New girl with a question

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 02:57 AM

I have written a book and want it published. Like many other people who have gone to PA I received a response immediately, but already I've learned disturbing things about their processes. Should I just look elsewhere?
Please give your honest opinion on this. I'm torn because I want my book published, but I worked very hard on it and don't want to be duped by PA.
KV

Queen of Swords · 10-29-2008, 03:11 AM

Hi Kerri, and welcome to the board.

The answer to your question of "Should I look elsewhere" depends on what you want out of publishing.

~~___ Two printed, bound copies of your book~~
___ $1

If you ticked these, PA should provide what you want.

___ Professional editing for your book
___ Actual cover design, rather than a stock image
___ An advance greater than $1
___ The book sent out to reputable reviewers
___ The book distributed to stores nationwide
___ A publication credit recognized by the industry
___ A career in writing

If you ticked any of these, it might be better to try commercial publishing or a reputable small press.

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 03:15 AM

I guess that cleared it up for me alright.
Apparently I was right in what I thought when I found out they wanted my book.
IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

Queen of Swords · 10-29-2008, 03:21 AM

Just remember, a real publisher will take some time to go over the manuscript before offering acceptance, will pay you more than a dollar for your rights of first publication, and will not pull up twenty pages of links when you enter its name and the word "scam" into Google.

Gravity · 10-29-2008, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrivitale

I guess that cleared it up for me alright.
Apparently I was right in what I thought when I found out they wanted my book.
IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

Don't say that, Kerri! There are many, many solid commerical publishing houses out there that are actively looking for good manuscripts. You'll make it!

Cybernaught · 10-29-2008, 03:24 AM

Sorry Kerri, but it's better that it happened now then later. Imagine the heartbreak of other authors when they go to B&N to schedule a book signing and they're told they don't carry their book because it's POD, too expensive and can't be returned.

But you're in luck. Type up a query and pop it into SYW, get valuable feedback, and then send it out to agents. You're in good hands here.

kullervo · 10-29-2008, 03:24 AM

Welcome, Kerri. You're smart to have done your research on PA. Their promises are definitely too good to be true. But new writers see their work legitimately published every day (heck, I did this month!). AW can help you on your path.

Deb Kinnard · 10-29-2008, 03:25 AM

Not necessarily. The "too good to be true" part, I mean.

I assume you've investigated non-subsidy, non-scam publishers and you're getting ready to submit to them? When one of them wants your book, it's, ahem, quite a feeling.

Opt not for quick easy fixes. This isn't an easy endeavor to get into. If it were, everybody would sell for "nice deals" and big advances.

If you believe in your work, go the distance. Query legit publishing houses, and if you get some "no-thanks" responses, set yourself to learning more about your craft. Join a crit group. Participate in a local writers' chapter in your chosen genre. Take yourself to the next level and try again.

PA is less than your last choice. It should be a non-starter for every writer.

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 03:30 AM

My biggest problem is $$$$$$...I have none. So I can't really go the self-publishing route which makes all this harder. I did just get a new book (the 2009 edition on writing) for my birthday, maybe I'll just stick to sending query letters for now.

jennifer75 · 10-29-2008, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrivitale

[FONT=Georgia]I have written a book and want it published.

You sound a lot like Veruca Salt.

Daddy, I want a squirrel. Get me one of those squirrels, I want one!

JulieB · 10-29-2008, 03:33 AM

Welcome to AW, Kerri.

You'll find plenty of resources (and warm, generous folks) here on the site to help you out.

stormie · 10-29-2008, 03:33 AM

Hi Kerri!
You've accomplished a lot. One--you completed a manuscript, two--you researched PublishAmerica, three--you seem ready to listen to advice on these boards, four--you know you've worked hard.

So. Please don't rush. Make sure your query and ms. are polished. Stick around, ask questions. Read the posts. You'll see your book published. It may take awhile. In this business, you have to have patience.

