Liam T writes…

Hello again Michelle,

Thank you so much for your speedy reply! You have been my favourite author since I was a teenager so your reply and acknowledgement of my book series WoodBound is a bucket list tick.

I should have mentioned in my last message that I am only published through KDP so I do not have a literary agent or official publisher yet. However I have an abundance of faith in my books. So much so that I will do the work needed to have it reach the success I feel it will have.

That being said, I am a wee author from Scotland. Do you have any advice on how to go about finding a good publisher and literary agent when I have no idea where to start with this kind of thing? I have been writing, editing, designing covers and promoting it all off my own back. Those who read it, love it. I just need to get it out there somehow.

Thank you so much for reading and replying to my correspondence. And for your writing all these years. Without which, as an influence, maybe WoodBound might not exist.

Kindest regards and best wishes,
Liam.

Michelle Replies…

Hello again, Liam. In seeking a publisher and/or agent, I think it’s important not to rush to submit your work.  First, make sure that it’s absolutely the best you can possibly do.  It sounds as if you’ve already done this, but I mention it just the same, because it’s so important.  Then I suggest you first try to find an agent; which (be warned) can be just as hard as finding a publisher, but it will really help in the long run, because a good agent will know the industry much better than you, and can fight for you.  My advice might sound a bit out of date, as it’s years since I had to do this, but the basics are the same, I think: you’ll find lists of UK agents and publishers in two publications – The Writer’s Handbook and The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook.  I used hard-copy versions, but I would think online versions are available.  And they or something similar are invaluable, because they tell you not only what kinds of books each agent or publisher will handle, but also, crucially, how each likes to receive submissions.  For instance, one might want a first chapter and a covering letter, while another might just want a synopsis.  If you don’t submit in the form they want, your work might just go straight in the bin; whereas if you do, it will stand a chance, at least. Finally, do not be discouraged if you get rejections.  Everyone gets them.  I certainly did.  But the trick is to pick yourself off the floor after each one, and simply carry on.   That’s all I’ve got time for, and I hope it helps a bit.  Finally, I’d like to wish you all possible luck with Woodbound – and with your writing beyond that.  Best wishes, Michelle