Hi Everyone....Dotsie suggested I might post my experience in finding a publisher for my first novel - due out in print this Spring. It's been a rocky road and maybe some of the things I experienced - the good, the bad, and the ugly - will help someone else making this journey to publication!

Two years ago I had completed writing my "blockbuster mystery novel" and began looking for a literary agent. I started looking on the internet and found lots of excellent resources available to me. Also visited my local library and read up on how to write a query, form a synopsis that would grab attention, and THEN I was off and running.

I sent about sixty letters or email queries out and waited for results. It was disappointing to say the least. All but three of the agents sent back a form letter saying "thanks but no thanks". One well known agent suggested I consider joining some writers groups and start "networking" with other mystery writers, and one said she'd LOVE to represent me but she'd need some money first (A BIG NO NO).....then, miracle of miracles, I found an agent who didn't want ANYTHING from me but my book. She was young, very gung-ho, seemed to be very savvy, and interested in me AND my book, and believed she could sell it to a "name" publisher.....SO I signed a contract with her. She was great - at first. But before long she had FIFTY clients, and after a year had made lots of promises which she hadn't kept. Well - needless to say, most of us began abandoning the sinking ship. I was one of the first to do so. She admitted in the end that she had gotten so wrapped up in the "friendship" aspects of the relationship with her clients that she just didn't have time (??) to do the work. She closed down her "business" shortly after.

I was so disappointed....but I began submitting some of my OTHER material (short stories, poetry, etc.) to several online magazines with success, maintained my friendships with a lot of writers I'd gotten to know, took a job as Fiction Editor for an ezine, then decided it was time to find a publisher on my own - sans agent!

I researched publishers online and at the library - found quite a few who "specialized" in mysteries - and sent out another batch of queries. I felt confident that I could represent myself without benefit of an agent.....if I was successful, I might consider that down the line but as a novice I wanted to try going it on my own.

I was fortunate enough to have TWO small publishers want my book. Based on the fact that Hilliard & Harris liked to publish mysteries, and particularly SERIES (which I intend to do), I signed with them. I'm thrilled. I'm excited. I'm a "survivor" of the bad literary agent pitfall and will see my book in print this Spring.

It can happen....you just have to believe in yourself and keep going when you get tripped up. Having faced adversity plenty of times in my 56 years made me strong enough to pursue my dream. And now it's coming true!

Pam.

What an interesting and encouraging post. And helpful as well. Your persistence and talent is apparently paying off. How thrilling. I can just imagine your excitement at this point. I hope You'll keep us posted as the book progresses. Tell us about the details like how you chose the cover and how the edits and rewrites went and the marketing.

We'll be first in line to it when it gets to the book stores. I'm excited for you. Thank you.

smile

Glad the story made some sense...sometimes before my first cup of coffee in the morning things DON'T make much sense!!

I will keep everyone posted as I continue on my journey. Should hear from my publisher soon about final edits, covers, etc. and will post that info as it "unfolds"....I'm glad this is of interest to someone.

Something I meant to say in my original post was I encourage everyone to INVESTIGATE an agent or a publisher before signing up - query their clients or other authors, etc. - look them up on "watchdog" websites - educate yourself. If other writers have reported problems, you can find that out......in other words empower yourself FIRST - not after a bad experience.

Pam

I wondered exactly how you found the first agent and the publisher also. Did they respond to your mailed queries or were they referred to you? Did you find them online or in a book or where? That is covered in your previous post, but I wasn't sure of the source of the no good agent though I assumed the publisher came from a mailed query.

I think we all need to know where to look and how. Also where not to look.

Thanks.

smile

[ January 29, 2004, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: smilinize ]

I found my agent online. She had a beautiful website - very "warm" and inviting.....she had a list of 10 authors posted and although she had no sales to her credit she had been in business only a year - which really is about when you'd expect a brand new agent to at least BEGIN to have a sale or two. She also was very friendly, conducted a once a week chat with all of her authors, and made a LOT of promises.

My publisher I found online too. There are some wonderful websites with great information available - my favorites are "Preditors & Editors" and "Writers Beware". There you can find out the inside info on agents who have been reported for various problems by their former clients - AND ditto on publishing scams, unscrupulous business practices, etc.

Before I pursued the query letter process with the list of publishers I formulated from my internet research, I checked the "watch dog" websites to see if there was any negative information out there......that's what I meant about educating ourselves and checking to see if other authors signed up with an agent or a publisher are happy with their experience.

There are some really GREAT agents out there who are happy to work with newcomers....and there are publishers who will accept unagented submissions. You just have to do your "homework".

