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- Feb 16, 2005
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- 294
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- The town that dreads sundown, Texas
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victoriastrauss said:ComStar Media is here. They're an anthology publisher (very new; they don't seem to have put out any actual books as yet, and the company's principals don't appear to have any book publishing experience) that also has a novel publishing program through Windstorm Creative, an indie publisher that I consider at least somewhat questionable. I see plenty of red flags at ComStar's website, including the fact that they "recruit" from fan fiction lists...but the salient point is that no agent is needed to place a work with this publisher.
I think I've already given an opinion of the Grant Agency; the "sale" to ComStar doesn't change it.
- Victoria
jfreedan said:Why look for talented fanfiction writers who would need to spend anywhere from a month to several years to write an original story when you can just find writers of original fiction who already have original stories either completed or in a state of completion that just requires editing?
06-08-2006, 09:18 AM
j314
Esteemed New Member
Hi everyone,
I just so happen to be the author that is the client of Steve Grant. I wanted to clarify some things here. Mr. Grant became my agent after I had become contracted with ComStar Media for my short story, The Wraith's Forest, in the Tavern Tales anthology. At the time, I had already submitted my manuscript, The Changeling, to ComStar for review. When they contacted me about possibly publishing my novel, I had my agent work out the details.
If you check out Steve's site, you will see that since then he has sold a two book deal to Kensington for one of his clients. He is a great agent. Always there when I need him and I have the utmost confidence that he will represent me the same as any of the better known agents.
As far as ComStar Media is considered, they are a new publisher. Like all newbies, it will take time to see how well they do. I have my short story, The Wraith's Forest, with them and my upcoming novel, The Changeling, also. So far, I have been very pleased with what they have done for me. They are a great group of people and wonderful to work with. They pay royalties and the books come out in Trade paperback size. They even have them on Amazon and can be ordered for the shelf in bookstores. I know Walden books can have them on the shelf. The only problem, because I am and the publisher is new, I have to call the book store, have them order the books, set up booksignings, etc. The stores do not have them on their list to stock in the store. Not good for me, but as a new author, I can understand. This where my marketing skills have to come to the surface.
If anyone has any questions, they can email me or ask here. I just wanted to clarify what is going on. ComStar is not a rip off and Steve Grant is a great agent. I don't think he's taking submissions right now though, his home was damaged by Hurricane Rita (as was mine - he lives is East Texas, I live in SW Louisiana). Also he lost his mother about a month after the hurricane struck. I know he stopped taking submissions during that time. He should put a notice up on his web page announcing that he is accepting them again.
06-08-2006, 10:39 AM
CaoPaux
Mostly Harmless
None of Grant's sales required an agent, and the majority are to e-mags or POD publishers. Sorry, but not impressed.
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CAO
06-08-2006, 11:24 AM
j314
Esteemed New Member
So selling to Kensington Editor, John S. is not a legit sales? A two book deal? Check out Kate Perry website as well as Steve. Do your homework.Quote:
Originally Posted by CaoPaux
None of Grant's sales required an agent, and the majority are to e-mags or POD publishers. Sorry, but not impressed.
06-08-2006, 11:42 AM
Sassenach
Inexplicability Assessment
This sounds just like Publish America. Not very promising.They even have them on Amazon and can be ordered for the shelf in bookstores. I know Walden books can have them on the shelf. The only problem, because I am and the publisher is new, I have to call the book store, have them order the books, set up booksignings, etc. The stores do not have them on their list to stock in the store. Not good for me, but as a new author, I can understand. This where my marketing skills have to come to the surface.
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06-08-2006, 12:00 PM
CaoPaux
Mostly Harmless
Kensington is indeed the most "legit" publisher listed, since, unlike ComStar Media, they actually put books on shelves. That doesn't negate the fact that Ms. Zolfaghari could have closed the deal on her own. It's good to have an agent assist with contracts, etc. (assuming he has the industry knowledge to negotiate effectively, e.g. declining payment on net), but the main purpose of having an agent is to get you into publishers you couldn't approach by yourself.
When Mr. Grant demonstrates he can sell books to publishers that require agented submissions, we'll be the first to applaud.
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CAO
06-08-2006, 01:46 PM
j314
Esteemed New Member
That is your choice and I appreciate your opinion.Quote:
Originally Posted by CaoPaux
Kensington is indeed the most "legit" publisher listed, since, unlike ComStar Media, they actually put books on shelves. That doesn't negate the fact that Ms. Zolfaghari could have closed the deal on her own. It's good to have an agent assist with contracts, etc. (assuming he has the industry knowledge to negotiate effectively, e.g. declining payment on net), but the main purpose of having an agent is to get you into publishers you couldn't approach by yourself.
When Mr. Grant demonstrates he can sell books to publishers that require agented submissions, we'll be the first to applaud.
