Submit or Query?

[ELMontague]

So, here's the question, should I query an agent with my book or submit to one of the on-line publishers like EC? It's a 63K erotic-romance, heavier on the erotica than romance. If it sells, it will be my first book. So, from those of you that know, is my best bet to query an agent or try my luck with Ellora's Cave, Red Sage or one of the others?

Asking because I want to know.

[mlhernandez]

If it's novel length (which I'm fairly certain yours is--or, at least, close enough,) I'd look for an agent first. I went the EC route because I've always written novella-length or short story erotic romance and erotica. For me, it made sense to go straight to legit pubs.

In your case, I'd probably start with agents. (Make sure your query is outstanding.) If snagging an agent proves too difficult, you can always sub to e-pubs or print pubs later.

Best of luck!!!!

[Stacia Kane]

63k is not novel length for print houses. They want at least 75k.

It's still worth a try querying agents, but they'll probably want you to add some length to it.

[veinglory]

What publisher do you want, and how long/hard are you prepared to work for it? It all depends on that. Both ERECsite and Breand Hiatt have data on what you may earn at Ellora's Cave--is that enough for you?

[ELMontague]

At the moment, I'm learning. My career, the one that pays the bills so far, has taught me that singles are better than home runs, or at least more realistic. I am hoping to find a place I can build on. I've written a book I'm happy with. It's interesting, good even, anyone that's comfortable with a lot of sex will find a reason to keep reading and won't be unhappy when then get to the end. I wouldn't claim I've written the next great novel, but I hope someone would read it and consider reading my next book.

So, what I want is a place to start building my name. If that's e-publishing, I'd love to start there. If finding an agent and a publisher is the way to go, that's my ticket. But like I said, for all intents and purposes, I'm a straight up rookie. Any and all advice is welcome.

[veinglory]

I epublish and consider that for the most part it is not about career building. Epublishing helps some careers and harms others. Overall it is probably typically neutral except in the learning experience is provides. I epublish because epublishing is appropriate for my material and suits my goals. Also when I started I needed some quick money.

If your goal is offset commercial publishing and you don't need to make money in the short term, why not go for gold?

[ELMontague]

Thank you for the direction. I plan to complete my final draft of the work for submission this fall. It has been seasoning since June. I suppose I need to brush up on my query writing skills.

[damiriji]

Harlequin is looking for subs in their Spice and Nocturne line. That what my WIP is aimed at. Check out their website to see if your story fits the requirements.

Tuna

[MargueriteMing]

Angela Knight says to just send the first 50 pages or so (2-3 chapters) and a synopsis, even if they want only queries. Her theory is that a query letter doesn't showcase your writing ability as well as your actual story, and it's human nature to at least read the first page of a submission. If the first page is good enough to capture their interest they will read the rest, and you've saved yourself some time getting your product into their hands. If it isn't good enough for them, then you weren't going to get published there, anyway.

Maybe some of the editors around here will venture an opinion about this?

[Jersey Chick]

I have heard that subbing a query and the first 5 pages is usually okay. I don't know that I'd send 50 pages to someone who specifically requests only a query, IMHO.