Pam

A bit of an "update" on my book status - just had to share this because I'm so excited (those of you who have had books published and find this whole thing "ho hum" please forgive me!!!!!).....ANYWAY I had an email from my publisher this evening to let me know:

1. they have a cover designed for my book BUT will still use my oil painting (which I submitted as a possible cover) on the inside jacket.
2. the proofs will be sent to me by the end of this month.
3. ARCs will go out right away (Advanced Reader Copies).
4. I will have either a Spring (April/May) release or Fall (August/September)......

Now - any of you ladies who have had to decide this Spring vs. Fall issue - any recommendations? I know they are both prime times for releases......

I can't believe this is finally going to happen. WOW.......OK - I'll calm down now!

Pam

Pam, I am VERY much interested and excited for you!

If it comes out in the fall, you can do a big push for Christmas!

I don't really know that much about the timing of book releases. If I actually had a book coming out, any time would be great!

Donna

Oh my goodness Pam, I bet you are scraping yourself off the ceiling. I would be. How exciting. And using your painting is a bonus.

I am so excited for you. I have no idea about the timing of pulications. Personally, I would probably just say ASAP!!! The sooner the better. I wouldn't be able to wait.

Congratulations.

smile

Thanks ladies.....yes, my inclination is to get the book out ASAP too. I guess I'll just hang on and see what THEY suggest - I'm new at all of this!

I appreciate your support though. It's exciting but a little scary too (know what I mean??)...I'm not all that GREAT at public speaking and most of the libraries expect lecture/Q&A type deals if you ask them if they will host a signing. Maybe since I know my subject so well (haha) it will just come naturally to me.

DEEP BREATH - ONE THING AT A TIME.....

Pam

A tiny update.....my publisher released the 2004 schedule yesterday and it shows my book as a June 1 release. Other authors tell me that's probably a little "flexible" (!!) but at least I now have a REAL target date.

Another author at Hilliard & Harris published a "diary" on his website that has been very helpful to me in knowing the "steps" I'll be going through to the actual release. His name is A.J. Garrotto, and in case anyone would be interested in the diary, it's here on his link - "Circles of Stone" Publication Diary is what I'm referring to.....very interesting and informative. When I told him how GREAT I thought it was, he asked if he could use my "quote" on his site!

http://www.blsinc.com/products/garrotto.htm

Anyway - just thought I'd let you know of the June 1st release date....

Pam

Pam, that is fabulous!! I don't know how even a multi-published author could take finally seeing the product for granted! Yay!

Donna

Go Pam!!

The timing is perfect. It will be out in time for summer reads and can be a best seller in time for Christmas gifts!!

Good for you!!

smile

Pam, as in June 2004? Congratulations.

At this stage of the game what are your responsibilities?

Also, you mention the public speaking part. When you're talking about your own book the passion will kick in and you'll do fine.

I had some comforting thoughts before talking about my project on kive televison bout my project.

It's my project, so what can they ask me that I won't know. If I was working for someone else, other people may know some of the answers and I may not have been involved with certain aspects. But if it's all yours then no one else can talk about it better than you!

I also pray for peace, calm, clear mind, and God's words when speaking.

You'll be amazed at how well you do. I'm willing to bet on it.

Hi Pamela, isn't the journey of publishing exciting? Everything about it is one big discovery.

I'm so glad you survived the agent black hole. Sounds like you learned some wonderful valuable lessons.

Having your book come out in June is great, as it can be marketed toward the summer readers. People with vacations and those who wait until summer to catch up on their reading would love a new mystery!

Does your publisher have a marketing plan or (as most small publishers) is that left up to you? If so, do you have a marketing plan?

Thanks for the encouragement and support ladies!

Dotsie - I have printed out your "Dotsie's Hints for Public Speaking" ( ) because they are BOTH important to remember.

Vicki - yes indeed this is a great journey...as for your question on marketing - because this is a small publisher I will indeed be doing a lion's share of that myself. They represent their clients at book fairs around the country BUT local and area stuff is up to me. My publisher will send a rep to a book-signing/reading so I'll have someone "holding my hand" (haha) once in a while.

If you have any suggestions, I'd be really grateful to hear them.....I've already contacted Barnes & Noble and plan to hit the local bookstores to shake hands, pass out business cards....!!

Thanks again everyone for the comments and congrats...one of the nicest things about Dotsie's site here is the genuine SHARING and CARING.

