Why is it so difficult to find a publisher who is looking for new writers and new works of historical fiction?
I have three works of fiction set in various historical settings and am having a hard time finding a publisher, can any one help
- Tim W
Tags: Hard Time, Historical Fiction, New Works, New Writers, Publisher
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
There are plenty of publishers out there.
You have to buy a guide on publishers and then start sending out your manuscript.
Or you can find similar books and see who published them.
generally send an synopsis of the book plus one or two chapters. send the best chapter, not the first one.
there is a lot of bad books out there, but the publsiher has to see something they like before publishing.
April 4th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
there are plenty of authors and work people out there
April 7th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Have you tried the contest/conference/ writing group routes. I didn’t go those routes but now being in the business I see how valuable it has been for other newbies. Contest winners often get free reviews and comments and sometimes phone consultations from editors and agents who work with large publishers.
At conferences there are pitch sessions with agents and publishers for 10 to 15 minutes again you can get feedback and sometimes they’ll even ask you for a package right then and there or ask you to submit to them later. They’ll give you contact info. I would suggest making sure you say something memorable that stands out in their minds or sending a thank-you along with your submission again so you have something to discuss when you e-mail as opposed to just asking about your manuscripts.
I’m sure if you’re submitting that you are familiar with all the websites offering advice as well as publications that list publishers accepting as well as the proper acquisition editors. Sometimes just knowing the right name to put on a submission will get you closer.
Joining a national writing association helps in some cases because they invite speakers who are agents, editors and other interesting speakers in the industry including other authors and lawyers, publicists etc.
Also don’t forget checking with agents and publishing websites. Deidre Knight of the Knight agency in New York does a ‘Meet the Agent’ Q & A on Kwanawrites blog. Kensington lists the acquisition editors on their website. E-publisher Cerrwidean Press gives very specific submission data. Check out publishers who don’t require agents for submission and you’ll find they give detailed guides to what and who is looking for your genre.