Patience and persistence are Virtues

After the manuscript is written, edited, and finished, the author begins the next steps toward publication. Several types of publication are possible, but here are the four main avenues.

1. Self-publication is when the author is in complete control and responsible for every aspect, from writing to marketing. The author pays all costs and retains creative control, all rights, and all royalties over expenses. Self-publication is the fastest. Sales are limited to the author's ability to promote the books. My previous books are all self-published. I have done everything myself, except the editing and valuable input from a critique group.
2. Hybrid publication is when the author pays a few thousand dollars, non-refundable upfront costs, to the company for their services. They usually have a few more distribution capabilities than the author, and work on a faster timeline than traditional publishers. The author needs to be certain the Alliance of Independent Authors has vetted the hybrid publisher.
3. Vanity Publications imply that they are hybrid publishers, but they are not. Authors beware! Vanity publishers profit on the fees an author pays, not on selling books. Their results are high costs, poor printing quality (Remember--they don't care about the books), and low sales (They don't care). They frequently mislead authors, lock authors into restrictive contracts, claim exclusive rights, and offer minimal distribution.
4. Traditional publication is when the author writes the book and secures a literary agent, who then sells the book to a publishing house. The publishers have industry expertise and will only accept books that they can sell. They distribute to bookstores everywhere. The author has no upfront costs, but can expect low royalty rates, loss of creative control, and a very long timeline of two years or more from the publisher’s acquisition to actual publication.

 
Many authors, agents, and publishers offer lessons, suggestions, and warnings on how to write queries, proposals, and submissions to agents and publishers. Advice abounds in conference sessions, videos, meetings, and even in personal consultations.

Agents and publishers have preferences. The author needs to check the kinds of books the agent or publisher prefers to represent and follow their suggestions as to what you include in your query or proposal. When you honor their requests and preferences, you have one foot in the door. It reminds me of my interview for a job many years ago. The potential employer mentioned the font I used in my resume. It was a normal font, no frills, curls, or waves, but it seemed to be his main take away. Several days later, he offered me the job. In the meantime, I had accepted a better paying position elsewhere.

I have emailed queries to some agents and proposals to some publishers who allow unagented submissions. When contacting agents and publishers, they usually say to allow them 30 days to 120 days. I’ve heard back from some who had comments, such as

• start with an inciting incident at the opening 
• keep readers engaged with conflict and tension 
• pass
• we, as a group, are not very drawn to Christian fiction
• too much telling and not enough showing
• more than one point of view is distracting.

 
Well, you get the idea, and so do I. It’s humbling. While I wait for more feedback, I will improve my manuscript, continue research, and begin the next book. Will you wait with me? Will you pray for me? Please?
 
In faith and trust,
​Betty