Hope you’ll welcome my friend, Dorte Jakobsen, here today. Dorte has a brand-new release, The Cosy Knave, her first novel (I’m about 1/3 of the way through, and it’s a delight.) Welcome, Dorte!
It will hardly come as a surprise for any of Elizabeth´s readers that I found the inspiration for this guest post via one of her own links. Elizabeth, your blog is an invaluable source for the aspiring writer! And thank you for inviting me; it is a pleasure and an honour to be here.
In January I took the first, tiny step towards becoming a self-published author by sending out a collection of thirteen flash fiction stories. At that time I really believed I would continue searching for an agent for my humorous novel, “The Cosy Knave”. And I did send off a handful of queries to various agencies in the spring, but without much success.
I know that some of you will think ´a handful is not many´, and you are right, of course, but one of the things I have learnt is that I absolutely, totally loathe writing queries. And the power of British & American agents and publishers also bothers me. Hardly any Danish writer uses an agent, and no matter which serious publisher we send manuscripts to, they will at least send us a standard rejection before or later. No one celebrates rejections, but at least you know where you stand. And honestly, how much would it cost the agent to send back a short ´no thank you´? (Some of them do, but it seems to be the minority).
So I don´t know exactly what happened when, but in April I sent off two queries and received this auto-reply:
“I have received your query/submission. You will not hear from me again unless I want to see more of your work. If you haven’t received another email from me within 8 weeks, assume that I do not wish to read more of your work at this time.”
And somehow my eyes fixed on those ´8 weeks´, and I made up my mind I had written my last queries (certainly for “The Cosy Knave”, possibly for ever).
Well, the eight weeks are history, and on the first of August I published my first full-length novel via Amazon and Smashwords. Now the big question is: do I still want an agent?
Honestly, I am not so sure. It would be nice to have a traditional publisher who would print and distribute paper books for me, someone who could add weight and credibility to the upstart from tiny Denmark, plus an experienced editor I could discuss certain manuscript points with, but an agent? Someone who could take 15 % of my income for doing things I have struggled hard to learn over the last six months? I have already learnt that though I prefer Smashwords in some ways, I definitely need Amazon (well, their customers that is). I have learnt the power of offering short stories and flash fiction cheaply or for free, getting some reviews in return. I have also learnt a lot about the generosity of blog friends, and which social media that seem to suit me. I can recommend Facebook and Goodreads, I am not quite so sure I really feel at home on Twitter yet.
If my debut novel turns out to be a total flop, I may reconsider the agent question (though it will probably be next to impossible to get one in that case), but on the whole I really like being my own master. I listen to the excellent advice I get from friends and fellow writers, but basically I can do exactly what I like whenever I want to. So even though an agent might land me more money in the long term, I am probably too stubborn to give up my independence now. And 15 % – forget it!
Dorte Jakobsen is a Danish teacher who lives in the beautiful region of Thy. In her spare time she reads and writes crime fiction. The Cosy Knave released August 1. You can find Dorte on her blog, and on Facebook.
The Cosy Knave is priced at $3.99, but if you buy at Smashwords and use this coupon code: PN22N, you get a 25% discount. A synopsis: The vicious attacks begin when the prodigal son of Knavesborough returns to the sleepy village after forty years in Argentina with fame and fortune. No wonder that spiteful Rose Walnut-Whip is killed, but when the violence escalates, Constable Penrose knows he needs help from his fiancée, librarian Rhapsody Gershwin.
“The Cosy Knave” is available on Smashwords.com, Amazon.com
and Diesel ebooks.
I know exactly how you feel Dorte. I too grew tired of the game and decided to go it on my own. Then publishers started showing interest! LOL! Funny how that works. But, it’s a brave new world and who knows what it will look like in a few short years. Best of luck to you with your novels!
Elizabeth – Thank you so much for hosting Dorte :-).
Dorte – The “What about an agent?” question really is an important one for writers to ask. I’m so glad you shared your thoughts on this, because the publishing landscape keeps changing. As it does, writers need to decide where they will fit in. They also need to be flexible. The agent question is most definitely one of those decisions writers have to take.
As with publishing, the world of agenting is changing as well. I found when I was dealing with trying to get print deals. In some markets, publishers won’t look at unagented work. And then, if you have one, you’re done writing query letters (and agents get much faster and friendly rejections).
