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Dear Lee,

I'd really like to see my mystery novel published, but at the same time I want to be realistic and understand the process. My book is well written and marketable, but I know that there are many good books out there. What can I expect from a publisher that is willing to give me a chance?

-Hopeful, but Realistic
Dear Hopeful,

I am going to address the realistic side of your personality. In doing so, I have a question for you: What can a publisher expect from you? There are a lot of well-written, marketable manuscripts floating around out there. Many of them have big names attached to them. You have to wonder why a publisher would invest in yours. When you think about it, what do you bring to the table that hundreds of hopeful writers do not? If you have nothing to offer at this stage in your career, you’ll have to start building. If being a published author is something you really, really want, there are dues to pay. If it were as easy as some Internet sites would have you believe, everyone who wrote a book would be rich and famous. The “mantra” that some self-proclaimed experts are chanting that “writers should be paid, they shouldn’t pay” is about as ridiculous as they come. As a writer, you must invest your time and money. It’s a business, Hopeful, a business. Writing is only one step in the process. You must market yourself and your work. Grisham did. In fact, he, along with many famous authors, started out self-publishing their work. Ask Deepak Chopra, Tom Peters and James Redfield how they got started. Perhaps this is the mantra the “experts” should chant: As much as you are willing to give.

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Dear Lee,

I've worked with my agent for over a year, and she has already sold two of my manuscripts. She aggressively marketed my work to several publishers and has always been professional, responsive, and honest with me.

Last month, I met someone at a writers' conference and mentioned how helpful my agent had been. When I mentioned the name of the agency, she told me that my agent was a scam artist and was only interested in making money off vulnerable writers who didn't know better. She said you should never pay an agent for anything. I don't agree, and think it is only right that my agent be paid for her time, just like I and everyone I know expect to be. The writer told me that agents should only make money on commissions after the manuscript has been sold. I'm not a rocket scientist, but it doesn't take much for me to realize that a writer trying to get his first big break will probably not make a lot of money in the beginning. An agent would have to have a lot of clients with substantial royalties to make a huge salary on the 15% she receives. I'm thrilled that my agent took an interest in me and has been successful with my work. I can't imagine expecting her to spend hours promoting my books without compensation from me. Am I right, or am I a fool that's totally missing the boat?

-Guy who's been given a chance
Dear Guy,

Will wonders ever cease? A writer who actually understands that publishing is a business. The only boat you missed is the chance to get the name and address of the person who slandered your agent and take them to task. If the person who called your agent a scam was one of the presenters, then the sponsors of the conference need to be notified, so give your agent all the pertinent information. Let me guess: You’re agent is on some Internet sites with a Worst Agent List, right? Now let me say this: Consider the source. Consider their motives. Consider that they are being sued. If you are happy with your agent, that should be enough. I feel so bad for new writers today. You are a perfect example of the chaos a few have caused in the literary profession. You and your agent accomplished something really great and someone comes along and tries to steal your thunder and has you second-guessing yourself. The literary industry has taken a nosedive in the past few years. Not because of agents, but because of the vicious attacks on agents that have been allowed to go unchecked by literary and publishing professionals and the trade in general. Everyone is afraid they will be the next target by these Internet bullies. Keep you head held high and encourage your agent to do the same. What goes aound, comes around.

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