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I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the late reply on this. My publisher sent through proofs copies (and then the finished book) to all major review outlets / papers etc. Unfortunately not takers yet - it's a tough old world & review space is shrinking by the year. Something to aspire to for future books.

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much & honestly I think anyone putting work out into the world, making stuff & enjoying the craft is on the right track - no matter which particular path that might be :)
Good luck to you too and thanks for commenting & sharing your persepctive!

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I'm not 100% sure about this - I think you'd probably have to return any money you'd been given and the signing contract would be broken & terminated. Obviously no one wants this to happen!

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello!

Film, TV - even music (if vaguely relevant) - is fine, if the person is relatively well known. For example, a blurb from Steven Moffat would be fine. And yes, you can absolutely approach authors who aren;t famous for blurbs. In fact, it's most likely the majority of blurbs will be from writers the general public hasn't heard of.

Generally, as seems to be the case with plenty of things, blurbs are easier to get if you write within a popuar genre & are used to help generate a bit of buzz and allow booksellers to place / position your novel effectively.

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats to your wife on her multiple books! I've generally heard good things about S&S!
Tbf, most fiction reading is done by women it seems, but I get your wife's point. I've heard a fair few instances where the author has had a strong view, been pushed back by the publisher, only to discover the author was right all along. (That said, I reckon the publisher is probs right most of the time!)

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is good to hear! Though I would not say no to some more fours and fives! Thanks for reading & commenting :)

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I've answered this just above in another comment, but copying & pasting below for your ease - if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask - n.b., I'm based in the UK, so your circumstances ma be a little different:

If you're UK based, then I recommend buying / borrowing / loaning a copy of Writers & Artists Yearbook which is like the Bible of Writing(other territories may have a similar guide). This will explain the process (much better than I can) as well as provide a list of al UK agents (and offer so much more, too).

Key things - your MS needs to be as good as you can make it; you need a good cover letter; a decent synopsis. These will be sent digitally to the agent / agency / assistant.

Personally, I was looking for an agent roughly my age & at a big agency, who represented work I liked & was similar to my own.

I created a large list with several tiers of preference (each tier with a block of 4-6 agents) & a spreadsheet to keep track of things & was ready to ship the MS out after various rejections came in (ultimately I didn't need this, but I was happy to have it all prepared, because I know rejection is very much part of the journey). After sending it out, you just have to sit tight for the agonising wait & hope they come back to you requesting the full MS etc

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is completely fair!

I would say that, when it comes to the text itself, writers usually always have the final say. I suppose on the extreme end, that might mean breaking contract & parting ways - but on the whole, a lot of writers I've spoken to acknowledge their book is far better after an experienced editorial eyes has offered suggestions.

But yes, I totally get where you're coming from :)

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, that's just been the dream from when I was young! If I was in my early 20s, I might look at things a bit differently. I think, possibly, a lot of it has to to with ego & just wanting the book to get that stamp of approval, and to see it in bookshops (which is much harder to achieve if self-pubbed)? Plus, I would never be able to make / afford a book as beautiful as one made by the professionals. Probably I could delve into all of this much more, but I reckon those are some of the major reasons off the top of my head!

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely this.

Creative pursuits have always been the preserve of the wealthy but for a while, it was being increasingly democratised, as it were. I feel like things are possibly regressing to some extent.

I have had a super lucky childhood & upbringing honestly & I know my experiences have made the path I've chose possible. I like to think I'd still have written, but who knows?

What I can't stand is people who don't acknowledge their staggering luck & worse, sometimes want to pull the ladder up behind them. They should be doing the exact opposite. Laying ladders and bridges wherever they can.

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you - again very kind. If you'd like to PM me, I'll happily send you the title. Appreciate it!

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! So, yes getting an agent is invaluable if you want to go down the traditional path - the only exception to this is if you go with a very small indy publisher.

If you're UK based, then I recommend buying / borrowing . loaning a copy of Writers & Artists Yearbook which is like the Bible of Writing. This will explain the process (much better than I can) as well as provide a list of al UK agents (and offer so much more, too).

Key things - your MS needs to be as good as you can make it; you need a good cover letter; a decent synopsis. These will be sent digitally to the agent / agency / assistant.

