I'll be querying very soon. As if that isn't terrifying in itself, I've now developed a new worry.
I have a list of publishers I want to query. But what if they aren't the right publishers for me? I've done all my research. These are the ones that I consider the best for this particular manuscript. Yet I could be wrong.
I won't know until it's done. That's the risk we have to take as writers. I've already had one bad experience with a publisher. Maybe old fears are surfacing from that.
I'm curious about those of you who have queried and found a happy home with a press. How did you know they were the right publisher for you? Or how about those bad experiences? Please share those too.
Yeah I'm not querying until next year but I wish you luck. Go with your gut and use your current list. No matter the result don't give up and keep querying and writing.
ReplyDeleteI think until you start the process you really won't know, but then your gut feeling will probably take over. That and endless research, checking for other's experiences, looking at things they have published that sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with it Christine and enjoy the ride.
Like you said, you won't know until it's done. But you've done research, and a lot of people don't even do do that, so you're way ahead of the curve. I agree with Sheena-kay and Suzanne—trust your gut.
ReplyDeleteAnd best of luck with the querying.
I have absolutely no experience in this area, BUT, I know you will make absolutely certain that you choose the right home for your book. Instincts are very important!
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG, and thank you for your kind support, much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience, but now you know what to look for in a new publisher. Live and learn.
ReplyDeleteSorry I can't give you advice from personal experience. Querying is scary. I've heard having another writing project helps get through it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm sure you'll know when it's right, trust your gut! :)
ReplyDeleteThere's only one right publisher for you, the one who responds with a big YES! And you will find them.
ReplyDeleteBut casting your net as wide as possible is definitely the key. Good luck :-)
I suppose things like checking the covers/edits/success of their portfolio is the most important thing. Then study the contract if they offer you a spot. Make sure you can get out of the contract with your rights and without it costing you anything, too.
ReplyDeleteI got offered a contract for my series and just knew it was wrong after initial excitement. Something felt off. Like they say, use your gut. And best of luck when you start making your choices.
shahwharton.com
Knowing what type of work they typically accept is the first part. From there, you just wait to see if it is a yes, a no, or a maybe. When you get that yes, look carefully over the contract. Talk to some of the authors too. If everything looks good, then I say go for it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean about the publisher-who-must-not-be-named. Even though I went on to work with a reputable publisher after that, that experience still changed my view of publishers. That's a large reason why I'm self-publishing. I just don't trust publishers very much.
Thank you for your comments and advice, everyone. I'll just have to make sure not to jump into anything too quickly if I get excited. Have a good Wednesday! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with others that you will know in your gut when you have the right one. And they will be lucky to have you! Good luck. :)
ReplyDeleteOf course everyone is going to want your work, but I'm with Shah. If anything feels off, you'll know it. Go with your gut and you'll be fine. I'm excited for you, Christine!
ReplyDeleteI know I should probably keep my mouth shut and not feed the insecurity, but I've see so many friends have bad experiences (Misha Gericke, for one) that I up and went indie. I know some folks have positive experiences and find good agents and publishers, but it seems the process is partly a crapshoot.
ReplyDeleteI guess what you really need to decide is how important it is to you to go traditional. Is it worth taking a chance on hooking up with a bad pub and giving up (or court-battling for) your rights?
IWSG #224 until Alex culls the list again.
I haven't queried before (except a mock query for a commercial fiction class). I think that some of the best research isn't just looking at the publisher websites, but at the authors who are published by them, and how happy those authors are . . . I think that's the best way to know if the publisher will be a good fit for you.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your querying!
Congratulations! Unfortunately I don't have any advice since I haven't made it that far in the writing process; but I'm sure the advice from all the others will be just what you need. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteThey will all be wrong if you never send anything, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry if I scared you earlier with my post. We still have a job to do. We have to keep going. We won't ever know until we try.
ReplyDeleteI'll think positive thoughts for you if you do the same for me!
Heather
I haven't gotten around to querying yet, but from what I've read, matching up with the right agent or publisher can be mostly a crapshoot, no matter how much research you do beforehand. Heck, it may be years before you even know if it was a good or bad choice. Good luck with the hunt.
ReplyDeleteI like my publisher (World Castle). They are honest. When a writer isn't happy, there isn't a bloody struggle over rights, just a clean farewell with the rights going back t the writer. It's not a perfect place, we need more marketing and publicity...but I'm hoping as the house grows,that will improve.
ReplyDeleteBut honestly, you seem to be doing so well self-pubbing, a small press might be a step backward for you.
There are no guarantees, that's just the risk you have to take. Scary but all part of the process.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
Good luck with your querying. I'm nowhere close to that yet on my journey, but when I am I'll be able to tap you up for some tips :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others. Trust your gut! Best of luck with your queries, and I hope you receive overwhelming positive news!
ReplyDeleteIf you've done your homework (which it sounds like you have), then those are probably the right publishers for your work. You just have to submit and see what they say. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you're feeling. It's a matter of chance, even with the best research ever. But look for early warning signs once you become involved with a publisher.
ReplyDeleteI've written about my experience first time out with a publisher and sent it to Carrie B. for that collaboration she's doing.
Good luck with your queries. You've done your part. You've done your homework. The next step is a leap you have to take.
ReplyDeleteEverybody's different. Go with what feels right to you. For me, I'm quite happy with self-pub. I narrowly escaped a bad publishing deal 5 years ago and never looked back. :)
ReplyDeleteOh man! I have no answer or experience with queries but I wish you the best of luck. The uncertainty of this whole publishing world is a for sure a wild ride. I have to hope that you will know when/if you meet the right publishing company. Hugs ;)
ReplyDeleteS.K.Anthony: IWSG
I couldn't tell since I have no experience with that but if I might say something, I would suggest you listen to your guts. I don't think you have much to worry about knowing your fine work. Maybe you're better off self-publishing but you'll not know until you try the other path. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew, but I'm still on the other side of that. Good luck querying! If you've done your research, hopefully you will find the right place for your book baby. :)
ReplyDeleteStop second guessing yourself! You have no control over whether they are right for you beyond doing your research. Don't worry over what isn't in your control. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI've only queried short stories; and usually I've written the story specifically for the posted theme.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure all will work out for you Christine.
Congrats on getting close to querying! It can be nerve-wracking, but exciting too! You'll get the hang of it after a few. It's definitely a learning process, but know that you're not alone. You can't possibly know everything going in. The querying process is as much about you learning about agents and publishers as it is about them learning about your work. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing your manuscript, and getting it ready to query. Having read it, I know it's going to rock. It's an awesome story!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've done your research regarding publishers, so I'm sure you'll be alright.
Don't let past experiences make your insecure about this current project. You've grown as a writer, and this story really is amazing. :)