Sorry to sound so stressed with a first posting, but I have just found this site after searching endlessly for advice on getting published.

It seems like there are brick walls everywhere! I've written a full-length book for children, polished it 'til it shines, put together an engaging preliminary letter, etc, etc. I've read all the writer's advice books, targeted agents who I think would be interested. I'm sure you know the drill! Yet all I seem to get back are standard letters, most of which either admit they aren't taking on new clients or say my work isn't suitable with no further reasons.

Should I have just started with the publishers? I notice quite a few of them point out they prefer you to have an agent before you approach them.

I just don't know what to do for the best. I can see myself reaching the stage where I have run out of agents to approach and need to gather all my courage to make a start on the publishers! Where do I go from here? I would appreciate any advice.

Amanda

Oh dear!

Welcome to WW, Amanda, and join the club!

You seem to have made all the right moves, jumped through all the hoops. Sadly this is no guarantee of success.

Breaking into publication these days is, for a new writer, as near as damn it, impossible. If you can accept that – really accept that fact – then you have a chance of staying sane.

Don’t even think about approaching publishers unless they say they will accept unsolicited submissions. Most of them won’t consider anything that doesn’t come to them through an agent.

I don’t know how many agents you have approached but, if you’ve had so many rejections you’re worrying about running out of options, I would suggest you stop and take stock.

I know from personal experience that, when you write in isolation, it’s very difficult to miss your own errors. I have no experience of writing for children but there are some very talented writers on this site who specialise in children’s fiction. I would suggest that, as a first step, you upload some samples of your work and ask them for some feedback. Believe me, it’s invaluable!

Good luck.

Dee.

Thanks Dee, though it will be like pulling teeth to push it out into a public forum!!

Amanda

I know. I can still remember the angst I felt when I uploaded my first piece - almost a year ago now. Since then I have gone through a complete novel, umpteen short stories, and am halfway through a second novel. I don’t know how I would function now without the support from other WW members.

If you want to be a published writer – as you obviously do if you’re approaching agents – you need to get used to accepting feedback. On this site it will be positive. It may not be exactly what you want but I can guarantee it will be constructive and helpful.

Dee

Hi Calamity Jane,

(Love that name!)

ca-lam-i-ty: An event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, or severe affliction ...

You did not mention others' opinions about your text so I agree with Dee about uploading samples for our comments.

Towards a less calamitous outcome, (!)

Hamburger Yogi

Jane,

The frustration you feel is echoed by almost every writer who seeks to be published. The point that struck me was your disappointment in NOT receiving more constructive replies from the Agents you contacted.

When the suggestion that you upload your work onto this site was made, your reaction was your comment on 'pulling teeth'. This suggests that you would be extremely embarrassed, would be easily hurt by any adverse comment or perhaps regard any criticism as being valueless to you.

I think you may be quite surprised at the quality and the constructive nature of comments from Members some of whom are well experienced in the field of writing for children.

However you ask what your next steps can be..?

You can seek out more Agents... here and in other English-speaking Countries. You can adopt a policy of approaching publishers direct (maybe not 'liked' but nothing ventured, nothing gained). You can buy the services of a professional critic. You can self-publish your book. What about illustrations (if any)? There are many steps you can take. You can even face the fact that your writing is not up to expected standards. I could go on...

You can spend a lot of money on 'pushing' something that needs 'improving'; however the value of this site can lead to a distinct 'improving' of your work that may make it more marketable.

Len