Computer Died - New Computer

What a time for your computer to die. And that's just what my computer did. I saw it coming, though. For the last few weeks, it had been going blank on me. Black screen. Not blue screen, but completely black. Knowing I'd have to take it in for service I changed my pass codes for the important stuff, like banking and such. But the computer fix-it guys told me that I had just better buy a new one.

So off to Fry's I go. Since it was shortly after the Christmas season, it was dead in there. Hardly anyone. I had never seen Fry's so empty. And not just of customers. Hardly anyone was working there. No customers, no staff, I was almost all alone. But so what. I went to look at computers. And I saw a couple that might work well for me.

I don't play computer video games. At all. Zilch. Not a one. So getting a computer for that was not a consideration. I was ready to tell a clerk or SOMEONE that I only needed a computer to write documents and to research information, like for my novels. I use Amazon and eBay, but that and email are the only things I do on a computer.

But, whatever, no one was there to help me. It was weird. I was used to people coming up to me and asking me if I needed help. And this time I did need help. But no one was asking. So I left. I went to Best Buy. And even though they, too, were far less busy than during the holiday season, at least there were people there to help me. And somebody did. He helped me decide on a good computer, on which I am writing this post right now.

So it was a bad time to have to transfer all my data. I've got my manuscripts on my computer, my songs, and a lot of research. Not to mention photos of my kids when they were small.

And I am pretty much involved in a semi negotiation with that publisher in Europe for my novel Second Chance; a Football Story. He said he likes sports novels, and is a fan of the Friday Night Lights series. So I guess it's going to happen. Second Chance will get published by JustFiction Edition. Whether the snobs like them or not.

I'll wait however on the submissions for The Vase and John Dunn. Since both are in the process of being submitted to agents and to publishers, it would behoove me to wait out the process. You never know. In the meantime, Second Chance will get published and we'll see how it goes. If by this summer there's no progress on my submissions to the agents or publishers, I may go with JustFiction Edition for those as well.

And that's that. We'll see.

Another Year Almost Up

Wow, it's December again. My birthday is near, and of course the Christmas holidays are coming up. It's time for family and good tidings, and hopefully that means good tidings in the publishing world when it comes to my three available novels. They are The Vase, which is one of the books that had been popular with publishers. John Dunn; Heart of a Zulu, which I would think would be popular with UK publishers, since it directly involves UK history. And Second Chance; a Football Story, which could be a book for Young Adult audiences, or anyone who love a good football story.

In any case, I'll keep submitting as much as I can. I submitted The Vase and John Dunn to a UK publisher just today. So that means another three month wait or thereabouts. Time is up for the other publishers I had submitted to. And of course there is that publisher that contacted me. They are called JustFictionEdition Publishers. They are a European publisher. I can't think of any good reason why I shouldn't go ahead and publish with them. So I'll make a list as follows:

Reasons for going with JustFictionEdition:
1- As I mentioned. they are a European publisher. And The Vase and John Dunn might be more appealing to European audiences. Especially John Dunn for UK audiences.

2-They make their books available on the international market. And The Vase and John Dunn might be more appealing to international audiences because The Vase takes place in Israel, and John Dunn takes place in South Africa.

3-I have an offer on the table. Well, no contract as of yet has been offered, because I haven't yet submitted to them, but the outlook is good.

4-The royalties are a little higher.

Reasons for not going with JustFictionEdition:
1-American bloggers on publishing seem to frown upon them. Why? I don't know really. I've researched them, and no one seems to have a real reason. The foremost reason is that they are not one of the Big Five publishers. But a lot of publishers aren't Big Five publishers, but they're still good publishers. So what the heck...

2-There is a misperception that they are a Vanity Press. But they are really NOT a Vanity Press. Because a Vanity Press or Vanity publishers make YOU, the author, pay THEM to publish your book. JustFictionEdition does NOT make the author pay them to publish their books. They cover all costs, just like any real publisher. So therefore, they ARE a real publisher if that is the criteria. So it's a misperception only, and not a real reason to not go with them. So, what the heck...

