first rights? Opinions/advice appreciated...

Annmarie09 · Sep 16, 2009

Hello.
So, I really don't think this is the right place to ask this question, but I'll go ahead and ask anyway.
I've finished writing my YA book and am currently shopping around for agents. However, before doing so, I posted the prolouge and first 2 chapters of my book up on a website called 'worthy of publishing'. Some of you may have heard of it. If not, then it's a good place for 'test marketing' I guess. It says that you keep your copyright, but I don't know how true that is.

Does the fact that I've already posted 10% of my novel online decrease or even completely crush my chances of ever getting accepted by an agent?

Thanks

Sage · Sep 16, 2009

Is it password protected?

Also, I think 10% is fine, but I wouldn't do anymore, and if you're querying, you might want to remove the posts.

Annmarie09 · Sep 16, 2009

erm no, it's not password protected. However the copy and paste function doesn't work, if that counts for anything.

Also, do you think it would be wise to mention this in my query? It could be useful, 'cause I got some good statistics for it which would help my cause a bit

Stunted · Sep 16, 2009

I'm not an expert, but it's probably fine. Just take it down once you get representation.

YAwriter72 · Sep 16, 2009

Not really. Agent won't care. Sell the story in the query.

Sage · Sep 16, 2009

No, don't mention it in your query. Agents and publishers really don't care what betas and critters think.

Annmarie09 · Sep 16, 2009

ok then...thanks guys for your help

*sigh* I really need to find something to write in the 'experience' part of the query letter.

Sage · Sep 16, 2009

Unless they ask for it, just don't include it.

YAwriter72 · Sep 16, 2009

I didn't. My query was just about the novel I was querying.

Annmarie09 · Sep 16, 2009

Really? Ok then. I guess if that works, then I'll try that. Thanks

Gillhoughly · Oct 29, 2009

If not, then it's a good place for 'test marketing' I guess.

Worthy of Publishing is a complete waste of time and effort.

"Pre-publishing" is what it's called. And it doesn't work.

Posting a whole book there means that technically the writer has put it in print, losing first printing rights.

No publisher will want it. They're only interested in being the first with any book they buy from a writer.

I'm glad you just did two chapters or WoP would have totally messed up your chance to be published!

WoP says that talented writers aren't published because the Publishers (which is grammatically incorrect, you don't need to capitalize that word) don't know what's going to be popular.

However, publishers base their decision on books sent to them, not to another website. Editors don't have TIME to cruise by WoP!

If they thought "test marketing" a book like a bar of soap would get them only bestsellers, they'd be on it like a shot. But it doesn't work so they don't. They read submissions and pick the best based on the quality of writing and their experience on what sells.

When a site lies to you on the very first line of their "About" page, and can't get basic grammar right, RUN AWAY.

Author Victoria Strauss, who is an active scam-buster and part of a publishing watchdog group, "Writer Beware," wrote about them, mentioning the "catch" :

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2008/01/victoria-strauss.html

"Take, for instance, Worthy of Publishing, a website that claims to "revolutionize the way writers may attract publishers and gain exposure." (Note that wonderful qualifying word, may.) Writers upload their work for readers to comment on; if ratings are high, "this could attract the interest of publishers through some of our unique relationships." The service is free for writers, but publishers must hand over a 3% royalty to the site if they acquire a manuscript from it. Ludicrously, Worthy of Publishing appears to expect that publishers will be willing to pay this amount over and above the writer's royalties."

I've NEVER heard of any publisher buying a single title that's been listed on WoP. No publisher would enter into that kind of royalty agreement.

And WoP's website doesn't have any sales to show. You'd think if they had any they'd mention it to tempt in more customers.

Instead, they're hooked up to a vanity press, which is likely their main income. They will likely urge you to spend money to get your book into print. Vanity books don't sell either.

You can be plagiarized. Scroll down to see how that can happen.

http://sallyquilfordblog.co.uk/2009/07/anti-plagiarism-day-stealing-ideas.html

Hope this helps!

first rights? Opinions/advice appreciated...

Annmarie09

Live. Love. Laugh.

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

Annmarie09

Live. Love. Laugh.

Stunted

Ich heiße Superphantastisch!

YAwriter72

someone let me off this crazy ride

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

Annmarie09

Live. Love. Laugh.

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

YAwriter72

someone let me off this crazy ride

Annmarie09

Live. Love. Laugh.

Gillhoughly

Grumpy writer and editor