Publishing

A discussion following the London Book Fair about how to get to writers before they take the self publishing route:

The final comment is that traditional publishing is dying and has been since the early 1990s.
The only way for writers is Print on Demand and then use a good marketing, publishing, new media company to get the book on phones and reading devices. Not the traditional book format. You will need to pay for this service.

All traditional advertising is to point people to your website.

And will you make a living? Another discussion.

A writer who went the self publishing route with a children's picture book took advice from schools and libraries and other resources. Kodak displayed the book at the London Book Fair. A follow up comment from a children's publisher invited this author to send him the book. As did another.

There are suggestions that many agents and publishers are rude and difficult to reach. There are some that are not. A few. One well known publisher usually rejects and tells you to buy her book on publishing. Briefly.

Contacts? Who you know? Become a 'celebrity' and publishers will ask you to write a work of fiction. A review of Dawn French's novel said it was good but went on to say that if it had been written by an unknown, it would not have been published.

That's the world - it's not merely moved onto electronic publishing.

It's not only that traditional publishing is dead because of its format, it's dead because for many it's a story that's written by someone whose picture they recognise.
And what drives this? Success. Success breeds success. And then the question, what is your definition of success?

One makes me want to throw up.The other fills me with joy.

Reading formats and Agents

Two things.
First: The Kindle. This weekend I saw two adverts for the Kindle on TV. I asked my daughter if she'd use one. She said what is it? I explained. She said, 'That's cool. Yes, I could read easily on the train and in bed I'd just hold it in one hand. I'd probably read more.' I said, you won't get an illustrated cover with it and she said that doesn't matter, it's the story that counts...

Second: Agents. Last Monday, about four thirty in the afternoon I sent off about six packages to agents and small publishers. First class post.
On Wednesday morning, WEDNESDAY morning, I received a generic rejection slip from Marjacq. Usually it takes three to six months to hear back. Wow. Turn around, read and evaluated within one day. In the package I sent there was a cover letter, synopsis and three chapters each of Erosion and Sweet Scent of Success. I know, two different projects, but because they're so different I put them both in. All read and assessed within one day. Efficient.

On Friday, the same from A P Watt.

Do I praise these agencies for their speed and efficiency? Their websites said they were open to submissions.

And I'm thinking about the Kindle. Unless it breaks, it does seem like a good idea. I'll miss the cover of a book, but as in films, plays, novels...the story is the central element.
I think it means even less money for the author, but hey, that's not why we write is it?

London Book Fair 2

It was a hot, blue-skyed day in London. The white georgian buildings were impressive and the pubs overhanging with flowers from baskets and window boxes were pretty and inviting. But we walked past!! We were headed for Earl's Court and the London Book Fair. It was very welcoming, easy and friendly at the door. Then the exhibition hall was almost overfacing, wondering where to start.
The website had said that there were some agents with stands, but I couldn't see any. It turned out they were all in rooms upstairs, only approachable by well-booked ahead meetings.
And the main instruction from publishers was, get an agent!
I have had three agents in the past. I won't go into details here, but they range from criminal to 'in the wrong job!'
It was useful to be told this, as I've learned that although some publishers don't stipulate that they only look at work through an agent, in practice, this is often the case and unsolicited work probably isn't read. So, although knowing this, it was useful to be told directly, face to face. So. Although published, get an agent.
Next, I had some very useful talks with people I hadn't thought of talking to. For example, a very thoughtful chap at Gardners Book Distributers. He talked about their monthly brochure and was approachable and helpful. Very impressed.
And the Booksellers' Association.
And a Canadian publisher who said contemporary literature (and not literary) was all they'd consider from this neck of the woods.
And what else?
The publishers' association were also useful, asked sceptical questions, but as there were three of them at the time, the whole spectrum was covered and they gave interesting advice.
And this amazing machine that is being piloted in a north London bookstore that will print a copy of a book when a customer can't find it on the shelf and asks for it. There and then!
So, if anyone is thinking of going next year and is published by a small, independent publisher, maybe seek these people out. Marketing also came out as a must. Book appointments with agents by February and relish feeling connected to the industry as opposed to writing in solitude.
I am making notes: 1) Find an agent. 2) Sort and get on with marketing. 3) Write what people want.
All seem obvious I know, but not as easy as one thinks. In some ways it seems as though an individual's selling power is more important than the product. But, I'm sure that's not true.
So. Tonight? Going to a music concert of stars of the future. Correction. They are stars now. Amazing young people. I am going to sit back in awe, enjoy every performance whether it is vocal, on the flute, double bass, euphonium, maraccas. This is at Xaverian College in Manchester. The Head of Music there is a passionate leader and it shows in the students' abilities. Inspiring.

Off to market/write letters/ write - ah yes. First pages of the screenplay for Meeting Coty.

Must explain about north-eastern Brazilian rhythms too as I'm a dancer with the Manchester based, maracatu rhythm playing band, Juba do Leao. There isn't another band like them.