3-The bloggers almost unanimously agree that an author should never go with a publisher who solicits THEM to publish their book. But again, they don't provide a reason why. Again, they suggest that all publishers who solicit authors are Vanity Presses. And it IS mostly true. Vanity Presses DO solicit authors to publish their books, because that's how Vanity Presses make their money. Not by selling books, but by getting authors to pay them to publish their books. But I've already covered the fact that JustFictionEdition is NOT a Vanity Press. So again, what the heck...

4-The royalties are a little higher. But that would be a reason to go with them, so what the heck.

According to my lists, then, maybe I should go with JustFictionEdition. I think I'll email them and ask a couple more questions. Maybe they are the real deal. I mean who said they aren't? A bunch of snobs who've been lucky enough to find Big Five publishers? Or have they? Maybe I don't need to listen to them. Hhhmmnnn....

Working on Music Again

So the publishing news is slow. I do have three manuscripts submitted, but still waiting for answers. I might go with a European publisher. They want to publish my books. But some people say I shouldn't. I can go with my current publisher, Melange. Just might do it.

In the meantime, I'm back into my music. I have written 13 albums with ten plus songs on every album. I have no singer, so I tried singing on three of the albums. Volume 2, 12, and 13. I have Volume 12 on SoundCloud right now. It's really a good album, too. Just wish I had a decent singer on there.

But while I'm waiting out the publishers, I'm redoing a lot of my other albums. I had written the music on these albums about twenty years ago. Volumes 2, 12, and 13 are good, but the others need to be arranged again. I completed Volumes 3 and 4 by now, and I'm working on Volume 5 at this time. I suppose I'll try singing on them if I can't find a real singer.

And then I would like to put them on SoundCloud too.

I wonder if there are agents that submit songs to real recording artists, like literary agents submit books to publishers. That would be exactly what I need. Time to find out.

Heart of a Zulu to be submitted again

I was celebrating my opportunity to submit both John Dunn; Heart of a Zulu and The Vase to Big Five publishers recently. The Vase has been submitted to Macmillan and Penguin Random House. And Heart of a Zulu is submitted to Penguin Random House as of last week. But tomorrow I will also submit it to Macmillan. That will be two of my books submitted to two of the five of the Big Five.

Yeah I know my chances are slim. But I am confident in the overall quality of both books. Meaning the writing in both is top notch and the stories are top notch. After ten years of taking novel writing seriously, my writing has evolved to the point that exceeds most novel writers out there at this time. I'm not saying I'm the best writer in the world. But I'm a lot better than many.

So that means the writing is good enough. More than good enough. As for the stories? Let's take a look. Let's start with The Vase. Here is a story with a premise that has never before been used in any kind of story anywhere. In no book, movie or TV show has the premise of a story included ancient recordings. That's because in ancient times, recording was not possible. Well, of course recording was possible in the form of ancient writings. Like the Bible, and the writings of ancient historians. We've all heard of Herodotus, Thucydides, Tacitus, and the like. They "recorded" the ancient events of their times. But they recorded those events in the only way possible back then. In writings.

But I'm talking about recordings as we know recordings today. AUDIO and VIDEO recordings! And I'll say it again. No book, movie, or TV show has featured ancient AUDIO and VIDEO recordings of ancient events ever. Because it wasn't possible to do that back then.

But wait. If the atmospheric conditions were such that electromagnetic phenomena were happening at the time, then audio-video recordings just might have been possible in the grooves of a spinning vase. And once that vase had been fired in a kiln, and became eternal bisque-ware, then those recordings could possibly survive the millennia to this day.

And that's the premise in the story of The Vase! (And it's why the book is called The Vase!) I can't fathom how any editor or publisher couldn't find that concept fascinating. It's why so many publishers offered me contracts when I first proposed the book. At least five publishers were interested in publishing that book. Unfortunately, none of the publishers were Big Five publishers, so no Big Five publisher was aware of it. Back then you needed an agent to submit to a Big Five publisher. Alas...

But I'm not a newbie to publishing anymore. I'm savvy to the ins and outs of publishing and now I have this opportunity to submit to some Big Five publishers. And it's all for the better. I mean after so many years, I've become a better writer, as I was saying. And with another chance to improve the prose that's just what I've done. And of course it makes the chances of being accepted by a Big Five publisher so much greater.

