Home

Dear Lee

Dear Lee,

I recently visited a website that claims to be a reference source for writers regarding literary agents and publishers. I heard about this site from a friend who is researching the researchers. There is an agent on the site who is on the “not recommended” list of “bad” agents. Why you ask? Because this agent charges fees. Forget the fact that the agent has been dead for years, which would have been a better reason for not recommending them. My friend tells me that this site and similar ones have caused a lot of damage to good people and good companies. I personally can’t believe that anyone takes them serious. The way I see it, if a new writer believes this nonsense, they have just taken the meaning of the word “idiot” to new heights. Agree or disagree?

-Researching the Researcher
Dear Researching,

Every Tom, Dick or Harry who has access to the Internet can create a “World According to Me” site. In their virtual world, they make their own rules, which they enforce by any means necessary. In the real world, they would not fair so well. There are many reasons why these people do what they do and why people believe them. The unfortunate thing is that good people and good businesses have been irreparably damaged. As for taking “idiot” to new heights, well, I just returned from a debate with lawmakers regarding freedom of speech and libel on the Internet. Now there’s a group that have successfully redefined the meaning of idiot.

-----------------

Dear Lee,

I have a writing problem. I recently spoke with an agent regarding my manuscript. He wants me to change my entire story. Something about not enough conflict and staying in a point of view, among other things. I have a ton of conflict and my point of view is in the third person. I don’t think they know what they are talking about. Why should I have to listen to them, anyway?

-My Way
Dear Your Way,

Tons of conflicts? Great. I’ll bet none of the “conflict” is developed. As far as your point of view being the “third” person, the question becomes, who is the third person whose POV you are in? First and third are forms of narration. POV is best explained by asking the question, “From whose eyes are we seeing this story?” Most of the time, the POV belongs to your main character (protagonist.) You know what? Read a few good books on the craft of fiction writing. While you’re at it, read a few good novels, too. Listen to your agent. If he offers any writing services, you may want to take them, My Way.

-----------------

Dear Lee,

This story goes out to your new writers. I was offered a contract by a very small publisher. It was a three book deal with very small advance on the first book and a little better advance on the next two books. The deal also had a bonus structure. I had to agree to buy some promotional copies of my first book but none of the second and third. I sought advice on the Internet, and was contacted by a published author who advised me against signing the contract. This author told me that the publisher was being “investigated” for fraud. I believed this person. I turned down the contract and at this author’s urging self-published the first book “To keep control of my rights,” as she said. I went with a self-publishing company that they recommended. After I self-published, I realized I needed a distributor, had to advertise, etc. I never wanted to be a publisher; I just wanted to be an author. The first book flopped, and I have a ton of unsold copies I doubt I can get rid of. Recently, I received a letter from the small publisher informing me that their budget for next year has been approved and they can offer me the same three book deal with a slightly higher advance on each book, and I don’t have to buy any promotional copies on the first book. I also learned that they received a few awards for some of their titles, and that they have had success in selling foreign translation and movie rights. To top it off, a few house-hold name authors have been endorsing their new authors’ works. I immediately called the publisher to tell them to move ahead and send me the contract. I explained that I made a mistake and self-published the first book in the series. The publisher was very deeply sorry (I could hear it in her voice,) and explained that she was unable to offer the contract to me. She went on to say that the publishing house doesn’t publish previously published fiction unless it had a proven market. Furthermore, I learned that the same author that told me not to accept the contract contacted the publisher with a three book project of her own! She is being published by them, and I am not. The moral of the story: The Internet sucks, and I’m a jerk without a publisher.

-I Should Have Signed
Dear Should Have,

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with self-publishing if you want to be an author or publisher. Many good and well-known authors started out that way. I don’t think this is about self-publishing, but rather about taking advice from some voice echoing in the wildness. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like both you and that small publisher lost.

-----------------

Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.