ParaNovelGirl's Page

A friend of mine, a man of considerable accomplishment, told me that in his opinion, merely to complete a novel is a heck of an achievement. To get it into print is even more so. A number of people, experts in their own field who have read and enjoyed my books, also agree that sales figures are irrelevant when judging a book. YOU are already accomplished, not only in writing but in your computer and Internet skills. I'm sure you will go from strength to strength in your writing career.

I had an uncle, aunt and cousin emigrate to Canada quite some time ago.
Back to agents. I think it would take more than an Ebook contract with a new small publisher to woo a respected agent. But you never know — depends on sales. Contracts do not guarantee a book will be popular. If an agent deals with your genre and likes your writing it could help, especially if your book gets into print and sells well. Obviously an agent is not necessary for Red Rose and many other similar publishers, as terms are set.
Yes, I am an expert — in an author's folly!
But I have learned by experience and my books are enjoyed by quite a number of readers. Fame, as such, is irrelevant to me.
Best of luck with your books.

If you already have a contract, why need an agent — unless to find you a larger publisher ?

Hi Franny. Things may be different over in Canada but here in the UK finding an agent is as difficult as finding a publisher. They get thousands of mss but only take on one or two new clients a year. There are very few large publishers who will consider submissions directly from authors. Do not be misled by advertisements. There are many thousands of writers who are the easy prey of those who make easy promises and take your money. (I fell prey to one who was in it for the glory — getting his 'kick' from issuing false reports from top publishers with contracts in the offing. Until the scam was revealed) The same goes for publishing. It is easy to get a book published, with computer skills you can do it yourself. Promotion and Marketing is time consuming but it is the only way for a self-publisher to get known — not guaranteed to sell books though. My Magpies Nest Publishing was set up to publish a book I wrote for charity. Because of finding a genuine agent and therefore a publisher, my other books are now published through Magpies Nest too. But I sell mostly locally (and I get my books into some libraries). I believe some authors are good at selling on the Internet — you may be one of them. I live in the UK and postage to foreign parts can cost nearly as much as the book. My books on Amazon.com are at ridiculous prices (About $100 or more added). My books on Amazon uk are the actual price of the book - or less. But they can all be got straight from Magpies Nest Publishing. Fortunately, my books are now being published by AGPress in the USA (with royalties going to charity). Some of my books can be got as Ebooks too - no postage there. Go to the Predators and Editors web site - you will get a LOT of info there. I hope this helps.

Hi,
I toyed with getting an agent and question whether it really benefits me in the long run. Especially to a new author (or unknown. Regardless of whether you are signed to Harper Collens or Simon and Schuster or you self-publish on Lulu.com; the marketing falls to the author. Period. And, the royalties from the big publishing houses are minimal for fear that they will not recoup any expenses from signing an unknown.

I think those days are long gone. Just my 2 cents though.

Welcome to the Book Marketing Network. You will find many wonderful people here to share videos, blogs, forum posts, etc.

Thanks for coming on board.

John Kremer, founder
author, 1001 Ways to Market Your Books