Thanks so such for querying us, but we are unsure that this premise would work in this tight market. All said we would encourage you to do what many of our clients have done prior and self- publish with a reputable, and recommended, publisher. This is a new age in publishing, and as evidenced time and time again, neither The New York Times bestsellers list nor major booksellers discriminate against the self published. Oftentimes, authors choose to get proactive in order to build a sales record and boost their chances of being picked up.
I would like your permission to pass along your information to someone who can help you get started on your path towards getting published. If you are ready to become proactive about your career we will let them know more details about your manuscript and how to get into contact with you. There are a lot of publishers that seem to have gotten the better of new authors, the two that we refer you to are not of that ilk, they have had a number of successes.
I was a little flabbergasted when I read that, and I couldn't understand why an agent would recommend being self-published. I do not necessarily think self-publishing is bad, but I don't need an agent to send my stuff to a self-publisher. I can send my own stuff. Are they getting kick-backs from the companies? I didn't request any more info, so I don't who they would have recommended. And why wouldn't they have recommended an independent/small publishing house? They are probably even more reputable/acceptable in the publishing world than a self-publisher. It's strange.
Plus, if they had even bothered to read my query, they would have found that I already have a small/independent publisher. Why the hell would I need a self-publisher? Besides, I'm not looking for a PUBLISHER, I'm looking for an AGENT. Oh, well. I just cut my losses and moved on.
As usual, I would love to know what ANYONE thinks. Enjoy!
Also in this article on Agent Query that I read, they mentioned that one of the reasons agents don't respond to email queries is because they don't want to invite dialogue. This I completely understand. If Agent A sends Author B a rejection, and Author B thinks Agent A should reconsider, what is stopping them from hitting Reply? If it's a letter, it's more difficult, though not impossible. Why do authors do this? It's drives me crazy! Take the "No," shrug your shoulders, and send it somewhere else. After all, it's not a personal attack on you, it's a business decision. Quit wasting the agent's time with your piddly B.S. If they wanted it, they would have told you that! You arguing with them isn't going to make them want to read it; it's going to make them black-ball you.
On the other hand, I don't think this should stop agents from sending some kind of response to let the author know they received the query. So one silly author sends you a reply and demands that you look at his fabulous work, so delete that one. If he keeps sending you stuff, block him as a sender. It can be that easy.
I know agents are busy, and I know they need to focus on their clients, but authors need to know that their work hasn't been lost to the void. If nothing else, have the assistant who is stuffing rejections into envelopes take some time out of their day to type a quick "No." It can be that easy.
I've never really gotten fashion, so maybe I'm missing the point, but why would someone wear a skirt AND pants?
I've been working on my collection of short stories. This one is a collection of western stories. It's pretty fun because I'm collaborating with a friend. After that, I'm debating on whether or not I should work on my fantasy novel or the sequel to my zombie novel. I'll let you know what I decide.
I'm trying to get back to writing, which is going all right. I've been sick for the past couple of weeks, so that hasn't helped my mood. I still don't feel 100%, but I have to get caught up on my articles. I'll let you know how that goes!
Other than that, I'm still waiting to hear from agents. I've come to a decision, though. I am sending out the last few queries, then I'm done. In reality, I don't have a choice since there are a limited amount of agents out there who deal with horror, but by the end of the year, whether I've heard from all of them or not, I'm going to start sending my book to small publishing houses. It's not the ideal, but what am I going to do? If I can't get an agent, I have no other choice. The whole process is incredibly frustrating, anyway. I'm sure it would be smooth sailing if I did get an agent, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen in my lifetime. I don't know anyone in the business, and, really, it's all a game of who you know. Oh, well. It won't discourage me from writing!
Another magazine with one of my stories is out. You can access it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sonar4-Mag-Fall-Double-Issue/dp/1449516564/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254505514&sr=1-1#noop
Enjoy!
Other than that, I've given up on my short story. I started writing it, and it just wasn't flowing, so I put it on the back burner. I'm working on my collection of western stories now. That one is going much smoother, and I'm hoping to have a working draft by the end of the year.
I still haven't heard anything from the agents I queried. Any day now, any day.
Other than that, I've been sending out queries to find an agent for my zombie novel. So far, I've had a bite, but they decided to pass on it. I thought it was pretty cool because they asked to see my manuscript hours--HOURS!--after I sent the query. It gives me hope that someone out there will like it!
