How to get published. Ann Pearse's notes from the Chelmsford Book Fayre.

Ann writes....



On Sunday 20th March, Morag, Sue and I went to Chelmsford to an event entitled "How to get published." A panel comprising an author, a publisher and a literary agent each spoke for 15 minutes and then answered questions from the audience.
Sarah Harrison, Sarah Kinsella and Sarah Menguc all spoke knowledgeably and interestingly.



I have summarised the main points which may be of use to members of the Scribblers.



· It is very difficult to get published. There are no easy routes and publishing is very commercially orientated. Hodder and Stoughton only published 6 new authors last year.

· Publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

· An agent can direct manuscripts to the right publishers and editors look to agents for submissions.

· A small percentage of the population read so you have to come up with something different, that will grab the attention of agents and publishers. You are as good as your idea.

· You need to look for a gap in the market. There may already be many books similar to your own.

· Tastes in fiction change. You need to be aware of current trends. Ask yourself what is selling now and try to anticipate future trends.

· To write fiction you need to read fiction.

· You should write constantly .

· Decide upon your target audience.

· It can be a selling point if you can identify whose work your writing resembles.

· Publishers are not looking for a one hit wonder. You need to have ideas for a second book.

· A novel must have a strong plot with surprises.

· Characters should be strong and compelling and easy to identify with.

· Short scenes with mini cliff hangers and lots of dialogue seem to work well at the moment.

· Work should be well researched and well presented - double spaced and on one side of A4

· Agents and publishers will want a substantial number of consecutive chapters.

· You must be able to take criticism .

· You must be able to meet deadlines.

· You must be able to deliver regularly.

· You must be able to publicise and sell yourself.




Daunting or what! Maybe they run these events in order to reduce the number of manuscripts that reach their desk!



Ann Pearse

21/3/05