Opinions about Manuscript Assessment Agencies

[John Jarrold]

Yes, in the UK, certainly, both agents and publishers are being choosier than ever. They know that bookselling chains want to promote specific authors, rather than 'areas' of publishing, so - as I've said before - it isn't a matter of this month's swords and sorcery book or historical crime novel any more, but "which one of these fifteen historical crime novelists do we think is really, really special...?" And if they don't think any of them are really, really special, they'll all be turned down.

[ctg]

I think Mister Jarrold is referring to the publicity angle, and what he says about the 'bookchains' is true. Book sellers hire publicist to promote them and their products. They need to make their money in these hard times when there is no money. Top of everything the Publicists has become more choosier then ever, but in same time the media has become biased, and they only want to write about "the top 50 people in television." (It is direct quote from the horse mouth. I know this, because I happen to live with one, and I love her very dearly.)

It is not just the question of the story being great, but you as an Author has to have that charm, which will give some sparks to the publicists. They need their 'angles' to sell your story (the Author story), and promote your work. If there is none, then there won't be a story and all your hard work will go down in the drain. It's hard, but you have to live with it. The only way Author can get instant recognition is if he or she is already a celebrity ( but we all know, that doesn't mean they are any good on story-telling).

PS. I did receive Mister Jarrold, line-editing in time when his back was playing on him, and I am ever grateful for the work he did to me. Thank you very much John.