The same thing is true with John Dunn; Heart of a Zulu. Here is another fascinating story, maybe more so because the story is actually TRUE. It's based on the true story of John Dunn and features the real historic events of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. And I know a lot of people are interested in that war. Also, the genre speaks for itself. Readers love historical fiction, and even more people love historical fiction which is based on a true story. And the John Dunn story is underrepresented in books. There have been a couple, but they are out of print and the current supply of books offers next to nothing in the way of the John Dunn story. Thus, the timing of the John Dunn book is just right.

Here's hoping that Macmillan or Penguin Random House will see it that way too. I know the writing and the stories are excellent. I'm hoping the editors of Macmillan or Penguin Random House will agree and I'll have some good news in about three months. That means I should know something by this coming May. Fingers crossed.

Heart of a Zulu Submitted!

As of today, my John Dunn; Heart of a Zulu manuscript is submitted to Penguin Random House. I'll also submit it to Macmillan. Two giants in the publishing world. Members of the Big Five. I would submit to the other three publishers too if I can figure out how to do it without an agent. I'll keep trying. Like I said before, being published by the Big Five is "making it" as a writer.

That doesn't mean writers who aren't published by the Big Five aren't successful and haven't "made it." After all, the best example of that is J.K. Rowling whose Harry Potter series of books were all turned down by the Big Five publishers. She was published by an independent publisher, and look at her now. I'm sure they're kicking themselves at this point.

So I'll get Heart of a Zulu submitted to Macmillan by next Monday. Can't wait. The Vase is submitted to Macmillan and Penguin Random House at this point. I am very confident in both of those books. But still, it's an uphill battle for me. After all. I'm an unknown. With no connections. With no relatives or friends in the publishing business, and no celebrity status whatsoever. That's not a good combination when looking for success in the publishing world. Still you try. Or you quit. Take your choice.

Didn't Send John Dunn yet

I have said often not to rush your submissions. And that is why I did not send my John Dunn; Heart of a Zulu submission yet. It wasn't quite ready. I wanted to send it last Friday, but what the heck. Monday is still soon enough. Or Tuesday for that matter. Or Wednesday.

The point is make sure it's ready. Make sure it is as good as it can be. Because after you send it, that's it. And trying for a Big Five publisher like Penguin Random House is an opportunity you can't mess up. That's why I spent nearly six months improving The Vase before I sent it last week. The Vase is as good as it can be right now. I am very confident in the chances it has with PRH. Or any publisher for that matter. Fingers crossed on that. Because I'll need all the luck I can get. I am still an unknown author to them. I have no credentials as far as they are concerned. They don't know me from Adam.

And that's the problem with my efforts. I'm a nobody. And nobody's like me have next to no chance with a publisher, with an agent, or whatever. Unless you're famous for one reason or another, like a former pro athlete, a movie star, a rock star, a politician, or a relative of one of those, you have to know someone, for a publisher to take notice. You have to have connections.

So having no connections and knowing no one in the publishing world makes it a long shot for me to make it with the Big Five. But nobody's have made it before. They got lucky. I hope I will too.

Penguin Random House up next

I am now submitting The Vase and John Dunn to Penguin Random House. Never mind how I'm doing that without an agent. It's possible. I have blogged before about loopholes to reach Big Five publishers without an agent. I've tried before and will keep trying as long as it's possible.

Sure, you can't get your hopes up. Sure, the odds are still against me. But I believe in my stories. I believe in my writing. Meaning I'm not too humble to admit the writing is excellent. Especially now since I've been making the writing better and better every day. That means for The Vase and for John Dunn. And for Second Chance, too. I'll be getting to that one soon.

I've concentrated on improving the prose in The Vase over the last six months. And I've been working on improving the writing for John Dunn, too. I just submitted The Vase. So for the next three months, that one will be on hold. I'll try to submit John Dunn tomorrow.

So yeah. Losing a publisher is not a good thing in one way. But it's a good thing in another way. The good thing is that you get another chance to make your books better. And you get another chance to find an even better publisher.

That's what is happening now with The Vase, John Dunn, and Second Chance. I'll keep on working and working until it happens. That's all anyone can do. And I will.

The Vase is Better than Ever...

With the rewrites, my novel, The Vase is better than ever. It has vastly improved in the prose, and that was only because I was relentless in making sure the prose is as good as it can be. Sadly that includes parts that I had already submitted. I had submitted to a couple Big Fives and some agents. But Since then I have rewritten many parts. That means, once again, I should have waited before submitting.