Queen of Swords · 10-29-2008, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrivitale

My biggest problem is $$$$$$...I have none.

I don't have any money either. That's one reason I decided to get an agent who could submit my manuscript to the major commercial publishers.

Quote:

So I can't really go the self-publishing route which makes all this harder.

I think it's going to take more than money to succeed in self-publishing. That's a whole nother ball game, and if you're not trying to exploit some niche in non-fiction, you're probably better off trying to get an agent or publisher interested.

Cybernaught · 10-29-2008, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrivitale

My biggest problem is $$$$$$...I have none. So I can't really go the self-publishing route which makes all this harder. I did just get a new book (the 2009 edition on writing) for my birthday, maybe I'll just stick to sending query letters for now.

Why do you want to self-publish?

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 03:40 AM

I've heard and read that agents are not a good way to go for first time authors. Is this really true?
Forgive me if I seem naive or ignorant, but I'm new to all of this and am only looking for advice.

Cybernaught · 10-29-2008, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrivitale

I've heard and read that agents are not a good way to go for first time authors. Is this really true?
Forgive me if I seem naive or ignorant, but I'm new to all of this and am only looking for advice.

You heard wrong. Did you hear this by PA by any chance? Probably.

MagicMan · 10-29-2008, 03:45 AM

kerrivitale

Welcome to AW, this place will help you a lot.

Post your query, and possibly post 1000 words of chapter one for critic on Share Your Work.

You will get good comments and help with your query. A good query will get you an agent who can market your novel. Notice I said GOOD query. Post it and find out if it is good.

Smiles
Bob

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 03:46 AM

I know a few people who have published books through agents and made less money than the agents did. Probably just got stuck with a horrible agent and not a good one from what I can tell but you never know.

Cybernaught · 10-29-2008, 03:49 AM

Agents generally take 15%. If the book fails to sell, neither the agent nor author is going to get paid. Stay away from agents who try to charge you fees.

JulieB · 10-29-2008, 03:52 AM

I second that. If the author is making less than the agent on a deal then that's a red flag.

I'd say it's fishy, but y'know, I've got this cat with glowing eyes here, and she'll eat the fish. ;-)

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennifer75

You sound a lot like Veruca Salt.

Daddy, I want a squirrel. Get me one of those squirrels, I want one!

Maybe I'm stupid but, who's Veruca Salt???
It was only a question

Queen of Swords · 10-29-2008, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrivitale

I've heard and read that agents are not a good way to go for first time authors. Is this really true?

There are scam or amateur agents just as there are scam or amateur publishers. Legitimate agents, on the other hand, provide critical feedback, get manuscripts read by editors in a much more timely fashion than writers can do on their own, negotiate contracts, sell rights, and do much more for their clients.

Quote:

Forgive me if I seem naive or ignorant, but I'm new to all of this and am only looking for advice.

Not a problem. No one's born knowing everything about the industry.

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 04:00 AM

I gotta go...my husband's getting irritated with me for being here so long.

Thanks for all the help, I'm sure we'll talk again.
KV

Christine N. · 10-29-2008, 04:04 AM

Ick. You don't want to self-publish. It's time and money consuming. And you're not the best person to edit your work. Nothing personal, no one is the best person to edit their own work. It's a fact of life.

There are plenty of resources on the net, including right here at AW, where you can find the skinny on everything from agents to query letters. And a critique partner if you need one.

