I am nearing completion of a middle grade novel manuscript, just in time to send it out to an annual contest, sponsored by Random House, open only to first novels of this kind. However, I noticed that the contest has not had a winner in five of the last six years. Consequently, I'm feeling squeamish about its potential as a launching pad.
Suppose I were to win the prize of a standard publishing contract with Delacorte Dell Yearling. Would the fact that my manuscript emerged from a contest make a difference in how strongly the publisher markets it? Would it receive a small press run and then disappear? Would I be better off to pursue an agent who believes in the work and can negotiate something better?
Thanks!
Suppose I were to win the prize of a standard publishing contract with Delacorte Dell Yearling. Would the fact that my manuscript emerged from a contest make a difference in how strongly the publisher markets it? Would it receive a small press run and then disappear? Would I be better off to pursue an agent who believes in the work and can negotiate something better?
Thanks!