publishing companies that don't require agents

Andromeda · Jun 23, 2009

Being in the process of querying agents, I'm getting a little frustrated and I'd like to know where I can send my manuscript to a publisher that doesn't require an agented manuscript. What I've written is a historical novel on Eva Peron told through her own eyes, so I'd appreciate a bit of help. Thanks!

PS: Mods, move this if needed.

ORION · Jun 23, 2009

I know that this may sound harsh...but often times if agents aren't interested it may be because it may not be publishable.
BTW Is it like the musical evita?
If you really think it is google small publishers and check them out or you may go the self publishing route.
FYI LOTTERY is my fourth novel and first published novel and for three different projects I probably got over 80 rejections...

scope · Jun 23, 2009

Andromeda said:
Being in the process of querying agents, I'm getting a little frustrated and I'd like to know where I can send my manuscript to a publisher that doesn't require an agented manuscript

Please tell us what's frustrating you about the agent route. Publishers with open submission policies are few, and getting fewer every day -- especially for books like yours. While it's not impossible for you to find and submit your work to a few good small publishers, I think you'd be way ahead of the game with an agent, all things being equal.

childeroland · Jun 23, 2009

What do you mean, 'books like' Andromeda's? Do you mean the genre?

Andromeda · Jun 24, 2009

ORION said:
I know that this may sound harsh...but often times if agents aren't interested it may be because it may not be publishable.
BTW Is it like the musical evita?
If you really think it is google small publishers and check them out or you may go the self publishing route.
FYI LOTTERY is my fourth novel and first published novel and for three different projects I probably got over 80 rejections...

It is NOTHING like the musical Evita. It is a novel I have researched for eight years and it is told in her own voice.

To tell the truth, I just started looking for an agent and I'm looking at self publishing too. But NOT PA. HAHA!

Cyia · Jun 24, 2009

You probably don't want to hear this, but the simple fact is that most of the time publishing is SLOW. It takes time and persistence and a whole lot of patience. When the frustration kicks in, channel it into writing another book while you wait so you have something else to send out if the 1st book doesn't sell.

It's also a sad fact that the existence of a book - even one you spent years on - doesn't obligate anyone to publish it. There has to be an audience, and with non-fiction there usually has to be a platform in place before an agent will pick it up or a publisher will touch it.

All you can do it keep trying until you get a yes on this book or have a new to try again with. Sometimes it takes a 2nd book being sold to get anyone interested in the first one. Things aren't always picked up in the order you write them.

Self publishing is even harder in some cases as you must do everything yourself. There's no editor and there's no distribution. No advance marketing and no placement in stores.

Momento Mori · Jun 24, 2009

Andromeda:
To tell the truth, I just started looking for an agent and I'm looking at self publishing too. But NOT PA. HAHA!

It all turns on what you're looking for in terms of publishing your novel.

If you'd like to see it shelves in bookstores and earn some money from it (in the form of an advance, if nothing else), then you'll need to hunker down and go through the submissions process to agents because they're still the best way of trying to get a publishing deal. It's frustrating, and it can take what feels like forever, but it's definitely worth it in the end.

What helps to make the experience more bearable is if you begin work on your next project while the first is out on submission - at least that way if and when you get the call, you can discuss with the agent what you're currently working on.

If you want to try and cut through that, then some publishers do run programmes for unsolicited manuscripts.

Harper Collins runs the Authonomy site, which lets you upload a couple of chapters and which lets readers rate them. I think they've picked up a couple of novels from the programme, but your chances are no better or worse than they'd be in the normal slush pile.

Macmillan's New Writing scheme is the only other one I can think of that it might be worth submitting to. Details are here. They don't pay an advance, but the royalty rates aren't bad and I think that one of their authors made a short list for a literary award, so it can be worth doing.

MM

ChaosTitan · Jun 24, 2009

Momento Mori said:
It all turns on what you're looking for in terms of publishing your novel.

If you'd like to see it shelves in bookstores and earn some money from it (in the form of an advance, if nothing else), then you'll need to hunker down and go through the submissions process to agents because they're still the best way of trying to get a publishing deal. It's frustrating, and it can take what feels like forever, but it's definitely worth it in the end.

