Squizz

A friend of mine is trying to become a children's book writer. He's written a number of books and has just got a limited first run printed. I was wondering if there are any publishers on here willing to look at the book, with a view to helping in the printing/distribution? Does anyone have any hints/tips/etc?

We've created a website for him @ www.jtmcqueen.com

Please use this to contact him with any information.

Thanks for any help,
Squizz.

[Edited by Squizz - 8/20/2002 8:50:59 AM]

Squizz

MODERATORS: This isn't a plug to sell books! I just wanna see if anyone on here can help him break out into the mainstream.

Cheers,
Squizz.

RobinSherwood

Squizz,

What your friend probably needs first is a literary agent.

We tried for ages to get the first of my father's books published, then once we had a literary agent we had a deal in place fairly quickly.

Also worth bearing in mind that publishing houses do very little to promote your book unless you are a 'name' already. They seem to work on the principle if you publish lots of books one or two will succeed. To make a success of a book your friend needs to be prepared to invest in some PR and a bit of luck helps too.....

Hope that is of some help.

Cheers

Robin

Dave Thornton

I have had two books published, and in both cases I had an agreement to publish before I started writing. I agree that an agent is a good idea, but it is worth preparing a really good synopsis first and sending it to all likely publishers. To find suitable publishers, take a look at similar books on Amazon etc.

RobinSherwood

Good points Dave.

For the 4 subsequent books we have had a deal in place before the books were written. Contract for No 5 under negotiation and each time what the publisher has wanted is a good but brief synopsis of the concept.

Another idea that I know has been used successfully is to take the synopsis along to the London Book Fair and 'button hole' a few suitable publishers. Sometimes the face to face approach pays dividends and it is a good way of getting a meeting without an appointment. This assumes he doesnt have a deal by the time the next fair comes round.

Robin

Squizz

Good information. Thankyou gents.

His book is being published in the 'States, but he's having to handle the UK side on his own.