When other books get you down...

I had an amazing discussion online with a group on Facebook about the latest installment by E.L. James, GREY. Well, it seems the books are like marmite - love them or hate them.

Either way, I came across this article today in the BBC and it made me a bit sad.

Fifty Shades rewrite Grey breaks record in first week

So, basically if we all cut & paste, we could make new versions of our books and sell millions, right? Wrong...

I don't understand why this book has created an obsessive following, and don't see why so many should be desperate to read it.

I downloaded a sample and there was nothing there that pulled me in. He sounds like an obsessive creep and she comes across as pretty pathetic.

So yeah, I wish I could have these sales, I wish readers would download my free book in the same way they are willing to pay for this, but alas it's not to be.

Apparently, I share the same reason for writing as E.L. James. We both wanted escapism and got it.

BUT, her twisted trilogy became a bestseller and mine did not. Depressing to think about... moving on!

I know many writers out there, agents, and publishers must be pulling their hair out over this one too. I hope I'm not alone!

Well done, Mr Grey, you have controlled the masses via a book!

Hope you're all keeping well otherwise.

All the best,

Vanessa :)

When life takes over

I have not been blogging much or spending much time online recently since life is taking over. Since my eye operation last year I also find that I can't spend hours watching the screen! There had to be a downside to having lazer surgery...

Anyway, I wanted to share my recent online experience. I took part in the recent #PitchWars (an opportunity on Twitter to pitch directly to agents/ publishers) and was asked for a sample by a publisher. After sending a chapter, with a brief intro (took me 5 mins to write!) I expected not to hear from them ever again. But, a few days later they asked for the full manuscript. Trust me, this was shocking BUT... it made me suspicious.

In my opinion, any publisher worth anything should take some time to reply. The fact it was that fast made me wary. When I checked them online, they have only been in business since 2013 and have a limited track record at the moment.

For a new author, with no idea how to arrange eBooks, paperback themselves, etc, this is great. No upfront costs, editing advice, and they'd publish your eBook and get ready a print to demand paperback.

BUT, I effectively am just like them. I can do all of this myself. I guess I'm a publisher!

So, I sent them an email thanking them for the interest and basically said, 'thanks, but no thanks.'

To which they replied the next day, 'we have decided not to proceed with your submission'... erm, I rejected them!

So, it was the right decision.

New authors have to be careful. I would always recommend that you try to get an agent first, unless your book is for a specialist market. Also, if your book fits a niche, but will not be the next big read then this type of publisher might be ideal.

But, I have a dream... my book deserved to be in hardback form.

If I can't get an agent and mainstream publisher, then I'll do it myself after all.

The good thing is that I have finished the first book in my new historical fiction saga. Now, the editing begins!

I have decided that it can't be one book after all. It's way too long.

I'll update as it goes, but watch this space... and be careful authors. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

All the best & have a great weekend,

Vanessa :)