I got on my soapbox last week (I mean, if you can’t do that on a blog, where can you do it?) and that was fun. Got a few trolling comments. This week, I’m ready to give you an update on this book.
What have been doing the past months or so, you ask? Well, not writing. More like lawyering, socializing and waiting.
God, there’s a lot of waiting in this game.
But that’s not to say I haven’t made any progress- I have! I’ve found a publisher who is interested in publishing my book! It’s a small press looking to support black writers. I met the publisher at a writing conference.
The Small Press Option
It should be noted that I had no idea that signing unagented with a small press was an option before I was approached by one of the publishers. But I think it’s one that more writers should consider.
This is what I know about the small press I am looking at:
First, I don’t need an agent to sign with them, which is great because I don’t have one.
Second, the publisher would provide me with an editor, publish the book and then help me market it. I get the impression that they can offer more TLC than a big publisher or a busy agent, which is exactly what I need right now.
I need help. I need support. I need guidance. I want my book to sell, but more than anything I want it to be good and to reflect my vision. Then I want it to sell.
The downside is that signing with small presses can be risky. There’s a website called Writer Beware that outlines all the risks. They’ll even let you know if the specific small press you’re looking at has received any complaints, etc. (mine has not, but she said it was still risky move to sign with them because there isn’t much info about them out there- good or bad). The publishers definitely seem to have experience and credentials, but the Writer Beware lady is right- ultimately this is a new venture. Like any small business, many of them fail within the first year or two.
Other downsides are that I wouldn’t get an advance (big publishers give advances) yet I also wouldn’t get 80-100% of the royalties (like you do when you self publish).
I spoke to one of the small press’ current clients, who is working with them on her third book. She was helpful. She said the publisher is sending her on radio shows, pushing her to do appearances and pursue other things completely outside her comfort zone in an effort to get the word out about her book. The contract she signed seemed fair and standard (she worked with other publishers in the past).
I’ve also met with the actual publisher a couple of times. There aren’t really any red flags besides the fact that it’s so new. I’d definitely be taking a leap of faith, but so would they.
My Other Options
The way I see it, I have three options: I could a) pursue the small press, b) continue my quest for an agent who will then embark on a quest for a publisher or c) self publish. I’ve already talked about the small press, let’s discuss the other two paths.
- Self publish
I really don’t want to self-publish because I just don’t have that expertise or background. I don’t have connections to bookstores or libraries, I’m not well-versed in marketing, and I just spent the past three years learning how to write a book (while being a full-time lawyer). Learning how to publish a book as well seems unappealing. Not to mention the inevitable hustling that would have to accompany that if I have any desire to sell the thing. I’ve done a lot on my own, I’m ready for someone to just tell me what to do. And I’ll be happy to do it.
2. Agent > Big Publisher
Going the agent-big publisher route was always my plan.
Obviously trying to find an agent is a ridiculously long process. It’s taken a long time for me, and I think that even if it does work out, it will take for-ever. Maybe months to get an agent. Then maybe a year to find a publisher. Then a year of editing. Then Lord knows if it ever gets on the shelf. I mean I love my book, but if I can avoid this taking another 5 years, I may very well do that.
The agents and large publishers are also faced with various pressures that seem to hurt minority writers, writers of niche genres, writers with unique styles, and anyone else who isn’t a cookie cutter image of today’s author.
Finally, I get the sense that I may not get too much assistance or attention, which worries me. While I’m confident in my abilities, I know that right now I’m limited in what I can do. I really need someone who will help me create my best work- there are agents and others who are willing to invest that kind of time, but it’s not a guarantee. Also, the agent would get 15-20% of whatever I earn, which would be annoying.
Upsides? If I found an agent and signed with a big publisher, that means I’d get an advance and be working with an established institution. In addition to having a certain degree of prestige, I would benefit from their vast connections and experience. But would they care about me?
To the extent there any knowledgeable writers reading this, I could really use your insight.
Til next week!
