Hi all, I am new to the quest of hunting out a literary agent and was wondering what expeiences people have had in approaching literary agents or publishers. All the best, Mark
Develop a thick skin. You'll need it. These people receive hundreds of solicitations a year and sometimes aren't in the mood to take risks. Just keep trying, but only if enough of your friends have convinced you that what you've produced is Good work. There's not much room for delusion these days.
I was expecting that answer, i guess if you have a good concept its still hit or miss. I initially wrote to release stress. After some of my work ended up in somebody else's hands i decided to keep writing as i was getting good reviews. After a year i was still getting very positive feedback and decided to formulate a book out of what i wrote as i felt very proud after failing my English GCSE lol. Anyway, i had a front cover designed and put all my work together and at the last minute thought, sod it, and ordered 150 copies. I wanted to see if people were genuine in their praise and within 12 weeks i had sold 122 copies at £7.99 and gave 12 away. To my surprise i had orders and extremely positive comments from a British Gas Managing Director, ex Ireland international rugby league player, Scotland Students Rugby coach, 2 Pharmaceutical business speakers and many others i do not know personally. Although 60% of the books were sold to people I knew directly I feel that still leaves a hefty slice bought from people that had no personal reason to buy or comment. I shall add that the British Gas M.D bought 4 copies for staff too. From the feedback I gained I have further refined the concept of my book and added fresh content. I am looking to have what I hope is the final copy finished for august and feel tempted to get 50-100 copies and just send them out and see what comes back. I must stress I never set out to try and get signed up but I feel it would be silly not to roll with it whilst people seem to enjoy it. (ps this message is not a reflection of my writing, I am being rushed lol) I would love to know other peoples thoughts and suggestions. Thank you
Find a publisher that specialises in the sort of book you want to right. I, for example, may approach Birlinn (although since my book is mostly fiction, no matter how historically accurate it is that might take some convincing). You're more likely to get considered, if not published.
