Five years ago, after taking early retirement, I wrote and self-published a novel ( I created the imprint name Moorhen Publishing). I self-published because I didn't think that at my age I stood any chance of a contract with mainstream publishers who seem to be looking for multi-book contracts with young authors. I set the novel in current times, using real locations on Dartmoor. I've sold 4,000 copies, mainly through retail outlets on the moor and off our website http://www.moorhenpublishing.co.uk
A couple of agents have spotted the book, but both lost interest when they found out how many I've already sold. I was pottering along quite happily; I've also published a sequel and issued both as ebooks. But now I've been unsettled. A well-known author bought the book when she was on holiday. She was kind enough to contact me enthusing about it, talking in terms of it selling 100,000+. She bought a load to give away as Christmas presents. Unfortunately, her own publisher doesn't handle my genre and she doesn't use an agent.
So, who do I believe, the enthusiastic author or the agents who tell me I'm too late?

Firstly, congragatulations! It's almost unheard of to sell so many copies of a self-published book. And that may be why an agent would be reluctant to take it on. It's already reached most of its potential buyers.

Also, it would be very difficult to persuade a publisher to take on a book that's already been published.

My best advice would be to get on and write your next book, then try your luck with that one.

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I've just had a look at the website - rave reviews indeed! I don't see what you would gain by having someone else publish it. I doubt they could do a better job than you already have

Hi Freebird
Thanks for the reassuring words. That's pretty much my conclusion, but it's good to hear it from someone else. The attraction in having a mainstream publisher take it on is that it would get the book marketed nationally. At the moment it is only sold through outlets within the Dartmoor area. Distributors, such as Gardners, won't take it on because they say 'there is no evidence of a national demand', which is a Catch 22 situation. There is no national demand because it isn't marketed nationally and it isn't marketed nationally because there is no national demand. Somewhat irritating, but I suspect I'm financially better off as I am. Thanks again.
Barry

Yes, just seconding what Freebird said - it's brilliant to have sold so well, but then by definition it's already sold to its core audience.

Lovely to have so much support from a big-name author, but the perspective of someone who was first published years ago - and in a different genre from you - is very different from how things are for someone starting out now.

But if you did want to try to get a publisher and/or agent for the next one, the fact that you did so well with this one, with small distribution - and that you have that big name to call on, perhaps - would work very much in your favour, I'd have thought.

Having said that, deciding that you don't want to go down that road will save you any amount of stress and perhaps heartache.

I don't see why Gardners wouldn't take it on if you can persuade Waterstone's or another big retailer to stock it.

I self-published a children's book some time ago, and Waterstone's said they'd be happy to stock it, but that I would have to approach each individual branch myself and ask them to order it. Then they would order it via Gardner's. I didn't go down that route in the end, but it's perfectly feasible. Time for a little trip round the major bookshops in your area?

The website is very professional, and I love the premise of the book (as a fan of Celtic-type stuff) - I might buy a copy myself!

Thanks, Emma.
The only aspect that makes me pause is that sales haven't fallen away. Thousands of holidaymakers visit Dartmoor every year and as they pass through a percentage of them buy my book. It seems to me that if made available nationally it might find a much bigger market rather than just those who holiday in Devon.
You're absolutely right about avoiding the stress and heartache. I haven't had to jump through publisher hoops or resist editing pressure and I'm writing my current book at my own pace with no one to please but me.
The responses of you and Freebird have made it easier for me to feel relaxed about just carrying on as I am.
Thanks.
Barry.

Hi Freebird
The Waterstones branches in Plymouth, Exeter and Newton Abbot sell it. They have to order it via Gardners, but Gardners say that until they have proof of a national demand all they will do is forward those individual orders to me, rather than carry a stock and have their reps market it across the country.
Thanks for the comments about the website. As an utter technophobe I can take no credit for it. My wife and son created and maintain it. I'll pass on your praise - their little cheeks will be pinkly glowing.
All sales greatly appreciated, whether in print or ebook format!
Barry