sigh

[tlm]

Well, I completed a manuscript that was accepted by PA over a year ago. The manuscript was a project I started so I could be released of my contract with them (I had a 2 book contract). Well, I was totally disappointed with the finished project and the book was never published. I have tried to find another publisher for the book, but it has such a limited market (teenage girl romance), that I haven't even found a nibble. I have tried to walk away from the ms, but can't seem to do it.

I think I am going to self-publish (lulu/cafepress or something like that) by the end of the summer if I can't find a publisher. I just think I need to do something with this project so I can focus better on a MS that might be easier to market. With a new MS maybe I will be able to find an agent, too.:cool:

[Gravity]

Kind of on the same subject, I just found out PA has "published" (printed) a book by a guy telling others how to break into the pr0n business. Sad.

[DrRita]

Toni,
Just keep trying for the traditional market, don't cave in. I know you've self published before but I think you need to just keep going. Traditional publishers know the market and if they "aren't nibbling" then perhaps the market is too limited right now which means that your self published book won't do that well either.

I know this sounds like I bashing the POD/Self publishing thing but I just think that yours will find a home if you keep at it. How about going to a writers conference. Did you know that 99% of the new writers publishing traditional are picked up at writers conferences?? Over the transom almost never makes it unless its a really hot subject or so darn good (meaning extra,extra special) that the publisher can't pass it up. And that almost NEVER happens. They even pass up best sellers before they become best sellers.

Just my opinion but at least try a conference first.

[tlm]

Kind of on the same subject, I just found out PA has "published" (printed) a book by a guy telling others how to break into the pr0n business. Sad.

Yea, I read somewhere about that, maybe on the PAMB. I still check it out about once a month.

I know you've self published before but I think you need to just keep going. Traditional publishers know the market and if they "aren't nibbling" then perhaps the market is too limited right now which means that your self published book won't do that well either.

Rita, you are quite right. When I wrote this MS it was a story I had in my brain, but even as I wrote it, I doubted it was marketable--only for Christian teen girls--but knew PA wouldn't turn it down. I wanted to honor a contract to PA and would have if they hadn't filled the MS with spell check errors and refused to remove them.

I am going to send out a few more queries till the end of the summer. I know that the book won't sell much as a self-publish, just something I can carry around to library talks and so on. I intend to donate any profits to Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse organization. That was always my plan for this book anyway.

My newest project, that I am now editing, is probably much more marketable. It fits a specific broad genre very well.

[DrRita]

Cool! Who knows, maybe it will be a best seller and get picked up by a big publishing house . . . Best of "luck" (blessings) to you on it.

[P.K.mama]

It seems most writers really don't like self publishing, yet if you feel so strongly about the MS you need to do what you think is right. God may be leading you in this direction. Perhaps and Editor has ignored God's call for your book. I think that can happen just as often as writer might ignore God's call for a certain story. I''ll be praying for you to make the right decision. Good luck!

[love2write]

Toni,
Don't give up. Try http://www.christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com/index.php
I have thought of doing this if I do not find a publisher by 08.

[tlm]

It seems most writers really don't like self publishing, yet if you feel so strongly about the MS you need to do what you think is right.

Thanks, I am still praying about what to do.
Toni,
Don't give up. Try http://www.christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com/index.php
This seems like a good idea, especially for the project I am working on right now.

[kriswrite]

Self publishing is rarely worthwhile for novels. Very rarely does a self published novel actually sell...and when it does, it's usually because the authors:

1. Worked their tails off promoting it
2. Had a good platform already (a large group of people who followed them and their work)
3. Or both

Sometimes we have to let dear projects be pushed aside. Sometimes we can come back to them years later, fix them up, and sell them. Sometimes they just can't be sold.

My best advice is to start work on another book, while continuing to try to sell the first. But once you've approached all the available publishers with that first book...move on.

Hugs,
Kristina

[tlm]

Sometimes we have to let dear projects be pushed aside. Sometimes we can come back to them years later, fix them up, and sell them. Sometimes they just can't be sold.

My best advice is to start work on another book, while continuing to try to sell the first. But once you've approached all the available publishers with that first book...move on.

I agree.

Everyone has given good advice. I am working on a new project now and am in the editing phase.

