novels are always fiction: so "nonfiction novels" is a contradiction. Sorry to be so picky, it's the editor in me I'm afraid.Jane Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03411253302725735470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-10395634395148382032009-09-28T13:06:14.862+01:002009-09-28T13:06:14.862+01:00I had my first book published because I knew a gir...I had my first book published because I knew a girl whose father professed to be an agent. He read the manuscript for The Perfect Solution and loved it. He came back with two offers, one from Ballantine books and one from (gag me with a spoon) Publish America. Ballantine books wanted me to change the ending and at the time I didn't know who Ballantine books were and the agent advised me not to change the ending so we went to Publish America. I had a brief moment of delusional excitement and kicked the agent to the curb.<br /><br />The novel The Perfect Solution was published in 2001 with great reviews (wade-inpublishing.com) and the second Yes, Sam Takes Care of Me was published soon after. I fought hard after seeing the poor editing qualities and now have my contracts back and have been pushing them and others ever since. Needless to say I have regreted my decision forever.The Voicehttp://wade-inpublishing.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-10753460037832103282009-09-28T12:52:48.776+01:002009-09-28T12:52:48.776+01:00Maybe I'm having a senior moment, but I can...Maybe I'm having a senior moment, but I can't see your email on the right...Stroppy Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16560035800075465845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-76565170706661430432009-09-28T12:42:42.495+01:002009-09-28T12:42:42.495+01:00Hi Jane
This is a great idea for a series of post...Hi Jane<br /><br />This is a great idea for a series of posts - for the published and unpublished alike. It's handy to see the pitfalls, but it's hopeful also to see the success stories. <br /><br />When I scrape together some time between writing and doting on our five month old son, I'll write up my experiences for you. Like most writers, they're quite mixed, filled with cowboy agents, a delayed Channel 4 writing competition and of course, being published by a "controversial" imprint of a major publisher...mattfwcurran.com Web Admin https://www.blogger.com/profile/13651266491906006561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-50434782927409711742009-09-28T12:38:33.201+01:002009-09-28T12:38:33.201+01:00This sounds like a great idea I can't wait to ...This sounds like a great idea I can't wait to read it.<br /><br />Kate xKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05940810066436848209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-59108349838248587922009-09-28T12:25:20.920+01:002009-09-28T12:25:20.920+01:00Closer than most, I should think, Charlie.
Go a...Closer than most, I should think, Charlie. <br /><br />Go and find Miss Pitch's Pitch Parlour blog, and read her interview with Nicola Morgan. Nicola's an excellent example of how a writer can adapt and find success. She's all over the place now (and will probably be along in a minute, knowing her).Jane Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03411253302725735470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-72726438050432584892009-09-28T12:21:50.899+01:002009-09-28T12:21:50.899+01:00JR, it is valuable to learn this. I read a lot on ...JR, it is valuable to learn this. I read a lot on blogs and books on how important it is to keep writing and not just wait around hoping your first book, being the masterpiece it is, to be published. Thanks for sharing.<br /><br />Jane, I’m looking forward to these posts. Thank you. You’re right; we do want the magic formula that agents and publishers are looking for. I think I’ve discovered the key. Write well, write often and don’t give up. Am I close?Charlie Ricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02347938747849177632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-44474700103380755132009-09-28T12:19:42.240+01:002009-09-28T12:19:42.240+01:00Nicola, if you want to write it all up and email i...Nicola, if you want to write it all up and email it to me, I'll add you to the series along with a nice selection of cover-shots (yes, even the purple one).Jane Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03411253302725735470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-73917312541723272682009-09-28T12:14:29.348+01:002009-09-28T12:14:29.348+01:00A cautionary tale for those who think it's eas...A cautionary tale for those who think it's easy to get a novel published! This is how it happened for me:<br /><br />Short stories published for some years - ongoing: <br /><br />1979 began historical novel<br />1989 finished it<br />1991 wrote a cosy crime novel<br />1992 wrote another historical<br />1993 wrote a second ‘cosy’ crime<br />1994 acquired an agent for the cosy crime novels<br />1995 wrote an Aga Saga, contemporary women’s fiction<br />1996 wrote another one<br />1997 agent dropped me<br />1999 started another contemporary novel<br />2000 started a Victorian cosy crime novel<br />2001-2004 sulked a lot while tweaking novels<br />2004 most recent contemporary (Scuba Dancing) accepted<br />2005 Scuba Dancing published by Transita Ltd. <br />Also 2005 acquired an agent for Victorian cosy crime novel<br />2006 tweaking, being rejected, promoting Scuba & its LP and audio editions<br />2007 Victorian cosy (Murder Most Welcome) accepted by Robert Hale Ltd<br />2008 Murder most Welcome published Started a follow-up to it<br />Also 2008 rewrote 2nd cosy crime: agent loves it, but no takers yet<br />2009 Follow-up accepted, Death is the Cure – out 31st December 2009Nicola Sladehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03076176253820195827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-74306514964528448162009-09-28T12:13:45.725+01:002009-09-28T12:13:45.725+01:00This could be an interesting series.This could be an interesting series.Paul Lambhttp://www.paullamb.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519912440753252776.post-77260634271566440832009-09-28T11:28:47.916+01:002009-09-28T11:28:47.916+01:00My first published book was nonfiction; three chap...My first published book was nonfiction; three chapters and an outline sent to the slush pile. No agent, no nothing. That was 10-15 years ago. I got an agent for my second nonfiction book, sold a few more--then parted ways with that agent.<br /><br />My first published novel was the third novel that my new agent sent out. The first two didn't sell. <br /><br />Not worth emailing, but there it is.<br /><br />JRAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com