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Re: Sira
Oh brother, Naut, you kill me! Cabaret stage indeed!
With betting skills like that, you should be hopping the first plane to Vegas 
posted by
Sira890
on June 2, 2008 at 11:33 AM
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Sira
I wouldn't deal with any outfit named Lulu! Reminds me too much of a lady of easy virtue prancing around in a boa on a cabaret stage in Paris in the '20s! As to your book - I bet you'll get it published properly, and I never lose a bet...
(Ask Wiley!)
posted by
Nautikos
on May 29, 2008 at 7:07 PM
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Re: Sira890
LOL Mac! Lulu at a glance, seems like a writers dream! No query letters, no mucking about with agents or publishers or anything like that. But, like everything else in life, it was just too good to be true...
When I decided to get really serious about writing, I approached it with the assumption that I would just write, and someone else would take care of all the other nonsense. Boy, was I naive!
I've never even heard of that show--it might be one that we don't get out here. But it does sound like a laugh--I'll have to check my local listings!
posted by
Sira890
on May 21, 2008 at 9:04 AM
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Re:
I'm glad you've got Wiley to explain about possible scams--having someone who knows about about the business is an invaluable tool for any writer!
And I couldn't agree more--we should strive to help each other whenever possible! After all, we're all chasing that same dream. Might as well support each other along the way. And when we're all best selling authors, the first round is on me!
posted by
Sira890
on May 21, 2008 at 8:58 AM
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Re: Sira
I'm with you on that, Kaboom!
Good luck to you as well 
posted by
Sira890
on May 21, 2008 at 8:55 AM
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Re:
Hey LLM,
Thanks for reading
posted by
Sira890
on May 21, 2008 at 8:54 AM
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Re: Maybe it's just me, but I think publishers in Canada are great.
Well Pat, they have their moments! But as I research, I'm finding that a lot of them (especially the smaller guys) have some very stringent rules. Because our market is smaller up here, many of them rely partially on grants from the Canadian government. And to comply with those grants and keep the money coming in, they have to follow some guidelines. For example, stories need to be set in Canada, or focus on Canadian history or politics.
I think we're all pretty proud of Ms. Atwood--it's nice to be known for something other than Celine Dion... 
posted by
Sira890
on May 21, 2008 at 8:54 AM
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Sira890
What defeats me is the grind of sending out and receiving rejections, Sira. I can see the attraction of Lulu; it sounds like the same idea as Cafe Press. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just write - and let someone else worry about everything else.
Have you ever watched 'men in trees?' on TV. I laugh myself silly at all the people dying to publish the writer's new book - before it's even started. If only.
posted by
johnmacnab
on May 21, 2008 at 4:32 AM
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Like you I have dreams of seeing my books published. Wiley has explained to me about vanity publishing which was the way I was heading. So like you, Tom Ugly the book will have a long slog of a road to find a publisher. We should all help each other I think. I will cetrtainly post any tips I may find. and thank you for this blog. It had taught me much more I am so trusting sometimes.
posted by
Kabu
on May 20, 2008 at 6:47 AM
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Sira
I'd rather never be published at all than play that game which some 'bogus' agencies want to play, ( a nice list of them, yes I've seen) and that is the truth! We all live and Learn, and research and learn, so the best of luck to you my friend!!
posted by
KaBooM62
on May 19, 2008 at 9:59 PM
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posted by
lovelyladymonk
on May 19, 2008 at 10:12 AM
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Maybe it's just me, but I think publishers in Canada are great.
At least what they print and distribute is. In the U.S. I haven't seen much of anything about the WTO protests in Seattle in '99. But a Canadian publisher put out a book "The Battle in Seattle," with background on the issues, why the protest happened, the situation in the city and the cop riots, etc. It included eyewitness accounts, all of which fit with my own view and the experiences of teachers and students from the college where I worked - who were directly involved. And one of my favorite writers - Margaret Atwood - is Canadian.
posted by
Pat_B
on May 19, 2008 at 5:41 AM
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Re: I think too it's pointless to get a manuscript printed into book
I'm pretty confident that my manuscript is strong--perhaps overly confident!
It's getting past the query letter stage, to the point where they're actually willing to read the novel that will be tough. Like all new or unpublished writers, getting that initial foot-in-the-door is my main objective! Expect the worst, hope for the best.
posted by
Sira890
on May 18, 2008 at 9:10 AM
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Re: Go to the library, to the reference section. They have "Writers Market"
I'm one step ahead of you! Checked out that book, and it's online equivalent.
Also, I found a more Canada specific organization, that lists all the active agents in Canada, and one for the publishers as well.
I am terribly anxious to see the manuscript become a real book--first book excitement and all! But not too anxious that I'd rush into an arrangement that would end up doing more harm than good...this is one of those times when it pays to be a stickler for details!
Thanks for reading, and for the great advice!
posted by
Sira890
on May 18, 2008 at 9:07 AM
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Re:
My pleasure Zen--I hope it's helpful!
posted by
Sira890
on May 18, 2008 at 9:03 AM
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Re: Yes, I would keep trying publishers for a while
Azur,
I heard the same tip, from many different people. But my manuscript is done--edited, formatted, and ready to go.
And of course, there are some books that are perfect for Lulu services--some people are quite content to have just a few copies, for friends and family, and they do need a place to achieve that goal--Lulu, in that case, is likely a very good fit!
Having contacts is always good, and it sounds like your guy will be helpful! I also work with someone, a woman who helped me immensely with various different aspects of the writing,and also was able to provide some direction on publishers.
Good luck to you, and thanks for reading
posted by
Sira890
on May 18, 2008 at 9:03 AM
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Re:
Vogue,
It really is a fantastic place--with all the sites out there meant to scam writers, it's nice to know there's at least one meant to help!
posted by
Sira890
on May 18, 2008 at 8:57 AM
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I think too it's pointless to get a manuscript printed into book
form. The bottom line is the strength of the manuscript.
posted by
Azur
on May 17, 2008 at 10:19 PM
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Go to the library, to the reference section. They have "Writers Market"
which is a major listing of publishers, agents, all kinds of markets for writers. There's also an online Writers Market, which is affiliated with Writer's Digest magazine. The same publisher also puts out a book of agents. After you've looked it over in the library -- or at your local bookstore -- you may find it's worth $29.95 to have a copy at home. Each year they update the listings, add new publishers, info on what to expect, etc... Lulu is one of many POD and similar publishers who prey on those of us who are so anxious to see our work in book form we'll fall for their line. Good on you for checking it out.
posted by
Pat_B
on May 17, 2008 at 5:44 PM
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Thanks for sharing this valuable info. zm
posted by
ZenMom
on May 17, 2008 at 5:37 PM
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Yes, I would keep trying publishers for a while
I think the most useful tip I have heard is not to send a manuscript in until it's ready. I think there is a temptation for any of us to do that but perhaps more so with paid for publishing.
Of course, some books are perfect for Lulu and such because not every book fits in to a bestselling slot but many of these books still deserve a place. Yes, I too want to write books that sell although I know I won't get the hundreds of thousands of readers I occasionally get now.
I send my mine to a man who mentors writers with manuscripts in development. He doesn't comment in fine detail but is really good at identifying what to focus on for improvements.
And also he knows all the publishers so he knows what they are after. He gave me names of who to target when I am done. This kind of thing is invaluable.
posted by
Azur
on May 17, 2008 at 4:55 PM
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I have discovered Writers Beware some time ago and it has enlightened me no end. A great site, worth consulting and updated constantly.
posted by
vogue
on May 17, 2008 at 4:40 PM
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