Question(s) about getting published.........

[Jennifer Drake]

Okay so i have a few authors i'm friends with on myspace and one has a list of ten things - its cute the way she posted it as 'ten things to do if you dont want to get published' : ) Now most of these things made sense to me but a couple i was confused about.

One was having an agent. I wanted to know from all you published authors, if thats really needed. I don't exactly have all that much money right now and dont know how i'd go about getting one even if i did.

The other things are smaller. Like joining RWA, which i've been tolds GREAT - I've checked it out but didn't realize til i did check it out that it was like 75 bucks for a year *wow* which i can't join until at least after i've found a new job (stupid job market lol)
And giving away the ending in the synopsis? I've never noticed it totally given away, just basically round aboutly hinted at. *shrugs* just curious to get more opinions on these things.

I am glad i've been able to befriend and be befriended by a good amount of authors, it makes me feel good and encouraged, and its just wonderful to hear words of encouragement, etc from people i admire.

If anyones curious this it the link - http://www.emilybryan.blogspot.com/

[Lisa Marie Wilkinson]

Hi Jennifer,
I have sold two books and I do not have an agent. I plan to look for an agent eventually, but I've often heard it is better to have no agent than a bad one, so you must search for an agent almost as carefullly as you would for a spouse. Some writers have an easier time connecting with an editor than an agent, and will engage an agent only after they have already sold their book.

I did join RWA and I think it's worth the $75 a year because of the networking opportunity and the vast amount of industry information they have available. If you're writing romance, it makes sense to belong, although if it's not in your budget at the moment, I will also point out that there are many successful romance writers out there who are not members of RWA, and many free networking opportunities available to you on the internet.

In response to your synopsis question, yes, you should reveal the ending in a synopsis. The editor who is considering your proposal does not want any information withheld in your synopsis.

Good luck with your writing!

Lisa Marie

[By Grace Publishing]

I'm an eBook publisher, so I have never dealt with an agent. I don't know how important it would be for a traditional print publisher, either. I suppose it would depend on how flexible the publisher is with contracts. The main function of an agent is to get you a good deal.

RWA is a wonderful organization. However, I too am stretched financially, and had to allow my membership to fade away. (Waving at all those authors at nationals...)

On the synopsis, if I'm reading a query, I want to know the ending. That's kind of an important thing.

These are just my opinions.

Sheila

[Susan Macatee]

Hi, Jennifer!
I'm a fairly new author with The Wild Rose Press and don't have an agent. I have been a member of RWA for about 5 years though, and highly recommend that. I don't have much money either, but the yearly cost is well worth it.

And yes, you must give the ending away in a synopsis. The editor needs to know how the story ends if you hope to get a request for the manuscript.

Susan