Sneaky Devil · 10-29-2008, 04:08 AM

Before I forget
On booksie.com I have submitted the first chapter of my book. It's titled Anniversaries.
If you're interested, check it out. It's about a woman who kidnaps, tortures, and kills two women every year...there's more to it than that, but I can't give away all the goods

10-29-2008, 02:57 AM	#1
Sneaky Devil The Vessel of Carmilla Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Carmilla's head among The Occult Collection Posts: 5,288	New girl with a question I have written a book and want it published. Like many other people who have gone to PA I received a response immediately, but already I've learned disturbing things about their processes. Should I just look elsewhere? Please give your honest opinion on this. I'm torn because I want my book published, but I worked very hard on it and don't want to be duped by PA. KV

10-29-2008, 03:11 AM	#2
Queen of Swords starting over Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto. Gotta love it. Posts: 7,060	Hi Kerri, and welcome to the board. The answer to your question of "Should I look elsewhere" depends on what you want out of publishing. ~~___ Two printed, bound copies of your book~~ ___ $1 If you ticked these, PA should provide what you want. ___ Professional editing for your book ___ Actual cover design, rather than a stock image ___ An advance greater than $1 ___ The book sent out to reputable reviewers ___ The book distributed to stores nationwide ___ A publication credit recognized by the industry ___ A career in writing If you ticked any of these, it might be better to try commercial publishing or a reputable small press. __________________ Before the Storm: science, sex and sorcery in a medieval world. Samhain Publishing. Ebook and paperback. Read Chapter 1! The Deepest Ocean: contracted to Samhain! Last edited by Queen of Swords; 01-10-2009 at 03:08 AM. Reason: apparently PA no longer offers free author copies

10-29-2008, 03:15 AM	#3
Sneaky Devil The Vessel of Carmilla Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Carmilla's head among The Occult Collection Posts: 5,288	Thanks I guess that cleared it up for me alright. Apparently I was right in what I thought when I found out they wanted my book. IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

10-29-2008, 03:21 AM	#4
Queen of Swords starting over Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto. Gotta love it. Posts: 7,060	Just remember, a real publisher will take some time to go over the manuscript before offering acceptance, will pay you more than a dollar for your rights of first publication, and will not pull up twenty pages of links when you enter its name and the word "scam" into Google. __________________ Before the Storm: science, sex and sorcery in a medieval world. Samhain Publishing. Ebook and paperback. Read Chapter 1! The Deepest Ocean: contracted to Samhain!

10-29-2008, 03:24 AM	#6
Cybernaught Decker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,255	Sorry Kerri, but it's better that it happened now then later. Imagine the heartbreak of other authors when they go to B&N to schedule a book signing and they're told they don't carry their book because it's POD, too expensive and can't be returned. But you're in luck. Type up a query and pop it into SYW, get valuable feedback, and then send it out to agents. You're in good hands here. __________________ The Degenerate New Fiction - Fool Me Once "The appropriate response to reality is to go insane" - Philip K Dick

10-29-2008, 03:24 AM	#7
kullervo minion Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Princeville, Kauai Posts: 940	Welcome, Kerri. You're smart to have done your research on PA. Their promises are definitely too good to be true. But new writers see their work legitimately published every day (heck, I did this month!). AW can help you on your path. __________________ http://www.loreleiarmstrong.com http://www.kullervo.com http://www.sbwriters.com/conference/...tml?staffid=29

10-29-2008, 03:25 AM	#8
Deb Kinnard A stormy day in Cornwall... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Casa Chaos Posts: 1,772	Not necessarily. The "too good to be true" part, I mean. I assume you've investigated non-subsidy, non-scam publishers and you're getting ready to submit to them? When one of them wants your book, it's, ahem, quite a feeling. Opt not for quick easy fixes. This isn't an easy endeavor to get into. If it were, everybody would sell for "nice deals" and big advances. If you believe in your work, go the distance. Query legit publishing houses, and if you get some "no-thanks" responses, set yourself to learning more about your craft. Join a crit group. Participate in a local writers' chapter in your chosen genre. Take yourself to the next level and try again. PA is less than your last choice. It should be a non-starter for every writer.

10-29-2008, 03:30 AM	#9
Sneaky Devil The Vessel of Carmilla Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Carmilla's head among The Occult Collection Posts: 5,288	My biggest problem is $$$$$$...I have none. So I can't really go the self-publishing route which makes all this harder. I did just get a new book (the 2009 edition on writing) for my birthday, maybe I'll just stick to sending query letters for now.