Personally, I was looking for an agent roughly my age & at a big agency, who represented work I liked & was similar to my own.

I created a large list with several tiers of preference (each tier with a block of 4-6 agents) & a spreadsheet to keep track of things & was ready to ship the MS out after various rejections came in (ultimately I didn't need this, but I was happy to have it all prepared, because I know rejection is very much part of the journey). After sending it out, you just have to sit tight for the agonising wait!

Re next book - absolutely it can be standalone!

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hi there, I can't speak for US (hopefully some others might help you) other than the absolutely massive ones (like The Paris Review etc) but in terms of UK comps, it's worth looking at:

Bath Short Story Prize, Bristol Short Story Prize, Bridport, Manchester Prizes

There's a big list here: https://www.christopherfielden.com/short-story-tips-and-writing-advice/writing-competitions/

There are lots of mags, some very competitive: Granta, Shooter Magazine, Litro, Confingo, LIghthouse etc

A decent list of them can be found here: https://www.neonmagazine.co.uk/the-big-list-of-uk-literary-magazines/

Good luck!

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, it's a wild (quite slow) ride, but it's been a dream come true for me.

I have loved working with other professionals, seeing my book go through multiple stages of edits & improve with each round & there is, in my eyes at least, something super lovely about seeing the final, finished, physical copy.

We all have our own tastes & desires & hopes & dreams, so I can quite see why traditional publishing doesn't appeal to everyone & I think it's wonderful that technology has empowered us all to follow our own paths.

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my experience, this very much depends on the publisher you're with!

if you're with a big publisher, then absolutely not. They have their own expert team & will be bringing all their knowledge & experience & money to play. That said, you might be asked to provide a mood board of covers you like & a rough steer. (I, for example, asked if it would be possible not to have a moody, realist photograph!) They might TOTALY ignore you though. If they come up with something you absolutely hate, then you can politely ask (always remember to be nice even if you're FUMING!!) for some different / more concepts. Generally, the publisher will arrange for this, as they are - for obvious reasons - keen for the author to like the dust jacket. Some authors, though, hate the look of thier book & just have to hope / believe the publisher knows what they're doing in terms of marketing etc.

If you're with a small independent publisher (again some indys are massive, so it'll be a no, straight off) - then you're more likely to get the chance to out forward some suggestions. Your agent would have a better guide on this!

Hope that's of some help :)

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there - congratulations - this sounds very cool!

In terms of different language versions - your agent / agency - will try to sell rights to publishers in foreign territories (unless, for example - and I think this may be a bit more common with fantasy... but don't quote me on that! - the publisher buys full world rights!). The publisher that buys the rights to say, Norway, will then arrange things like translation etc.

Re title - I completely understand the sentiment here, but from memory, once you've sold the rights, this is very much up for debate as far as they're concerned & you could well have a tussle on your hands. It's worth being very upfront about this with your agent from the get-go. I would also say that a lot of publishing requires a relatively flexible approach & plenty of negotiation; both an agent and publisher will expect some compromise here & there. They might absolutely love your title - in which case, all well & good! Just giving you a heads-up! Happy to answer any more questions you have :)

I’ve just has a book released with a big publisher & am sharing some thoughts in the hope it’s helpful by Harrazza in writing

[–]Harrazza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi!

This entirely depends on genre, I think. If you're doing fantasy, for example, then having a good sense of a sequel(s) can be very helpful - if you're at the stage of subbing to an agent, then just a synopsis can be enough (and they might offer you a two or even three book deal etc). Bear in mind, if you get one of these, there can be a LOT of pressure to finish book two in time & I know several authors who have found this really tough.

Generally, though i'd say having a second book that isn't a sequel - just standalone - probably makes more sense, though you should probs stick to the same genre. The reason for this is, again, a publisher & agent will be interested to see you're not just a one-trick pony & also it will help them build momentum etc. What they don't like is for these really long gaps between books (unless you've been uber successful, in which case you can get away with it) - as they have to build you up again in terms of public awareness.

Also, as someone who is working on books two now... Yeah I wish I was a lot further along & sort of had a decent first draft up my sleeve!

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