It's the same mistake I've made often. Which is being in too much of a hurry to submit. Patience is a virtue, and that has been said often. I tried to instill that virtue, but when it comes to submitting, I guess that particular virtue escapes me. I can only hope that at the stage of writing the manuscript was in at the time I submitted, it was good enough.

My reasoning for improving even the parts that had been submitted is that if the full is requested, then when whoever reads it, they will read an even better version. So that is my hope. I have learned also that being hopeful is almost useless. you hope for this or you hope for that, and it seems that just the fact that you find yourself hoping means that it's already a lost cause.

How many times have you hoped for something that didn't come to pass? Hoping means that something is either impossible or near impossible. And then if the impossible happens, it's more like a miracle. But, yeah, I suppose miracles do happen. So, here's to hoping.

Be Careful with Rewrites

I had finished the rewrite of The Vase, and I have started another rewrite. But I'm catching myself being too picky. I had said before that being picky was a good thing. Being picky is what makes a perfectionist. And it's true, but there comes a point when a piece of work is finished, and going back over it again and again, LOOKING for something to rewrite might not be in its best interest.

For example, I am rewriting scenes that were good to begin with. They didn't need a rewrite. But there I go, thinking it needs a rewrite. Sometimes I spend time rewriting this or that, and then I decide that it was better before the rewrite. That's called wasting time. A writer has got to be able to determine when the writing is done. For good. And when not to rewrite.

Usually I have no problem with that. It's probably that I have these months in front of me waiting for Macmillan Australia to examine my submission which was the first 100 pages. And yes, since I submitted those pages I have indeed rewritten some of those scenes. Which may or may not be a good thing. I had always believed in making your writing better. My point is that sometimes that might not be necessary.

So the answer? Once you've reached a point that you are satisfied, get busy on another work. There is always another story to tell. And even though I had thought I didn't want to write anymore books, and I probably won't, I do have other books in the works.

And there's always my music. I have so many songs that also need to be rewritten. And re-recorded. And I've been doing that too lately. There is a satisfaction in composing your own music. Even if no one else in the world will ever hear them. Or appreciate them. Is that why musicians compose music? So other people can appreciate them? Why would a writer write a book if no one else would ever read those books? I guess a writer would stop if that were the case. And I might. As for the music? I'll at least keep up with that until the songs that need rewriting are done. Then...we'll see.

The Vase Submitted to Big Five

I have finally submitted a manuscript to a "Big Five" publisher. Two "Big Five" publishers in fact. Penguin/Random House and MacMillan. Albeit those two Big Five publishers are not the American versions. They are Penguin/Random House - South Africa and MacMillan - Australia. I had submitted to South Africa's Penguin/Random House for my John Dunn book, but they didn't accept it. Maybe it wasn't ready yet. I might have waited until now when it's more ready at this point, but alas, John Dunn is published already. And The Vase is way more ready too, btw.

So if it's so ready, maybe now is the best time to submit. Thus my thinking. And so maybe all is for the best that The Vase is available again. Perhaps it's true what they say. Perhaps things do happen for a reason. And so the reason Penumbra went out of business and reverted all rights to The Vase back to me is so that I can find another publisher for it. And this time, maybe, just maybe I can finally crack the Big Five and really "make it" as an author. Until then, I really will have fallen short.

Other people might not agree. Other people might say, Hey, you got published. Be glad for that. And I am. To a point. But the dream is the "Big Five." Fall short of that, and the dream is unfulfilled. Unless you make the best sellers list and movies are made and you become a millionaire and even a billionaire like J.K. Rolling and her Harry Potter books. They didn't get published by the Big Five, but they became best sellers and became movies and she's rich and she can care less at this point who published the books.

So, yeah, I guess it's all relative. Still, I'm hoping Penguin/Random House - South Africa or MacMillan - Australia will pick up The Vase. Fingers crossed. Won't know for another three to six months. So until then, will keep improving it. It's all I can do.

