Hello. I'm new to all this.

[Larry]

I am a recently published author. My book is all over the internet, but if nobody knows it's out there, nobody is going to buy it. So I went online looking for an agent. I ran across this site. It looked interesting, so I signed on.

[Keith Wallis]

Hi Larry. Welcome to CW.
Looking for an agent at this stage is 'interesting' as an agents job is usually to get the book into the publishing process. I assume, then, that you have self published. We have a forum dedicated to POD (print on demand) and self publishing - take a wander through those posts.

[Larry]

Hi Keith

I am not self-published. My wife would never have confidence in my writing, if I had to do it myself. It is, however, print on demand. You seemed to lump them together.

I know agents often do the work of getting something published, but who gets the authors on the radio and into bookstores for signings and other promotional events? Authors may be articulate, but I don't see most authors as salespeople.

Larry

[Keith Wallis]

Sorry if they seemed lumped together - its just that the CW forum for POD is the same one as selfpublishing.
I would agree that most authors make poor salesfolk but unfortunately to get things moving that's what they have to be. For POD and selfpublishing (both) you have to be a self publicist. At this point I have to drop out of the conversation 'cos I'm an introvert and have nothing to offer by way of advice !

[Anne Lacey]

Welcome and good luck!

[Larry]

Thank you.

[jacks girl]

Welcome Larry

jacks girl

[love2write]

Unfortunately, the industry does lump pod and self-publishing together. It seems unfair, but it true. The reason is anyone at any level of writing can get a book published through a print on demand publisher. Agents and publishers do not recognize self-published and pod books as legitimately published.

However, self-published and pod-published writers really know how to market their books, at least the ones that roll up their sleeves and do it. They understand the work involved. Do not look at marketing your pod book means you are a 'salesperson'. Look at it as you are promoting your name as an author, that you are building bridges for future works. It can be a lot of fun. Talk to your local library about participating in book events, meet with their book club, etc.

Agents do help writers find publishers, and they can help a writer build their writing career.

Sincerely,
Rita Gerlach

Author of Romantic Historical Fiction

Editor of Stepping-Stones / e-newsletter for writers
Free subscription

Editor for the Stepping-Stones Book Proposal Service
For information: mailto:rpkg@comcast.net

[Larry]

Thank you.

[David Meigs]

Larry, welcome to the CW family!

[mel3]

welcome Larry! Going to read your book!

[mahatma]

Hi Larry, welcome to CW.
You are absolutely right, most authors are pretty lousy sales people. Personally I had no clue what was expected of me as an author once I was published. I have picked up an idea or two for sales promotion:
- join a forum (like this one)
- start writing articles or columns for local or national magazines and newspapers to get your name known
- if your book is about a certain topic, send a promotion letter to organizations, churches or charities
- start a blog or web site
- make sure you have business cards ready for everyone you meet
- start or join a reading group
Well Larry, I hope this inspires you to go out there and do something. Never give up on your own work! If you can dream it, you can do it!
:D :D

[whitehawke]

Hi there and welcome to cw.