It is the moving on part that is difficult. I do occasionally get invited to small speaking venues and my PA books are almost all gone. I don't know yet.

I do have a query letter for which I am waiting a reply.

[cpickett]

Hi,
I know this post is from last week but I'm new to the forum today. I just wanted to encourage you to consider and pursue whichever way of publishing you feel is best. Traditional and POD and independent self-publishing all have pros and cons.

I have not published yet but have been researching my options for two years while working on a couple of different projects (one of which ended up being about publishing options)

If your list of pro/con says that self pub may be right for you I'd recommend checking out Booklocker.com for POD and Booksjustbooks.com if you want to self-publish independently. Neither profess to be Christian but they do give about the most straight up advice I've seen.

Do what's right for you.

[Gravity]

Do what's right for you.


Good advice. The only caveat I would add is that one consider the type of book they're thinking of self-publishing. For non-fiction works, self-publishing can make them a nice bit of money (provided the person has a large enough platform, and isn't shy about hand-selling). For novels...let's just say the process is not effective.

[cynthiahickey]

I, too, am an ex-PA'r. Since then I've joined the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. It is the best writing decision I've ever made. Costs me $45 a year (worth spending). The also have the largest Christian fiction conference every year where attendees meet face to face with agents and editors. You can also pay for a critique. The worship, food, fellowship and classes on improving your craft make the trip worth a person's while. The conference is in Dallas this year. Check it out. www.acfw.com

[tlm]

I tried and tried to find a conference that met during the summer (when I was off of work) but they were mostly in the spring or fall. I do need to join an organization, though.

Since I began this thread, I did receive another rejection for this book. I knew that it was a long shot idea to begin with. That was why I wrote it for PA. I now have a new ms that I am editing right now and want to focus on selling so I think I will put this on Lulu for now and maybe rewrite it later on. It is time to move on anyway.

[tlm]

Cynthia,
I checked out your site. Are all three of your books with PA? Are you still under contract with them?

[cynthiahickey]

Two of my books are still under contract. One, the historical, I asked them to release and they did. My writing has improved so much, and I have a contest win under my belt, that I am now targeting the CBA and looking for an agent. I learned through PA, but can't go any further with me. I understand what you're saying about work. I have to take time off to go to the conference, and do so without pay. My boss, the principal at the local elementary school where I am the detention monitor, understands that this is something I'm not willing to negotiate on.

[johnnyg67]

Hi, I'm new to this site, but I wanted to share my thoughts. I almost signed with PA (had the unsigned contract at my home). After doing some research on line I found way too much negative information about PA for my taste so I backed out. I seriously am looking at self publishing through Lulu. You retain all rights, have access to world wide distribution, you set the price by deciding on your royalties etc, you can do it completely free if you want to do so, or you can have extas such as a custom cover illustrations etc at reasonable pricing. Books ordered through outlets like Amazon and Barnes and Noble etc do not cost you a penny until they are ordered. Then they simply deduct cost of printing and 20% profit for them from the what the buyer pays. You are not billed, they handle it all and send you royalties.

In reality, most books do not sell mega millions and I really think that most authors must take a lot of the responsibility for marketing in order to help get the word out...find your niche etc and work to ge your work noticed. I think it is a great option for a new writer unlike the traditional POD companies that can cost you thousands up front. I have done online research about Lulu and have found nothing negative yet. You keep more profit on each sale too. I promise that I do not work for Lulu, but I'm excited about getting my work in print and I have a book that will be done in a couple of weeks. I'll let you now how it turns out.

Hey if someone knows something better or has a different experience with Lulu then I'd love to know.
Sorry, I get real wordy! Good Luck!

[love2write]

Lulu is a good idea, depending on what genre your book is. I would not recommend them for fiction. Why not try agents or commercial publishers first before going with self-publishing? I would personally use Lulu for a family cookbook or the book I wrote of family short stories. I only care that those books would be bought by family and friends.

But for my historical novels --- no pod or self-pub for me.

Rita

http://www.freewebs.com/ritagerlach/
http://www.freewebs.com/steppingstonesforwriters/index.htm

http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=36362
http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=36281

[johnnyg67]

Lulu is a good idea, depending on what genre your book is. I would not recommend them for fiction. Why not try agents or commercial publishers first before going with self-publishing? I would personally use Lulu for a family cookbook or the book I wrote of family short stories. I only care that those books would be bought by family and friends.