Killer Eyes Final Edits Print Ready

This is a big day for me because I finally turned in my Print Ready edits for Killer Eyes, which is the file from which Melange will print the first book. The PDF copy, which had already been sent to me, had too many errors, (12) and then, after correcting the errors, Nancy, the Melange publisher, was wise enough to resend the file in a word doc that I could edit to fix anything that we missed before. And sure enough, there were four more errors. I fixed them, of course, as well as fixed an inconsistency that might have been criticized by reviewers had I not fixed it.

But it's all good now. I sent it, finally satisfied that all errors were fixed, all inconsistencies were taken care of, and all imperfect paragraphs were now perfected. I am so impressed with Killer Eyes, that I'm considering submitting it to those places that award books as the best this or the best that. You know, the "winner of the best fiction of the year" type of thing. The first book, Killer of Killers, is pretty darn good, too. I still consider it my my favorite book of all time, but truth be told, Killer Eyes is even better.

So, I can't wait to get Killer Eyes as a printed book. I think the process is I'm supposed to read it, and then I'll have one more chance to see if there's anything wrong. I don't expect to find anything, but you never know. Once that's been taken care of, then Killer Eyes will be officially released. Can't wait.

Second Chance Revisions Underway

Trying to make the most of the Knox Robinson offer of publication for Second Chance, a Football Story. I need the manuscript and a book description submitted by this Wednesday. I'm almost there. I'll finish the revisions by today. That doesn't mean the revisions will be completed. I'll probably keep at it until Wednesday, just to polish it up as best as I can.

Fortunately, the revisions are not as extensive as they had to be in the past. Being my fifth novel, I've learned how to write novels by now. And the errors I made in the first four I didn't repeat in this one. That's why the revisions will be so much easier and faster, too. So it's all good.

Second Chance a Football story. I suppose it could be YA. Not MG, but YA would be appropriate. They cuss a lot in the book. I'm just going from real experience. And the bed scenes are tame. I've never been too graphic when it comes to sex in my novels. But there is a bed scene or two in Second Chance. But they're so tame, I think the cussing is actually worse. We'll see.

Random House Imprint Umuzi

I'm still excited about yesterday's big news, that Knox Robinson contacted me conveying their interest to  publish John Dunn, Heart of a Zulu. Truth be told, I'd be very happy with them publishing that book. But my first choice of a publisher for that book would be Umuzi. Umuzi is the South African imprint of Random House, and Random House is one of the Big Six. Actually, Random House merged with Penguin, (another Big Sixer,) so that means the Big Six is really the Big Five now.

And a Big Six (or Big Five) publisher is every author's goal. It's like being what the media calls an "A" list actor. The Big Six/Five publishers are the "A" list publishers. It's like MGM, Disney, or Paramount Pictures compared to the many independent film makers out there. It doesn't really matter, though, because those independent film makers can make movies just as well as the "A" list movie companies, and so too can independent publishers make just as good books.

But the thing is John Dunn, Heart of a Zulu is a story about South Africa because it deals mostly with the Zulus, takes place mostly in Zululand, and features a pivotal event in Zulu history--the Zulu War. So Umuzi, (which is a Zulu word, by the way, it means hornet or wasp) being a South African publisher, would be the ideal publisher for a book like John Dunn, Heart of a Zulu.

Still, Knox Robinson is located in London, and that fact bodes well for the John Dunn story, because the British and their colonies in South Africa are the other major players in the story. And John Dunn is the son of a Scottish immigrant. The fact that Knox Robinson also has offices in New York bodes well, too, since I'm an American author, and the international thing won't be a factor. So whichever way the wind blows is the way I will sway. I heard a variation of that saying somewhere. It definitely applies to me.

News Flash! Contract Offered for John Dunn book!!

I never post twice in the same day, but the news flash is, as the headline says, a publisher, (Knox Robinson,) has just sent me an email offering me a contract for John Dunn, Heart of a Zulu!!

This is big news for me. Knox Robinson Publishing is a print run publisher with offices in New York and London! So this is very exciting for me.

They are not one of the Big Six, however, and I did submit to three of the Big Six publishers, and I'm waiting on their replies. But wait a minute. How did I manage to submit to Big Six publishers without an agent? After all, weren't agents the only ones allowed to do that?

