Looking for new authors

[Kylara]

People are always wary of spammers and of people who just wish to promote books, and as you have not been here long and have not posted enough to warrant being a senior member (I'm not sure of the post count myself that causes one to have senior membership) people may have just been a little annoyed that you were perhaps seen to be flouting the rules a little, even if unintentionally...promoting oneself (or accidentaly being seen as to be promoting oneself) is always a tricky thing on forums, especially if you are new!

 

[Danrama]

I think you've misinterpreted me - I said that we get a lot of people who just want to get critiqued and then leave. I didn't imply you are one. I only mentioned Critters as a place where you could get detailed feedback for full-length novel pieces, which obviously the Critiques section on here doesn't offer.

I understand, but perhaps I have something to offer not just a guy here to take.

 

[Kylara]

Of course! We are not saying you don't, just that that is always something we are wary of, and you have inadvertantly found yourself in the "does he want to join our community or just use our awesome brains" section...(by the way you now have a post count of 30 it sure does add up fast!) and we are trying to give the reasoning behind the reaction you have received...

 

[Danrama]

I know Kylara.
I am trying to not be defensive but I am a soldier of many years and instinctively defend myself when I feel backed into a corner.

 

[Kylara]

Being defensive is fine, and we have had quite a few glorious uhh discussions in the past few weeks, I just get worried that people will get all offended by misunderstandings of other people, or just generally misunderstand things (or disagree with me completely and cause a debate on the pros and cons of certain 50s spy authors :wink: ) Just don't feel like we are running you off, or backing you into a corner (I didn't even realise the great multiverse of the Chrons had any corners! I shall set up a corner...hunting group, silly présque vue, the correct word will come to me later I just know it!) we are lovely people really...with a penchant for dragons :wink:

 

[Danrama]

I would like to post my first link since I am at thirty posts. Please take the time to read this post I wrote for my Lecturer last week. It has some insight into who I am.

(link)

 

[The Judge]

I am no different from any other author that has decided to publish outside the publishing houses. We all feel far more uncertain and unsure as to if we made the right choice and if we are getting ripped off. Even after a book hits the e-shelf.

I'm not sure if perhaps you are reading more into my remark than was intended. My comment to Kylara was not in any way intended as a side-swipe at you, if that is what you believe, but was simply responding to her question as to what is and isn't acceptable.

I feel the "once bitten twice shy" reaction from some here due to my enthusiasm regarding my happiness at finally coming to a publishing decision... Although I do feel disappointed at my enthusiasm being quashed and hammered down.

Er... don't you feel it's a little unreasonable to expect perfect strangers to be enthralled by your happiness? Would you get onto a crowded train and start shouting to everyone how happy you are and really not expect some people to look askance at you?

I'm sorry you appear to have taken exception to some of my posts, but I wasn't intending to hammer you -- believe me, had that been my intention you would not have got up again -- but simply to let you know that, no matter what you thought you were doing, the impression you were leaving behind you was not perhaps one you intended, and was not of itself favourable. It is up to you whether you want to listen to what is being said, which was designed to help you fit in, not to suffocate you.

I would hate to think others like me that are genuine writers, in this big bad world of cold agents and hard to reach publishing houses, looking for safe havens, end up being tossed out at gun point due to enthusiasm.

People who come here to tell us about their self-published books are not looking for safe havens. They are looking for free advertising space. I see no reason why Brian -- the owner of the site -- should give it to them.

People who come here to talk writing or SF or fantasy or books or films or TV or to make jokes or crack puns will find themselves a home. I sincerely hope you will be one of those.

 

[Danrama]

When it is all said and done Judge I think it is hard for me to see things from your perspective because I have not experienced what you are talking about the site being used. I don't know how many guys have shot through here using the site as a trampoline. I don't want to appear ungrateful or indignant at all the advice others have offered but some of the barbs in the earlier "advice" was harder to ignore.
I had one person say to me that they actually questioned my validity as a writer. That person was admin. it is hard to take a comment like that lightly when that person has not read single sentence of my work. Even if my writing was poor that comment was in poor taste. I suppose all the comments from you and him had put me into a defensive mindset... No Harm no foul though.

 

[The Judge]

This discussion has rather hijacked a thread which started as something very different. I think we should now return to the original topic.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I'll do the honours, then, y'honour.
Does anyone know what a US publishing house looks for in their covering letter?

(from someone else who's terribly excited at finishing a first novel, and wishes you all the best with yours Danrama )

 

[Kylara]

US spelling perhaps? I really have no idea! I never thought about that before, but now a whole new load of terror has entered my soul!

 

[Danrama]

Best thing to do would be to email an editor from the US and ask if they give advice on cover letters. Every country is so vastly different.

 

[Tirellan]

I'll do the honours, then, y'honour.
Does anyone know what a US publishing house looks for in their covering letter?

(from someone else who's terribly excited at finishing a first novel, and wishes you all the best with yours Danrama )

There really are not that many of the larger US publishing houses that look at unagented manuscripts - the most succesful approach is to go for an agent first. (And before someone says Baen and Tor just ask yourself 'when did they last buy a manuscript that came in this way?'). For examples of query letters to US agents (which would also be suitable for US publishers) have a look at queryshark.blogspot.com

 

[Ursa major]

Given the diversion earlier in the thread, I think the fact that the original post was from an agency pointing out that it was taking submissions -

We’re writing to introduce you to The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency and to let you know we are actively seeking clients in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres.

- may have become lost somewhere along the way.


Or perhaps not.

 

[chopper]

they are still actively seeking, but i wish they would actively reject rather than actively non-respond.... though that's just my 2¼p

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

the original post was from an agency pointing out that it was taking submissions

And since they are a successful agency, what an opportunity this could be for new writers.

Although it would be nice if they sent something out saying, "No thank you" when they aren't interested in a submission.

When suspense drags out too long, it can wear you out.

 

[Scarfy]

Although it would be nice if they sent something out saying, "No thank you" when they aren't interested in a submission.

I've noticed that a number of agencies are beginning to take the approach of "no response means no interest".

If after 3 weeks I've not heard back from an agent, then I'm assuming they are not interested and am moving onto the next five agents on my life to contact.

 

[Gary Compton]

I've mentioned this before. I think not responding is showing ignorance. If an author has submitted correctly within their guidelines. Then the agency have gone to the trouble of reading, at least some of what was sent. Then why wouldn't they fire an email back saying thanks but no thanks.

I mean, how difficult would it be to copy and paste or write this months email addresses and send the bad news in bulk.

In any business environment, how many would treat potential customers with such disrespect. It just wouldn't happen.

Apart from the fact that this years reject could be next years best selling author.

 

[The Judge]

In any business environment, how many would treat potential customers with such disrespect. It just wouldn't happen.

But they're not customers, Gary. They're more akin to people applying for jobs. And sadly, every job applicant can give you tales of similar treatment from all kinds of businesses, big and small. Courtesy isn't a priority.

 

[Gary Compton]

But they're not customers, Gary. They're more akin to people applying for jobs. And sadly, every job applicant can give you tales of similar treatment from all kinds of businesses, big and small. Courtesy isn't a priority.

I disagree. The agent will make 20% off the authors earnings. Assuming the average advance is 20K, then four grand a time.

I wouldn't say many authors would consider themselves being employees of their agent, and therefore subservient to his wishes.

I would say the other way round. The author has the talent. The agent has the skills, contacts and experience to recognize their gift and turn that talent into cash.

Just my opinion

PS Courtesy should always be top of the list!