Big vs. smaller?

Rhush · Sep 20, 2005

I have gotten an offer on my ms. from an editor at Kesington that involves some re-writes, which I agreed to, no prob. BUT I seem to be, (very inderstandably I guess), on the back burner compared to the already signed writers. What I am wondering is, is it better for a first novel to go with a smaller publisher and possibly get more of the attention needed to move foreward quicker, or to stay with a bigger publisher and have to wait quite a bit longer for them to get to you? I am willing to do whatever re-writes needed, I just feel very stagnant being unable to start them.

Cathy C · Sep 20, 2005

My personal advice is to wait. Yes, it's frustrating, but then publishing is frustrating. The time periods seem very long and it's easy to chew on nails wondering. But be patient. Kensington is a good house and you'll wind up with a MUCH better deal in the long run than if you go with a smaller house. And don't count on a small house being any faster. From ms. in the door to on the shelf is 1-2 YEARS either way. Hold on tight to that fish on the hook and start to put line on another reel . . .

maestrowork · Sep 20, 2005

Since you already have an offer in hand, go with the big guys. It'll sound more impressive anyway. Either way, expect to wait. It's rare that you will see your book in print in less than a year -- more like two, especially if you're not their "star writers." The publishing business is not for the impatient.

Meanwhile, write more books. Put this one away until the rewrite begins...

triceretops · Sep 20, 2005

Way to go, Becky! I knew you would do it. Take the above advice. I happen to like the smaller pub houses, but Tha's just me.

Tri

aruna · Sep 20, 2005

Congratulations! I agree with what the others have said.

Jamesaritchie · Sep 20, 2005

Rhush said:
I have gotten an offer on my ms. from an editor at Kesington that involves some re-writes, which I agreed to, no prob. BUT I seem to be, (very inderstandably I guess), on the back burner compared to the already signed writers. What I am wondering is, is it better for a first novel to go with a smaller publisher and possibly get more of the attention needed to move foreward quicker, or to stay with a bigger publisher and have to wait quite a bit longer for them to get to you? I am willing to do whatever re-writes needed, I just feel very stagnant being unable to start them.

Publishing is almost never a fast process, small publisher or large. Sometimes, in fact, small publishers take even longer than large ones.

The first novel is always the slowest. If you continue to write as much and as often as you should, the process does speed up. It often speeds up to the point where you wish it would slow down again.

Don;t let this first novel live alone. Do the rewrites, but don;t let any time go by before startign a second novel. That's what speeds the process up, no matter who the publisher is. Once things actually get moving, a novel a year is average, and two a year is very common.

Believe me, if you do your part, then the world will get very fast, once book one hits the stores.

JennaGlatzer · Sep 21, 2005

I agree with the rest... and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

ChunkyC · Sep 21, 2005

Congrats, Becky! Yes, stick with 'em. I have a friend who waited -- from submission to contract to publication -- six YEARS with a relatively small house.

awatkins · Sep 21, 2005

Wow, Becky! Congrats! Oh, and I agree with everyone else.

Rhush · Sep 21, 2005

Thanks for everything guys! And the weird thing is, my mentioning it must have cosmically triggered things. I talked to the editor today and not only are things moving along on the book FINALLY, but she also asked for a synop of my wip horror novel... which is a completely different genre than the first novel they made an offer on! Wish me luck! :banana:

Lyra Jean · Sep 21, 2005

Completely ot Awatkins

Just wondering if the bird in your avatar is a quaker parrot. My mom owns one. She's the third owner and recieved Homer when her coworker found out I had cockatiels. She said here, "Have a bird" and now my mom has Homer the ornery quaker parrot.

We understand why though. And he only likes her but he's still not very loveable but his previous homes weren't the best.

Sorry for the interruption...now back to your regularly scheduled forum topic.

Robin Bayne · Sep 22, 2005

Congrats and I would wait!!

Early in my career I pulled a ms. back from a large pub because I got an offer from a small press. I always have wondered if I made a mistake. . .. .

Big vs. smaller?

Rhush

Slave to the metal

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

triceretops

aruna

On a wing and a prayer

Jamesaritchie

JennaGlatzer

wishes you happiness

ChunkyC

It's hard being green

awatkins

Not harboring illegal parrot

Rhush

Slave to the metal

Lyra Jean

Two years old now.

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~