The Emergence of a Choice Man!

[Piamed]

How disappointing Piamed it had not occurred to me to comment so soon in fact I would only comment normally once I had read a book from cover to cover.

Please dont stop posting on my account

I am a great fan of Ian Banks myself and Practical Rabbit

It's ok Keith I really appreciate you commenting now. Cheers mate.

I did not get the chance to read the extract that is now removed. You say because you did not get comments that that has dented your confidence but I think is unreasonable to expect everyone to visit here everyday then read it immediately and digest it nnd then post some constructive criticism. Frankly if you think no responses from this messageboard in a few hours affect your confidence then you had better prepare for the inevitable rejection letters from publishing houses. In fact, if you have synopsis and sample chapter you should be talking to publishers now.!

Hi Banana. My comment was made rather tongue in cheek.

Having said that when it got to about 30 reads without comment I just asumed that perhaps it was not interesting the readers on here, which is fair enough, so just removed the bulk of it.

In truth, I have already had interest from some niche publishers and indeed had I not had any interest at all I would just self-publish. I did that 2 couple of times in my teens when I recorded songs. Eventually, I set up a record company, hired Aswad to play the backing tracks and then released them myself. I only sold about 5,000 copies but it was fun to do.

When I was 24, I launched a Sales Magazine called Repartee. I originally approached Haymarket and Centaur but when the terms proved unacceptable to me ( I was foolish and greedy) I launched it myself. Printed 10,000 copies a month for 6 months until I ran out of money.

I suspect the real problem you will have is that a very small number of people will be interested in the story or will have heard of you.

Absolutely correct. To be either interested or disinterested though, someone will have to know what the book is about. The segments I will introduce the book through should be at least curious, as they will already be familiar with part of the story.

Consequently I cannot see the predicted sales getting beyond the small hunderds or even less than 100.

I think a bit higher than that. I have a particular mix of promotional platforms that will help ensure that but there are no guarantees.

Please note that this is not about money. It's about putting something out there that will touch some people and hopefully entertainment them. If i do that with a handful of people I would be really happy.

Unfortunately although "everyone has a book in them" only the autobiographies of well known people are anywhere near profitable. Even then there are some well known cases were the sales have only reached 5% or 6% of the advance given toe author by the publisher.

I cannot argue with your stats. Have you seen a book called Ugly? It is an autobigraphy written by a solictor friend of mine. We grew up within the same environmental contexts. Her book is doing exceptionally well - a million copies plus. She was not well known at all before publishing and was rejected by so many publishing houses and almost gave up.

To summarise: if you think you are going interest the country or the world in your story I would get what you have in front of published NOW. It is better to find out sooner than later if you are wasting your time. However, if it is to give away your family and friends then carry on.

Good luck!

That is a methodology many authors use. They often get discouraged and many good works do not reach the market. Similarly, many authors go to writing classes and get taught a particular writing style.

I have not heard any successful author say that they were accepted by every publisher they approached. Invariably, they tried many before getting accepted. Additionally, I have yet to come across a successful author who says that attending writing classes made him what he is today.

I have always felt that talent is only a small requirement for being successful. Notwithstanding key determinants such as grace and luck, drive and focus are of considerable importance.

At the end of the day its about personal enjoyment.

Thanks for time you took to air your comments Banana; I do appreciate it. Cheers!