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demolinero
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A second publisher has asked to see the complete manuscript of my book, 'Lying in Wait', which reached the YWO Bestsellers List around a year ago. The first turned the story down after a long period of consideration. Fair enough. Now, this second publisher is small, new and appears genuine, though as far as I can see, they haven't actually published anything - yet. This is why I need an agent. I can get the attention of publishers, but I need advice on how to make the best of what I think is an attractive story with lots of bestseller potential. What do I do if this new publisher wants to go ahead with the book? Do I sign up and hope for the best (I'm a careful person who doesn't easily take risks, and especially with a book that has taken years of work to get to its present state), or do I hold back? What would you do without an agent to advise, and, if you're reading this and you are an agent, what should I do? 
This post was last edited by demolinero, 17 May 2010, 18:42
http://www.elizabethjasper.com Find my books on Amazon Kindle here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lying-in-Wait-ebook/dp/B0055T772K/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meggie-Blackthorn-ebook/dp/B005UBZOPA/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Bed-of-Knives-ebook/dp/B007PT0ILA/
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sulcus
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Quote: demolinero, Monday, 17 May 2010 18:39A second publisher has asked to see the complete manuscript of my book, 'Lying in Wait', which reached the YWO Bestsellers List around a year ago. The first turned the story down after a long period of consideration. Fair enough. Now, this second publisher is small, new and appears genuine, though as far as I can see, they haven't actually published anything - yet. This is why I need an agent. I can get the attention of publishers, but I need advice on how to make the best of what I think is an attractive story with lots of bestseller potential. What do I do if this new publisher wants to go ahead with the book? Do I sign up and hope for the best (I'm a careful person who doesn't easily take risks, and especially with a book that has taken years of work to get to its present state), or do I hold back? What would you do without an agent to advise, and, if you're reading this and you are an agent, what should I do? You should interview the publisher as much as they interview you. Ask for their business plan seeing as they haven't yet actually published anything. How do they propose to finance things. Would they ensure the rights revert back to you if they go belly up? You like their vibe, but you need some guarantees sort of approach. Be firm, give the impression they need you more than you need them.
"A,B&E", "Not In My Name" and "52FF" (flash fiction anthology) all available on Amazon Kindle"How a psychopath makes sweet love. I can get you ringside. Royal box even."
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papa stas
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Consult with an attorney FAST.
papa
stas (who thinks you should check out the web for attorneys that help struggling artists)
“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” - Albert Einstein
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Keel
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Elizabeth, the first thing I would do is look on Absolute Write water cooler and search the 'bewares and background check' on this publisher - being as they are new and, if I read you correctly, do not have a track record. Over the last two years I have been offered representation by two agents and had an offer from a publisher, all of which I declined after doing some research. If this publisher dots and crosses the right letters, bloody well done. However, do not sign and hope for the best if they do make an offer; make certain you get the contract checked thoroughly. Your A & W year book can help point you in the right direction. Best of luck, John.
There’s a juniper tree in my garden, but I have an uncle in Kiev.
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mkrobinson12
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Agents are harder to get than publishers.
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Keel
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Elizabeth, you may want to check this out also: http://www.helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/
There’s a juniper tree in my garden, but I have an uncle in Kiev.
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demolinero
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Thanks for this excellent advice. I do have a lawyer on tap (husband), who will do his best to keep me well-advised and I shall take steps to ensure all rights return to me if publication doesn't happen within a set period. I do regularly check the usual sites for info on organisations who are not what they might seem. Caution, caution, caution. Good advice indeed. Thank you everyone.
http://www.elizabethjasper.com Find my books on Amazon Kindle here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lying-in-Wait-ebook/dp/B0055T772K/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meggie-Blackthorn-ebook/dp/B005UBZOPA/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Bed-of-Knives-ebook/dp/B007PT0ILA/
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annswinfen
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Quote: demolinero, Monday, 17 May 2010 18:39A second publisher has asked to see the complete manuscript of my book, 'Lying in Wait', which reached the YWO Bestsellers List around a year ago. The first turned the story down after a long period of consideration. Fair enough. Now, this second publisher is small, new and appears genuine, though as far as I can see, they haven't actually published anything - yet. This is why I need an agent. I can get the attention of publishers, but I need advice on how to make the best of what I think is an attractive story with lots of bestseller potential. What do I do if this new publisher wants to go ahead with the book? Do I sign up and hope for the best (I'm a careful person who doesn't easily take risks, and especially with a book that has taken years of work to get to its present state), or do I hold back? What would you do without an agent to advise, and, if you're reading this and you are an agent, what should I do? Liz, I think you live in Spain, right? Is this publisher in Spain or the UK? Help is available from the Society of Authors. You can only join as a full member if you have been published professionally, but they can provide help for those who haven't yet reached that stage. They can give you advice about possibly questionable publishers. They will also check contracts for authors who don't have agents. This is THE professional organisation for authors, in existence for more than 100 years, and the staff are very helpful. Their email address is www.societyofauthors.org I'd definitely recommend taking their advice.
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demolinero
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Quote: annswinfen, Monday, 17 May 2010 23:06Quote: demolinero, Monday, 17 May 2010 18:39A second publisher has asked to see the complete manuscript of my book, 'Lying in Wait', which reached the YWO Bestsellers List around a year ago. The first turned the story down after a long period of consideration. Fair enough. Now, this second publisher is small, new and appears genuine, though as far as I can see, they haven't actually published anything - yet. This is why I need an agent. I can get the attention of publishers, but I need advice on how to make the best of what I think is an attractive story with lots of bestseller potential. What do I do if this new publisher wants to go ahead with the book? Do I sign up and hope for the best (I'm a careful person who doesn't easily take risks, and especially with a book that has taken years of work to get to its present state), or do I hold back? What would you do without an agent to advise, and, if you're reading this and you are an agent, what should I do? Liz, I think you live in Spain, right? Is this publisher in Spain or the UK? Help is available from the Society of Authors. You can only join as a full member if you have been published professionally, but they can provide help for those who haven't yet reached that stage. They can give you advice about possibly questionable publishers. They will also check contracts for authors who don't have agents. This is THE professional organisation for authors, in existence for more than 100 years, and the staff are very helpful. Their email address is www.societyofauthors.org I'd definitely recommend taking their advice. Hi Ann - It's a UK publisher. I've heard of the Society of Authors and will certainly take your advice if/when the time comes. Eveyone is sooo helpful. Thanks again.
http://www.elizabethjasper.com Find my books on Amazon Kindle here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lying-in-Wait-ebook/dp/B0055T772K/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meggie-Blackthorn-ebook/dp/B005UBZOPA/ http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Bed-of-Knives-ebook/dp/B007PT0ILA/
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dancingsue
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Quote: demolinero, Monday, 17 May 2010 18:39I can get the attention of publishers, but I need advice on how to make the best of what I think is an attractive story with lots of bestseller potential. I always understood that publishers employed editors - isn't that what you're really after? An agent seems to be a middle man - in the business of tailoring the product to fit the market they serve - which may not be to the benefit of your book. I'd continue to liaise with the publisher - find out what kind of commitment they want to make before you turn them down. You can still keep looking for an agent...
the long and the short of it
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I NEED AN AGENT!
17 May 2010, 18:39