This.

Why are you publishing? If your intentions are to have a long career as a novelist, take the time to find an agent. If you just want to see your work bound up with your name on the cover, there are plenty of POD options available.

But commercial publication is very, very difficult to break into without an agent. You say you've just started looking for an agent. It took me three different novels over the course of three years to finally sign with one. Everyone's path is different, but if this is your first book, it's time to start on number two.

Never hurts to have a back up.

blueobsidian · Jun 24, 2009

Andromeda said:
To tell the truth, I just started looking for an agent and I'm looking at self publishing too.

The problem is, if you just started looking for an agent you are not going to be less frustrated looking for a publisher. They aren't any faster at getting back to you. Go to the share your work section and post your query if you haven't. You may get some feedback that increases your odds of success with agents.

If you spent eight years working on this project, why would you immediately jump to the idea of self publishing? Don't you think it deserves a shot at a great publisher?

scope · Jun 24, 2009

childeroland said:
What do you mean, 'books like' Andromeda's? Do you mean the genre?

As stated: Historical Novels (in the OP's case about Eva Peron as told through her eyes).

Robert E. Keller · Jun 24, 2009

I've only been seriously looking for an agent for about a month, but I expect to try for at least a year while I prepare other projects. I suggest giving it more time, and I also suggest getting some of your book critiqued, if you haven't already. If there are any flaws keeping the agents away, readers will expose them quickly. I recently posted a chapter of my new urban fantasy book right here on these forums, and I got some good feedback. The readers generally liked the chapter, but they didn't like my main character's friend. Now, she'll be getting an upgrade before I begin querying agents. Yet when I wrote that, I had no idea she would turn readers off. That's one reason--even after many years of writing--that I like to test my novels before submitting them. Sometimes the writer just can't predict how readers will respond to certain elements in the book.

childeroland · Jun 25, 2009

scope said:
As stated: Historical Novels (in the OP's case about Eva Peron as told through her eyes).

Why are publishers less receptive to historical fiction? Is it because they prefer a writer with credentials relating to the historical period of the book?

Are agents then also less receptive to the genre?

scope · Jun 25, 2009

childeroland said:
Why are publishers less receptive to historical fiction? Is it because they prefer a writer with credentials relating to the historical period of the book?

I don't think that publishers are less receptive to works of historical fiction than they are to any other genre they publish. But in this case, I see an additional hurdle not mentioned by the OP. The OP has written an historical novel about Eva Peron as told through the eyes of Eva Peron. If you were the editor receiving the OP's query and story, wouldn't you want to know if the OP has the credentials to write about Eva Peron and her times? While the entire book may be fiction (I have no idea), isn't it logical to assume that at least some parts are nonfiction? And if so, doesn't the OP have to establish credentials for having accurate knowedge about Eva Peron? But frankly, if this is needed, it will be needed by an agent as well as a publisher.

Are agents then also less receptive to the genre?

I don't see any reason why they would be.

Proach · Jun 25, 2009

ORION said:
I know that this may sound harsh...but often times if agents aren't interested it may be because it may not be publishable.
BTW Is it like the musical evita?
If you really think it is google small publishers and check them out or you may go the self publishing route.
FYI LOTTERY is my fourth novel and first published novel and for three different projects I probably got over 80 rejections...

______________________

Hi Patricia,
What is your book about?

Andromeda · Jun 25, 2009

scope said:
I don't see any reason why they would be.

Well, I have researched Eva's life and times for eight years and read 30 books on her, both for and against her, in English and in Spanish. What credentials do I need? Should I just not bother trying to get it published?

Toothpaste · Jun 25, 2009

No one's telling you that. They are simply saying you will have to deal with those questions, so it's important to prepare your answers. We all have hurdles to overcome, whether it is bridging two genres, writing in an unpopular style, being too long/too short . . . in your case you are writing a biography in a way and people are going to ask why you of all people are the person to do that. They aren't accusing you of anything, they just want to know why, and it is best that you are prepared with an answer.

That's all.

Andromeda · Jun 25, 2009

ok, thanks.

