Thursday, February 26, 2009

On the road to publication

Hey, guess what? On Tuesday I was mentioned in an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the current state of the publishing industry. Check it out! The reporter, Novella Carpenter, found me through a comment I made on Nathan Bransford’s blog about my intention to self-publish.

Nathan is an agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency, and if it’s a twinkle in your eye to see your novel, memoir, or non-fiction masterpiece in print—whether you want to go the traditional publishing route or you opt to self-publish—Nathan’s site is required reading. You’ll learn a ton, and if you’re new to writing, his site, and all its links to other resources for writers, is a great place to start educating yourself about the road to publication. Nathan knows his shit, except for the fact that he rejected my query for my manuscript, Bastard Husband: A Love Story, over a year ago. Oh, Nathan, how could you???

There’s quite a fork in that road to publication these days, which is what Tuesday’s article was about. Because of all the reductions the publishing houses have been undergoing lately, they’re playing it safe, signing established authors and they're less likely to take a chance on new writers. That makes it harder for people like me, and so a lot of us are deciding to self-publish.

I’ve barely dipped my toe in the do-it-yourself waters, but I’m psyched as hell. I’ve been playing the "find an agent” game for almost two years now, with no success. Hmm… might that be because my manuscript isn’t any good? HELL NO! It’s awesome! Here is an excerpt. Want more? Just click the link the right sidebar.

Finding an agent who’s willing to represent you is a monumental achievement in itself, but securing representation is still no guarantee that the agent will, in fact, be able to sell your project to a publisher. Especially these days. So the more I learn about this crazy business, the more I’m convinced self-publishing is the way to go. I’ll keep you posted with a periodic “Road to Publishing” feature, and God willing, in just a few months I’ll have a book ready for your reading enjoyment!

And now for something completely different…

A reader contacted me about the picture in my pathetic Most Embarrassing Moment blog I posted on Saturday:

There is something wrong with your website. I keep clicking on the red “Censored” ribbon, but it won’t go away. You really need your webmaster to fix that.
My apologies and thank you for bringing that to my attention.

And finally, this is my 100th post! When I started this blog back in July, I had no idea how much fun I would be having with it, or how many wonderful friends I would make. Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and the sense of community that can be built through the blogsphere is amazing. I want to thank every single person who's someone found their way to this site and who keep coming back. If you've been shy about leaving a comment, can I take this opportunity to nudge you a bit? Just say hello, so I can give you a personal thank you.

XOXO

Linda

30 comments:

Julie D said...

Wow, that's great! Just remember your little blogging buddies when you're all famous and stuff.

Happy 100th post! My one year is coming up in April. Can't believe it's been that long...

Darlene (Travel Girl) and I are working out our plans for Vegas. Stay tuned...

Anonymous said...

I can see why Mikey thinks you are so funny. I love reading your stuff. It's like crack, I think I'm
addicted. To tell you the truth I would love to see something from you everyday (writing that is). At least my habit would satisfied. I can tell you that Saturday to Tuesday is is now the longest part of my week. Thanks for sharing. Drew

Vegas Linda Lou said...

@ Julie: Get those plans going! I can't wait to meet you two!

@Drew: That is so nice of you to say. And great that you qualified that you'd like to see something from me everyday in writing--ha! Yeah, you wouldn't be the first to say you couldn't take seeing me in person everyday... Thanks for your loyal readership--very much appreciated. I'll try to post a little something extra from time to time.

Mutha Mae said...

Linda, I am a great example of someone who did it herself and got a deal. Will you keep us posted on the self publishing process?

Tana said...

BIG congrats for the plug on Nathan's blog and the SF paper! Your book is interesting and so are you. Keep us updated on your journey. In fact the viewing public would like to know more, what press are you going through? Booksurge?

ReeRee said...

Keep going after it Linda! Your writing is addicting.

Sandi said...

I am so excited for you! I love hearing about this stuff. I may take the plunge one day and do it!

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Vegas Linda Lou said...

Lots of good questions, Laura, and it would take me a long time to answer each one. I’ll just say that I know the process quite well—I’ve spoken at writers’ conferences and have coordinated and presented at a variety of educational panels for writers throughout the Las Vegas valley. My decision to self-publish is well researched and thought out, I assure you; I am confident the model has changed, and for good. But like many decisions in life, you never really know for sure. I have confidence that the universe unfolds in divine order. It’s all good.

What I hear from agents who’ve requested partials or full manuscripts is that it’s well written, but the memoir market is especially tough for people who don’t already have a name for themselves. My motivation is to get my story out there to entertain and, hopefully, inspire other women to take the steps they need to take to make their lives the best it can be. And to learn from my mistakes, of course! The money will come; the fact that I can speak, as well as write, bodes well for me. I have no problem giving bits and pieces away to spark interest.

As always, your input is appreciated.

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Tana said...

I'm attracted to book's by humorist. Celia Rivenbark being one example. She writes short essay's on life, no particular tie in to thread the book together.

Linda you have the same appeal to me. Lord knows we need more humor in this world. And you're right about the pub model changing. In fact the paradigm of publishing has been rocked off its axis. Focus on PR. If the internet has taught us anything, it is the fact the internet itself holds the unlimited PR prowess.

BTW, your right about that whole divine order thing.

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Anonymous said...

Figured I'd jump in and say hello. Came over from Mikey's site, it's been fun following along. Whichever path you choose I wish you much luck.

Anonymous said...

Keep trying to comment & it just won't take! Congrats on 100 and thanks for all of the laughs!
I think I may have enjoyed the comment that was censored - You sure get a lot of advice from strangers - or should I say strange-hers?

Anonymous said...

Sorry - didn't mean to be anonymous! no fun in that!!

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Anonymous said...

Who's this Comment deleted? No 1st ammendment for you.HAHAHAHAHA, and no soup as well.

travel girl said...

I SO can't wait to read this book!

And, I so can't wait to meet you and Jules! Yay:)

Anonymous said...

I make a toast to you and your 100th blog! It is so exciting to read the blogs and about all the great friends and connections you have made through this site. You are truly an inspiration to so many! I think I am still your biggest fan, but I see there is so much competition for that position! Great Job!!

linda said...

Well done Linda. On your 100th post and your fantastic efforts and getting published. It is hard work and I guess you have to be tough.

My crystal ball tells me success is looming for you.

Lilly said...

Congrats on your 100th post and your book being published as I know it will before too much longer!

Strange about your anonymous poster - some people have little in their lives clearly.

Anonymous said...

Consider me nudged. I wandered over from Mikey's place a while back and now I find myself coming back to check on you.

banker

Vegas Linda Lou said...

Thanks, Banker. I can always use a nudge!