But for my historical novels --- no pod or self-pub for me.

Rita

http://www.freewebs.com/ritagerlach/
http://www.freewebs.com/steppingstonesforwriters/index.htm

http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=36362
http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=36281

Hi Love2Write,
Thanks for the advise. I must admit that even though I have just recently begun trying to discipline myself enough to finish the books that I began a long...long time ago, I have not taken the time to learn much about agents etc. My first eBook (an employment guide) was just my first goal to finish something...anything! Looking back I could have done a better job there, but as a true procrastinator it was a relief just to finish it. Goal #1 complete.

Goal #2 The book that I plan to publish through Lulu (The Green Enamel Kid) is a humorous short story (56 pages I think) sort of historical nonfiction I guess. True experiences with some fiction added for humor and effect. I'll be honest, after writing this story about 20 years ago and finally taking the time to go back and rewrite it multiple times, I really want to complete the process before I turn too old to be able to read it. Ha

Please help me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that if your lucky enough to get a book published the traditional way then it might take a year or more before you see it in print. Ironic I guess...a procrastinator that's in a rush! :) My next book that is in the works (Goal #3) is more serious and I may try the traditional way there. Ideas and help are aways appreciated by me so thanks again for your post. (Next time I'll write a shorter answer I promise)

PS I read your article on your website about going from good to great (Sorry forgot the exact title) anyway it was very informative...Thanks.

PS PS Again: WHOOPS! I may be responding to old messages. Like I said I am new to this type of forum so I have not developed the habit of looking to see the dates on each post. Forgive me if I am jumping in as a after thought.

[tlm]

My boss, the principal at the local elementary school where I am the detention monitor, understands that this is something I'm not willing to negotiate on.

Cynthia, I didn't realize you had responded to my question, Sorry. One benefit of changing schools is that I will possibly have more time for actual writing.

But for my historical novels --- no pod or self-pub for me.

At some point, in the distant future, I will take this whole book and re-write it, setting it in a historic, rather than contemporary setting. I think that might actually work. As it is, it isn't for the mass market, according to all the queries I have sent.

That's okay, because I am sooooo close to being finished with my newest Manuscript!!!

I am always the optimist!!!

[AnnWinters]

I'm leaving the name of my publisher out, to avoid this being classed as an advertisement.

Personally, I feel that self-publishing is a highly individual decision. And certainly, there are those POD/subsidy/self-publish pubs that should be avoided. If considering that venue, one should check them out thoroughly. Which I did. My first novel is definitely a niche novel. Christian books stores and readers are my target audience.

One should check to see if the publisher they are considering have books on the shelves of those Christian book stores in your area. If not, is there a problem with ordering the books from your publisher. And is the publisher in mayor computer distribution system.

My publisher enjoys an excellent reputation with Christian book stores and is distributed by reputable distributors. They are promoted by reps to bookstores and through the catalogues. They fill and distribute based on promotions to physical stores thorough orders from the catalogue.

They arrange, and supply the books for, all book signings. They have an impressive list of scheduled book signing events nation wide listed on their website that can be easily verified.

I understand why some are skeptical and I am not faulting them for that. We should be cautious. However, contrary to what some believe, the good subsidy or partner publishers are getting lumped in unfairly with the scams of the industry.

My advice would be to do your homework thoroughly before going with any subsidy or self-publishing deal. But don’t be too quick to judge those who might be sincere and have integrity. Especially if you have no personal experience with them.

[Tommie Lyn]

Please help me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that if your lucky enough to get a book published the traditional way then it might take a year or more before you see it in print.
It can take even longer. The publisher who is looking at my novel states on their website to expect them to take 6 months to respond to a query and up to a year for consideration of a full manuscript. I was very fortunate that they requested my manuscript within two months. Now, I'm waiting on pins and needles to hear if they will accept/reject it (it's been almost three months -- nine more to go, sigh).

But even if they accept it, it takes a long time in the preparation process, in the edits, design and typesetting of the book, development of the cover art, development of the marketing plan, etc.

So, yes, expect more than a year before the book is released. And possibly, MUCH more.