We’ve had a number of writers ask us about the best way to go about getting book-length fiction or nonfiction published. They wonder if self-publishing is an easier option than traditional publishing, and when a writer should give up on trying to land a book deal.
Should I try to get my book published traditionally even though it’s hard, or should I just self-publish?
Once you make the decision to self-publish, it can sometimes be much trickier to convert to a traditional, paying publishing house. Self-publishing only looks easier than traditional publishing. First, go for the gold: Look for a literary agent. Try for a book deal. You WILL get rejections and you will get lots of them. It’s been said that the difference between an amateur writer and a professional one is that a professional is an amateur who didn’t quit. Only after you’ve exhausted the possibilities should you fall back on self-publishing. And then, be certain of what you’re getting into.
How do I know when to give up my desire to get a paying book deal?
Writers get rejection letters. It’s a rite of passage that doesn’t end. Every time you open a rejection letter, you should give yourself a big pat on the back. Why? The fact that you sent out query letters at all means you’re ahead of the game (because you’re ahead of writers who give up too soon or who don’t have an effective submission strategy). Each rejection is a symbol of your positive, go-get-’em attitude, and you should celebrate that accomplishment!
It’s been our experience (working in publishing since 1994) that a writer should not give up on getting a traditional book deal until he or she has sent out at least 100 queries to literary agents. And even then, a paying book contract may still be available, especially if your book appeals to the niche markets that small presses often target.
In short, go until you can’t go anymore. Then, keep going. That’s how character (and literary celebrity) is born.
Got a question for Ronnie about the book biz, poetry, short stories, or other prose writing? Send your question to info@wrelief.com. And if you want to chat in real time, why not come hang out with me on Twitter? www.twitter.com/writersrelief.
Remember: If you’ve been trying to get your book or novel published and are looking for someone to help take the frustration out of the submission process, consider Writer’s Relief!
Why bother? Which is harder to write or submitt 100 times? At this point I would rather just have someone publish it and take all the profit if my work means something to someone.
You are sooo right. Rejection in the name of the game until some one feels that your writings fit in niche. You can come so close, but no cigar. The 100 mark is a average. There are pages and pages of agents on many websites. Some one will be bloody bold and resolute as Shakespeare said in Macbeth and take the plunge. I think Agents are the most arrogant people alive. They want the brightest and the best to represent, but they aren’t willing to be altruistic to the very talented newcomer. My advice…beat them at their own game…Keep buggin’ them over and over again. Email is cheap. Flood their emails with worthy stuff.
We understand that submitting can be so frustrating. That’s why it’s our mission to take the pain and stress out of that process as much as possible.
Also, that’s why we’re giving out our free E-book, Rejoice in Rejection, at http://www.WritersReliefBlog.com/page/badges.aspx.
We do hope we can help.
Happy writing!
My first novel is meant to be a tribute to women in uniform so I’m anxious to get it published as a matter on honor. I wouldn’t mind a little income from my second novel, but just to share the story with other human beings is a reward in itself.
If you just want to be read rather than make money from it – as the book on women in uniform suggests, then upload complete book to a free online site such as Smashwords. You never know, if you build up a fanbase for that book, they may be willing to buy your second work.
Good luck.
By the way, you can’t find 100 different agents in the Uk, so we have to set our bar lower! I wallpaper my study with the rejection letters – it drives me on. But I have just self-published my first book.