10-29-2008, 03:33 AM	#11
JulieB I grow my own catnip Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Deep in the heart o' Texas Posts: 2,248	Welcome to AW, Kerri. You'll find plenty of resources (and warm, generous folks) here on the site to help you out. __________________ The Steam Cat is in!! It's Blog! Everyone loves a Blog!

10-29-2008, 03:33 AM	#12
stormie storm central Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Still three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Posts: 10,557	Hi Kerri! You've accomplished a lot. One--you completed a manuscript, two--you researched PublishAmerica, three--you seem ready to listen to advice on these boards, four--you know you've worked hard. So. Please don't rush. Make sure your query and ms. are polished. Stick around, ask questions. Read the posts. You'll see your book published. It may take awhile. In this business, you have to have patience. __________________ .... ... .. BlogBlogBlog

10-29-2008, 03:40 AM	#15
Sneaky Devil The Vessel of Carmilla Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Carmilla's head among The Occult Collection Posts: 5,288	I've heard and read that agents are not a good way to go for first time authors. Is this really true? Forgive me if I seem naive or ignorant, but I'm new to all of this and am only looking for advice.

10-29-2008, 03:45 AM	#17
MagicMan practical experience, FTW Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 778	kerrivitale Welcome to AW, this place will help you a lot. Post your query, and possibly post 1000 words of chapter one for critic on Share Your Work. You will get good comments and help with your query. A good query will get you an agent who can market your novel. Notice I said GOOD query. Post it and find out if it is good. Smiles Bob

10-29-2008, 03:46 AM	#18
Sneaky Devil The Vessel of Carmilla Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Carmilla's head among The Occult Collection Posts: 5,288	I know a few people who have published books through agents and made less money than the agents did. Probably just got stuck with a horrible agent and not a good one from what I can tell but you never know.

10-29-2008, 03:49 AM	#19
Cybernaught Decker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,255	Agents generally take 15%. If the book fails to sell, neither the agent nor author is going to get paid. Stay away from agents who try to charge you fees. __________________ The Degenerate New Fiction - Fool Me Once "The appropriate response to reality is to go insane" - Philip K Dick

10-29-2008, 03:52 AM	#20
JulieB I grow my own catnip Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Deep in the heart o' Texas Posts: 2,248	I second that. If the author is making less than the agent on a deal then that's a red flag. I'd say it's fishy, but y'know, I've got this cat with glowing eyes here, and she'll eat the fish. ;-) __________________ The Steam Cat is in!! It's Blog! Everyone loves a Blog!

10-29-2008, 04:00 AM	#23
Sneaky Devil The Vessel of Carmilla Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Carmilla's head among The Occult Collection Posts: 5,288	Thanks for the help I gotta go...my husband's getting irritated with me for being here so long. Thanks for all the help, I'm sure we'll talk again. KV

10-29-2008, 04:04 AM	#24
Christine N. is not the avatar thief Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Where the Wild Things Are Posts: 7,625	Ick. You don't want to self-publish. It's time and money consuming. And you're not the best person to edit your work. Nothing personal, no one is the best person to edit their own work. It's a fact of life. There are plenty of resources on the net, including right here at AW, where you can find the skinny on everything from agents to query letters. And a critique partner if you need one. __________________ Christine Young Adult Fantasy Author The Sword of Danu (The Library of Athena, Book Four): Get yours TODAY! YA Historical Fantasy/Fairy-Tale Adaptation - HAS AN AGENT! I tweet Young Adult Authors You've Never Heard Of

10-29-2008, 04:08 AM	#25
Sneaky Devil The Vessel of Carmilla Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Carmilla's head among The Occult Collection Posts: 5,288	One More Thing Before I forget On booksie.com I have submitted the first chapter of my book. It's titled Anniversaries. If you're interested, check it out. It's about a woman who kidnaps, tortures, and kills two women every year...there's more to it than that, but I can't give away all the goods

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode