Any writers out there????

[moduckman]

I published a book in April 2008. It deals with a column I wrote for several years for thelocal paper. It is a first person account of attending and partaking in the Missouri State Fair. I always had a dream to do this and after alot of work it became a reality. Thank goodness, though, I was not looking to get rich. Still, it is neat to google your book and see it pop up all over the world.

 

[HorseFeathers]

Writer of Fatima's Saga! (See link in my sig.) I am writing a novel and several short stories too, though not about chickens. Also an apprentice photographer, just got a Nikon D60.

 

[SpottedCrow]

Goddess...Look at all these published folks...the only thing I've had published was a poem in the College Newspaper...but I can get a proof of my NaNo if I finish it by June...
good luck with the signing tour, Geri!
We've been cold as my pancreas too...at least today is a balmy(?) 30 F.

 

[moduckman]

Quote:
i hope I'm one of those exceptions. I write what I think and do. M y book was well received locally. More of a coffee table book about misadventures show poultry at the state fair. A second one much more emotional concerning our families fight with my son's cancer. I have to say, most of the people at my book signing were women, possibly 5-1 ratio.

 

[Jajika]

Hi moduckman

My real name is Geri Spieler, of course.

Thanks for the reply.

I think what you did to launch your novel skills is gutsy and right-on.

Even if you believe your technique is shaky does not mean the topic is lost forever. You have used your first effort to learn and that is very significant. Take what you think is wrong and re-work it. I know that seams yucky, but it is important.

I rewrote my book at least six times or more. What I wrote the first time is horrifically bad and very different than the finished product.

You may see the same in your book. Or, your first effort will change in direction and POV from what it is now? Who knows? Are your characters dictating the story to you yet?

 

[nightshade]

Hi I am an artist by profession but I love to write. I am a poet that use to go to local readings until my father became so ill last year.

When it comes to short stores or novels I prefer fiction, this way most people can not tell what is completely my creation and what is mirror. I also prefer novel length over, short story, basicly because I have a great desire and love for the tiny details. I want my readers to be able to create and entire scene in their mind from the information that I have given them. I have found that to me there is no greater complement then to have some one tell me "I could see my self there,"

I have a manuscript in my drawer that I was to be published a few years ago. Unfortunately the company that was to do it wanted to change parts of it to what they felt would sell better. I refused, telling them that it was what I had written, it was my heart and soul in the book if they did not like it as it was then I would not allow them to print it. So it sits, all 600+ pages in a desk drawer and very few even close to me have ever read it. No matter how often I may get it out and sit it on my desk, it has become something that it for my eyes only I guess. I hold it close to me like one would a diary with their most protected secrets in. I look at it and then back in the dark drawer it goes. Maybe some day I will try again.

And of course my agent fee that I paid to find me a publisher for it went down the drain.

Still I thought this was better then having something out there that was only half what I had written and half what some pr person some where felt was more profitable.

 

[SpottedCrow]

Nightshade, there's a few companies around now that will let you self-publish Warts and all.

Once I finish my Nano, I'm going to submit it and have it printed out as a proof.

One of them is Lulu.com. I'll have to look up the other ones.

 

[moduckman]

Quote:
I went through 8 or nine re-writes, before finally excepting what I had. I had a vision to put some first person account columns I wrote in the local paper into a book form. I had a nice following and gave it the ol' college try. I got Harmon's book on literary agents and publishers and read what I needed to do to get it published. 30 querries went out to agents dealing in non-fiction humor. Got a lot of rejections.

Some agents liked the idea, but felt it was too localized. A couple advised me to self-publish, saying they dealt more with bigger sellers and mine was more small market.

I querried a few publishing houses that accepted them, but again came up short. Still, I felt I had something I wanted to do. After much searching I discovered Lulu.com publishing. this fit me. though I was disappointed that I didn't have a "blockbuster", I was thrilled to see my book in print.

The newspaper had a book signing and I sold several at poultry shows (most of the book deals with showing poultry at the state fair), and the folks have given me rave reviews.

It is really neat to have people like your work. That has made it worth it!!!

 

[Jajika]

Hi Moduckman:

I completely understand with your experience. It is very frustrating.

To share in your pain, I went through the same thing. I went through at least 30 queries to agents, all said no.

I tried small publishers--all said no.

Then I found an agent, a complete and total dud.

I found another agent who was interested for about 15 minutes. He sent the book to three publishers who rejected it and then he rejected me.

I gave up, again. I think I put the book away for at least 18 months on and off.

When I found my current agent, what a difference. She is a REAL agent. She took the book because she believes in it. And, she never gave up.

About 30 publishers gave up but she didn't. That is what you need.

Have you looked into Writers Market online. You an sort for just the agent you need there,

Blockbuster???? The only people who have blockbusters are folks like JK Rowling. or Hillary Clinton. Us normal folks don't have big sellers.

I have spent money and worked like a dog to get the small about of press I eventually received. It's very difficult.

 

[moduckman]

Jajika, Right now I'm comfortable with where the book is. I have a second one, a short story, and it has received rave reviews from people who has purchased it. I really appreciate people like you who has been through it as well. Thanks for your words!!!