Congrats,

Nik.

Brilliant news - congratulations Colin!

Kia

Congrats. S

Congratulations, Colin!

Cath x

p.s. I just wanted to add: I think people's successes should be celebrated and shared - support and positivity is part of what this site's about. Jem, I do totally agree with what you're saying too (although I'm not sure this was the right place to say it!). But I'm in my twenties (just!) with no ties - so people's groundedness and ideas of what constitutes 'success' is not necessarily an age thing.

Thanks for all the congrats, guys.

I think on the most part, success and achievement is seen through the eyes of the beholder. To most people walking is something we don't even think about, to others it's something that takes endless hours of physio and pain to achieve. My first success as a writer came by getting a story published in a fanzine ("thirteen"). I didn't make any money and it didn't appear on any shelves, so anyone else might ask, "what's the big deal - no money and no one's going to read it" - but to me it felt like a major achievement because someone out there said "yes" to something I'd submitted. It might only have been a small goal, but it was my goal.

It's been said before that the good news messages on WW can get a bit tedious, but personally I like them. It's nice to see that other members of the WriteWords community are achieving their goals - whatever they may be.

Colin M

Yes, but doesn't the Agent assure the Author of a publisher who will sell the book in a proper bookshop and not just on the Internet with no publicity? Believe me, I would prefer a good Agent. I've gone through the straight-to-publisher, and they can walk all over you. Does anyone out there know of an Agent? I need one for the sequel to my first. Good luck to all! Roland R. Peach

Yes, but doesn't the Agent assure the Author of a publisher

There are good and bad agents out there and a lot of charlatons. I've heard of some agents that charge a fee but promise to hit at least six mainstream publishers with your book - that means sod all because your neighbour could do the same.

The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is the best starting point, but you can check out a lot of agents on-line. Preditors and Editors is one of the most noted sites. Well worth a visit.

Colin M

To answer RolandPeach's question:

These days it's hard (though not impossible) to get published by a mainstream publisher without an agent. However, getting an agent (even a good one) does not guarantee you publication.



I was agented but unpublished for getting on for ten years. My manuscripts were getting on to the desks of top editors at the best publishing houses. They just weren't biting.

For some people, though, it happens straight away, as I'm sure it will for you, Colin.

Ten years - holy cow!! Which begs another question - at what point do you tell your family and friends that you're a writer?

Colin

Hello Colin

I've only been a member of WW for a relatively short time, but I have noticed that your name keeps popping up and that you are always so willing to offer advice and to pass comments; fantastic to 'meet' someone so committed and enthusiatic about not only their own work but in that of others too. So 'CONGRATULATIONS' to you and I hope the relationship with your agent is everything you want it to be.
Mary

Colin - many, many congratulations. It's great to hear of your achievement, and it's the sort of news that keeps me (and, I'm sure, many others) going.

Well done!

Joanna

Big up Colin!

Just saw this post, and it's so well deserved. You've stuck in there over the years, we've all seen it, and this could only be the logical result. Best of luck in all your future endevours, and I'll look forward to buying a copy of your book when it comes out.

JB

Well done, Colin - that's exactly how it should happen!

sorry, colin - not sure how i missed this thread...

the best of british for everything...

sam

Congratulations, Colin! I haven't been here for a long time but I'd like to add my voice to the chorus. I know just what you feel like because... well, check your inbox!