Great piece again. Any tips for authors who are getting published? How can we get word of our books out to the public? How can we engage PR agents or journalists who write about books?
I made sure that my latest work was being read by a competent beta reader who gave me honest and brutal feedback. Telling me how the flow of the story is and how well the characters come over. So it's as good as it can possibly get. Already self published 4 books, but sales aren't there. Thankfully you said this doesn't matter otherwise I would be crying in a corner for making the worst choice ever. Honestly speaking, I still regret ever self publishing my novels. Sadly, my platform is really small. Especially since I shunned myself from the indie path. Thankfully my letter was written by you, so I know it can't get any better than that. Sadly, as of writing this, have been getting only rejections. Still many more agents to query, so there is still hope, but would be lying that its upsetting getting rejections. Especially from agents you hope to work with.
POINT #1. The Manuscript. Yes - Yes - Yes! The worst meal in restaurant history served by the finest wait staff in history is still the worst meal. STRENGTHEN THAT MS!
4:46 True...very rare original or unique gets anywhere, which is a shame. I am throwin my WIPS around Twitter during shamelessselfpromo and I know my ''target'' audience is. Most of it is strange and it surprises me, but it is coming along nicely
Thanks A. Excellent summary of moves we can make to increase the likelihood of being favourably noticed by the publishing industry. As you say ultimately we're talking business here which isn't romantic but it is true.
I have self-published three books and have several WIPs. I have been quering my PBs but haven't got an agent. As I have published the first book in the psychological thriller series I wonder if I query the second. All though it's a series they hold up as standalone books too.
if you have the time, can you do a video on the different publisher sizes? I’ve heard small press before but I’m confused what that means. Like autumn house press?
Thank you so much Alyssa for the inspiration as well as for sharing valuable advice!! I just finished writing a children's book and am planning on writing two more before querying. Am also currently writing a book on motherhood (although this one takes me forever to write.) I would like to know if it's better to query children's books agents and later another one for my maternity book or if there's a chance I can find an agent competent in dealing with both children's books and non fiction books? (My children's books are multilingual therefore I need to find someone dealing with this particularity as well.) Thank you for giving hope and consideration to us all!!
Hi Alyssa, i have contacted some agents and asked if they can see any potential to publish my book which is already published via KDP. The problem is KPD printing and postage cost is no good at all. Do you think just because the book is already on the Amazon bookshelf, all agent/publisher will not consider it publish it at all ? thanks
A useful tip I heard with getting feedback from beta readers is to ask them questions to confirm that the characters and their motivations are coming across intended. Their actions might seem completely different to what the writer imagines. They might seem cowardly rather than responsible, or manipulative rather than caring.
i heard that you don't want to ask leading questions. having too specific of questions can have beta readers even trying to come up with answers just to satisfy the question. it's much safer to just track a general trend of responses to general topics. for instance, i don't think you would want to ask: "did you think that this particular moment in this particularscene made you think that this particular way?" they might have a solid answer. and you can definitely ask that. other times, they may not really have an answer. but... they may be the type that feels compelled to answer anyway. and this is not only a reflection on the beta reader. this also can be a reflection of the author's own insecurity or overbearing nature. it is understandable and relatable to treat our work as precious, and darling, and we can be very protective of it. and we don't realize what we are doing... even if we think that we aren't doing it. and that chasing of... our emotional security and validation can lead to stress and effort that could be detrimental to both author and beta reader. so... i would argue that it's safer to not be manipulative. you know. if you want to maximize the effectiveness of your manipulation.
Hi Alyssa! Question, there is a clear target group for my novel, a large potential audience that can be measured, would it be useful to specify it, and name numbers? It's not very romantic, but if you know who would have a special interest in a novel: do I mention them?
Dear Alyssa, When one's manuscript hasn't been copyrighted yet, is there a way to protect one's work when having someone read it? Can anyone use your manuscript without consent? Love your RUclips channel!
In the US, you own your work the second it is created. If you are looking to create a paper trail, just in case, I suggest saving copies of your different revisions and emailing them to yourself as you go. This will "show your work' and will also offer a time stamp. Additionally, just use common sense when sharing your work. Don't post it online, as this may work against you in trad publishing. Share with trusted people. And when you send work to someone, use a safe channel like email, where you can have time stamped and dated proof that the work was yours. Do not add people to your google docs, only share those links individually via email if that is your chosen method. Consider having your Beta copy be separate from your personal editing copy. Otherwise share your work as a PDF copy and ask for feedback through either a different document or just int he body of an email. Generally, though, there is little to worry about here. The process to successfully trad or self publish a work is long and arduous, and self pub is often expensive. That, combined with US copyright law, means there is little to be gained form stealing someone else's work. It is much more trouble than it is worth, with little financial gain and even fewer social gains.