Well, my relentless research uncovered a way to do that. At least four of the six Big Six publishers (or three of the five if you count Penguin and Random House as one) have imprints or International offices that will accept submissions from authors. So that's how I did it. And those three are sitting on my John Dunn submissions right now. How much more time will it take them to decide? When I asked my brother, the lawyer, what to do, he stated the old adage: A bird in the hand...

Knox Robinson is not one of the Big Six, but they are a step up, (maybe two steps up) from my current POD publishers, Melange and Penumbra. Now, be clear about this. I have great relationships with both Melange and Penumbra. In fact, Melange is in the process of publishing my third book, Killer Eyes, right now. Killer Eyes will be released as soon as next month.

The only knock on POD publishers is they don't usually publish hard bound copies and they have no placement in bookstores. And that's the reason I was seeking a bigger publisher who can make those things happen. So I've got some serious thinking to do. Regardless, this is a big day for me!

The Waiting Game

All authors know about the waiting game. Funny thing is I really don't have to play it this time. I have not one, but two publishers ready and willing to publish any books that I write. Even for my second book, I didn't have to play this game. I chose to find a second publisher for The Vase, not because I wasn't satisfied with Melange, but because it's wise to have more than one publisher. Especially when that publisher is a small independent publisher.

I don't want to get into all the reasons why that is so, as I've blogged about it many times before. Just as I've blogged about why I'm seeking a third publisher for John Dunn, Heart of a Zulu. It's been just over a month now since that search has begun. That is relatively a short period of time. The publishing world is a slow world. Just to give you an idea how slow the publishing world is, I would say that a month to a publisher is like a minute to a person during the course of his or her life.

So when do I give up the search and settle for the publishers I have? That's a tough call. Maybe after six months. Why six months? Well, some publishers say it takes them that long. And if I had a decision to make, I'd say I could make a decision within six minutes. Sometimes I can make a decision in fewer minutes than that. Of course it depends on the decision. I suppose there might be some decisions that can take six months. In the meantime, you keep working. You keep improving the story, the prose, the writing, etc. The better your manuscript, the better your chances. But that goes without saying.

Shot at the Big Six

Getting published by the Big Six is a lofty goal. It's almost as lofty as becoming a movie star, or a rock star. But it happens. People become movies stars and rock stars. I would love to achieve that goal, (the Big Six, not a movie star,) or at least reach the level adjacent to it. I'm submitting to every publisher who fits that description. Some are tricky though. For instance, I submitted to a publisher who I thought fit that description. But then after doing some additional research I learned they were another small POD publisher, and I already have two of those under my belt. Just have to take more time researching these publishers, that's all. Usually they say if they're POD. If they don't you just can't assume they aren't. Maybe they keep that info hidden. Not sure why, though. There's nothing disreputable about being a POD publisher. I'll keep you posted.

Sent Improved John Dunn, Heart of a Zulu

Well, I improved the John Dunn manuscript in the week since I first sent it to Knox Robinson, and I sent it last night. I added "Improved Version" to the title so as to differentiate between this one and the first one I sent, and I also said that if they haven't reviewed it yet to review THIS version.

And if they do, I'm confident they will like it. Most of the improvements came in the prose. But I did find a few typos, and there were a couple of paragraphs in chapter 12 that really needed revising. It was a place I had revised before, but I hadn't finished it, and it seems like I forgot to finish it. It was still sensible in how it read, but it reads a lot better now. In fact, the entire manuscript reads a lot better now. So I hope they read that one instead of the other one.

This happens a lot to authors. I know I've made the mistake before. Meaning I've sent manuscripts that weren't quite ready to send, and then after I sent them I improved them, and sent them again. However, this time I expected to have time to do that. My plan was to query Knox Robinson with the usual query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters. Then reread and improve the manuscript while waiting for them to respond. Their website said it could take six to eight weeks to respond, and it's what most publishers say, although some publishers say it could take up to six months.

So in that period of waiting for them to respond, my plan was to go ahead and reread the manuscript and improve it as needed. But lo and behold. They answered the very next day, asking for the full manuscript. That was unexpected. So I hurriedly skimmed over it in one night, after work, and sent it as improved as I could get it in one night. Which left a lot undone. It takes a full read through to do that. I mean a full read through where you read every word on every page, as if you're reading it like a reader, so you can catch every word that might need to be improved and then improve it.

