Flash naff and shambolic.

Spot on, Rod.

Jane Smith, of How Publishing Really Works, has now put up a typically shrewd and knowledgeable post about the whole thing, which is interesting for anyone.

She's asked me to ask any WWers who were involved with it last year if they would go and comment on her post about their experience of it - good and bad.

Her blog is very widely read, so it's a real service to others who might not otherwise have the full picture:

http://ht.ly/3l9iG

Emma

Very revealing indeed. Have left a comment. Thanks, Emma.
Susiex

Cor, it's really kicked of on Jane Smith's blog now...

Emma

Interesting, although I think they've been a little unfair about Catherine Cooper's novel. Checked out the reviews and they've all been positive; none have commented on the quality, or otherwise, of the editing.

<Added>

Seems, though, that this new publisher is good at the sales pitch but fuzzy on the practicalities. Hopefully they have the necessary professionals lined up to do a proper job.

I find the month turnaround just bizarre. Why?

Most people on the blog seem to be focussing on the editing, but surely that's only the start of it. The book will have missed every possible slot going - for reviews, for festivals, for selling into the chains, for getting into catalogues...

Yes, big publishers CAN turn a book around that quick (I'm sure there will be Kate and Wills books in the shops pretty soon) but they don't, for the simple reason that generally it harms sales.

I think their idea of "published" isn't the same as that of most writers, authors, publishers, booksellers...

Emma

I think their idea of "published" isn't the same as that of most writers, authors, publishers, booksellers... Emma

Agreed. They seem to think they can simply print and promote a book and, poof, it's properly published. And, rather than do a proper job of helping a writer edit their mss into shape they're going to charge the writer almost two grand for the privilage. I don't see how this can ever be good for the writer and be called a better business model than that used by traditional publishers. It's got the distinct whiff of vanity-publishing all over it. Even their own website touts the self-publishing model over all else.
Blah. Avoid.

<Added>

The thing about marketting bods is they're very clever at telling the punter what they want to hear.
Don't swallow the hype.

Have now left a comment. Certainly an interesting debate and it all leaves an unpleasant smell. These days the borders between vanity/self/traditional publishing are blurred. Competitions that offer publication for the winner can be viewed as a sort of group self-publishing effort, where only a few get published. The costs of producing a book are paid by writers not by a reading public. It's getting dark outside.

Brit Writers have always been helpful and encouraging to me. I find their advice about getting published is good. I'm not worried about the amount of money they charge, as it is small. If a person is scamming, they ask for much, much more. I need help to get published and I think they are worth trying. So far there is no scamming, and I really don't sense any intention to rip anyone off.

Samantha - are you a plant?

Temporary membership and a single but very pointed post.

Ben Yezir

I suspect the proof will be in the pudding Samantha. Hopefull you'll come back at the end of the year and give us an update.

I've given an indication of my personal experience. If I do have any negative experience in the future I will probably come back here and tell you (no reason not to). I am a temporary member, and just joined in because so far what I've read on this discussion thread is quite speculative, and I wanted to present a fair account of my experience.

As Operations Manager for Brit Writers I am very disappointed to find such a negative thread which doesn't appear to be based on a lot of fact.

Our competition is open to all, for an entry fee of £10.95 which enables individuals to submit three entries in a variety of categories. Last year the £10.95 enabled people to submit as many pieces of work as they liked, which resulted in us receiving a huge number, but not a huge amount of money as somebody has suggested.

There are very clear submission deadlines on the website:
5pm GMT Friday 25th February 2011 for UK submissions
5pm GMT Friday 25th March 2011 for International submissions
5pm BST Friday 27th May 2011 for Schools submissions

If the FAQ's and Terms and Conditions are not clear, please do let us know so that we can make the necessary amendments - an email to enquiries@britwriters.co.uk is all that is needed.

Likewise, if there are any questions about the Publishing Programme, please do ask.

Joanna West
Operations Manager

Joanna, I have a question to ask about the new initiative (not the Brit Writers Awards, but the taking on of 15 promising writers to work towards publication):
When you say that you 'guarantee publication', who will be the publishers? Will they be independent, mainstream publishers? Small indies? Or a publishing arm of Brit Writers?
Many thanks,
Susie