Coming From Nowhere by Pembroke Sinclair
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
You need to always be aware of who is coming toward you when you are driving or are walking down the street. Imagine, listening to your IPod or talking on your cell phone and all of a sudden you are knocked down or knocked out and have no idea where the person or car came from. It came out of nowhere. When you wake up you remember nothing about the incident, nor who you are or your name. You wind up in a place that is more than unfamiliar, frightening and a whole different world that you lived in before. You lost your life. Now, imagine being the CEO of a major corporation and your company is on the stock market and your stock prices are rising daily. Then, one fateful morning you come into work and all of a sudden a group of men and women enter your office with armed guards and you and your fellow officers are escorted out into another office somewhere else to explain that they now own your company: CORPORATE TAKEOVER and worse. Coming From Nowhere is a frightening and thought provoking first novel that gives the reader the reason take a step back and pause to realize that the events in this book make you shake and shudder. If you think 9/11 was horrific or the bombings in England, Madrid or any other foreign country were horrendous the events that take place and the reasons behind them in this book should make everyone start watching their backs and paying closer attention to their lives.
JD or Jane Doe our main character was blindsided. She was knocked out and forced out of her life and woke up in the hospital only to find out the entire memory of her past had been obliterated. This brings me to my review of Pembroke Sinclair’s novel Coming From Nowhere, which definitely has the potential to go somewhere fast.
What started this whole chain of horrific events: People of course. Three countries on Earth: America, England and China each started out living under their own bubble with democratic governments in place. Each country had its own bubble and each had to deal with their daily life basic needs. There were many who lived on Earth and who could afford space travel and they moved to Mars. Earth was overcrowded and with anything or anywhere that has too many people, those that were rich took the opportunity to move to other worlds, which of course created more problems. Naturally, these people needed certain things to sustain their lives and Mars was developed into a Universal Planet.
China, the U.S. and England each set up their own schools on Mars that would function under the structure of democracy. But, not everything works out the way you want it too. When the populations grew and the planet established a mineral export, the democratic structure fell apart and like children or the countries in the world today, instead of coming to a common agreement, they went to war. Mars took matters over and the downfall of democracy occurred and the military took over. Military domes created and Mars was by ruled by one sick and demented general who had her own sadistically agenda. Thus, the fate of JD who was then sent to become one of the Generals soldiers, or someone who would turn into a cold-blooded killer and more.
In walks Roger, the general’s assistant, the general, Skinner, Alex, Maxx, Chris and a host of other dangerous people and inhabitants from the many different worlds and planets in the new solar system. Each having their own agenda, but one so deadly and dangerous the world would never be the same and when looking at its inhabitants you would never know who is real and who is a clone or worse.
What would you do if you knew that you were resurrected from the dead and created from an army of dead soldiers? JD was created that way and had no choice but to deal with it. Sent to military school and programmed to do as they say, she soon learns the severity of what happens when you speak your mind and disobey their rules. With every turn she makes, she finds obstacles. No one to trust, no one to rely on but herself and her physical attributes and strength. Lied to over and over again, tortured by Roger, the General and tested to the limit, JD learns the harsh realities of what these people are planning for the worlds they live in and why. Determination and fortitude are her guide and destroying those in her way, the goal.
Mason, her instructor, one minute on her side, the next not, Roger a crazy and sick minded man who is the pawn of the General who rules all of the planets and more and who everyone would like to destroy. As in the world today, wars ensued, overtaking planets and more continued, killings ran rampart, the collection of dead bodies to use and recreate soldiers the goal. Pembroke Sinclair has shown us the horrors of what could be, if we do not pay closer attention.
Imagine people buying cariensis, animals that are so dangerous that would kill you just by looking at you. So violent, so dangerous that their temperament and demeanor cause them to attack, even the owner when let loose. Who would want them? Those that need to have the power over others to terrify them and to help create their world of robotic soldiers who would do their bidding without question wanted these creatures. In other words, a Master Race fit to survive, but only by their rules.
Thinking they are safe from harm they procure several ships, deliver prisoners from Mars only to have their plan foiled again by Roger, Skinner and the General. But, fear not, the people who are helping them get the dangerous creatures hate the General and Roger even more and the tables get turned. But, JD learns at this point the lesson that Roger hoped she’d learn sooner: HOW TO BE A COLD-BLOODED KILLER!
