I wrote a book about ten years or so ago...way back when everything was on a different computer program...I had to put it on the back burner and now much retranscribe everything to my computer again...which is probably good because I needed to edit again for the 100th time anyway. I figure this is going to take me at least another year...then what do I do? I'm so new at this...never thought I'd actually be able to talk to women my age who are doing the same thing as me. My book is fiction based on a lot of fact from my childhood weaved into an interesting (hopefully) story of rediscovery and forgiveness. Can anyone tell me what I need to do once I retype my entire book into my computer again? Thanks, in advance.

Patrika,
First, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.
I have a couple of books "in the works." An autobiography I wrote expressly for my family--a history. I had thought of self publishing and have been exploring small presses. It's not my thought at this time to hit the media with it.
The other book, a collection of poems- is still in progress. I would like to go with a standard publishing for that one. I know these are pretty general, but do you have any advice for me?
Renegade

I still become confused by 1st, 2nd and 3rd person when I'm writing. I seem to mix them together. Is there any way to stay on track with this?

Hello Patrika,
I'm looking forward to learning all I can. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.
Pursuant to the topic of audience, I have another question. Do you advise authors to use different names when publishing under different genres? For instance, I normally write mainstream fiction. One of my works in progress is a romance. The style of that novel is different from what I usually write. I know I'd have to query different agents/publishers for both types of my work. Or would I? (Guess I have more than one question.<G>) And when I do, do I mention to the Romance publisher/agent the other works, or are they irrelevant?
Thank you in advance for answering.
Marie

Hello Patrika,
I am a writer. My first book is self published. I wrote the book that didn't exist when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I found a thousand first person stories and medical books but nothing that had both. I find it is hard to get the word out without an agent and it is so hard to find an agent who is accepting new clients. My book is called "Into the Mist" because that is how it feels when someone you love is fading away a little more every day. My target audience is baby boomers and health care professionals.
My second book is a chick-lit novel. I'm going to wait until I find an agent or publisher for this one. IF ANYBODY HAS AN AGENT WHO WILL ACCEPT A NEW CLIENT PLEASE SHARE.

Ladies, Patrika is no longer the Featured Author so I don't think she'll be here to answer your questions. Sorry.

This is theh only month we have not had a featured author, but one is on board for next month.

Thanks Dotsie,
I was beginning to wonder why I never received a response to my question.
Have a great day,

Marie

Patrika, you wrote "You don't need an agent, particularly if you've already made contact with an interested publisher."

BTW, I got Francine Silverman's newsletter today which mentioned you were in here and thought I'd check it out. Welcome!

Now, I am under the impression that in order to get into a NY house, you need an agent. Sure, there are publishers, although they are few and far between, that take unagented submissions, but do you find this to be true - that the majority of us who want a NY publisher should aim for an agent to get our foot in the door?

Dorothy

Uh oh, is Patrika not here?

Read post above from Dotsie and she answers that question, sorry overthehillchick.