For years I sought publication with some of the big publishers in New York. I submitted manuscripts to agents as well, and I got represented by several "well-respected" agents in the field. However, those agents turned out to be not what I expected. One went to jail for a couple of years; another was banished from the industry; yet another decided to start a children's book company and gave up being an agent. What a disappointment, and what a waste of time--a few years in fact.After realizing the waiting period for manuscripts to be considered for acceptance or rejection was too long, I gave up on the New York Publishers. Looking back now, I wonder if I was wrong to give up after putting so much time into the process. Others who began at the same time I did have met with considerable success. Now I wonder.
What about you? What do you think about the importance now of being with a New York publisher? Can authors gain enough success with small publishers or by self-publishing?
6 comments:
I'm with a small publisher and so far it's been a great experience for me but I can understand what you're saying. It's hard not to wonder about the road not taken sometimes.
I'm with a small publisher as well and couldn't be happier. Who knows what would've happened, but you can't worry about it now.
I love my small press, Musa Publishing. Signed a contract last December, published Wilder Mage in August.
I tried the traditional route but after two years and 130 queries, Wilder wasn't going anywhere. After it was published, it went to #1 on Amazon Bestseller list, Horror genre.
Don't give up just because one road seems closed to you. Change directions. Try small press. Try self-pub. What do you have to lose?
Just do it and let me know what you decide.
Cheers :)
Thanks, Julie for commenting. Am glad to know that you've had a happy experience.
Alex, the road you took with publication has made you happy. That's the important thing.
Huntress, congratulations on your success. Lovely story. I'm published with a small press. Success with small pubs can seldom be as big as with the large ones. I know several authors who have done really well, and their books came out about the same time as my first ones. And I never know which way I want to go -- art or writing.
I never had one iota of hope of either getting an agent or having any luck with getting a big publisher. My type of work is rather off the beaten path and not considered marketable. But other doors opened and I walked through them. I'm really glad there are so many opportunities now for writers instead of just one way.
Karen, it's important for writers to explore various publication opportunities that are available now more than ever before. Congratulations on following your dream.
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