But, this was not over yet. Many other people from different planets were now involved: Xyphons, Humans, people from Cha’Oon and more banned together to destroy the lab with these Cariensis or creatures that are dangerous and the bodies that were to be recreated from the dead. They were fighting a war to the end and hoping that Roger did not have any backup to work against them. But, the creatures were strong and they would have to find a way to make the creatures repel them in order to survive.
Telepathic thoughts from the Xyphons that entered JD’s mind to the help her fight the war. People that are so diverse and different in appearance working together, just proves that people of different species and races can get along and work toward a common goal.
Inside the lab with the dead bodies and trying to compose herself and not get sick, JD gets the scare of a lifetime and realizes that what might appear to be the truth is sometimes just an illusion. Coming back from the dead, the one person she thought really loved and cared about her, was aiming to kill and destroy her just for the lab and what was going to happen there. Eternal Life: at what cost and to whom? Taking dead bodies and recreating them in the image and form they want and making those that would be undead into living military robots, is not beautiful; it is scary, frightening and mindboggling to say the least. But, at what cost to your self-respect and more. Would you want to have to obey the orders of a mad man for the rest of your life in order to live DEATH FREE? If you disobey or accidentally miscarry out an order you will be terminated? Think about it!
The goal: to take over the WORLD with a reanimated army: Human takeover: World Domination: Watch your Back you will be blindsided.
Isolated and feeling she belongs nowhere, JD realized she had become an emotionless killer, exactly what they wanted from her. She enjoyed killing the people she did and she wanted to kill more.
Mars fell, the horror over, and Alex in charge. Roger and the General awaited trial but JD disagreed and wanted revenge not the courts to decide. She wanted exact revenge and not jail time for these two. They wanted to have a democracy in place on Mars and hopefully follow the rules and thrive. What does she do? You need to read this book to find out.
When all was said and done JD decided to find a new place and a new beginning in a new world away from everything and everyone. Does she? Will she ever be free of her past and start Going Somewhere? You need to read this innovative and unbelievably captivating novel to find out. Just think there could be a sequel and we could find out what really happens to Roger, the General and of course JD. The World and its leaders need to stay focused and awake: YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS WATCHING OR WHAT
MIGHT HAPPEN NEXT!
I am the General and I feel justified in what I was trying to do and don’t count me out just yet.
I am Roger and I will do my best to take revenge on JD and all those who helped her and more. How dare they think that Eternal Life is wrong? How dare anyone destroy all that I worked for in order to create the perfect person: Unfortunately, I forgot to make these undead devoid of human emotions. But, watch out and look over your shoulder every minute of every day JD. This is not over yet.
I give this book FIVE BRAND NEW SAFE PLANETS AND FIVE GOLD SPACESHIPS: Fran Lewis Reviewer
you can find me on
www.myspace.com/hotauntiebertha
or www.gabina49.webs.com
Things have been pretty slow around here. Coming from Nowhere should be coming out in paperback soon. I'm still trying to decide how I feel about it. On the one hand, it's great that I will be able to hold the story in my hand, but on the other, I have to do my own marketing, and I'm not sure how to go about it. I have some people doing reviews, but I need to figure out how to advertise wider. I don't have a lot of funds at my disposal, so I have to go pretty cheap. I'm hoping I will get an agent for this next book so I don't have to worry about this crap! It will be a learning experience, though, so I'll try to learn from it!
I took down some copies of my novella to the local bookstore today (for those of you in Laramie, it is Grand Newsstand, and it is available at both the Grand Ave. store and the new one). I thought it would be more exciting, but it wasn't. It was kind of disheartening, really. The guy kept telling me that he wasn't really sure where they were going to put them, and not to expect anything. He hoped the best, but he couldn't guarantee anything. I understand that they can't guarantee my stuff will get sold (I'm a writer, I'm used to rejection), it just would have been nice if he was a little excited about it. After all, they're getting all the benefits, I don't make a dime! If they order more, maybe then I'll be happier!
I'm tired today, so I'm being cynical. Perhaps later I will feel better.
So I decided to create a myspace page so that I could have more of a presence on the web. It took me a long time to get to it, and now I know why I put it off for so long. I don't know if I'm just an idiot, but I cannot figure the damn site out. I can upload pictures just fine and put text in, but I want to add links to my work, and I can't figure out how to do it! It's driving me crazy. I've only been on there since Tuesday, and I'm about ready to give up. I'm sure if I take the time to figure it out, I can, but who wants to do that? I don't want to spend my time creating a myspace page, I want to write!
