August 12, 2013
Is anybody else frustrated with traditional publishing houses and literary agents?
I was told that if I wanted to publish another non-fiction book that there would be interest. However, I wanted to try to write a novel.
When I finished the manuscript for Demons of Gadara, I used an outside professional to help copy edit. Then I dutifully did my research and identified a number of agents and publishers that accepted unsolicited query letters for the genre of action/suspense. Out of about two dozen well-constructed queries, I did not receive one response or even acknowledgement. I don’t care how busy somebody is, that just strikes me as rude. I think the industry should do better.
So I decided to explore self-publishing options. As opposed to just a few years ago, the stigma associated with self-publishing has about disappeared.
After more research, I finally decided to use CreateSpace; an Amazon company. So far the CreateSpace experience has been a good one. With CreateSpace, I chose the kind of interior format I wanted and gave the design team an idea for the kind of cover I envisioned. After some back and forth with a couple of proofs sent to me for review, I think we are ready to go.
The book will soon be available for both soft cover and e-version purchase via Amazon, CreateSpace, and other media outlets in the United States and overseas. I’ll let you know how that works.
One frustration is that CreateSpace doesn’t allow for advance copies to send to reviewers, etc.
I’m also going to set up a Demons of Gadara Facebook site. I weighed hiring a publicist but was told by some friends that went down that route that afterwards they felt it was a waste of time and money. So if anybody has some good ideas for marketing a new book I would appreciate hearing about them. Thanks! John
Is anybody else frustrated with traditional publishing houses and literary agents?
I was told that if I wanted to publish another non-fiction book that there would be interest. However, I wanted to try to write a novel.
When I finished the manuscript for Demons of Gadara, I used an outside professional to help copy edit. Then I dutifully did my research and identified a number of agents and publishers that accepted unsolicited query letters for the genre of action/suspense. Out of about two dozen well-constructed queries, I did not receive one response or even acknowledgement. I don’t care how busy somebody is, that just strikes me as rude. I think the industry should do better.
So I decided to explore self-publishing options. As opposed to just a few years ago, the stigma associated with self-publishing has about disappeared.
After more research, I finally decided to use CreateSpace; an Amazon company. So far the CreateSpace experience has been a good one. With CreateSpace, I chose the kind of interior format I wanted and gave the design team an idea for the kind of cover I envisioned. After some back and forth with a couple of proofs sent to me for review, I think we are ready to go.
The book will soon be available for both soft cover and e-version purchase via Amazon, CreateSpace, and other media outlets in the United States and overseas. I’ll let you know how that works.
One frustration is that CreateSpace doesn’t allow for advance copies to send to reviewers, etc.
I’m also going to set up a Demons of Gadara Facebook site. I weighed hiring a publicist but was told by some friends that went down that route that afterwards they felt it was a waste of time and money. So if anybody has some good ideas for marketing a new book I would appreciate hearing about them. Thanks! John
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