Help required

Thanks Shaun,

My interest in seeking representation from a decent book agent is simply because they know people. I don't know anyone; except you of course, but we've never actually met. I did also meet someone else, a few years back now, but I've since forgotten their name.

Sorry, can't help myself. But I don't know anyone in the industry - publishers, retail buyers, journalists - whereas I'd hope they would.

At the end of the day an International Best Seller is normally down to just one or two "experts" saying, "MY GOD, THIS BOOK IS F*CKING UNBELIEVABLY AMAZINGLY GOOD, although I did only read the back cover - and the front looked quite good as well." Then everyone believes them and rushes out to buy it.

OK folks, I'm exaggerating just a tad, but you get my drift. It's not what you know it's who you know.

Bridget Jones's Diary is a good case study. She could hardly sell a copy until it was picked up by someone who said it was good. Her second book sold 46,000 copies on the very first day of release!

Ah you guys are making me blush! Lol!

For the front cover I got my friend Johnny Gilliard (who's an artist) to do it for me, he's actually made a couple of book for other people before mine. He also does promotional posters and I think he's working on a graphic novel at the moment, haven't seen him for a few weeks so not entirely positive on that one. I would certainly recommend him (If he wants me to do so, I suppose i'd better check with him before I whore him out to everyone!) :)

As to the time it took me, writing was about 4 months, editing 5 months. I had about 5 drafts before the final draft and then tinkered with that one using my editing teams feedback. They were all friends but they were professional friends who have to do a lot of proof reading in their roles, before you ask (College Tutor, University Tutor, Compliance Officer)

I have several half written novels at the moment but I've been planning a YA (I guess it would fall into Urban Fantasy) novel recently whilst trying to carry on writing a Dark Comedy, Psychological, Paranormal, Horror novel. I'm too easily distracted so I flutter between things but I am looking to have at least one more out by the end of the year!

As for book agents, I never approached any of them and haven't thought to really, I guess that's why I Self-Published to cut out the middle man, also because I wouldn't know where to start. I guess I've been a bit naive.

Anyway I hope that's answered all your questions, if you have any more- ask away!

Cheers!