BEGINNERS
Do your own thing
Consider what’s the best publishing route for you and your books, urges Adrian Magson
Adrian Magson
Many years ago, when I was wedded to the idea of getting a book published by what is known as traditional means – that is with one of the mainstream publishers – it seemed the only way possible. It meant submitting one’s (paper) manuscript on spec to an agent or publisher, in most cases ending up on the less-than-flattering ‘slush pile’, there to be picked up if you were lucky Since there was often no response to submissions, it’s anybody’s guess as to how often this ‘pile’ was looked at before it reached the ceiling.
If you heard nothing, you chased it up, usually resulting in a refusal letter, or you put it down to experience and submitted your manuscript elsewhere. Both usually involved a rush to the front door mat every morning to see if the postman had delivered good news.