At last week’s Write Here gathering those present had a lively and valuable discussion about the pros and cons of self-publishing versus going down the traditional path to publication. Then there was the equally fraught question of whether or not it’s best to first secure an agent.
No definitive answers, but it was always my intention to try and secure the interest of a traditional publishing house first before following the self-publishing route to publication, and all it will involve. In my case a crash course in how to go about it, although it’s definitely easier now than it used to be. Still a lot of work though and a daunting prospect.
So far as agents go, it’s just as difficult to attract their interest as it is a publisher. All but a couple of them – who express interest in memoir/non-fiction on their websites – are not accepting any new authors until early 2026. I was encouraged to approach the agent engaged by the legendary and always wonderful, Dr Bob Brown for his latest book ‘Defiance’ but although she responded very quickly it was just to say she had, ‘no capacity’ to accept new writers at the moment. Sigh.
In the meantime I’ve submitted to the first three publishers I considered most likely, according to their guidelines and wishlists. I’ve crossed two off though now since they’ve failed to respond within their advertised timeframe, so have to assume their response is a No. A rather sobering comment from my mentor indicated that one of these two publishers, who suggests writers send their submissions via a ‘Friday Pitch’ option, don’t even read them. Hmmm.
So keeping fingers crossed for the third one, which is probably the one most likely, and the publisher I would really prefer. But if it’s not to be, then there are still four more potentials to try, and the word from other Write Here members is that approaching several publishers at the same time is quite acceptable these days, providing a brief note is sent around should one express an interest in seeing more of the work.
Who knows such a scenario might make the others sit up and dig through their slush piles and thus set off a bidding war. Well, one can dream, and in the meantime fingers remain crossed and optimism remains high.
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