I phoned up a literary agency after viewing their website the week before this past thanksgiving to ask if they considered doing revisions for previously titled self published books and I was told yes.
So I sent off two books that I wrote years ago (the first 1998/the second 2001) and I got a written response during the week of Christmas.
The agency wanted and accepted both of my books declaring that they have excellent potential yet I was asked for a fee for analysis and marketing preparation along with a contract. Now I know darn well that no legitimate literary agent is suppose to charge a writer for anything that is absurd. The only money that they are to receive from the author is a 15% commission once they make a deal with a publisher and I knew that ever since I came into the industry.
When I look back I wish I had of accepted the generous offer to get my short stories published by a mainstream publisher when I was at the age of about ten going on eleven at least I would have had my foot in the door. Unfortunately I did not due to the much jealousy that was within the family and the danger that they would have inspired at that type of success it just wasn’t the safe or right time back then.
Self publishing has its own advantages as what is created and written by the author remains mostly within its original form aside from some of the editing, however, with a mainstream publication one risks the experience of having their own personal work butchered up to meet the certain standards or criteria.
I remember when I first self published my books and how my editing was good (I still have my original manuscript) then when the book actually came out I noticed that some of the punctuation was not done correctly yet it was a solid book and still very well-written.
In regard to the second book in which I went with a different self publishing company, I noticed a few misspelling’s not very much but they could have done better than that but both my books came out nice I just did not have the financial resources to promote them, and of course, my envious foes had blocked any of the success from coming into fruition by the usage of evil black magic/brujeria (the big evil “tie/bind” spell).
I wasn’t hurt or disappointed in any way whatsoever though, if anything, I stood strong and developed again as I had to go through that ordeal to discover “the truth” as I was further spiritually enlightened and rearranged for my “original” life production.
In all honesty, I do not want to ever again, and I do not feel that I should have to pay anyone anything in order to get published.
If it ever does eventually come to be (when the time is right and I am safe because what is the point of prosperity for someone to try to kill you over it out of jealousy? It is not really the family members so much anymore because those ones in particular are all dead except for my aunt Tina but it is the other outside assholes) I absolutely want an upfront payment, traveling and booking engagements, and of course, royalties.
I do not want “fame” I never wanted to be in the spotlight I just want my “money” for whatever talent that I was born to use for a well deserved quiet and private life of contentment.
I phoned up the agency stating that I am not suppose to pay an agent and so on, going into the detail, and I was told to go find an agent who does not charge for revision preparation.
So I declined on the literary agency’s offer and I was returned back my books along with a copy of testimonials by other authors who allegedly found satisfactory and/or success within their company, and a letter still acknowledging that my writings had excellent potential and I know that they do but when the time is right it will happen.
I am not in any drastic rush I just have that very natural and healthy “drive” and “determination” to succeed in more areas than just one!.