Will My Book Be Published? Who Knows?

[Kim Lauer]

What are the odds that my book will be published or even picked up for representation by a Literary Agent?  Pretty low.  I am aware of that, and yet I am still making an attempt to get my manuscript printed.   I am also hopeful.  It is just a part of who I am; I can’t help but be optimistic. 

Why do you keep at it?  What optimism do you have to share?

www.kimlauer.blogspot.com

[Abraham Lopian and Julie Snyder]

Kim,

We are self publishing our book "The Genesis Code: God Has Spoken" at CreateSpace.  I think it is very reasonable with costs and royalties.  I have also learned that it takes allot of work to market a book, but I believe well worth the effort, especially with a message such as ours to give to the reader.

 

Best of luck,

Robert Machol, COO

The Genesis Code Book Team

[Isiah Hurts]

now in these days u dont even need a publisher cause you can do it your self these days. a lot of self publishers are starting to become famous and successful. A lot of self-publishers have released books that made the best seller list

[R. K. MacPherson]

I agree with the others that you needn't wait to make this happen, I would still encourage you to find an editor for your manuscript, several beta readers, and if you're not superfly with Photoshop, someone with graphic design experience to at least inform your cover design.

As for going the traditional route, just remember 19 publishers passed on Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone. Don't be afraid to keep trying. Nothing is easy. Indie is quick and fast, but not easy. Lots of work involved in marketing, etc. It comes down to what it's worth to you. :) Good luck, Kim!

[Belinda Gregory]

Good on you, Kim. Richard Bach says, 'a professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit!' That says a lot about determination. I've been plodding away on my manuscript too. What genre is your book?

Belinda G

Galvanize Press

[Kim Lauer]

thank you.  It is Middle Grade Adventure Ficton (with light fantasy).  Thanks for the encouragement!!

Kim

[Nicholas Borelli]

Taking the traditional route can be time consuming and discouraging. Give it your best shot. But limit the time. One year. No bites? Self publish. When those proof copies of your book, your labor, are delivered to the doorstep, pride is an overwhelming emotion. Oh, and did I mention about how it feels when a stranger buys your book?

 

I have one published. Five more completed and ready to go. Good luck!

[Isiah Hurts]

You mean commercial publishing. You know traditional publishing doesnt even have a real meaning. It's something that vanity presses started.

[Kim Lauer]

thanks for your comment!  I hope I can know that feeling some day!

[Larissa Hinton]

I completely agree with this. I think as a writer, you need to come up with a game plan and think, "Where do I want to be as far as my writing career is concerned? And what will it take for me to get there? How long will it take me to get to where I want to be?"

 

Then come up with a strategy that will benefit you. If it is in the traditional publishing industry, that's fine but if you are curious about the self publishing industry then go for it. But I would def put a cap on how long you will wait for the agents and publishers to give you the green light. That could take years. Or it could take months. Either way, your reader suffers from reading a magnificent book. Therefore, I would take a year to try the traditional publishing industry, just to try it and see what happens. While you are experimenting, read up on self publishing. Every time I get discouraged about writing or self publishing I go to this website: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=ck9b5mvshqd0t76kdup...

 

I know, it's a bit weird, but it always inspires me that if these people can do it, then so can I. I would look at JA Konrath's blog too. He makes a whole lot of sense. He answered every question and doubt I had about the self publishing industry. It's a huge step so do your research and try traditional publishing first. Then if that doesn't work out, then go with self publishing and see what happens. It's a defining awe-inspiring moment to be an author without all of those strings attached. That can sometimes be a wonderful thing, sometimes it can be a holy crap what did I get myself into!? Either way, the choice is yours.

 

http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com

[Abraham Lopian and Julie Snyder]

I went to the link you gave above and really thought the content was great.  Many posts have allot of useful information.

 

Robert Machol

The Genesis Code

[Bobbie Shafer]

Kim, Don't give up.  All writers have the same fear. Will anyone else like my book? Will I ever get published? Will a literary agent like it enough to represent me? The questions go on and on. Still writers write and writers submit and you have the same chance as anyone to get published. One day, as I did, your book will fall into the hands of an editor or publisher and they will love it.

I didn't start writing seriously until my sixties and felt I wouldn't live to see any of my books published. I won't tell you how old I am but two years after I started writing, my short stories began to sell. Now over 350 have been publish. This past year I had two of my novels accepted and the first came out a week ago and is selling well. Don't give up. Keep punching those keys. It will happen.

[Kim Lauer]

thank you!  I appreciate hearing of your experience!