Writing woes
Posted by: kizukimizu on: February 11, 2010
More accurately, publishing woes.
I finished my first manuscript of 42,000 words approx. a little while back and have been recently looking for publishers interested, but the good ones only accept those sent via and agent.
Of course, I understand why – they get a load of manuscripts every day ^^” I just wish it was easier for new writers to get a break.
I’m fairly sure my book would be fairly appealing to young adults or children (the target audience), being set between the normal world and a world on the edge of dreams, with supernatural abilities and characters with a twist. It’s not a typical fantasy story, but retains many of the characteristics of the traditional fantasy novels.
I have a feeling that it will be pretty difficult to get it published purely due to the small word count, but I want it to be an easy read for those children who aren’t really into books, or those that are. Just something that you think ‘yeah, it was pretty nice’ or something ^^”
So far, I’ve only had any chance with US publishers (as the ones I looked at in the UK were mostly scams if you didn’t need an agent).
Ah well, the never-ending search continues… maybe I’ll get around to making up a portfolio for Bloomsbury at some point =.=
Til next time!
-Kizukimizu
4 Responses to "Writing woes"
February 13, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Thanks for the help! ^^ I supposed I would have to get an agent to get anywhere, I was just a little reluctant as I don’t have money to pay them up front (I know some will ask only to get a certain percentage of your revenues).
I’ve polished the MS pretty thoroughly, but I’m getting everyone I know to read through it to help me see if any of it doesn’t work. I hope that might help 
At the moment, it appears to mostly be the word count that’s holding me back, but I don’t think it would work with any more, so I’m writing it’s sequel in the hope of putting the two together as a set to publish (publishers don’t like paying printing costs of short books).
It’s all a matter of time really ^^” I think I will look in to getting an agent though, thanks for the advice about applying for them
February 14, 2010 at 4:37 am
PPS: Reputable agents do not ask for money up front. The only cost to you should be mailing the MS when you find an agent that wants to look at it.
-Michael
February 14, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Ohh, I see thanks! I’ll be sure to avoid those that attempt to charge me anything first!
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- Kizukimizu: Ohh, I see :) thanks! I'll be sure to avoid those that attempt to charge me anything first!
- M G Kizzia: PPS: Reputable agents do not ask for money up front. The only cost to you should be mailing the MS when you find an agent that wants to look at it.
- kizukimizu: Thanks for the help! ^^ I supposed I would have to get an agent to get anywhere, I was just a little reluctant as I don't have money to pay them up fr
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February 13, 2010 at 3:27 pm
suggestion: polish (edit) the MS to a fine shine then query agents: 1 page, and in 1 paragraph show what the story is about (don’t just tell about it as you have above). express the story in a way that shows it is unique, appealing and marketable. That paragraph may be the hardest writing you have ever done. Send the first 5 pages with it (or whatever the agent requires on their website) and then wait (the hardest part).
The only time for woe is when you give up!
and P. S., while you are waiting, write the next one.
-Michael
The Fiction Side: The Storyteller http://mgkizzia.wordpress.com/
The Non-Fiction Side: Word & Spirit http://michaelkizzia.wordpress.com/