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You've finished your Manuscript! It's Ready to be Seen by the World! Do you?...

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Starbeam:

--- Quote from: Aminar on September 25, 2011, 04:59:46 PM ---I remember hearing from Pat Rothfuss that there was a sight where individuals that took advantage of authors were reported for other writer's future reference, does anybody know what that might be?

--- End quote ---
There are a few of these.  The two that come to mind are preditors and editors, I'm not sure if that's the url, and the other is writerbeware.


--- Quote from: trboturtle on September 25, 2011, 04:04:56 PM ---But the problem is, these days, the division of labor is uneven. Contacts, which use to be strightforward have suddenly become landmines. How would you like paying an agent 15% even after you've ended the business relationship? Or give up ALL oversea rights to your work, or your entire backlist?

If you get a contract, have a lawyer with IP background go over with a fine tooth comb. The money spent will be worth it.

Both agents and publishers are scrambling to make money and its the writer who is getting the short end of the stick. Publishers are underreporting their Ebook sales. Agents are becoming publishers, blurring the line between the two.

Don't be blind on this. This isn't the same field as it was ten yers ago. Be careful.

Craig

--- End quote ---
If you have an agent trying to screw you out of all this, they're not a good one.  The good agents will fight for you to keep all your rights, and they'll make sure the publishers aren't taking them away from you.  I'm not saying don't get an IP lawyer, because that could be a good idea no matter what.  But also check out agents--see who they have as clients and such--anyone can become an agent, and I think I've seen the example given of someone making their cat an agent.

AdamPepper:
I've been kicking around the publishing industry for about a decade.  I've had two agents and been a bridesmaid, not a bride, at least as far as a mass market deal goes. (I've published in the small press).  It's a tough road.  Self publishing is also a tough road, but for me, it's a lot more rewarding.  I took the plunge in July and self published a novel.  Aminar, I must say, it's not a short cut, and most certainly doesnt evidence a lack of faith in myself or my work.  It's the exact opposite.  I believe in my books and I'm taking it upon myself to make it happen.

the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh:
The mainstream publishing industry exists to sell books.  They have practice at it. They have people and established mechanisms in place for doing all the steps that come after writing; editing, cover art, marketing, assembling the physical object and getting it to bookstores, getting it to reviews who will spread the word, &c.  Being made up of human beings, they're not perfect, but odds very much favour them being able to be better at this than you are at figuring out from scratch how to do all of these steps for yourself.

I'd note, with respect to the original questions, that "hire an agent and sign on with a publishing company" is kind of a simplification.  Some editors favour submissions via agent; some agents favour clients who've already got an editor's interest.  Look at who is buying what and who is representing whom in fields similar to yours, go to conventions, talk to authors and editors about the business... do your research, basically.

Waxbullet:
I agree with you neuro.  It is very hard to find either an editor or an agent.  It is easier to get the other once you have the first, whichever route you take.  I personally have been looking for an agent for children's books for a while, to no avail.  But I continue to strive.

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