Anybody with book publishing connections?

[AKWarrior]

Surely I'm not the first and certainly won't be the last to request this, but if anybody has a legitimate way to help me get my foot in the door, I would be most grateful. Specifically, I'm seeking representation for mainstream sci-fi/fantasy and mystery/thriller novels in the USA or Canada.

I'm in the dreaded query letter phase and have sent out more than I can count on and off over the past five years or so. Two completed books are on queue just awaiting representation by a reputable book agency.

Maybe you know a book agent personally or are one yourself, or have a friend of a friend connected with the industry. In any case, your help would be much appreciated.

If you want/expect compensation for helping me, we can work something out. Thanks in advance.

 

[HereIStand]

I don't have any connections with publishers. I've finished a novel and plan to have it self-published on Amazon. It's a Christian thriller.

Fantasy is popular with booktubers as they're called on Youtube. Even if you self-publish, your novel could probably be reviewed on one of these channels. It's especially good if you have a series, which it sounds like you may.

 

[AKWarrior]

It's especially good if you have a series, which it sounds like you may.

Indeed I do have a book series. I used to do the YouTube thing but nothing story related. You're actually not the first to suggest it. I have limited means of posting videos at the moment. I've thought of going the self-publishing route with some of my lesser works, which I may still do, but admittedly it seems a bit intimidating regarding formatting and such.

 

[HereIStand]

Indeed I do have a book series. I used to do the YouTube thing but nothing story related. You're actually not the first to suggest it. I have limited means of posting videos at the moment. I've thought of going the self-publishing route with some of my lesser works, which I may still do, but admittedly it seems a bit intimidating regarding formatting and such.

This lady helped me with proofreading and formatting. And this woman did the cover design. Also, try Grammarly for additional grammar and typo help.

 

[dysert]

Indeed I do have a book series. I used to do the YouTube thing but nothing story related. You're actually not the first to suggest it. I have limited means of posting videos at the moment. I've thought of going the self-publishing route with some of my lesser works, which I may still do, but admittedly it seems a bit intimidating regarding formatting and such.

I self-published my first book using Createspace. It may seem intimidating at first, but it's really not. You basically create a Word document, convert it to PDF, and upload it. Where I'm stuck is advertising it. I've been able to do everything (including getting it listed on Amazon) for free, but I don't know how to advertise its existence - and I'm even willing to pay for that to happen.

 

[dreadnought]

Surely I'm not the first and certainly won't be the last to request this, but if anybody has a legitimate way to help me get my foot in the door, I would be most grateful. Specifically, I'm seeking representation for mainstream sci-fi/fantasy and mystery/thriller novels in the USA or Canada.

I'm in the dreaded query letter phase and have sent out more than I can count on and off over the past five years or so. Two completed books are on queue just awaiting representation by a reputable book agency.

Maybe you know a book agent personally or are one yourself, or have a friend of a friend connected with the industry. In any case, your help would be much appreciated.

If you want/expect compensation for helping me, we can work something out. Thanks in advance.

I don't have any connections with publishers. I've finished a novel and plan to have it self-published on Amazon. It's a Christian thriller.

Fantasy is popular with booktubers as they're called on Youtube. Even if you self-publish, your novel could probably be reviewed on one of these channels. It's especially good if you have a series, which it sounds like you may.

Yes, it's easy to self-publish on Amazon (for free). It's not so easy to get anyone to buy your book, though you are probably both much better writers than me.

 

[HereIStand]

I self-published my first book using Createspace. It may seem intimidating at first, but it's really not. You basically create a Word document, convert it to PDF, and upload it. Where I'm stuck is advertising it. I've been able to do everything (including getting it listed on Amazon) for free, but I don't know how to advertise its existence - and I'm even willing to pay for that to happen.

I'm struggling with how to advertise my book also. There isn't an easy formula.

My plan is to send copies to friends and family and also send bookmarks. These will have the cover image on the front and my name on back. The bookmarks will placed in various public places. I also plan to place a print front and back cover image on various public bulletin boards in places like Starbucks. Beyond this, I've thought about a web banner ad.

I also purchased the KDSPY software. It shows the Amazon Kindle keywords according to sales rank. The idea is to use certain key words in your books' Amazon metadata, so that it appears higher in search results for similar types of books.

 

[Radagast]

I'm struggling with how to advertise my book also.

Take a look at what other indie authors do.

Sending review copies to the right people is a start. And a social media presence is also helpful.

 

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

www.trilogy.tv

 

[dysert]

www.trilogy.tv

Any idea of the price of their services?

 

[Greatcloud]

I self published my first book it cost me $900.00 and has been selling steady on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. It's been on there 6 going on 7years. It's is also in 2 library's.

The only drawback I have is my royalties. I received one check for 9 cents. I was promised 20% or 2.00 per book sold. When I complained they said that I need 3 book sales recites, to start an investigation . Every time I call and talk to the printing dept. they say I have zero sales.

Well I am taking to lawyer and we will get my money 6 years retroactive.

My advice to you is to go the self published route but take the time to carefully consider each publisher with the BBB and make sure that they had no complaints against them.

You will find one if you look hard. I made the mistake with my first book of not doing that. Good luck in this game and God bless.

 

[Radagast]

I self published my first book it cost me $900.00 and has been selling steady on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. It's been on there 6 going on 7years. It's is also in 2 library's.

The only drawback I have is my royalties. I received one check for 9 cents.

Sounds like you were ripped off.

Generally, if you want to self-publish, it's probably better to hire your own editor, hire your own cover designer, run your own publicity, and use print-on-demand services.

 

[Greatcloud]

Yeah I was ripped off and they made money on me, but my lawyer is going to win and get the publishing rights back to the book and my money in one lump sum .
Thanks for the info on how best to hire my own editor ect.... greatly appreciated. I have 3 more books pending.