TinneyH · Jun 25, 2009

Andromeda, have you looked at the Historical Writing section on AW? There are people posting there who are writing fiction about real people in the past, in many different periods, and they seem to have a lot of interesting ideas to share. I'm new to AW, but I've found a lot of great conversations to follow over there. Good luck!

scope · Jun 25, 2009

Andromeda said:
Well, I have researched Eva's life and times for eight years and read 30 books on her, both for and against her, in English and in Spanish. What credentials do I need? Should I just not bother trying to get it published?

Andromeda,

My answer was in response to questions asked by childeroland about credentials.

No way do I think you should stop trying to get published. I'm only throwing out some thoughts for your consideration. If they make no sense, ignore them. If they're helpful, great.

Although I know nothing about historical fiction, what follows seems only logical to me. Fiction or nonfiction, if an entire book is devoted to an historical figure, an individual most readers will be familiar with, I think it's incumbent upon the writer to be credentialed about the person and the times being written about -- or aligning himself with such a credentialed person. If you disagree, at least grant me the fact that having such a person on board can only enhance your position.

The fact that you read 30 books about Eva and studied her for 8 years is more than admirable, and I'm sure you know about her than do 99% of the public. And while I definitely think you should play these facts up in your presentation to an agent and/or editor, I don't think that's enough to qualify yourself as a "fully credentialed individual of Eva Peron and the time in which she lived". That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it might be something you want to think about (again, I don't know what agents and/or editors of historical fiction look for --- those who do, please lets hear from you).

I wish you good luck.

Andromeda · Jun 26, 2009

No, I agree. It's just that not having grown up in Argentina, there's not a way I can study Peronist history here except at a large university. And that may actually be an advantage, because a lot of Peronist historians are very biased towards Eva and portray her as almost like a saint- the one exception I can think of is Marysa Navarro. So having studied her outside of Argentina, where she's either demonised or sanctified, probably puts me at an advantage.

KTC · Jun 26, 2009

Cyia said:
You probably don't want to hear this, but the simple fact is that most of the time publishing is SLOW. It takes time and persistence and a whole lot of patience. When the frustration kicks in, channel it into writing another book while you wait so you have something else to send out if the 1st book doesn't sell.

It's also a sad fact that the existence of a book - even one you spent years on - doesn't obligate anyone to publish it. There has to be an audience, and with non-fiction there usually has to be a platform in place before an agent will pick it up or a publisher will touch it.

All you can do it keep trying until you get a yes on this book or have a new to try again with. Sometimes it takes a 2nd book being sold to get anyone interested in the first one. Things aren't always picked up in the order you write them.

Self publishing is even harder in some cases as you must do everything yourself. There's no editor and there's no distribution. No advance marketing and no placement in stores.

QFT. I know how slow it is. I have fulls out that I practically forgot writing.

I am going the route of both agents and publishers. I have several manuscripts at the point of seeking publication. I have a couple with agents...or seeking agents and I have a few with small presses. If small press is the way you want to go...just do some research and find some legitimate small presses and submit...it's not that difficult. Find one that sounds like a good match to what you have to offer.

On another note: I recently spoke to an agent about a novel that has been with a small press exclusively since October. YES-OCTOBER. They still have not rejected it and they still have not accepted it. I have received several contacts regarding it...so I know they are seriously considering it still. The agent I spoke with told me to call her the minute I am offered a contract--if it happens. She will step in at that time. So, you can always do this too...approach the agent once you have a publisher interested.

But really...just do the little bit of research necessary and submit to a publisher. It's not rocket science. If I can do it, anybody can. BUT--get a comfortable seat...there is no fast-lane.

KTC · Jun 26, 2009

Proach said:
______________________

Hi Patricia,
What is your book about?

Patricia's book is about a fantastic character who is 'special'. The character wins the lottery and changes his life and the lives of those around him. It's a wonderful read.

BardSkye · Jun 26, 2009

KTC said:
Patricia's book is about a fantastic character who is 'special'. The character wins the lottery and changes his life and the lives of those around him. It's a wonderful read.

Seconded. It's not my usual choice of genre but I picked it up anyway... then had to pick up a couple more copies for birthday presents.

ORION · Jul 1, 2009

I just checked back here...hey you guys are awesome!!!!

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