Starting up |
Author: Becky Means (70.136.135.---)
Date: 07-08-08 10:14
Hi everyone! I found this site last night while doing some research for the book I'm writing. It's an inspirational memoir about the highs and lows of raising our medically fragile/developmentally disabled daughter.
I'm lucky to have a published mentor helping guide me through the process. I really want this piece to be published so that others can learn some of the life lessons that we've learned through both the horrible times and the extreme highs.
My question for anyone with some input is this....when should I start shopping for an agent? I haven't been published yet, but I'm regularly asked to speak about our experiences and have found a great niche for that here locally. Unfortuantely, I can't cover the entire story during my presentations, that's where my book comes in.
Anyone have some advice?
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Re: Starting up |
Author: Patrick Edwards (63.240.53.---)
Date: 07-08-08 12:05
Hey, Becky :)
I'm definitely no expert, but from what I've learned here (and in my readings) is that once you've finished the book (completely/FINAL VERSION) is when you contact an agent. I guess you want to be able to send it right out to him/her if they show interest. of course, you'd be able to update, if need be, post-sending...especially if you're sending to multiple agents.
Though rereading your first paragraph up there, if you're not sure that you want to do the story (only want to do it if there is interest), then I guess you could toss out some feelers to the agent world. But if this is something you want to do, then I say go ahead and mash it out, before contacting anyone.
Hope that ramble helps. :)
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Re: Starting up |
Author: Sail Away (---.tampfl.dsl-w.verizon.net)
Date: 07-08-08 14:07
Hi Becky,
You might be the rare case where self-publishing might be an option for you. It sounds as if you have a nice platform. Unfortunately, it does not sound as if it is large enough to attract a mainstream publisher.
Do some real research, though. Talk to others with self-published works. Find out how much work is invovled in promoting, etc. Crunch the numbers to find out how many books you would have to sell to recoup your investment. But if you already have name recognition within a speaking circuit, you are miles ahead of most people.
If you are interested in learning more about the self-publish route, check out the Other Ways Into Print thread. You'll get great advice from others who have already traveled this road.
Whatever you do, stay AWAY from PublishAmerica!
Good luck,
-SA
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Re: Starting up |
Author: Carl Purdon (---.static.networktel.net)
Date: 07-09-08 14:18
Aren't the rules different for non-fiction? I was under the impression it's okay to query an agent or publisher before the work is complete.
Becky, have you considered a blog?
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Re: Starting up |
Author: Becky Means (70.136.135.---)
Date: 07-09-08 14:42
Thanks for the info all!
I have considered a blog, but for my story, I really don't think it's the right medium. It's a 'triumph over adversity' story that spans eight years. I've been told by other published authors that this story will definately sell, so I don't know that I want to blog it and give it away. Perhaps some abstracts or something of that nature would help promote it.
IDK, what do you think?
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Re: Starting up |
Author: Diane Goss (---.norf.east.verizon.net)
Date: 07-11-08 07:40
Becky,
I am new to writing and I don't blame you for not wanting to blog your story. Have you thought about sending a sample of your work to a magazine first? Such as a Family type of magazine, i.e., Redbook, Reader's Digest?
Good luck to you and your family, I look forward to reading about your success!
Diane
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Re: Starting up |
Author: Patrick Edwards (63.240.53.---)
Date: 07-11-08 09:59
Becky, what Diane suggested sounds like a very good idea (to magazine).
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