Good Day,
After countless threads, posts and blogs on outing the POD Publisher, Publish America, many have veered away from their destructive path.
However, if you are one of them, you know what? It's ok. Really. As much as it would be gloriously perfect to land our first title at an S&S or B&N, it is less then more that these situations occur. That is why many authors question on whether or not to acquire an agent.
To be represented or Not to be...that is the question. Mainly because like myself, I didn't do enough research on them when the now famous e-mail came through my computer.
You know what? That's still ok. Really. This was my lesson to learn and my cross to bare. But, to be negative and constantly re-hash the mishap that occurred, would be a waste of time, energy and focus on moving forward.
It is not to say my first novel stinks, because you know what? It really doesn't. Really. Yup, some typo's...again my lesson to learn and others have learned through wonderful threads and forums such as AW. Thank you to them as they are like the internet literary police!
It's not only PA, but many outfits out there need to be researched before leaping into the publishing waters. As with anything in life, one must weigh what options they have. Some have more then others.
I tried B&N solely based on the fact that they have housed 5 plus decades of my father's titles. They couldn't have been less of a help. I have connections to a re-print editor there and my father's editor for non-fiction.
I dealt with the head of small vendors and press release in reviewing my PA book. She said I maybe the exception to the POD rule. Why? Not just because of my father. But because I was marketing myself way before the first book came out and kept on it. I also kept her in the loop via e-mail as she always thanked me for updating her.
I knew they would say no to shelving the book. In the end, very few exceptions are made with rules when your an unknown or have very little connections. Then, I learned, that many traditionally published books don't get shelved either, but stand a better chance of coarse in doing so. I kept researching and learning. I love my first book because the cover art is awesome and I had many sleepless nights in that process, as a former graphic designer. After learning about PA, I worsened throughout the process of completing the book.
My experience there was good because the editor was always polite and interested in my upcoming radio shows. I can't say anything negative there.
The designer, well my impression was she was young and although talented, not very good at client/designer communication. This I know because I use to be her, only worked in reputable companies in NYC.
I got angry then tired of feeling scared that no-one would purchase my Lady Ambrosia. Now what? Wasn't that the whole point? Witness the fruits of my labor soar to top literary heights? Another life lesson learned.
I became proud of my accomplishment regardless and no, I wouldn't recommend PA to anyone. I also wouldn't recommend going the way of POD for the first time if you want to play the game and receive literary validation. It will take longer and more thick skin needed, but in the end, the choice is ultimately up to the new author.
Traditional Vs. POD is an on-going debate and some are better then others on both sides of the publishing fence.
Research, have patience and don't ever question yourself. Your good, you know your good and if you keep at it, other's well connected will know it to.
Don't think to much. Just create and re-create until polished. Gather your well researched list of who you want to query and then go for it. Then, let it go and go on with your life. If it is meant to be, it will. Follow up, follow up and follow up.
Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. Market yourself whether you have an agent or not. Only you know yourself best. Stay healthy and on top of your game and don't worry about what others are doing. Take from them what you will, but you make your own life path and choices at the end of the writing day!
I wish everyone luck and health.
Best,
Author, Alexandra Holzer
http://www.hauntingholzer.com
After countless threads, posts and blogs on outing the POD Publisher, Publish America, many have veered away from their destructive path.
However, if you are one of them, you know what? It's ok. Really. As much as it would be gloriously perfect to land our first title at an S&S or B&N, it is less then more that these situations occur. That is why many authors question on whether or not to acquire an agent.
To be represented or Not to be...that is the question. Mainly because like myself, I didn't do enough research on them when the now famous e-mail came through my computer.
You know what? That's still ok. Really. This was my lesson to learn and my cross to bare. But, to be negative and constantly re-hash the mishap that occurred, would be a waste of time, energy and focus on moving forward.
It is not to say my first novel stinks, because you know what? It really doesn't. Really. Yup, some typo's...again my lesson to learn and others have learned through wonderful threads and forums such as AW. Thank you to them as they are like the internet literary police!
It's not only PA, but many outfits out there need to be researched before leaping into the publishing waters. As with anything in life, one must weigh what options they have. Some have more then others.
I tried B&N solely based on the fact that they have housed 5 plus decades of my father's titles. They couldn't have been less of a help. I have connections to a re-print editor there and my father's editor for non-fiction.
I dealt with the head of small vendors and press release in reviewing my PA book. She said I maybe the exception to the POD rule. Why? Not just because of my father. But because I was marketing myself way before the first book came out and kept on it. I also kept her in the loop via e-mail as she always thanked me for updating her.
I knew they would say no to shelving the book. In the end, very few exceptions are made with rules when your an unknown or have very little connections. Then, I learned, that many traditionally published books don't get shelved either, but stand a better chance of coarse in doing so. I kept researching and learning. I love my first book because the cover art is awesome and I had many sleepless nights in that process, as a former graphic designer. After learning about PA, I worsened throughout the process of completing the book.
My experience there was good because the editor was always polite and interested in my upcoming radio shows. I can't say anything negative there.
The designer, well my impression was she was young and although talented, not very good at client/designer communication. This I know because I use to be her, only worked in reputable companies in NYC.
I got angry then tired of feeling scared that no-one would purchase my Lady Ambrosia. Now what? Wasn't that the whole point? Witness the fruits of my labor soar to top literary heights? Another life lesson learned.
I became proud of my accomplishment regardless and no, I wouldn't recommend PA to anyone. I also wouldn't recommend going the way of POD for the first time if you want to play the game and receive literary validation. It will take longer and more thick skin needed, but in the end, the choice is ultimately up to the new author.
Traditional Vs. POD is an on-going debate and some are better then others on both sides of the publishing fence.
Research, have patience and don't ever question yourself. Your good, you know your good and if you keep at it, other's well connected will know it to.
Don't think to much. Just create and re-create until polished. Gather your well researched list of who you want to query and then go for it. Then, let it go and go on with your life. If it is meant to be, it will. Follow up, follow up and follow up.
Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. Market yourself whether you have an agent or not. Only you know yourself best. Stay healthy and on top of your game and don't worry about what others are doing. Take from them what you will, but you make your own life path and choices at the end of the writing day!
I wish everyone luck and health.
Best,
Author, Alexandra Holzer
http://www.hauntingholzer.com
