You've chosen a publisher, out of the many out there, to settle down with. Or so you think.
As mentioned briefly in Rule #2, you should talk to the authors of the publishing house you've picked, especially now that you've narrowed it down. Always, always, always do this via private messages (PM's) to them and not out in the open on their Facebook pages or websites or, well, anywhere.
Most authors for the different publishing houses are more than willing to give you a boost and help you settle your nerves. But not all. We say this as a warning as we've run across the breed of author we like to term the Stick-Up-Their-Ass author. This is an author that is, to use a phrase grandma often pulled out, too big for their britches. They sell a lot of books because they are in a very specific genre that a lot of other authors just can't, or won't, write in. They see themselves as being too good for the mere likes of you.
Don't take it personally, they are assholes and you'll be dealing with more of those as your career progresses. It's to be expected, not everyone can manage to keep their heads on straight and their egos in check. Been there, dealt with it.
They are relatively rare in the semi-professional field of writing. So you may, or may not, hit one of them with your questions. If you do, just thank them for any response they send, no matter how caustic, and then don't poke that bear any more. You need to focus on the authors that came back to you with some reassuring thoughts and information. If they have replied to you once they likely will again, but ensure that in your very first email you flat out ask if you can contact them with some follow up questions. If they say yes, do it, if they say no, shoot them a thank you note for what they did provide and move on. Don't take this personally, not everyone has the time to hand hold a nervous first time author, after all - you do not know what is going on in their personal lives outside of their public persona. Don't judge too harshly.
Email the author and let them know that you are thinking of signing with the publisher, that you've been in talks with one of the reps there - give a name in case the author is looking to verify this detail, and that you're nervous and scared and looking to get a little reassurance if they are willing. Give them a list of thought out questions that allow them wiggle room to answer - you don't want to just ask them straight out if their publisher has ever screwed them over (for example) because that gets a big old bullseye on your back. You do not want that.
For example here's an idea for an email to the authors. We are using our site Owners name since she wasn't here to veto our plan - HA! The publisher is one we made up, we think - with them springing up all the time, god only knows if it's a real one or not. If it is, we apologize in advance!
Dear Author,
My name is June Smith and I'm in the final stages of deciding to sign with your publisher, Too Many Words Publishing. I was hoping I could have a moment of your time and perhaps ask a couple of questions as I'm extremely nervous of signing with them. This is my very first book and I'm unsure of what I am doing. If this has caught you at a bad time I'd like to apologize and please, do not feel the need to reply.
If you do have a few moments I was wondering if you'd tell me a bit about your personal experiences with the publisher. But please, if any of these are too personal, do not feel obligated in any way to answer them.
- If it's not too impertinent to ask, how long have you been with Too Many Words Publishing?
- Would you mind sharing your impressions on the team behind the name? ie: The editors, artists and management.
- Could you share what their process is after a books been submitted to them?
- Would you share what sort of timeline from submission to published final product do you normally see after your first book? I realize the first book can sometimes take longer.
- Do you happen to know if the publisher assists with promoting of the works or should I ensure that I'm doing that myself?
- If I may ask, does this publisher offer the author's ARC's or is that against their policies?
- Any advice you could offer me in my time of absolute panic and terror would also be welcome if you wouldn't mind terribly.
Thank you for the opportunity of contacting you. Would you be willing, in the future, to allow me to contact you if I have any other questions as I get started with the company?
Yours sincerely,
June Smith
Now, as you will see, all the questions are formed very generally. There are only a couple of direct questions but even those we've phrased in a way that the author you're sending this too, won't feel pressured to answer. It's a very subservient type of message - you being the lowly newbie while they are the established author within the midst of this publishers realm. It will also likely piss off at least one out the group you send it too but, as mentioned previously, just roll your eyes and move on.
There you have it. We'll be continuing with the Tips as they come to us or as you bring them to us.
The Moderator
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