and I have no influence whatsoever.
On rare occasions, friends send me a chapter of a work in progress or a short story to enjoy. I’ve judged contests which involves critiquing submissions. I don’t critique or edit the work of strangers.
I’m not a publisher. I’m not a literary agent, nor am I represented by a literary agent. I have no connections of any significance in the publishing world.
I can’t hook you up with an editor, an agent or a publisher. Sorry.
There are many venues for publishing your work. There are numerous e-pubs and there is the option of self-publishing with Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll find a home for your work, but please don’t send it to me. I don’t read unsolicited manuscripts.
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Darn I was just about to send my most recent wip! Just kidding. That’s got to be frustrating.
It’s so important for any aspiring writer to realize they must behave professionally and submit work through professional channels. There are so many venues begging for submissions. Seek them out and follow the guidelines. It’s the best chance for success.
XXOO Kat
love that ferret. wonder if she had them or if it is symbolic? S
And this is one of the many reasons why I love you.
We are just like everybody else…
I agree. I had this happen to me once, long ago.
Sending an unsolicited manuscript to an author is both rude and unethical. Especially if you don’t know that author from Adam (or Eve). It places an author in a bad situation. And no one likes to send your manuscript back with a note telling you “This thing is total crap, buddy!”
Erotic authors are often the target of those who think they can write what they call “erotica”, which usually turns out to be poorly-written porn with bad taste. If the eager wanna-be author wants to see if their work is legit, they should submit it to a publisher and let that publisher decide. Sending it to an author is not the right way.
Amber - my door is open to you! You are no stranger!
Kat - there are so very many options now! I’m not one.
Steph - I think it must have been a pet, but I bet it’s an ermine.
Thanks, Mia!
Absolutely, Savannah - powerless!
Yes, Fran. A very bad position. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.
I guess I’m weird. I have taken manuscripts and projects in process to publishers I know and put the folks in contact. Of course this is for non-fiction and when I think something is important to get into print. If I feel it is important, I will make a major plug for the work. Sometimes they go for it, sometimes they feel the fact that it is unique and worthyt is not enough to recoup their expenses. Other times I pass it on with a note saying “I am passing this onto you with no comment.”
I recall only once actually paying to return a manuscript in which I made it very clear that I felt the work was of such poor quality I was saddened by the number of trees it must have taken to make the paper used for it.
I’m not saying that everyone should feel they have to, but if I have a minute I will make a snap judgement based upon topic, and a glance to see if it deserves further time. I should probably rep the books, but 15% of very little makes it not worth getting too involved and having an actual legal responsibility. Besides,if you bring a good book to the attention of a publisher they tend to owe you.
Although to be fair, few of this stuff just shows up at my door. I hear something, or talk to someone, or see something published overseas that deserves a translation and let it be known it sounds interesting. Poorly-written porn just shows up on my computer for reason I can fathom.
No, Jim, you’re not weird. I’ve helped aspiring writers as well because I still consider myself an aspiring writer and quite frankly, nobody helped me when I was really struggling. I know how much encouragement a newbie needs. But, to receive something out of the blue, with no introduction or background information, from someone you don’t know, who has never had any contact with you before, and unfortunately the work falls under the heading of porn, and the person asks you to hook them up with an agent? It feels way more like being spammed or stalked, especially when I’m a woman and the person sending queries to me, as if I’m a publisher, is a man. Makes me very uncomfortable.
Usually when I critique a chapter or two, I’ve had some prior contact with an author under more normal circumstances.
Oh, Julia, only you!