Many of you know I had an awesome agent--Sara Megibow of Nelson Literary Agency. Last summer she started shopping a middle grade mystery of mine. Sara and I both thought the book's premise was unique and the characters likable and interesting. Sara submitted the book to 15-20 editors, and while I received many encouraging comments, the book wasn't sold. That's not what bothered me, though. What bothered me was that the editors' comments varied so much (to the point where they were in direct conflict with each other). I'd always understood this is a subjective business, but this experience hit that home for me.
For my most recent book, Sara and I decided to submit to only a few editors. They all rejected the manuscript, but one (from a big publisher) went so far as to show the book to other editors and read the entire manuscript. She gave a few reasons for eventually passing, but the one that resonated with me that was alien stories weren't selling in-house.
That comment got me thinking about how I really wanted readers to decide what should sell. And that thought grew and grew while I revised. It was during the revision process and after a conversation about epublishing that Sara and I decided (amicably and with best wishes to each other) to part ways.
I'm excited to try to get my alien book into readers' hands. It'll be a tough sell for a number of reasons, but especially because MG readers don't have as much access to ereaders as young adults and adults...and the inexpensive marketing channels to MG readers are fewer. Time will tell if I can reach the readers and whether they'll like the book.
Stay tuned for posts about the epublishing process! Feel free to ask questions.
19 comments:
Lots to take in.
I'll blow bast the 'i'm sorrys' and just get to the I AM HERE! I'll get my friends and family to buy. I'll get my BFF, who is the ebook librarian at our PL, to buy. We'll get this ball rolling.
Speaking of balls. You got 'em. I am glad to see you stick your neck way out there and share the journey with us.
Who wants to be the president of the Author Anita Miller Fan Club? (I can't, I'm the Creative Director.)
Very interesting news Anita! As you know, I've also taken the leap into indpendent e-publishing and the deeper I get invovled, the more I believe this is the future. And it is an exciting one of creative freedom and direct contact between author and reader. A brave new wrodl indeed, and one I'm very happy to be part of! :)
Good luck. Will follow your journey with interest.
Judy (South Africa)
I think MG will definitely be harder but as time goes on more and more kids will have ereaders. And word of mouth reins supreme! Your story is so interesting! Nothing is impossible! Get on those Kindle boards! Best of luck to you.
Super interesting. I have to say I want to have my book published the old-fashioned way but you have got me thinking. I respect your ideas and opinions so much that this has got my attention. I really agree with your reasons to try it. I will help however I can. And I will let my kids borrow my ereader to read your book!
JONATHON/CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Thank you for all your support! And no reason to be sorry. I've got tough skin and am so excited about this journey.
JUDY: You are a true inspiration. You know how much I read, and I know you are an incredibly gifted writer. I am so impressed by you and am anticipating great things from your work.
LAURA: Believe me, I'm going into this with eyes open...I'm aware of the risks and challenges, but that just makes this more fun. I'll be on the Kindle boards...this is becoming a small business for me...and I'm loving it. I've just gotta remember to shower. :)
TINA: Honestly, I used to think of self-publishing as stupid. But now (with epublishing) I think it's smart. Time will tell!
Kindle for the PC is free ... a good alternative eBook reader for those who can't afford the kindle itself.
...Anita, our stories run a parallel route. I was also once affiliated with an agent...and later parted ways. It was painful. I thought perhaps I'd taken a step back.
I'm now six weeks from my novel's release, my publisher, a smaller Indie House whose founder is affiliated with Simon & Schuster, uses their presses and such.
The E-book trade is now a devouring monster, and smaller publishing houses are taking on new talent and finding success.
What you did by bucking the trend, isn't so much bucking the trend these days...and you'll be fine. Your readers will find you:)
EL
Self publishing is becoming more and more accepted. And ebooks are becoming more and more popular. I wish you the best for your alien stories.
TINA: I feel the need to clarify on my comment to you. I never thought self-publishers were stupid. I just thought it would be a stupid move for me. It used to be that self-publishers had to leave their homes to sell their books. I like my home. I can be happy inside for days on end. So that was never a goo option for me. And now, for so many reasons, epublishing seems like a good fit.
EXPLORER: Why, thank you for the information.
ELLIOT: You're right, though I do think some people think I'm nuts for making this move. I hope to show them that I'm really crazy smart. :) I need to get over to your blog and see how things are going for you.
LYNDA: Thank you so much! I'm really soaking in all these good wishes...I feel like it's my birthday or something.
E-publishing is a such a weird new thing. I work in the publishing industry, but we still don't have e-books in my country. I'm sure you will feel proud of yourself for using this innovation at its beginning and thinking ahead of others,because it seems it will take over normal books sooner or later.
Anita--Like Jon says, a lot to take in. It sounds like you made this decision while weighing all options, and staying informed. I think this is a very interesting route to go, and I am doing a Friday Feature on my blog this Friday with someone who decided to go this same route. I'm fascinated to see how the publishing industry shakes out--if it can keep up with the new model that should come about with the dissolution of space between author and book. And I'm so excited to read your book. YAY!! PLEASE let us know how we can support you on this road!!
That above comment should probably read "between author and publication of book". But I imagine that you know what I meant.
DEZMOND: I don't know that it will take over, but for me and all my unique considerations, this feels like the right path. And I'm more enthused about writing than I have been for a long time.
HEATHER: Thank you for the YAY! You're right...there's a lot that needs to be shaken out in the industry. Maybe it will all result in an agency and a publisher (or a morph of both) being the way to go. I think in the end, readers will be the winners, and as a reader, I love that thought.
I would love to do a review of Earthling Hero and/or have you as a guest on my blog whenever you feel ready. Just let me know!
Anita, you're obviously a very smart and capable woman and with the support you generate, if anyone can be succesful at this, you can.
That said, I am curious to know, why not continue to combine efforts with an agent? I would imagine there are many more stories where these come from and hitting things from many angles in this business seems to be the way to go about things.
Good luck with the e-books. I hope it works out for you.
I'm sorry that the submissions to traditional publishers did not work out. And too bad about Sara but I'm glad you left on good terms. I've been working on one manuscript for many years and gotten many publisher critiques at SCBWI conferences. While many of them were helpful, I also discovered how inconsistent the suggestions were. I think there is a level of subjectivity in what's liked and how editors/agents suggest changes. Good luck.
Congrats on your success! Which sites will you be ePublished on? I am a big fan of www.novoink.com - they have everything and family friendly!
Best,
E
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