[Jack7]

Dear Mr. Jarrold (and/or Brian, Administrator),

I would like to ask you a question concerning editorial and publishing policy regarding works posted to the internet.

Should a write of fiction post their works to the internet? Is it a wise thing to do?

For instance if a fiction author posts their work to an internet site, be it public or semi-private, (so that others may view the work) will this later interfere with an author's ability to sell that work for publication in a magazine, journal, novel form, etc?

Will publishers and possibly editors as well consider publication to the internet (which has generated no profit but has allowed prior public access to the work) to be a negative factor in considering that same work for publication, and will posting to the internet interfere with First Serial Right offerings by the author? And does this general attitude in the publishing industry apply both to British/European markets and to markets within the United States (if you know)? Does publication to the internet adversely affect considerations as to whether an agent will represent your work, and as an agent do you prefer your clients to refrain from internet postings, encourage it, or consider it basically a non-factor concerning representation and/or publishing success?

I am a writer of non-fiction works primarily but have recently decided to attempt sales of my fictional works for the first time and am soliciting advice regarding publishing and editorial standards concerning fictional works. So I appreciate your experience, advice, and insight in these matters.

Thank you sincerely for your advice in these matters and I look forward to your reply(s).

Jack.