FAQ for Writers
Before you read further, my knowledge is wholly based on my experiences as someone who writes for children. If you are writing for the adult market, I can’t promise anything I say below applies to you because the adult and children’s markets have slightly different conventional practices.
Should I self-publish or publish with a traditional house?
You need to evaluate your own goals. If you want complete control over everything to do with your published book and you’re prepared to edit, design, and market your work as well as write it, you might prefer to self-publish. Also, if your work really suits a niche market (for example, trains in South Carolina in the 1920s might sell through train museums in the south but be of less interest on the West Coast), self-publishing is a good option. If you want the prestige of traditional publishing and are willing to work as part of a team, giving up some control in order to work with professional editors, designers, marketing experts, and publicists, you probably want to publish traditionally. I am traditionally published and am not an expert on self-publishing. I am sure you can find more complete answers elsewhere by Googling.
Should I get an agent?
Agents open doors to closed houses and have submission and contract expertise. I prefer having an agent so that I can focus on my creative work. That said, many writers have satisfying careers without the services of an agent.
Can you refer me to your agent?
Agents take on manuscripts they feel a connection to and that they think they can sell. A referral from me means nothing in that context; it also won’t get you special attention because my agent reviews all the submissions she receives. In fact, my agent has rejected some dear friends because, although their manuscripts were excellent, she didn’t connect personally. So I’m sorry that I can’t give you a referral, but you are welcome to submit to her through her website.
Can you critique my manuscript?
I belong to two critique groups and I also teach writing, so the time I have available to critique is already filled by those responsibilities. Your best bet early on is to join a critique group. Later, as you get nearer to submission, you may want to find a professional freelance editor. I haven’t used their services, but Emma Dryden and Harold Underdown come well-recommended.
How can I find a critique group?
Placing ads on bulletin boards at your local writing center or library. Attending workshops and conferences and connecting with fellow attendees. Frequenting online message boards like SCBWI. Joining SCBWI and contacting a critique group coordinator, if your SCBWI region has one. Taking a writing class and finding you have rapport with some of the other students.
What other resources can you recommend?
There are plenty of resources available on the internet and in published work. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, often abbreviated as SCBWI, is a professional organization for people who create children’s books. I’ve been a member for about fifteen years. They have a good message board where you can ask questions and get solid answers from a variety of published and unpublished writers. The amount of knowledge available in that group is way broader than anything I can offer you! Harold Underdown’s website underdown.org is also very helpful, especially the articles on this page. For your agent hunt, take a look at querytracker.com.
Best of luck to you!