I have a friend, Jessica (I've mentioned her before), and she recently was contracted to write articles for a serial killer calendar. Normally, she writes for an agricultural magazine, but her true calling was to write about horror films. She originally got in contact with the people at the serial killer magazine because she wrote an article about serial killers and slasher films. Her intention was to only write one article, but since now she has written three total, and she has been asked to be a staff writer. It got me thinking, how many of us "fall" into writing that we might not have ever considered?
Personally, I have always wanted to write science fiction, and I was fortunate enough to get my first novel published, but I also find myself branching into the other genres. My next novel is a zombie, which might be considered horror (though I don't find it scary!), then I have plans to write a fantasy novel, and after that, a fantasy romance. I've written short stories in the western genre and in the dark fantasy genre. I think it's fun to explore different areas, although mine are all pretty closely related. I know my friend Jessica has learned a lot with her different writing experiences, she wouldn't do it if she didn't!
I'm on chapter 13 of my zombie novel, although it will be put on hold shortly so I can work on something else. I don't want to put it on hold, but this other gig pays, so...
Has anyone out there read my novel? Would you like to send me comments?
A plague has wiped out the majority of mankind, and the survivors have moved to the Rocky Mountains to eek out an existence. Told from four different perspectives, After the Apocalypse explores the trials and tribulations of the survivors after the world has died and been reborn. After the Apocalypse is the collection of four short stories that was originally published in the Cynic Online Magazine, which named “Sohei” as one of the best stories of 2008.
"Life for the human colonists on Mars has turned into a hard existence. When the civilian governments failed on Mars the military stepped in and ruled with an iron hand.......
In the first five chapters of the new science fiction novel, Coming From Nowhere, we are introduced to a small band of rebels who are fighting a corrupt, military government led by the aging but evil General. The book’s main character is JD who’s past is a blank slate. The reader does not know if she has amnesia or if her memory has been wiped by nefarious means. All that JD remembers is waking up in a hospital on Mars and being cared for by a handsome doctor named Chris. JD has no control of her life, as she is forced into the planet’s military academy. She takes to the military training as a fish does to water which leads to some speculation of her past life. At the academy she is trained to become a member of the secret police, who are both feared and respected by all who live on Mars. The secret police are comparable to the Nazi’s Gestapo of World War II as they are very intimidating. Among the skills she learns is the art of assassination and extreme hand to hand fighting. In the little free time JD has she falls in love with Chris. This has consequences as the love affair affects her training and the military academy does not approve of failure. By the end of the fifth chapter both Chris and JD are imprisoned and tortured.
The first five chapters will whet your appetite to read the entire novel. The novel offers a quick, enjoyable read while building up suspense with JD’s unknown past and her present conflict. Sinclair’s characters are interesting because they seem ordinary and not perfect, which gives them a realistic feel. One of the more interesting characters is Chris. Chris seems to know more than the author is letting on. The stories antagonist arrives in the figure of the General who is quite the character. You assume it would be the standard cookie cutter evil despot that a lot of uninspired stories use, but not this work of fiction. The General is an aging female with liver spots and a raspy voice. The General’s character only makes a small appearance in the first five chapters but the character is interesting enough to make you want more of her. The pivotal character is of course JD. As a reader, I know I want to know more about JD’s past and what her future holds.
If you enjoy science fiction featuring a good old fashioned rebel group who pits themselves against an omnipotent power then you will certainly get a kick out of this book. It is full of interesting characters, and an intriguing plot.
Copyright 2009, Absent Willow Publishing, LLC"
For those of you with a Kindle, my novel is now available at Amazon. You can find it at: http://www.amazon.com/Coming-From-Nowhere-ebook/dp/B002BY78KI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244674005&sr=8-1. I would love to know what you think!
I've written six chapters of my zombie novel. I feel like I'm accomplishing something, but then I think of all the editing it has to go through and cringe. I love to write, I just hate the process!
I've been working on my zombie novel lately, and I have three chapters finished. It's going a little slow, but considering I only have a half hour window a day to work in, I think I'm doing pretty good! I'm still hoping to have it done by the end of the year!
