An agent has requested my new manuscript and asked for my author's bio including publishing credits. I had three novels with POD and have gotten released from the contracts. I am currently rewriting them under new titles. I mention this in my bio, but I don't mention the publisher. I sold about 200-300 copies of each book. I learned a great deal about promotion, met with local book clubs, spoke at different organizations, and such. I don't want to withhold information from my agent, since I want to submit the revised novels under new titles when they are finished. I also want her to see that I have written more than just the single book I'm sending her.
POD may not be a true credit, but if she askes me about it I will be truthful and tell her who printed them, how I got shafted, how I got released, and how I am moving forward. I will also tell her it was one way I tested the market to see if readers and reviewers liked the books. I had excellent reviews from REAL reviewers. It should count as something.
I think it is also the way in which you approach the writing of your author's bio. Besides, won't the agent decide what to present to publishers when it comes to what publishing credits I've listed? Won't she know the best way to do this?
One more thing so I can vent. It is my hope and prayer that agents and publishers do not turn down good writers because of companies like Publish America and Authors House. Please look at the writing, not at who shafted these poor writers.
