Taking a chance

by **SouthernFriedInfidel** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:51 pm

After a year of sitting on my latest book manuscript, I've decided to ignore advice from the "get published" books and I'm going to try to interest a publisher directly. According to my records, last year I sent queries to five different agents that appeared likely to be interested in my book. None of them even bothered to send a rejection form letter in the self-addressed, stamped envelopes I provided.

I find that I have a fear of even putting an inquiry letter in the mail. All sorts of advice exists for us unpublished writers, telling us how to live with being repeatedly rejected. I have no problem at all with being rejected. Heck, I even laughed off a story rejection that I got once with a note urging me to subscribe to the magazine I was submitting to.

But being ignored -- damn, that's far worse.

by **Liv** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:03 pm

I know how you feel... I'm doing the "Self-Publishing" thing right now, but will be more than happy to pursue any avenue available including a publisher once it's ready.... I'm doing all the darn "technical" aspects right now, and it's driving me bonkers.... Still have to set up a photo shoot for the cover, etc... etc... Order the ISBN....

It's been a humbling and learning experience writing a book.

by **A Person** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:17 pm

I have never written anything (other than technical papers) - but I do know that there is nothing wrong with contacting publishers directly - and that 5 attempted contacts of agents in a year is pitiful

It's a bit like complaining you didn't get a job even though you sent your resume off to five companies. I've been passed over for jobs I really thought were mine and for which I was uniquely qualified and, yeah it sucks to be rejected, but that's all part of life. I have one from a company telling me there was nothing suitable for me and one dated two weeks later from the same company offering me a job - after I had met my potential manager in person through a mutual acquaintance.

A good friend is a would-be writer, she worked as a freelance journalist, got articles published in magazines and made a comfortable living. She never broke through with her book but she is doing what she enjoys and it allows her to live in the country, away from the high costs of the city.

So stop feeling sorry for yourself and do some self promotion and networking. Complain when you've got three walls papered with rejection letters.

by **SouthernFriedInfidel** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:24 pm

A Person wrote:I have never written anything (other than technical papers) - but I do know that there is nothing wrong with contacting publishers directly - and that 5 attempted contacts of agents in a year is pitiful

Perhaps. Of course, there's really no point in sending an inquiry to agents that state they aren't interested in the type of manuscript you are trying to sell. That's like putting in a resume for a machinist job at a software company, isn't it? I sent off inquiries to all the agents I could find who were even close, so far as I could tell.

Like I said, I don't mind rejections. I fear being ignored.

by **Liv** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:29 pm

I read a book on how to write a book (if that isn't non-sense) and the author suggest not sending the manuscript, but just a letter....

I thought that was odd, but what not....

You could always go the self-publishing route if you like.... (if you haven't already) This internet thing is an amazing device..... Getting your book on Amazon and borders.... is pretty darn cool

by **Sanjuro** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:52 pm

SouthernFriedInfidel wrote:
Like I said, I don't mind rejections. I fear being ignored.

Dude, I've ignored you for YEARS!

You can thank me later.

by **SouthernFriedInfidel** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:56 pm

Sanjuro wrote:
SouthernFriedInfidel wrote:
Like I said, I don't mind rejections. I fear being ignored.

Dude, I've ignored you for YEARS!

True, dat.

by **Liv** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 7:39 pm

So, SFI, any advice on query letters? I've done them before for manuscripts... but I'm going to work on one this week for a literary agent.... I'm taking any and all advice

by **SouthernFriedInfidel** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:42 pm

Liv wrote:So, SFI, any advice on query letters? I've done them before for manuscripts... but I'm going to work on one this week for a literary agent.... I'm taking any and all advice

You might want to ask for advice from someone who is successful. All my query letters led to failure, so I obviously have no clue.

by **Liv** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 10:18 pm

Where did you find prospective agents? Online?

by **SouthernFriedInfidel** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 10:23 pm

Liv wrote:Where did you find prospective agents? Online?

Initially, I went to the library to do some searching in the current edition of The Literary Marketplace. I then did a Google search to see what might shake out there, and found a few sites that seemed to be well maintained. That got me a couple of names, but obviously, that didn't pan out.

Today, I see that The Literary Marketplace has an on-line version. Maybe you'll find something worth looking at there....

by **Liv** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 10:31 pm

I'll check that out....

I know most of them are in NY, was hoping to find someone local perhaps.... though now that I type that, I'm wondering if that might be a bad idea.

by **Liv** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:41 pm

So I sent a query letter off for my next book.

It's a bit late, but I may try to shoot off a few more.

Love to find some upfront financing to make my exchange time abroad even more exciting.

Doubt it will happen, but I'm planning on writing it anyways. Bought a new leather journal for the trip.

by **SouthernFriedInfidel** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:44 pm

I guess I need to get on the ball and send out more queries for my religious autobiography. I think it has enough good material to be viable.