Help!

[God's dad]

Hi all - does anyone know a friendly literary agent? I've not looked into it because I stumbled upon a publisher and thought I didn't need a literary agent, but have since discovered that I am far too emotional to have a rational discussion about my work when others want to change it. I guess that means that I ought to have someone negotiating that kind of stuff on my behalf while I get on with writing - help!

 

[AliG]

Who you need very much depends on what you write. The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is a terrific source of info. They will probably still get you to make changes, though. I don't believe any MS gets through in its orig form, except the really big guys. JKR may not get much editing. A literary consultancy agency like Cornerstones might be a good option, especially if you have not lost the publisher. They will advise in detail.

 

[Emurelda]

Even with an agent, you will still have to work with an editor who will want to discuss possible changes with you if the agent secures a publishing deal on your behalf. So if you're getting an agent with the expectation that they will be middleman then you might be disappointed. I would definitely look at the Writer's & Artist's Yearbook. Brilliant resource on finding an up to date list of agents.

Good luck!

 

[God's dad]

Many thanks AliG and Emurelda - unfortunately there were no discussions about the changes until after they were made, and then nothing I said made the slightest difference to the published version, so I'm pulling out ASAP so as to self-publish my follow-up books.

 

[Emurelda]

What kind of publisher edits without discussing with the author? Very odd. No wonder you're concerned. I really hope you find a solution to this.

 

[Kitty]

Am I reading this right - your publisher has made editorial changes without consulting you?

What does your contract say about edits? What have you agreed to? Are they in breach of contract?

Also what does your contract say regarding termination if you are thinking of pulling out? Were you paid an advance? Will you have to pay any of it back?

This is one of the reasons it’s so useful to have an agent to negotiate your contract, all these things get picked up on.

If you don’t have an agent it’s well worth joining the Society of Authors since they offer a contract vetting service.

Of course hindsight is a wonderful thing and doesn’t help your current predicament. But the editorial process should really be a mutual and collaborative effort.

I hope you manage to resolve this!

 

[God's dad]

Many thanks all, especially Kitty - unfortunately I have spent the last two weeks or so feeling enraged by the completely unexpected changes - and sadly bit back today with two enraged emails that neither I or my publisher are ever likely to recover from

 

[Kitty]

Oh that’s such a shame, but on the positive side you got the interest of a publisher. Do you mind me asking who they were?

 

[God's dad]

Oh that’s such a shame, but on the positive side you got the interest of a publisher. Do you mind me asking who they were?

Hi Kitty, I'm a little reluctant to say any more until my partially irrational rage has settled down and/or my (erstwhile?) publisher responds. That said, I've been in touch with Authorhouse with a view to self-publishing, which is not what I want but better than nothing.

 

[Katie-Ellen]

Can't add value to Kitty's very informed response. Only to commiserate and say least said, soonest mended, but...changes with NO prior discussion? - the anger would appear perfectly natural. So the book is now published is it? Did you not see a final proof beforehand?

 

[God's dad]

Can't add value to Kitty's very informed response. Only to commiserate and say least said, soonest mended, but...changes with NO prior discussion? - the anger would appear perfectly natural. So the book is now published is it? Did you not see a final proof beforehand?

Hi Katie-Ellen, I did indeed see the final proof, it's in front of me now - it was and is that final proof that shocked me so much - we didn't agree or discuss the many changes that suddenly appeared it the proof, and I simply cannot sign-off to it. I did briefly buckle due to being concerned about loosing my publisher, but knew those un-discussed changes would be forever itches that I can never scratch. Now the book is available on the publishers FB site but I'm asking people not to buy it

 

[Katie-Ellen]

Can they sell it if you haven't actually signed off on it? Or did the buckling mean you reluctantly signed it? I wonder what @AgentPete would make of this situation in a general, contractual sense.

 

[God's dad]

Can they sell it if you haven't actually signed off on it? Or did the buckling mean you reluctantly signed it? I wonder what @AgentPete would make of this situation in a general, contractual sense.

My brief buckle was on the phone, when I was scared of losing everything I've worked for for years, but should have known that I could never be happy about it - now it's either self-publishing or some last-minute turnaround by my publisher (or faint chance of someone else coming to the rescue).

 

[Kitty]

Was there any editing process at all prior to them presenting you with the final proof? Was there any clause in the contract that gave them the right to do this?

It all sounds very odd!

My book went through three stages of editing, structural, line and the final copy edit. I was kept in the loop throughout. All the changes they made were marked up with track changes and I went through and accepted those I was happy with and those I didn’t agree with we discussed and came to a consensus.

What you describe doesn’t sound like standard practice and it be you’ve actually dodged a bullet with this one.

I sympathise with you. It’s gutting to come so close. But don’t give up on your dream. There are plenty of other perfectly respectable publishers out there, and you have a supportive community here on Litopis to stand by you.

