I signed a contract with an agent last September and awaited in anticipation for that exciting moment when I would receive a publishing deal for my first book. Approximately 15 publishers and rejections down the line the agent has offered me the option of releasing me from my contract with her and has suggested that I contact smaller publishers myself. She has also suggested that a different agent would receive similar results from these publishers, even with some extensive editing of the initial text to be submitted. She is the expert in this field, and not me, but I would like to hear further views on this, even if they are in cofirmation of the already received message, so that I can plan the next route. Thanks, Fiona

That's got to be tough. I received a rejection from an agent this morning (well, ten minutes ago, our post doesn't come till late and I just got in). I live from day to day hoping that an agent will ask for the full manuscript in the hope of accepting it. By the time you get to the position where an agent has taken you on you must be doing backflips thinking you're almost there.

To be knocked back to square one from all the way up there, that must be tough. I wish you all the best in finding a new agent. Who knows, maybe the one you've got is just a pain in the arse and all of the publishers hate him/her. Another agent might just do the trick.

Colin M

Actually, Colin - that can be true. A well established writer, who also edits herself, told me that certain agents (she wouldn't name them!) are viewed with horror by some publishers to the point that they will not touch a writer who is represented by said horrorific agent!

Fflynn - keep trying. There must be some merit in your work for you to be taken on in the first place. Don't give up.

Sue

Well I know that's certainly the case in the games industry. Contracts are very often held back if they hear that certain producers are involved. I worked on one title where we told from day one that we had to very quiet about our producer because it was known far and wide that everything he touched turned to shit. Whaddya know - we got the contract, but true to form it ended up shit.

Colin

On being accepted by an agent I had, at the time, thought that this was one step away from "the deal", so perhaps my expectations were greater than they should have been, although the good words of friends and colleagues renewed my belief in the work. During the more frustrating moments (rejections at the 2nd stage - whatever that is) it had been suggested to me that perhaps literary agents were like estate agents - it was just a case of finding the right one. I had assumed that this was very definitely not so, but it's good to read that the slush pile is not necessarily the only route left to me. Thanks, Fiona.

Have you considered self publishing? If it's good enough to get you an agent in the first place, maybe that's enough.

I must admit to being completely ignorant as to the processes of self-publishing, with regard to costs, promotion etc, but had held perhaps false preconceived ideas about the role of self publishing, and maybe that has, to an extent, prejudiced me. Additionally, I suppose I feel that to do so is an admission that I'm not going to get published through an established publisher (whether small or large)!

Fiona

Unless you can do a hell of a lot of the work by yourself then it certainly isn't cheap. I looked into it a lot of detail a few novels back. The main problem is distribution and getting your book onto shelves. If you don't mind settling for Amazon then you're laughing.

Colin M

Promotion. Selling. Distribution.

If it wasn’t for those factors self-publishing would be a doddle. That’s what takes the money and that’s why the mainstream publishing route is SO difficult. However, some authors have come through to be taken up by one of the publishing houses so, if you have the emotional stamina to sell your work, it’s definitely an avenue to be considered.

Dee

I have looked extensively into the self publishing market (being the skinflint I am)thinking to save all those pennies for myself. The costs can be extravagant and I have been told the publishing industry can cast a net if they feel threatened. However "The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield was originally self published and that sold nearly 80,000 copies before being snapped up. A fluke maybe, but hope eternal!!

J Cham

For every fairy story story like GP Taylor's "Shadowmancer" there must be hundreds and hundreds of flops.

It's a gamble, but as with any type of gamble, it's best to make sure you can afford to lose before you place your bet.

Colin M

I would agree, the estimated costs where high, to get the kind of exposure and publicity needed.

J Cham