Debate; Literary Agent vs. Self Publishing

I am researching Literary Agents and as per my last post, will wait a few weeks to contact.  Online Self-Publishing also holds a certain charm in my opinion.  You will be able to make all money that the book sale produces minus fees charged by websites.  I have stayed away from Self-Publishing in the past because it costs so much to produce physical books, but the idea of having my digital book available for download is pretty tempting.  There are so many sites to choose from that my head is spinning!  My lack of experience as a writer is certainly a disadvantage in the publishing world, many publishers will not consider you unless you know someone who knows someone, etc.  I feel that it is a hard business to enter into, but that WILL not stop me :)  It is too important to me to get my books completed and "out there".  Now I just have to decide exactly where "out there" truly is...

To Query or Not to Query During the Holidays

I was pondering this thought and decided to Google it.  This professional Author/Literary agent confirms my opinion http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/12/is-there-best-time-to-query.html

So, the 500 envelopes I purchased will have to wait to see the light of day until after Christmas :) 

I will research and prepare my documents to mail right now.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! xx

Please Join me on my Journey to Being a Published Author

I am currently writing a biographical book depicting my struggle with Endometriosis and Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome.  I am also writing some children's stories too.

To date I have sent out twelve Query Letters (via email) to prospective Literary Agents with about four no thanks yous. I will be sending more letters snail mail this week  IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THE PREFERENCES AS TO CONTACT METHOD FOR LITERARY AGENTS! Some agents only accept queries via snail mail, others only via website or email.  Then you have to read the directions carefully to determine if you need to copy and paste your letter in an email or send as an attachment.  The former is more common.  Many agents will not respond unless they are interested.  The four responses I received were within a day of the contact.
I am not sure I need an agent, but there are some publishing houses that will not accept your work unless you have an agent.  Other houses do not make that distinction.  I truly hope that I find an agent willing to represent me regardless.  That is a personal choice that each author will decide eventually and for some reason it just feels right to me. 

I suggest using the Writer's Market: 2011 to obtain contact information for Agents, publishers, magazine editors, etc.  There are over 1,000 pages in this book. Although I have spent a great deal of time reading parts of it,  I have barely scratched the surface!   Another book I am using is The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters by Wendy Burt-Thomas.  It a great source of advice and sample letters with the insight of professionals.  Honestly, i had not idea what to include in a query letter prior to reading the book. Now I have what I feel would be considered a professional well formed and well written letter.

It surprised me that you need a different letter for non-fiction  as opposed to fiction. Needless to say, I have a lot to learn.  So, I decided to offer my followers a ring side seat to my hopeful rise to publication in hopes that my trial and error might help others join the world of published authors too.