A discussion thread about major publishers. Ask questions, add information and express opinions.

Thank you, Shelagh.

The original premise of this thread was-will it be worthwhile to pursue a major publisher and will you be satisfied when you have done that?

We need to keep in mind we are living today, not yesterday.
The answer will be different for each writer.

Ooooh this is nice, I can hear a pin drop.
Oh the topic yes well as we all know money shortage, Bookers closing stores, Banks not lending like they used to I for one feel the major publishing houses are going to be more fussy and selective now than they ever were.

Unless I can come up with a real blockbusting blinding top ten hit
I dont stand a chance. Oh hold up. It wont ever be a block buster unless it gets into print by one of the major publishers will it? So I'm screwed before I even start.
As for Agent's dont even get me started on that one. The way things seem to be going you need some sort of an agent's agent just to get you taken on by an agent.

Is that going to stop me? Hell No!
Like I said before, I aint gonna be nobodys bitch.

Hi Alice,

That's two questions in one. That'll tax my brain. I'll start with the first question and see how it goes.

Will it be worthwhile to pursue a major publisher?

No. Well. that was easier than I thought. I suppose you want to know why, now. Mmm ... let me see. I've already done it. I submitted to all the major London publishers. I did everything you are not supposed to do. I sent unpolished chapters. I phoned them to ask about my submissions. I phoned to ask about my rejection letters. They were all very nice and helpful and patient. They said I needed an agent. So, I tried to find an agent. I did that more badly than trying to find a publisher. I actually drove over to a small Scottish town close to Edingburgh and, clutching my manuscript, knocked on a literary agent's office door. Can you imagine his face?

Well, to cut a long story short, I failed beacause I didn't know the nature of the game. Now I do, I'm not sure that I want to play. Ask me another question and I'll tell you more.

Shame on you both! Funny though, I concur.

You have cured me Alice I feel no shame.
I am happy to just hang around here for a while.
Oh I did bring a nice victoria sponge cake and some ginger beer!!

I said that I drove over to an agent's office. In truth, I suggested to my husband that there was a golf club in the same town as the literary agent and, if he would take me over, we could play the course. He'll do anything for a game of golf!

I feel very relaxed in the company of the Brits.

I will take a piece of sponge cake and forgo the beer. It does not mix well with my medicines. Please toast my beloved Son-in-law who will undergo thyroid removal surgery on the 25th of this month.

He is very dear to me.

You may have a generous slice Shelagh.
Now I do have a fresh lime somewhere. If you have a knife on you, we could slice it.
I feel an Enid Blyton moment coming on.

Have a big slice Alice.

Shelagh,

You said your husband would do "anything" for a game of golf--so would mine.

How far from your house is a golf course?

Hope all goes well for your Son in law Alice.

This is too funny--everyone is afraid to come and we are having a party.

The cake is scrumptious.

Thank you, dmondeo ,

He is from Berkshire, now in MI, USA we will be with him on the 26th.