Pam

Pamela, the first piece of advice I can give you is find out how many advanced reading copies you can get from the publisher. Then start compiling a list of authors and reviewers you'd like to read the book and give you a review. For authors, send them a short note ahead of time giving them a brief paragraph or 2 about the book and asking them if they'd like to read it and provide a review. (by the way, if you queried me with a request, I'd love to read it and give you a review. )

For reviewers, everyone has different submission policies, so follow them carefully. Some want the book 4 months before publication, some want it with a whole package of info, so be prepared.

You can find some great reviewers at http://freereads.topcities.com/bookreview.html

As for advanced marketing, here is a great link for what to do up to a year before your book comes out.
http://members.aol.com/spilledcandybks/checklist.html

Here's a list of more marketing links
http://members.aol.com/spilledcandybks/library.html

I hope they help.

WOW! Thanks for all the GREAT information and links Vicki....I have sent off an email to find out how many ARCs I will get - I think though that all I have to do is just let my publisher know of people I'd like them sent to and they will handle it. In which case thanks for your offer to review my book....you are sweet to say you would.

I visited your website, by the way - enjoyed it! If you think of anything else you may have experienced that would be useful to a novice like me I'd be happy to hear more.....

Thankfully I have some time to prepare for this experience....like a complete makeover, new wardrobe, etc. (haha..just kidding)

Pam

you're welcome.

See if your publisher can also announce your book on "Publisher's Lunch" http://www.caderbooks.com/

I got some great responses about NOT WITHOUT ANNA from film makers. NWA is being reviewed by 2 studios.

Glad you liked my website.

Oh, don't forget to get a professional headshot. This is for your press kit, book cover, publisher's website, etc.

If you can, have your makeup done professionally for the photo, then make sure you own the rights to the photo so you can use it whenever you need to.

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Thanks yet again Vicki. I subscribed to Cader's "Lunch" newsletter for a while when I was looking for an agent...you know - just to see WHO was having successes! It's a great website but I hadn't thought of asking him to mention the book when it's published. I will now though!

I do appreciate the tips. It's all NEW to me but everyone has been so helpful. Some of my fellow members of "Sisters In Crime" have helped too. Writers are a nice group of people - don't you think?????

Pam

I think writers are a great bunch of people!!



Of course, I'm not biased at all.

Well I just HAD to share the latest in my "continuing saga" of getting my book into print.....got word from my publisher this afternoon that the galley proof is on its' way to me! I know that's just ONE MORE STEP, but I'm excited to see the book again and to read through it - make any little changes, etc. Don't think I'll get to lay my eyes on their cover design just yet....but they did say they've chosen the design.

Those of you who have already been through this process know that each little "baby step" along the way is a celebration....what will REALLY be cool is seeing it in hardback and in the bookstores for sale!!

Pam, The Happy Writer

Thanks Brenda......I appreciate the "cyberhug" in the form of congrats.....

YOU know what this is like!! Roller coaster ride of emotions - right now I'm on TOP of one of those HUGE "ups"!!

Thanks everyone..

Pam, congrats on another step. You must be flying high!

I have another friend who just saw the cover of her book last week. It's not what she was expecting, but it's growing on her.

I continue to wish you well every step of the way!

Dotsie and Brenda - thanks for the info and ideas....Brenda, my publisher is sending the Advance Reader Copies out to their "resources" who do the reviews BUT I have input so will make some pertinent suggestions!!

AND - today I did receive the proof and was very surprised and pleased that they included the cover design - I LOVE IT! I absolutely LOVE IT! They used my concept suggestion too which makes it even more satisfying.

Anybody wanna guess what I'm taking to bed with me to read tonight??????

You are right......and I'll make sure some of the ARCs go to my fellow mystery writers.....since my publisher "specializes" in them, and I know many of them, should be easy! I know they will be sending it to Publishers Weekly and some of the trades as well.

Everyone - thanks so much for the positive feedback, suggestions, and most of all encouragement. I'm having such FUN!

Pam

getting a 20 word blurb endorsement from a well known author that your publisher can incorporate into the front cover is the way to go.

That's what I did with NOT WITHOUT ANNA. The front cover has an endorsement from Katherine Sutcliffe.

On the hardcover inside flap is the story blurb and on the back is 5 more author endorsements.

On the paperback the back cover has 2 author endorsements and the story blurb.

they're worth their weight in gold when it comes to the 15 - 30 seconds you have when someone picks up your book and glances at it.

Good idea Vicki....a recognizable name jumps out at me when I'm in a book store looking for reading material. Just makes me think "ah ha! If they think enough of it to say so, then it's bound to be a good read" - and MOST of the time it's true.

Thanks again for the inside scoop! I'm ever so appreciative....