 

[God's dad]

Was there any editing process at all prior to them presenting you with the final proof? Was there any clause in the contract that gave them the right to do this?

It all sounds very odd!

My book went through three stages of editing, structural, line and the final copy edit. I was kept in the loop throughout. All the changes they made were marked up with track changes and I went through and accepted those I was happy with and those I didn’t agree with we discussed and came to a consensus.

What you describe doesn’t sound like standard practice and it be you’ve actually dodged a bullet with this one.

I sympathise with you. It’s gutting to come so close. But don’t give up on your dream. There are plenty of other perfectly respectable publishers out there, and you have a supportive community here on Litopis to stand by you.

Many thanks yet again Kitty, I'm struggling not to cry now. I must and will continue writing (at least when I recover a bit). And I also must and will spend more time on Litopia. Bless you to bits

 

[Barbara]

Now the book is available on the publishers FB site but I'm asking people not to buy it

God's Dad. Do I understand this correct that the pulisher is now actually selling your book? I'm not a big FB-er, but can someone sell via FB in the same way as you would via an online shop with a buy now button?

The following is just a thought, but if they are actively selling it (posting it out, or via downloads), you might want to check where you stand with self-publishing. I have no clue whatsoever about the legallities of such things (I'm a newbe), but if the publisher is selling your book via FB or other means, it might get you in 'troube' if you self-publish and get your own sales. It might prevent you from self-publishing. So please check that. I'd hate for you to have more hassle. I suggest you ask someone for advice on where you stand, not just on this detail, but on the whole entire matter. Are you a member of the Society of Authors? If not maybe join them. They may have a legal team.

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience. It's horrible. By the sounds of it, you've worked so hard. You don't deserve this.

Also, once all this is settled, maybe let the forum know who it was so we can all be watchful. (Not sure about the legalities of this matter either.)

In the meantime: keep your spirit up. Don't let it derail you, and don't lose heart. Keep writing, and keep the vision of book sales firmly in front of your eyes. You'll get there!

 

[AgentPete]

Can they sell it if you haven't actually signed off on it? Or did the buckling mean you reluctantly signed it? I wonder what @AgentPete would make of this situation in a general, contractual sense.

No respectable publisher would do this. Repeat – NO respectable publisher would do this.

You’re in a strong position to demand they cease publication.

 

[God's dad]

God's Dad. Do I understand this correct that the pulisher is now actually selling your book? I'm not a big FB-er, but can someone sell via FB in the same way as you would via an online shop with a buy now button?

The following is just a thought, but if they are actively selling it (posting it out, or via downloads), you might want to check where you stand with self-publishing. I have no clue whatsoever about the legallities of such things (I'm a newbe), but if the publisher is selling your book via FB or other means, it might get you in 'troube' if you self-publish and get your own sales. It might prevent you from self-publishing. So please check that. I'd hate for you to have more hassle. I suggest you ask someone for advice on where you stand, not just on this detail, but on the whole entire matter. Are you a member of the Society of Authors? If not maybe join them. They may have a legal team.

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience. It's horrible. By the sounds of it, you've worked so hard. You don't deserve this.

Also, once all this is settled, maybe let the forum know who it was so we can all be watchful. (Not sure about the legalities of this matter either.)

In the meantime: keep your spirit up. Don't let it derail you, and don't lose heart. Keep writing, and keep the vision of book sales firmly in front of your eyes. You'll get there!

Many thanks Barbara, your kind and helpful comments are like a balm at a time when I feel ridiculously vulnerable - I will get over it, or at least keep writing Actually, I've recently completed another book (but stalled on a third for now).

 

[God's dad]

Many thanks Barbara, your kind and helpful comments are like a balm at a time when I feel ridiculously vulnerable - I will get over it, or at least keep writing Actually, I've recently completed another book (but stalled on a third for now).

I've actually been working off and on at seven books over the years, two totally complete, two more close to complete, and three more on the back-burner. So very sorry to burden you with my woes, I will try to take more interest in other people's work when I've recovered a bit from seeing it all fly away from the palm of my hand. Many thanks again for your kind comments and helpful advice

 

[Barbara]

I've actually been working off and on at seven books over the years, two totally complete, two more close to complete, and three more on the back-burner. So very sorry to burden you with my woes, I will try to take more interest in other people's work when I've recovered a bit from seeing it all fly away from the palm of my hand. Many thanks again for your kind comments and helpful advice

It's not a burden at all. That's what this comunity is here for, to support you, and help you. Anytime. Big writing family and all that.

 

[God's dad]

Hi all, many thanks again for your help and encouragement. I've decided not to go self-published after all, just need to get over myself and accept advice from more experienced people in the publishing world. Anyway, my novella, Rhubarb and Aliens, is now available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rhubarb-Al...1532783313&sr=1-1&keywords=rhubarb+and+aliens