So I finished Nine Days in February (and am now looking for an agent -- feel free to recommend, if you know someone who might be interested in repping it), and am now working on book #2 in what I hope will be an ongoing series. My problem: one of my main story ideas for book #2 (tentatively titled "South of Nowhere") involves the killer from Nine Days. I don't know how I'm going to pull that off without giving away whodunit for Nine Days. Does this matter, to publishers? I've read series that refer to the happenings of previous books, so I'm guessing most publishers don't insist that each book in a series stand alone. But how far can you go, in giving stuff away?

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Good question. I suspect you'll get different answers from different publishers or agents.

I'm working on a series where a killer from Book One appears in subsequent books, but I let it be known this person gets away with it in Book One, and subsequent appearances are connected to a cop who isn't willing to let it go.

I believe the key will be to make sure book one feels complete, that the story has an ending, even if the killer gets away. As for how much to give away to the publisher, I wouldn't worry about that. Publishers tend to like series and they want a writer who can demonstrate they can produce more than one book. Send them your packet and move on to book II.

As for trying to get an agent, my recommendation is you send your packet directly to editors, if their interested they'll contact you, and if you get any interest, hire a IP attorney to represent you in contract negotiations for a fixed price and keep the agent's 15% for yourself.

If none of that works, self-pub.

David DeLee

A Cold Wind - a Grace deHaviland novella

Most editors will toss your packet directly in the trash.  The major publishers do not accept unsolicited submissions. 

To the original question - Paula Munier is a brand new agent with Talcott Notch.  She is actively seeking clients.

I'm sorry, but that is an old myth put out by publishers to discourage new writers and keep their house's slush pile down. You send an editor a great query letter, describing a good story, with a well written sample chapter, that fits their line, no editor is going to turn that down.

I have personally had full manuscript requested from editors at every one of the so-called Big 6 publishers. Even as I was receiving the standard "We don't accept unagented..." from others. I also know, personally, dozens of new writers who have published, yes, published, have gone through the entire process from query to published with Big 6 publishing houses without an agent.

Don't let the old myths stop you, any of you, and don't give your money away needlessly. This is a brand new dawn for writers. Embrace the new ways and challenge the old myths.

David DeLee

A Cold Wind - a Grace deHaviland novella

I think that self-publishing is a great medium, but it's not for me. I'm a 100% introvert with zero ability or desire to market, so I'm going to give the traditional way a shot first. If nothing pans out with that, I might consider self-publishing, but my goal isn't really to have the book out there at any cost.

Umm, publishers will expect you to do a lot of publicity.  And that in person and with travel.  Fortunately, self-publishing doesn't make nearly as many demands.

How so, I. J.?

I got a long list of instructions from St. Martin's Press.  I also filled out a questionnaire about the market for my books and what I intended to do to promote them.  They usually do not pay for travel for store signings, and often don't make arrangements with the stores. Your agent will also remind you to get busy and to develop an Intenet presence via all the usual sites. You will pay for attendance at conventions and work your head off on panels and in talking to people who can help promote your book. There is basically no end to what is expected of you, and there's always the threat that they'll drop you unless you deliver.  Believe me, it's horrible if you don't take personal pleasure in that sort of thing.  Always remember that they make more on each sale than you do. If you consider your share in the sales at a books store signing, you'll soon realize that you're losing money (not to mention time and peace of mind).

Man. I am so confused. I honestly don't know which way to go at this point. A while back I considered self-publishing and hiring a publicist to help promote, but I'm poor (shocking, isn't it, a poor writer). I'm kind of an anti-corporate person by nature, and I have another Marketable Skill that (just barely) keeps the wolf from the door, but one day I'd like to be able to JUST WRITE. I also hate having people tell me what to do.

Help me, Crimespacers!

Well, in the end you are the one who much decide what's best fo you.  But do keep yourself informed about the writing business so that you can make informed choices.

You may want to test the waters by sending out your ms. for reactions from agents and publishers before you turn to self-publishing.  As has been said before: if the deal is good enough, it's still advantageous to go with a publisher.

 

Self-publishing will always carry a certain stigma.

Here are two blog sites I suggest you check out.

http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?p=6757

and

http://kriswrites.com/2012/04/18/the-business-rusch-the-changing-de...

Kris and Dean are a husband and wife who both write and have tons of books out. Their blogs are worth their weight in goal, regardless of which way you go; traditional or self-pub or both.

Good luck,

David DeLee

A Cold Wind - a Grace deHaviland novella

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