Being a writer can be pretty exciting and it is even better when a person can get paid from their words. However, finding the right publisher is not always easy and sometimes, going at it alone is easier said than done if a person wants to move a lot of units. This is why some new urban authors take their manuscripts to the African American publishing company that has the best reputation.
Although some may think that the larger publishing houses are the best, there are some things to consider. The first is that few will take on a new author or anyone without agency representation. There may be exceptions, like those with a strong social media following or are a sudden media sensation. Those at the starting gate may find that going with a smaller publisher is the best choice for the moment.
Attention to words can say a lot because often many of the mainstream publishers may want to dilute certain aspects. Those who are part of a minority group, especially women, will often agree that censorship can kill authenticity. Most writers with a unique voice want to preserve as much of this as possible so that they can separate themselves from others in a similar genre.
There are also stories that have many unique factors that are not always openly discussed in groups. These may have to do with body acceptance, class, sexuality, or subjects that are considered taboo. Although some of the mainstream publishers are opening up to diversity, usually they are looking at the entire package before deciding to give the green light.
Most people find that some smaller companies tend to have a greater appreciation for genres that are not part of the mainstream. As the urban experience can have multiple layers that involve class, religious, and social standing, there are few stories that are likely to appeal to major publishing houses. These are also stories that have to be told in the right voice and not in a way that will appeal to the masses.
Most find communication with the smaller publishers to be more open to unique concepts. For instance, late author Donald Goines, who told many gritty stories about living a life of crime and narcotic abuse, would not have made it had he pitched a major publisher. Although some of the larger houses may have an urban division, this was not the case almost half a century ago.
When working on a story, it helps to speak in the most unique voice possible and not just tell an intriguing story. Just saying that something shocking or interesting occurs versus becoming the character, even in the third person, will bring a story to life. Taking time to craft memorable characters and their reactions to simple things is more likely to be bought by a publisher than something that is sensationalized.
After a new author has completed their final manuscript draft, they should take time to look at all of the publishing houses. Not just look at places that publish a certain genre but those who have a diverse roster of titles. For the novice working without an agent, it may help to read articles or books on how to approach publishers and negotiate to get the deal that is deserved.
Although some may think that the larger publishing houses are the best, there are some things to consider. The first is that few will take on a new author or anyone without agency representation. There may be exceptions, like those with a strong social media following or are a sudden media sensation. Those at the starting gate may find that going with a smaller publisher is the best choice for the moment.
Attention to words can say a lot because often many of the mainstream publishers may want to dilute certain aspects. Those who are part of a minority group, especially women, will often agree that censorship can kill authenticity. Most writers with a unique voice want to preserve as much of this as possible so that they can separate themselves from others in a similar genre.
There are also stories that have many unique factors that are not always openly discussed in groups. These may have to do with body acceptance, class, sexuality, or subjects that are considered taboo. Although some of the mainstream publishers are opening up to diversity, usually they are looking at the entire package before deciding to give the green light.
Most people find that some smaller companies tend to have a greater appreciation for genres that are not part of the mainstream. As the urban experience can have multiple layers that involve class, religious, and social standing, there are few stories that are likely to appeal to major publishing houses. These are also stories that have to be told in the right voice and not in a way that will appeal to the masses.
Most find communication with the smaller publishers to be more open to unique concepts. For instance, late author Donald Goines, who told many gritty stories about living a life of crime and narcotic abuse, would not have made it had he pitched a major publisher. Although some of the larger houses may have an urban division, this was not the case almost half a century ago.
When working on a story, it helps to speak in the most unique voice possible and not just tell an intriguing story. Just saying that something shocking or interesting occurs versus becoming the character, even in the third person, will bring a story to life. Taking time to craft memorable characters and their reactions to simple things is more likely to be bought by a publisher than something that is sensationalized.
After a new author has completed their final manuscript draft, they should take time to look at all of the publishing houses. Not just look at places that publish a certain genre but those who have a diverse roster of titles. For the novice working without an agent, it may help to read articles or books on how to approach publishers and negotiate to get the deal that is deserved.
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Get details about important things to keep in mind when picking a publishing company and more information about a reputable African American publishing company at http://www.blacklightfellowship.com/rev-dr-walter-arthur-mccray now.
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