Narg

[maderr]

Why have I been awake since 3:30 am? I'm a loser, that's why.

Why the fuck is it so damned difficult to get a book published? Everything I'm reading says "it takes years" "subscribe to this" "try a million times" and all of these cost hella bucks. This one site advises subscribing to publishers weekly, which would be great except the subscription is like upwards of $200.00. And this other site is hella useful, except I don't have the $75.00 to sign up for it. The one that really cracked me up was the site that said you don't necessarily need an agent or anything - which is bullshit b/c everything I've read about publishers says they don't accept manuscripts directly.

I have no idea what I'm doing, let's face it. This is so overwhelming I get a headache. I would just like to see my name on a bookstore shelf. That's all I want. But given that I'm broke that's not likely to happen (at least not any time soon), esp. as I've been point blank told that b/c I write slash, I'll never make real money off it. Fuck that. I'm still going to try. I just can't figure out how the fuck to get started.

I suppose finishing a story might be a good starting point. Mew. The next time I wake up to strange noises and my brain immediately decides to turn to weighty, depressing thoughts somebody shoot me.

Comments

[rykaine.livejournal.com]

Ask the 8-bit guy. He got a book published--or in publication (I'm not sure where it stands now). I'm sure he'd be willing to help you out. He's a nice guy.

Sorta...

[maderr.livejournal.com]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I could kiss you, Sammie.

That's a cool icon. Wherever did you get it?

[tsaiko.livejournal.com]

Who says just because you write slash you won't make money? Recently there's been a boon of gay-based novels recently (just check out Amazon.com).

If you need publishers, I also suggest looking at Amazon and seeing who's publishing those types of books. Then track down their websites. While it's true most publishers won't accept unsolicted manuscripts, some of them do. I know. I've looked.

Another good idea is to send out inquiry letters. That way you introduce yourself and if they seem interested in your plot, you don't go straight to the slush pile.

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I shouldn't be allowed to post when I'm tired and aggravated. But then I guess lj wouldn't be half so amusing. I'll take your suggestions, thanks again.

[audaxfemina.livejournal.com]

Um, just so as you know, my friend Mara is currently working to get a book on male prostitution in 19th century England published. V. slashy. Trust me, I am usually the first person to get the drafts. ;)

So it's not impossible. You may try to ask her who she's working through. If you want, she's on my f-list as Piriotessa.

[goofyrobo.livejournal.com]

As much as slash churns my stomach, there certainly is a market of insane women out there that live for it. Again, that would bring me to the bookstore ladies story...

[starparty.livejournal.com]

I'm not going to shoot you. But I *have* instructed the mommy to yell at you (and thwack you if needed) if you move before 11. oh and *hug*

We can sit down and see what to do about books this weekend. I worked at a bookstore for over 3 years.. I've got a few ideas to play around with. We can noodle about it and see what to do. *firm nod*

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Bah, ignore me. I'm fine now. Waking up at 3:30 tends to wonk me out.

[abiona-sashenka.livejournal.com]

I didn't say you wouldn't make real money... I said you probably wouldn't be able to count on it for your livelihood. That's all... keep trying, that's all you can do. Might I suggest literary mags and things first? Then perhaps you actually could get an agent.

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Oh, no worries Duck. It wasn't you I was referring to there.

[abiona-sashenka.livejournal.com]

:-P Okay, one can never tell. I was like, dude, she seemed to react better than that on the phone... hmmm

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Mew. I'm not usually that run around.

[abiona-sashenka.livejournal.com]

Is 'Mew' the new 'Meh'?? That's a topic for the next Oprah... ;->

Yeah, you're pretty direct, at least with us D-son types anyway, lol. Or is it just me? :-P

[maderr.livejournal.com]

I tend to be direct with everyone. Mostly b/c the rest of you lot like to play mind games. I figure at least everyone knows where I stand.

[abiona-sashenka.livejournal.com]

WHOO! Mindfuck!

I recall...

"Who needs alcohol when you can get a good mindfuck from your friends?"