So You Want To Publish A Book..

I’ve been sending out queries for the last couple of years. Although literary agents have responded for the most part, I did not get any bites. Of course I was discouraged and it made me doubt my craft. It made me question my main character: a black female with a particular gift, in a magical realist setting.

**Be honest with yourself, reader. If you didn’t purposely pick a novel after researching about it or if you choose the book from the “black people section” in Barnes and Nobel, you’d automatically assume the main character is white… Maybe a fair brunette to be more specific— unless the author blatantly describes the character as having tawny skin or platinum blonde hair, or eyes shaped like almonds. I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve done that myself. Especially when reading books that are geared towards the same audience. (That is why I write what I write! I want to change that assumption)**

My inbox being filled with denials made me wonder if I was pursing the right career. It also made me feel like no one was interested in pursuing something different. For the longest, everyone was on the magic train, then the vampire boat, and then the dystopia bus. That made me feel like my work was too unique and I will always miss the ride.

“Thank you for your query to the ____ Literary Agency; unfortunately, we don't feel like we're the right agency for your project.”

“While I appreciate the opportunity to review your work, I'm afraid I must pass. I wish you good luck in finding the right agent to represent you and your writing.”

“Thank you so much for thinking of me for your query. I wish I could offer a more personalized response but on average, I receive 500+ email query letters a week. Do know that every query letter and sample are read and even though your project is not right for me, it might be right for another agent so don’t give up! I’m also sorry I have no agent recommendations to offer.”

The whole process is aggravating. It’s just like applying for a job. You have this piece of paper pretty much stating how great you are and can be, but it’s not enough. You want to show that you’re capable and eager, excited and anxious to write and be creative, but you will never get that chance if your pitch doesn’t captivate the agent. It'll just get lost in all the piles of queries these agencies receive everyday. The paper encourages detachment. The query barely shows a fraction of who I am. (Who any of us are.) Things like this make me consider self publishing.

So it made me ask myself, what is up with this picture? I am doing something wrong? I paid for someone to edit my first novel before sending out these queries. I’ve rewritten the first novel at least nine times. I've shared my query with multiple people to see if it was intriguing, clear, and concise.

Traditional or Self-Publishing? Which is right for me?

After looking up the facts and opinions of people from both sides of the spectrum (success and fail stories), I still haven’t come to the best decision. On one hand, going the traditional route would allow me an agent who knows the industry. They can answer all of my questions, handle on the uncreative stuff, while assisting me through the publishing process. They have relationships with editors and publishing houses which gives me a better chance to be produced. They might front me money in the beginning from them assuming that my work would be successful. BUT-- and there's a big butt-- Through the process of editing it's possible they'll make me take out a chapter, get rid of a character, pretty much change my work and how I envisioned it, while taking maybe 15 to 20% of my profits.

Self-publishing would otherwise cut out the middle man, but I would have to do a ton of research in order to protect myself and my work. In the beginning I would have to pay out of pocket for everything which could get expensive fast. Hard cover, soft cover, ebooks, all with different rates and processes. Doing this I have control over the story and plot and money. (Example: How has Mayweather accumulated so much wealth other than being a successful fighter? He's been his own promoter, cutting out the middle man, collecting all the ticket sales) Although the E. L. James story of success is intriguing and makes me want to use the pen name GalacticFireIceDragon to publish weekly pieces of my novel to online users, her case and success is rare. And there’s probably a 1 in a billion chance of some person finding my work in the trash like J. K. Rowling and wanting to give me a deal.

I won’t give up just yet. I’ve found different ways to meet people who could help me get closer to my goals while becoming a better writer. It’s important that you send your query to agents who like your specific genre. If you're sending your mythical comedic novella to an agent whose specialty is non-fiction romantic drama, then it’s likely your manuscript will get tossed.

Here are some things I've found on my journey:

• Writer’s Digest Market – I purchased this book to search for literary agents who are looking for more work. There are direct emails and websites inside.

• Local Writers groups

• Scholarships

• Online contests

• Project Greenlight

• The Screenwriting Challenge

• AWP

• Become a member of an organization that holds conferences so you can mingle with fellow writers and agents

• SCBWI (Thank you, Baskin)

• Writer’s Digest Annual Conference

• AWP

• Joining a writer’s group on facebook

• NaNoWrMo

• Using LinkedIn to connect with alumni from your school who are pursuing the career you want to pursue— In this case, any literary agents, authors, writers, novelist, etc.

• In books of the same genre you’re writing for, look for the literary agent in the front of back cover, or see who the author gives “thank yous” and “shout outs” to in the back section.

What do you think? Tradition or Self-Publishing? Comment below. I’m interested in hearing your opinion.

#Novelist #Literary #Agents #SelfPublishing #TraditionalPublishing #Success