So I did that anyway, and now that I finished last night, I went ahead and sent it again. I don't suppose they read the manuscript yet anyway, so it should be on time. They're a big publisher, so they probably have a lot of manuscripts in queue. Hopefully this didn't put it further back in queue. But even if it did, I'm confident I did the right thing. It's a beautiful manuscript now. It's good to go. Fingers crossed.

Still Improving John Dunn Book

I spent a good part of last night improving my John Dunn manuscript even though it's already been submitted. Chapter 12 was particularly a mess. It's not now, but the publisher has the version which is. I suppose I'll finish this latest read-through and then send the newer version.

You never know. They might not have had time to read it yet. So they may as well read the one that's better. A lot rides on it. Still, even if they did read the one I sent, they will certainly understand that changes of some kind will result from the editing process, so it's not a disaster if that's the case.

And everyone in publishing knows that the more you read and revise the better a manuscript becomes. I'm not the only one who does that. All writers and editors do that. All. Par for the course. So you keep at it, and your writing keeps getting better. Like anything you do.

Publisher Interested in John Dunn book

A publisher responded yesterday. And that's a whole lot better than an agent. It's a pretty big publisher, too. Knox Robinson, which has offices in London and New York. I wanted a step up, and they are that. And they really must be interested, too, because I had only submitted to them the day before. When a publisher (or an agent) replies the very next day, that's a very good sign.

I can't get too excited. They haven't offered a contract yet. But they are the first to request the full manuscript and I sent it last night. How long will it take? Well, going by experience, it shouldn't be too long. I'd say two weeks at the most. It didn't take Melange or Penumbra any longer than that to reach a decision to publish KOK and The Vase. 

In the meantime, who knows, maybe another publisher will respond, too. Wouldn't that be something. If Knox Robinson does offer a contract, that would be great. They publish hard bound copies, which POD publishers don't. And they sell in Australia, Canada, and the UK, too.

So this is good news. Last night I worked on the manuscript until near midnight, polishing up the prose, and correcting some inaccurate details. I had to get my chronological order correct in terms of the death of Mpande and the inauguration of Sir Henry Bulwer as Lieutenant Governor of Natal. Mpande was the king who preceded Cetshwayo, and he died in 1872. Sir Henry Bulwer became Lt. Governor of Natal in 1875. But it's all good now. Can't wait to see what happens next. 

Gathering a List of Agents

I learned how to get an agent. It took me a while, but when I first started looking for an agent for my first book Killer of Killers, I eventually found one. Again, it wasn't a great experience. So many things went awry, and I don't want to rehash that experience. Bottom line is the agent did not get Killer of Killers published. I did. On my own, shortly after my agent and I parted ways.

But this time around, I'm going to apply what I learned during that process. First thing is you have to complete your manuscript. And it better be polished, edited, revised, and that means utilizing everything you learned about writing books. Of course with my first two books I hadnt' reached that level yet. It was only after finding publishers and then learning from those publishers, I was able to hurdle that hump, so to speak. But it happened and I'm there now.

Which means this time around, I'm more qualified to find an agent, based on my experience and knowledge gained. An effective agent, that is. And that is important. If you are a writer looking for an agent, especially if you're an unpublished writer, the search will be very difficult. It really is true to an extent that agents are the gatekeepers to the publishing world. At least when it comes to the Big Six.

I have achieved limited success as a writer. My first three books are published. Killer of Killers, and the soon to be released sequel, Killer Eyes, are published with Melange. And The Vase is published with Penumbra Publishing. But both of those publishers are POD publishers. Which means they are not sold in bookstores. You order them online. But at least they are published and available for purchase. I didn't have to resort to self-publishing. And I'm not dissing authors who are self-published. It's just not what I wanted to do, and for many different reasons.

So as a published author, I want to take that next step. Making it to the Big Six. And for that I need an agent. Because all six of the Big Six publishers only take submissions from agents. And like I was saying the first step is having a completed manuscript. The next step is gathering a list of agents who represent the genre you write. Or the genre which your manuscript fits. And for John Dunn, it's Historical Fiction. I've collected a list of about ten agencies now, and I'm planning on submitting to them this weekend. Because that's when I think my revisions will be done. At least done well enough to submit to agencies. We'll see how that goes. Stay tuned.