Nathan Bransford - The Forums

I self-published my book, Project 99, in March as an eBook and I produced a short run of the printed version.
It is already available through various resources but I would like to incorporate the help of an agent.

I have been reading Nathan's blog and continue to find great, helpful information. (Thank you, thank you, thank you!)

My question is whether or not I should include a hard copy in the submission packet that I am preparing for an agent?

There is no mention of "completed books" in their submission guidelines; just the first three chapters of a manuscript, a synopsis, and a bio. Is this because they don't typically receive finished projects, or because they would prefer not to?

Would anyone care to share their thoughts?

Thanks,
Aimee

Don't do it. Follow the guidelines they have as closely as possible.

The other thing to consider is that being self published doesn't necessarily work against you when looking for an agent, but if you have not been able to sell, that will.

Thanks Mark!
Since this is my first time around the block, I want to make sure I do what is expected. I want to appear professional and avoid as many rookie mistakes as possible.
Writing isn't my full-time day job yet, so I haven't really had much time to devote to marketing my novel. This is precisely why I wanted to incorporate an agent's help.
I've sold most of the printed books from my first run with the exception of what I have held back for promo copies. The eBook sales have trickled in, but I can't tout an amazing sales history just yet. That kind of brings up a nice little "catch 22". If the sales figures were fantastic already, would I even need an agent?

I enjoy your blog. Thanks again,

Understood. Your best bet would be to market yourself. This may not be what you want to hear, but if you can't sell now, most agents wouldn't come within 40 yards of you.

Try and promote your work better. I'm sure you think it's good ( I can't speak for it, never saw it ). Now go and show other people (Don't shill) There's always twitter and reddit .

This was just the advice from one agent, but Eddie Schneider with Jabberwocky said that if you haven't sold 10,000 copies you don't even need to mention that it's self-published. That was just for him, but I thought that was interesting. He said that in an AMA in the r/fantasy reddit.

AimeeCooper wrote: There is no mention of "completed books" in their submission guidelines; just the first three chapters of a manuscript, a synopsis, and a bio. Is this because they don't typically receive finished projects, or because they would prefer not to?

Agents always want to see finished manuscripts. They don't ask for published books because generally people do not publish a book and then seek an agent to sell the book to a publisher. Some agents have said that they will look at previously self-published authors, but many go on to clarify that they'll look at something new the author has written. A few may be amenable to looking at already-published words, but the sales had better be robust and/or building significant momentum.

Looks like I can only reply, no new topic.www.coquegsm.com