I'm a published writer, and I wrote a novel based on my transition, which has been rejected by about 100 agents.  If you want to read it, and promise not to distribute it, I'll email you the text.

I definitely wish to read it.  And no, I promise not to reproduce it in any way.  You have my blog address below so you know where I live.

I believe that Amazon has a system where they will publish a work on a volume by volume basis.

Theres also web based companies that will distrubute in a PDF format, read only.

That way you the author can stand to profit, and the publisher dosen't risk losing that much if there aren't any sales.

You could also try out having it converted to a iphone type application download.

Just a few possible "sales channels" off the top of my head.

There is also a company called Publish America, that pays $1 advance and 8% of royalties.  But I'm still hoping for a mainstream publisher.  Two agents are looking at sample chapters now of the book now, and there are still about a dozen who require sample chapters be mailed by snailmail, who I have not yet sent it to.

This publishing lark is a long boring slog a lot of the time isn't it?

Especially in this economy.

I would also like to read your work.

Me too.

Anybody who wants to read this, I need you to pm me an email addy that I can send an attachment to.

I have held off on writing my own story for fear it would be unpublishable, but somehow I don't think that will stop me. I'm just waiting to see if there's going to be a happy ending, or if it's going to be a story about not being able to transition!

I would definitely be interested in reading your story, and promise not to distribute it, though I do not know if I can PM yet to give you my email. I have not reached the minimum 15 posts to fully establish myself on the forum. Once I know, I will send you a note.

Quote from: avmorgan on May 06, 2009, 12:22:44 AM
I have held off on writing my own story for fear it would be unpublishable, but somehow I don't think that will stop me.

good, only reason to write.

Actually, self publishing isn't a bad way to wait out the whole agent thing.  You might could make a few bucks selling locally or on the internet. 

I'm currently a journal reject...don't feel bad.  I was rejected in less than 12 hours once...

Quote from: GinaDouglas on April 29, 2009, 03:21:42 AM
There is also a company called Publish America, that pays $1 advance and 8% of royalties.  But I'm still hoping for a mainstream publisher.  Two agents are looking at sample chapters now of the book now, and there are still about a dozen who require sample chapters be mailed by snailmail, who I have not yet sent it to.

Send your self a copy certified mail, where you sign and the post office has a record of it. PUT THE UNOPENED LETTER in a safe place. Next mail out all you want, with a little reassurance that a less than reptutable publisher wont steal your work.

The above provides a margin of safety for screenplays, plays, teleplays, songwriting etc etc etc...

yeah, you should always read up on rights and do whatever you need to to make sure that you retain rights.  Even if a publisher does decided to publish your book, you want to make sure that the rights will revert back to you eventually.

In the real world, where big boys and girls play, that's what lawyers and agents are for.

Quote from: tekla on May 14, 2009, 03:13:55 AM
In the real world, where big boys and girls play, that's what lawyers and agents are for.

If you can get an agent...for magazines, journals, and e-zines, though, no agents are involved.  Better to educate yourself, I say. 

I think for $20.00 or so, the writer's guild of america allows you to upload a copy along with some info like your name and the title and a description. After that, they will back you up for 5 years if you have any issues with theft. 

I got a screenplay registered with them.

I ain't never sold nuthin', though, but only acause I ain't the motivated kind.