Publishing Credits

[love2write]

The word is getting out to writers that self-published and print on demand books are not considered publishing credits by industry professionals. Literary agents and publishers only want you to list in your author's bio legitimate publishing credits, otherwise they think the author is uninformed about the industry.

I'm posting this to warn writers that are serious about their careers not to publish with these kinds of publishers. Publish America is especially frowned upon. If you've published your book with Lulu, Author House, I Universe, etc. it will not count as a legitimate publishing credit.

I know this personally, and I struggle with it every day that I was decieved by Publish America which told me I was a legitimately published author and that my book would be in bookstores. I am struggling sometimes between depression and anger at what happened to a book that took me three years to write. I read on writer's message boards like Absolute Write not to include my book in my credits when submitting to publishers. I know it seems unfair, and in my opinion it is grossly unfair. But that is how things are going now.

[kriswrite]

You're right. Editors and agents generally don't consider self-publishing (including through Publish America, Cafepress, Lulu, etc.) a true credential. The reason for this is pretty clear, though. If you have a traditionally published book under your belt, it shows editors and agents that somebody thought your writing was worth publishing. Some person found your query compelling, and your manuscript enjoyable. This is not the case with self publishing, and in general, most of what's self published is really badly written. Or at least that's the perception.

However, if your self published book has sold a great many copies, then editors and agents may perk up and show interest.

Kristina

P.S. Love2Write, what keeps you from trying to market your Publish America book to a traditional publisher?

[tlm]

What about magazine and newspaper articles. Do those have any merit with agents and publishers?

[DraperJC]

Articles you were paid for count as publishing credits. The weight they carry with a submissions editor depends on what you're submitting. Non fiction proposals will be seen in a better light if you have articles published in that category. Fiction editors will be interested that you at least have some pub credits but it will be the writing that attracts them. The key for publication credits is getting paid. When someone like your writing enough to spend money on it that says a lot. In the same way, selling hundreds or maybe thousands of copies of a self published work can count in your favor as well.

[tlm]

That is what I thought. Believe me, getting a magazine article printed is tedious. You have to fit the right article with the right mag. at the right time. It deserves some credit.

It sure feels good to see your name in print, though.

[love2write]

P.S. Love2Write, what keeps you from trying to market your Publish America book to a traditional publisher?

Hi Kriswrite,

Back in April 2005, I was able to get out of my contracts with Publish America and have all rights reverted back to me. At that time I was writing another historical novel and so I forged ahead to finish it (Feb. 06). Since that time I've been submitting it to agents, while writing another novel.

I actually had 3 books with PA because they were a series, and it is a long story as to why I even signed with them in 2000-02. They made promises they did not keep.

Anyway, I plan after I've completed the current novel I'm working on, to rewrite my other books and submit them under new titles. I have not been sure how this will work out with agents and publishers. Should I tell them the books were previously with PA? Or should I just treat them as new? Will telling publishers these books were with PA for a short time ruin my chances of them being published again? My reviews were excellent and I hope they will count for something.

I'm not sure about the answers. It is depressing at times. If I had known back in 2000 that a pod book sells less that 100 copies through the publisher, that my books would not be in bookstores, that they would not be counted as a publishing credit, I would have never signed with Publish America. But, I was new to all of this, and there was no information about PA on the interent. I am glad there is now, so writers will stay away from them. I feel they robbed me, scammed me, and possibly ruined my writing career.

[TanyaSue]

I can't answer your questions because I am completely new to this. However, I do want to encourage -- not because I know anything about publishing -- but rather, because I know our God. He is fully capable of doing ANYTHING. Be encouraged for He can take you, your desires and your skills to heights you've never imagined. Your feelings are valid. PA may have taken something from you, but do not allow them to take your hope and your dream. If God has called you to this, He will provide the way for you to succeed ... in spite of anything that may or may not have happened in the past. Keep writing. You know you love it! :) Besides, you don't want to miss out on the blessings God has in store for you through it.

[kriswrite]

Love2write, I would think you can market them without mentioning PA. Send out your queries, and when asked to, send the MS. When it comes time to talk contracts, then you can mention PA, but I don't think any legit publisher/agent will really care.

Kristina

[tlm]

Love2write,
If God is for us, who can be against us?

[DraperJC]

If the PA novels are extensively rewritten you shouldn't have a probem, especially with new titles. Mention PA last though.

[love2write]

Thanks to everyone. The words of encouragement have helped.

I had taken my website down after my contracts were terminated with PA. Recently I had the urging to go back and redo it. I thought, last week, I was finished. But I wasn't. I realize I need to rid myself of the things that have been attached to my soul regarding my Publish America experience, things that have linger on. Like the Word of God says, I need to shake the dust from off my feet and move on. I also need to trust the Lord that he will bless my writing career.

So, I went into my file last night for my website and removed all the book covers, titles, and isbns. Instead on each book page I added a beautiful old painting reflecting the time period and a new title. Under the synopsis I wrote, 'Currently this novel is going through revisions and will be ready for submission soon'.

I felt better about this. Now, I don't know if it will help me on twit putting my site back up, but I have heard that often times agents will Google a writer's name when a query comes in. Maybe having a site up will help.

Thanks friends!

[kriswrite]

A website can be helpful to agents and editors, especially if you have published, sample writing on it. Be sure to include your web address in your cover letter and with all your contact information.

Kristina

[JMK]

Hmmm. Thanks. I'll omit my iUniverse book from my publishing credits.

[stevehut]

The upside of self-pubs? Anyone can get pub'd.

The downside of self-pubs? Anyone can get pub'd.

If bookstores carried every book that's pub'd, would you buy more books?

Did your self-pub'd book sell 10,000 copies? That is the real success story.

Think about it.

Steve :-)