If I had complicated contracts, etc., I’d definitely want an agent. But after dealing with two agents, I’m shifting more and more to e-publishing myself, and I don’t think there’s much need for an agent in that realm. Yet. Who knows what’s going to happen?
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Dorte–Thanks so much for posting today! Your topic is one that I think will resonate with many writers. The publishing world is changing so quickly!
I feel the same, Dorte… And as publishers lose power, agents become even more irrelevant. It’s not a career I’d want to have right now!
Thanks for your thoughts on this ever-changing situation, Dorte! Best of luck with your launch and I look forward to reading your book.
Heather: I hope the same will happen to me because I´d love to have a paper book out there as well.
Elizabeth: it is definitely my pleasure! Thanks for inviting me.
Diana: well, if anyone had taken me on a couple of months ago, I´d have leapt at almost any offer, but it´s funny so soon this business changes.
Margot: flexible is definitely important, and I have begun to wonder if the agents are.
Terry: of course my dilemma is that I´d love to have a contract with a publisher which is difficult to come by WITHOUT an agent so who knows what I say in a year or two ;)
Helen: to be honest, the story wouldn´t amount to much without Rhapsody ;)
E. Arroyo: thank you.
Betty: I´m not sure I´ll be one of those tantalizing successes, but a couple of small steps forward this year is okay, and I hope I´ll have a second novel for next year and then let´s see… I wish you luck with testing the water.
Elspeth: ah, I love those last seven words ;)
Love your story Dorte. (And I also love the last line in the book blurb – that the constable decides he needs help from his librarian fiancee to solve the case.)
As to self-publishing, you’ve joined a growing group of writers.
Thanks for sharing. Something to think about with all the changes in publishing. Good luck!
I’ve heard tantalizing firsthand success stories about self publishing on amazon and smashwords. It’s nice to hear you’re taking the same route… and feeling good about it! I planned on doing the same thing: throwing a handful of short stories out there and seeing what happens. One day, I’ll be a full-fledged novelist. Thanks for keeping me excited!
Thank you for sharing your story – very interesting stuff :)
I’m with a small publisher, but I have to do almost all of the marketing. But this is more and more true even if you got in with a “big” publishing house. So you have to decide what you want to try. Good luck, Dorte. I came over from your website and I will say that I do want to read your book. Murder mystery is my favorite genre next to memoir. However, I have to wait about a week until my new debit card gets here (I had to cancel the old one today; not a good day!).
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets
I’m with a small publisher, thus no agent, and while it might be nice, I’m happy to keep that fifteen percent!
As the publishing world is in flux, agents will have to be rethinking their value proposition or find themselves without authors knocking on their door for representation.
They have been the gatekeepers and aspiring authors had to go that route if they wanted any chance of publication. Now that self-publishing is becoming the chosen route for more and more authors, agents may have to switch up what they bring to the table and how they find clients.
Exciting times to be a part of, for sure!
Cyndi
http://www.cynditefft.com
Thanks for sharing your experience. It really helps to hear your journey. I’m currently contemplating the dance myself. Best of luck & all that you desire.
This is where the small independent publisher will shine in today’s climate. They are usually fast, they are hungry, they are looking for promising manuscripts, and they have editors!! Many of them take unagented submissions, so they are an excellent resource– a kind of mid-point between seeking and agent and self-publishing.
I enjoyed this post. Best of luck to you, Dorte!
Jemi: you are welcome. But remember, these are just the thoughts of an upstart writer.
Alex: sure you don´t want to provide for the agent´s family too? ;)
Ann: yes, I have heard everybody has to fend for herself these days no matter how you publish. I wish you a better day today!
Cyndi: at least agents will have to adapt to the world of ebooks – and soon, because many of us have already found out it is not all that difficult to publish them yourself.
BeckoningBalance: I wish you luck, but remember that doing it all yourself is time-consuming (I don´t want to trick anyone into thinking you can just push a couple of buttons and be rich overnight).
Karen: haha; I wish they´d send a contract my way ;) Obviously living in Denmark & writing for a mainly American audience makes some things extra complex.
That’s interesting Danish writers don’t need agents. They have so set themselves up as gatekeepers here in the USA. But only if you’re aiming at a really big publisher do you need an agent. And times are changing – fast. Good for you for doing it all yourself.
Dorte, don’t give up on Twitter! It is definitely a little weird at first, but after a few weeks something clicks and you just find how it fits for you. Then it’s a lot of fun—and can be a great way to communicate online.