Please take into consideration, a lot of the epublishers or small presses that cannot afford to promote or have their books in every book store are not at fault. Just because the publisher is small doesn't mean it's not legit. There are a lot of authors that have sold, some alone and some with an agent, to these small presses (Imajinn, New Concepts, Elora's Cave-when they first started). Are you saying that these sales aren't legit? They were new at one time yet they have worked and done an excellent job with their books and their authors. Everyone has to start somewhere. And do you honestly believe that a well-known literary agency doesn't sell to these smaller publishers?
Also, just to make sure it's clear. ComStar is not a POD. They are listed as a small press. They utilize POD presses, but if you do some research, alot of the larger publishers are doing the same thing with trade paperbacks. So is it wrong for them to use that type of printing services instead of having someone else do it? They have print runs just like a larger publisher, just not as large.
So, no, they are not like Publish America.
As far as Steve is concerned, I sent him a list of publishers that I want to submit my newest novel in a 5 book series and he assured me that he had contacts with every one but one. My list included all the major publishers. Contacts? Yep, I'd say he has them.
06-08-2006, 03:31 PM
Tilly
Board fanatic
15% on sales to e-mags and PODs? At the very least, I'm concerned for Mr Grant's financial situation. How long has he been running his agency?
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2006 Rejection Pledge 10/20 1 short story acceptance
06-08-2006, 03:50 PM
Aconite
Full sun to light shade
Mod Squad Member
j314, the matter isn't so much whether the agent and publisher in question are "legit" (as in "not scammers"), but rather how effective they are.
However...I'm concerned about some of the things you've said about your agent. He represented a short story of yours? To an e-publisher? A publisher that pays royalties, but no advance? And when he said he had "contacts," how do you know that what he meant by that is what you supposed he meant by that?
Do I honestly believe that a well-known literary agency doesn't sell to small publishers? Well, yes, I find that entirely believable. 15% on the small advance and royalties offered by those publishers isn't worth an agent's time, which is why most authors who sign with small presses are unagented.
Anything with an ISBN can be listed on Amazon. It's not hard to do, it's no sign of legitimacy, and it's not impressive. "Available for order by bookstores" means "not stocked in bookstores." That is usually a bad sign. A small publisher that can't get its books in stores is not much better than a vanity press.
I know it sounds like we're just ragging on you, but we're concerned that this deal is not as good for you as you've been led to believe. Check out some of the other threads on this board, like the "How Real Publishing Works" thread at the top of this page. Check out the articles on Writer Beware's blog, and read Miss Snark's blog, too, or Torgo's Honest Critiques, or Agent 007's. You'll soon see why we're concerned.
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06-08-2006, 04:07 PM
j314
Esteemed New Member
Thanks for the concern, but sometimes you have to take a chance. Or even to give someone a chance.
We'll have to see. I am pleased with my choice of agents and I believe in loyalty. He has been great for me and as our careers move forward and upward, we will both benefit from the other.
06-08-2006, 04:13 PM
Tilly
Board fanatic
j314, I very much hope that things go well, and please do keep us updated.
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2006 Rejection Pledge 10/20 1 short story acceptance
06-08-2006, 04:20 PM
Aconite
Full sun to light shade
Mod Squad Member
Best of luck to you. I hope it all works out.
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06-11-2006, 10:34 AM
ptib
Esteemed New Member
Hey All,
Just thought I'd drop in on this thread with MHO concerning both ComStar Media and Steve Grant of The Grant Agency.
First off, tagged as Inspirational with an Edge! and reviewed as "steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message," my writing is different and not easily accepted by the genre of my choice, therefore I had to look for new avenues with which to get my work out there.
Initially E-published by Writer's Exchange Epublishing, I found Com Star Media after being tied up for 18months in a contract that never manifested with a company that never got off the ground, and I am proud to be associated with them!
My novels Tempered Hearts and Tempered Dreams (books 1&2 in a 5 part series) were released in Nov. 2005 and are continually escalating in sales. Edits for Tempered Fire are underway and the book is anxiously awaited from not only fans who bought the original e-published versions of TH & TD, but new readers as well!
Though small, William, Jennifer and Jack work tirelessly to get their products out in a timely manner and with impeccable quality. I recently received my first royalty statement and check which adds to their credibility as honest, upright people doing their best to make a go of their company and doing right by their authors.
As for Steve Grant, he graciously offered me representation after signing my friend J314. Unfortunately, I was at a crossroad in my career and declined his offer.
FYI, I kick myself daily! for that!
Hope my testimony gives you all something to think about as well as encourage you to open your hearts and minds to give CSM and TGA a chance to prove themselves as genuine, reputable entities. Afterall, no one gets to the top without climbing a few ladders...one-rung-at-a-time.
06-11-2006, 06:57 PM
Aconite
Full sun to light shade
Mod Squad Member
pitb posted the same message in the ComStar Media thread. See the responses there.
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Has new sales posted. ("Love Inspired Historical" is the new line under Christian-oriented imprint Steeple Hill. No agent required.)