Hi BA, I happen to have a legal background so can answer that one: if you wrote it, you own the intellectual property rights. Nobody may use your manuscript without your consent. However ..., that doesn't mean it won't happen and your practical options to have an unlawful publication withdrawn are probably limited by your own financial constraints. So, only send your manuscript to trusted persons. Or, send it in batches, so nobody has the manuscript in its entirety. The good news are that most people are honest and won't steal a manuscript.
Thanks! I just graduated with an MFA last week! I believe I have all the information completed that I need to submit to an agent. I'm finally able to focus on my book now. I do have a manuscript ready, but I feel like I need to have my book completely done, or at least a full first draft. Or is it fine to look for an agent while my first work is still in progress?
@@GuestAgain Thank you! It is nonfiction. It's a memoir actually. But, I feel like I'd like to be about complete before I start applying. But I wasn't sure if should start applying to agents earlier in case they're supposed to give developmental edit suggestions.
The manuscript is clearly not as important as the query letter. No one will read the MS unless your query is brilliant. Sadly, the #1 rule of the publishing industry is to judge a book by its “cover”.
The agents and industry are very fussy about what they want through thier door and they will only take on something that is already popular and ''what's hot'' in the market. They only take on something they personally want.
My thoughts on this, from experience in fashion and film, is that most people in the decision making pipeline want what is popular NOW. This is a huge mistake that is all too human. Knowing the market means your work must conform to what was in trend two years ago. If you have your finger on the pulse of society you should try to produce what will be popular next. This is extremely difficult for mainstream managers averse to risk, which most literary agents apparently are (thought followers, not leaders).
@@AlohaTrev You have it in one and it is. They get it wrong all the time and still doesn't change anything. Yes...the market shifts constantly, so you have to be quick
Great piece again. Any tips for authors who are getting published? How can we get word of our books out to the public? How can we engage PR agents or journalists who write about books?
I made sure that my latest work was being read by a competent beta reader who gave me honest and brutal feedback. Telling me how the flow of the story is and how well the characters come over. So it's as good as it can possibly get.
Already self published 4 books, but sales aren't there. Thankfully you said this doesn't matter otherwise I would be crying in a corner for making the worst choice ever. Honestly speaking, I still regret ever self publishing my novels.
Sadly, my platform is really small. Especially since I shunned myself from the indie path. Thankfully my letter was written by you, so I know it can't get any better than that. Sadly, as of writing this, have been getting only rejections. Still many more agents to query, so there is still hope, but would be lying that its upsetting getting rejections. Especially from agents you hope to work with.
POINT #1. The Manuscript. Yes - Yes - Yes! The worst meal in restaurant history served by the finest wait staff in history is still the worst meal. STRENGTHEN THAT MS!
I finished my first rough draft of my YA fantasy (based on Ancient Near Eastern Mythology) last Saturday!
Congrats, Caleb!
4:46 True...very rare original or unique gets anywhere, which is a shame. I am throwin my WIPS around Twitter during shamelessselfpromo and I know my ''target'' audience is. Most of it is strange and it surprises me, but it is coming along nicely
Thanks A. Excellent summary of moves we can make to increase the likelihood of being favourably noticed by the publishing industry. As you say ultimately we're talking business here which isn't romantic but it is true.
This is your best class great teacher happy holidays
Thanks Alyssa. It was helpful.
I have self-published three books and have several WIPs. I have been quering my PBs but haven't got an agent. As I have published the first book in the psychological thriller series I wonder if I query the second. All though it's a series they hold up as standalone books too.
One of your best!
if you have the time, can you do a video on the different publisher sizes? I’ve heard small press before but I’m confused what that means. Like autumn house press?
Would very much like to learn about your published titles.
Thank you so much Alyssa for the inspiration as well as for sharing valuable advice!!
I just finished writing a children's book and am planning on writing two more before querying. Am also currently writing a book on motherhood (although this one takes me forever to write.)
I would like to know if it's better to query children's books agents and later another one for my maternity book or if there's a chance I can find an agent competent in dealing with both children's books and non fiction books? (My children's books are multilingual therefore I need to find someone dealing with this particularity as well.)
Thank you for giving hope and consideration to us all!!
