Have you read our Q&A with author Lauren Baratz-Logsted?
http://shalladeguzmandotcom.blogspot.com/2005/08/lauren-baratz-logsted.html
Only at the ShallaDeGuzman Writers Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShalladeGuzman/
Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes
by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
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Price of Passion
by Susan Napier
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Listing your self-published book in the writing bio section of your cover or query letter may not be the best idea when you're trying to impress literary agents and editors. Before you mention your self-published book or books, you need to be certain you're not doing more harm than good.Finishing a book is a huge achievement- self-publishing a novel or book manuscript can also be an accomplishment worthy of real celebration and joy.
However, unless your project has been exceptionally successful, you could shoot yourself in the foot if you mention your self-published book in your cover or query letters to literary agents and editors. Here are a few possibilities to consider before announcing your self-publications in your query and cover letters.
Practice books. Publishing professionals know that it can take a few tries before a new writer is able to master the many complexities of writing a full-length book. Although you may adore your first few novels, a literary agent will likely look at them as "practice" books, not necessarily as fresh, high-quality projects that reach the top percentile. Practice books are important life achievements, but they are not to be confused with important publishing credits worthy of being listed in a query letter.Low sales = low enthusiasm.
If you self-publish a book but then are not able to sell a significant number of copies, literary agents will have a hard time being excited about it, or they will presume that you have not done the necessary marketing. If you can't inspire readers' enthusiasm, an editor may doubt that you can inspire his/her enthusiasm.
Negative Presumptions. Some self-published novels have done quite well. Many have become wildly popular, but keep in mind that they are the exception to the rule. The fact remains that the quality of self-published novels as a whole doesn't compare to the quality of novels that have been vetted and edited at traditional publishing houses. In other words, if you align yourself with the legions of others who have self-published, agents may presume your writing is weak. Also, agents may worry that you no longer hold all rights to your self-published book if you don't specify otherwise.
Cutting Corners. Many people self-publish because they think it's easier than dealing with the submission process (though that's not always the case). There's some concern that a writer who has self-published is a writer who would rather settle for second-best and cut corners than go the distance. Low sales indicate lackluster motivation. Literary agents want to work with passionate, driven people who will stop at nothing to reach their dreams of being successful writers.
*For more http://www.fictionf actor.com/ guests/self- publishing. html
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(Disclaimer: Mention of a market/ contest in Let's Shalla Blog is not necessarily an endorsement. Check all guidelines in full before submitting)
What We Look For * Strong, passionate, intelligent characters * Intense sensual tension and situations * Well-defined, well-executed romantic plot that illustrates the mutual relationship between two to four central characters (the romantic unit) and which includes plenty of opportunity for erotic exploration and variety.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.phaze.com/submissions.html
Shades of Romance Magazine http://www.sormag.com/
Seeking short stories between 500-1500 words. The short story must focus on the romance, and have an upbeat ending. All genres are considered, including historical, contemporary, paranormal, mystery, regency Futuristic, and Time-Travel. We do not publish erotica. Payment $20 on publication.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.sormag.com/guide.html
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