In Search Of A Publisher To Look Over My Work

[inamuddle1]

I'm a very good writer, I write poetry and have done for as long as I can remember. I can write about anything but my favorite type of writing is erotic or funny poetry, I also enjoy putting poetry to music. I enjoy giving the reader a real visual experience and I can be very descript. This is the way I like to write. My writing has real character and I believe I have my own style.

I'm interested in someone reading some of my work. I would like to know what a professional writer or publisher thinks of my words. This has been a life long passion.

I would be interested in publishing. Writing a book, or having some of my work published in a book along with other poets works...

Does anyone have any advice, places I could write to regarding this.

[Buenchico]

Get hold of a copy of the Artist's & Writer's Yearbook:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Artists-Yearbook-2013/dp/1408157497
It's in most public libraries and older editions (but still with valid information) frequently turn up in charity shops.

Look through for publishers (or, probably more relevant, agents) who are interested in poetry.

Alternatively, consider self-publishing. There's plenty of advice online (but beware of companies trying to rip you off). There's also a magazine, with lots of advice, for £20 p.a.
http://www.selfpublishingmagazine.co.uk/
(Even if you're not interested in the magazine, clicking on 'Advice for Self Publishers' has lots of information).

[DTCwordfan]

You could approach any of the major houses but, be aware, they are pretty dismissive, unless you have contacts in there. Then their cut of the fees are very low- anything from 2.5% to maybe, maybe 10 for an exceptional talent.

In many ways, you are better off to explore what there is out there on line, where you can get fees of 35 to 50% from publishers who take this route. Who - well that all depends on what genre/interest groups that you are writing for, particularly re erotica. Start with google researches on that and I would look for a UK based publisher. I would recommend that you see what connections that they have, such as into Kindle and Barnes and Noble.

That is how 50 Shades started life as - though the books that do that are very rare. 80 per cent, across the board and all themes/subjects, I think the number is, make less than £30 per month.

Fortunately, I am above that number now but it isn't going to pay for the luxury yacht or private plane, yet...

[doctordb]

Have you tried submitting some of your work to publications such as PNR? Who says you are a very good writer? ( a tough question, but it's a tough industry). Write to agents and publishers telling them about yourself, your work and your aims. Ask them if they would like to see some of your work. Be persistent and polite.

[inamuddle1]

Making money is always a bonus, but its more justified because I've always said it was something I would like to do. Everyone I read my poems to really like them. I do too. Ok thanks for the answers, I will investigate this as a matter of interest. Thanks! x

[boxtops]

I've submitted poems to firms which publish a book of poems which people pay to be part of (that's not very well put, but I hope you know what I mean). It's lovely to see your work in print, even if it's only available to people who belong to that book club or whatever.

Some of the daily newspapers publish poems (I can't think which one it is which has a daily reader's poem) - worth a look. Look also in the back of good-quality women's magazines e.g. the Lady, they often have this sort of advert.

[DTCwordfan]

The one pointer that I had early in my writing career, (the non tech material), was to up the emotional involvement (the thinking etc) that I put into it, particularly if writing in the first person...........it was a good tip.

[inamuddle1]

Yes I like to shock with my poetry, almost like a reporter would.

[Sharingan]

Why don't you try out your poetry at some festivals first? There are lots of likeminded people there and you will get a true idea of how your work goes down to an audience and will get the chance to network with other poets and collectives of toher people, then if you get your name known a bit you will stand more chance with a literary agent.

[Quizmonkey]

I am a professional writer. Anyone I hear saying things like "I'm a very good writer" or "Everyone I read my poems to really like them" (which contains one of your many grammatical errors) I wouldn't even give the time of day to. You are delusional. You don't know what 'writing' means. Vanity publishing is the only route open to you.

[naomi24]

//Vanity publishing is the only route open to you. //

... and that's not a good idea.

[AB Editor]

Could self-pub through Amazon? The barrier for entry is extremely low.

[factor-fiction]

Maybe readers' views have been clouded by the one poem that you published on here. The example you gave may have been an unfortunate choice as it contained quite a number of spelling errors and seemed to have no structure or meaning. You may want to try posting one or two more on here- or on another site- and see what feedback you receive. There are people on here who will make constructive comments and/or have written professionally.

[naomi24]

What about something like this?

https://www.lulu.com/s1/paperbackuk_b/r/site?mid=~sem_ggl_lulu_publishing_uk&s_kwcid=TC|1027418|self%20publishing||S|e|13161751701&gclid=CP6KsJn-07UCFZDKtAod4GEARQ

[woofgang]

bit harsh quizmonkey, especially when it contains this horrible rattley sentence

" Anyone I hear saying things like "I'm a very good writer" or "Everyone I read my poems to really like them" (which contains one of your many grammatical errors) I wouldn't even give the time of day to."

What's it to you if the OP wants to try their hand at being published?

[Quizmonkey]

Clearly a voice of authority Woofgang, using a non-existent word (rattley). Your inability to understand complex sentences doesn't make them wrong.

[woofgang]

oh and someone else who hasn't taken the chill pills today....and you haven't answered my question.

[naomi24]

Perhaps the OP doesn't realise that publishers aren't sitting waiting for new writers to submit their work - far from it. They receive thousands of new works from unknown writers all the time, and they don't spend their time sifting through it all. When you consider that J K Rowling's first Harry Potter book was rejected several times, and I think it was Leslie Thomas who submitted his first work something like around 80 times before it was eventually accepted, it might give you some idea of what you're asking - and of what you're up against.

[AB Editor]

The slushpile :)

http://slushpilehell.tumblr.com/

[woofgang]

yes its hard, yes it might be impossible, but that's not an excuse for snotty. (and yes i know I can do snotty par excellence when the mood takes me)

[naomi24]

I certainly wouldn't discourage anyone, but neither would I give them false hope. Nothing wrong in trying - as long as those who fail can accept rejection.