Hi Alyssa, i have contacted some agents and asked if they can see any potential to publish my book which is already published via KDP. The problem is KPD printing and postage cost is no good at all. Do you think just because the book is already on the Amazon bookshelf, all agent/publisher will not consider it publish it at all ? thanks
A useful tip I heard with getting feedback from beta readers is to ask them questions to confirm that the characters and their motivations are coming across intended. Their actions might seem completely different to what the writer imagines. They might seem cowardly rather than responsible, or manipulative rather than caring.
i heard that you don't want to ask leading questions. having too specific of questions can have beta readers even trying to come up with answers just to satisfy the question. it's much safer to just track a general trend of responses to general topics.
for instance, i don't think you would want to ask: "did you think that this particular moment in this particularscene made you think that this particular way?"
they might have a solid answer. and you can definitely ask that. other times, they may not really have an answer. but... they may be the type that feels compelled to answer anyway.
and this is not only a reflection on the beta reader. this also can be a reflection of the author's own insecurity or overbearing nature.
it is understandable and relatable to treat our work as precious, and darling, and we can be very protective of it.
and we don't realize what we are doing... even if we think that we aren't doing it.
and that chasing of... our emotional security and validation can lead to stress and effort that could be detrimental to both author and beta reader.
so...
i would argue that it's safer to not be manipulative.
you know. if you want to maximize the effectiveness of your manipulation.
Good info 👍
Hi Alyssa! Question, there is a clear target group for my novel, a large potential audience that can be measured, would it be useful to specify it, and name numbers? It's not very romantic, but if you know who would have a special interest in a novel: do I mention them?
And, of course... Thanx for your great content...!
Dear Alyssa, When one's manuscript hasn't been copyrighted yet, is there a way to protect one's work when having someone read it? Can anyone use your manuscript without consent? Love your RUclips channel!
Very important question there
In the US, you own your work the second it is created. If you are looking to create a paper trail, just in case, I suggest saving copies of your different revisions and emailing them to yourself as you go. This will "show your work' and will also offer a time stamp. Additionally, just use common sense when sharing your work. Don't post it online, as this may work against you in trad publishing. Share with trusted people. And when you send work to someone, use a safe channel like email, where you can have time stamped and dated proof that the work was yours.
Do not add people to your google docs, only share those links individually via email if that is your chosen method. Consider having your Beta copy be separate from your personal editing copy. Otherwise share your work as a PDF copy and ask for feedback through either a different document or just int he body of an email.
Generally, though, there is little to worry about here. The process to successfully trad or self publish a work is long and arduous, and self pub is often expensive. That, combined with US copyright law, means there is little to be gained form stealing someone else's work. It is much more trouble than it is worth, with little financial gain and even fewer social gains.
Hi BA, I happen to have a legal background so can answer that one: if you wrote it, you own the intellectual property rights. Nobody may use your manuscript without your consent. However ..., that doesn't mean it won't happen and your practical options to have an unlawful publication withdrawn are probably limited by your own financial constraints. So, only send your manuscript to trusted persons. Or, send it in batches, so nobody has the manuscript in its entirety. The good news are that most people are honest and won't steal a manuscript.
@@CarrieRuthless Thanks for the reply. Appreciate it!
@@nextinstitute7824 Thank you. Appreciate the reply!
Thanks! I just graduated with an MFA last week! I believe I have all the information completed that I need to submit to an agent. I'm finally able to focus on my book now. I do have a manuscript ready, but I feel like I need to have my book completely done, or at least a full first draft. Or is it fine to look for an agent while my first work is still in progress?
I just send my manuscript for dev edits and am now looking for an agent. Idk if that helps
Unless its non-fiction you definitely want it to be completed and also a pretty finalised draft (not 1st draft) before submitting to agents.
@@GuestAgain Thank you! It is nonfiction. It's a memoir actually. But, I feel like I'd like to be about complete before I start applying. But I wasn't sure if should start applying to agents earlier in case they're supposed to give developmental edit suggestions.
@@floragraves5167 Thanks! That is a big help actually. That's probably the way to go.
She generally recommends a full draft prior to submitting nonfiction
The manuscript is clearly not as important as the query letter. No one will read the MS unless your query is brilliant. Sadly, the #1 rule of the publishing industry is to judge a book by its “cover”.
The agents and industry are very fussy about what they want through thier door and they will only take on something that is already popular and ''what's hot'' in the market. They only take on something they personally want.
My thoughts on this, from experience in fashion and film, is that most people in the decision making pipeline want what is popular NOW. This is a huge mistake that is all too human. Knowing the market means your work must conform to what was in trend two years ago. If you have your finger on the pulse of society you should try to produce what will be popular next. This is extremely difficult for mainstream managers averse to risk, which most literary agents apparently are (thought followers, not leaders).
@@AlohaTrev You have it in one and it is. They get it wrong all the time and still doesn't change anything. Yes...the market shifts constantly, so you have to be quick
@@andeeharry or you have to find the literary equivalent of Steven Soderbergh to publish something creative
Tik Tok is affecting the literary field? That's terrifying lol.
My online following = zero.