This is a discussion that I have wanted to get involved with for a long time. While I was writing my first book, ‘Iraq-Heroes and More’, I was trying to find an agent to represent me. Being an unknown writer, it was extremely difficult to even find an agent willing to review my work. Lucky for me, my skin is pretty thick, because I sent out hundreds of request for agencies to represent me and received hundreds of ‘rejection’ emails, or no response at all.
My thinking on the subject wasn’t that the rejection letters were rejecting my work, due to the quality of the writing, but to the time elements or preceived saleablity of the work by the agent. As I understand the agents thinking, they are in business to sell work, I wanted to get my work out to the public for many reasons, pride of the work and financial were just some of the reasons. I am not suggesting that my reasoning for wanting to publish the book was the best reasoning, but it was mine.
Being 60 + years, I did not have enough time in my life to see the work publish, if I waited for “agents” to deem the work worthy of their time and efforts. As well, my style of writing is basic and I speak to the people. The work may not be a masterpiece, even though I do have a review suggesting ‘Iraq – Heroes and More’ may be a masterpiece. The work is worthy for publication and will be enjoyed by a wide variety of real people, wanting to read for enjoyment and wanting to read a good story.
I am not suggesting we do not need Agents or speaking of the value of agents, but in today’s world and the internet there are so many ways to get your work out to the public and to target your work to individuals who want to read your work, whether it is a poem, short story or just a quote. I find this an exciting and vibrant time for writers and finding readers for your work.
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