It seems that when I read all the agents' and editors' blogs, I get this picture of almost gloom and doom. They leave me feeling, as maybe they should, that my ms must be the absolute best to have even the slightest chance at publication. Getting representation is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
There is all sorts of help offered. You know I love the free stuff! But what about the stuff with the price tag? How much are you willing to invest in this process? Oh, don't look at me with that 'I thought they'd pay me?' face... I'm talking critiques, query help, editing, etc. Are you willing to pay for the expertise you might require to get your book published? How do you know you're getting your money's worth?
Let me put the fear of God into with this:
Florida sues Boca Raton literary agency
This story ran today in the Miami Herald. It's worth a look. Did you think the publishing world was immune to the vultures? No matter where we go in the world, there is always someone waiting to capitalize on our ignorance. I'm not going to say guilty or innocent in this matter, as I've just now heard about it; but I will say 'author beware'.I can see how easy it would be to get sucked up into a scheme because of our obsession to be authors. There are so many opinions out there, who do you trust? In the last few months, I've read more than a couple of articles on how to select an agent, etc., that is reputable. I'm sure there are vast numbers of sources that will point us in the direction of honest experts in all the above mention areas.
I encourage you all to follow as many good agent blogs as possible. Sign up for free newsletters from publishers lunch (where I first heard of this suit) and any other newsletters you can find. I know... You say you have enough to read. Who doesn't? Scan.
I am not yet involved in any writers' groups. I do plan to be, before I get to the point of hiring experts for help with my book. Take advantage of the wisdom out there and don't fall prey to these varmints!
7 comments:
I'll have to pop over and read the article. I guess the publishing business isn't immune to the vultures.
I'm one of those folks who thinks the vultures are everywhere. Before I hired any agency I would want to talk with published authors and ask which agency they used and were they happy with it.
I know... it seem we can't escape the vultures. It makes me wonder what has this world come to and what happen to the good in this world. It's so sad when you really think about it.
Beware varmints, they are everywhere. It takes a lot for me to trust anyone these days. Good luck.
Anne
I'm not ready to publish my book yet...probably not till next year, but I'm learning so much free and valuable info from reading other people's blogs, especially the ones from agents. Also the writing magazines and writers groups help a lot.
I wish I could tell you that there is a magic formula for getting published, but there's not. First the economy has made it more difficult than ever. And the competition is great.
But perserverence and continued hard work is a must. Don't give up! Write with joy!
I think you're on the right track reading the blogs of well-known agents. Learning from the real deal will help you spot the fakes.
Personally, I'm in no rush. I want to produce a manuscript that catches the eye of a professional.
No matter how hard we work, ultimately our writing is in God's hands. Praying for His direction, guidance, and favor is an essential part of the process.
Blessings,
Susan :)
The key is that we never stop loving writing for the sake of writing. We might get frustrated with the industry and the agent-hunt, but we should just keep on writing and enjoying the journey!
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