Tuesday, August 2, 2011

It's a long, long way to...finding a publisher :P

Goodness Glory...I decided it was about time that I get on to looking at lists of publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts. But you see...it seems that what everyone wants is sci-fi and fantasy...which is not what I write. Furthermore, I would like to publish my books with a Christian publishing company, since I don't want to be linked to companies with any questionable books.
But I have to admit, it's hard to wade through the muddy waters of subsidary and vanity publishing companies.
"Ehh...he's a bit of a reptile." ;)

I actually have a rather embarrassing story to tell. Last year, not knowing anything of that horrid species of publisher, I sent my completed manuscript into Tate Publishing Company. They sounded like everything I was looking for...until they sent me a follow-up email letting me know that I would need to invest $5,000 dollars into their "investment" with me. Basically, this company will publish anything, provided you pay them. It doesn't matter if your work sounds like a teenager wrote it. They'll print it off and let you feel special. That is not what I want to do with my book, and I think Tate Publishing's technique a rather shoddy piece of workmanship, to quote Sir Percy Blakeney.
Anyway, I thought that while I was on the subject of looking for a publisher, I ought to warn you other young authors about subsidary and vanity publishers, so you won't get in the same embarrassing pickle I found myself in. Seriously, that was the fastest retreat I've ever taken. :D
Also, it is widely known and accepted that the best way to find publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts is a book called The Writer's Market. They publish a new one each year, and inside is a list of all the publishing companies, what they are accepting, and how to submit your manuscript to them. I hope to get a copy soon, as I'm tired of looking at publishers online. :P
Hope this post helped someone.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I may have to get a copy of "The Writer's Market" myself...

Oh, and by the way, if anyone here is looking for some publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts, I've come across quite a few that I included in this post:

http://perfectlysensiblenonsense.blogspot.com/2011/05/becoming-published-author-things-ive.html

Hope it helps!

Anonymous said...

I've come across a few publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts as well, though I'm sure Taylor's list will be more extensive. I'll have to send you another email. :)

Carilyn said...

Have you checked out Ambassador-Emerald International, like what 'The Soldier's Cross' is published by? I don't know if they'd look at books like yours or not, since they don't seem to have any of that kind...

I think it's cool that they're in Ireland as well as the U.S. - plus, they're Christian. =)