OK, my novel is finally out. It is only available right now as an ebook, but if you'd like to purchase it (and I would be eternally grateful for your support) please go to this site:
http://www.etreasurespublishing.com/pembroke-sinclair/coming.htm
Here is what my novel is about:
JD does not have a past--at least not one that she can remember--and that makes living life on Mars challenging. With nowhere to go, she is sent to the local military academy where she is trained to become a member of the elite secret police. While there, she becomes a pawn in Roger’s struggle for military dominance and Chris’s rebellion to overthrow the military regime. She supposedly holds a secret that will change the face of the soldier, but, unfortunately, she doesn’t know what that secret is. Her only desire is to find the truth of her existence, and finds herself thrust into a realm where the truth of her past and present is more horrific than she ever imagined.
I am both excited and nervous to have my book out there. Excited because it's my first book and I can't wait to see how it does. Nervous because it's my first book and I'm afraid everyone will think it's crap! After you've read it, drop me a line and let me know whether you liked it or hated it.
I've been going through the proof of my novel. I keep thinking: "They accepted this?! This is terrible." I'm sure it's because I'm my own worst critic, but who knows. I guess the audience will have to be the judge. Of course it doesn't really matter that I think it's terrible, the story has been rewritten four times over the course of about 12 years, so I'm NOT going to rewrite it again!
My friend Jessica had another article accepted at Serial Killer Magazine. Although, I'm not sure when it supposed to be out. I'll send a link when it's published.
I've finished two chapters of my zombie novel. It feels good to be writing, but god corn dog, it is such a process. I wish there was a computer that you could hook up to your head and as you think your story, the computer types it up for you. That would make life so much simpler. And I bet a lot more books would get written!
Other than that, I've been very slowly working on my zombie novel. Hopefully, I will have a draft done by the end of the year. That's being very pessimistic, I know, but I don't have unlimited amounts of time to work on it! Damn this real life getting in the way of fun!
Other than that, I have a story under consideration that I'm hoping will be accepted in the next couple of days. I had to do some rewriting, but the editor likes my new version. I'll let you know on that also!
I read on MSN this morning that zombies are making a come back. I guess there are a few films coming out, and Max Brooks' book (say that three times fast!), "World War Z," is going to be one of them. I haven't read that one, but I read his "Zombie Survival Guide," which was very interesting. The reason I bring this up is because I was planning on writing a zombie book. I kind of put it on the back burner, though, because I wasn't sure if there was a market for it. Now that I know there is, perhaps I should get my butt in gear!
I recently finished a short story that I'm planning on submitting in the next week. I will let you know if any decided to publish it.
Other than that, nothing exciting has been happening. Like I said, I'm slowly trying to get back to my routine!
Her name is Jessica Robinson, and her focus is mainly on nonfiction. She writes for an agricultural journal (Western Farmer-Stockman), but her passion lies in writing about horror films. She has a Master's Degree in English and wrote her thesis on the Friday the 13th films. She has tried to get several articles published, but no one is interested in reading about slasher films anymore. Maybe that will change now that the Friday the 13th remake is out.
Anyway, I digress. She has an article coming out in the next issue of Serial Killer Magazine. It focuses on how serial killers have influenced slasher films, especially The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. As soon as the mag is out, I will post a link.
I will also keep you informed on when I come back and if/when my stories are published.
Other than that, I've finished a couple of short stories that have been sent in for consideration for publication. I hope to hear back from one by the end of the week. The other won't be until Feb. 1. I am attempting to work on some other short stories, but things keep getting in the way. I'm planning on going on hiatus for a few months at the end of January, but I will let you know when I get back into the swing of things!
Congratulations! Your story, Sohei has been selected as one of the best stories of 2008 by The Cynic Online Magazine. As such it is published in the January 1st edition of The Cynic Online Magazine which is currently up.
Once again, congratulations on being selected for the Best of 2008 issue. Your work is 1 of 18 contributors pieces picked from the 186 Features published this year. We thoroughly enjoyed your work and look forward to seeing more great submissions from you in the year to come!
Happy New Year! Happy 'Best of' Day!
-The Cynic Online Magazine Editors
If you haven't read it yet, now is the time. It is the third story in a series of four, and my favorite. I'm glad that someone else shares my opinion! If you would like to access the story, it is available here: http://cynicmag.com/bestof.asp?articleid=2520
Other than that, I have a short story that has come out in NVF Issue 2#. It is entitled "Life After the Undead." If you'd like to check it out, it is available here:
http://www.turnermaxwellbooks.com/ISSUE2.htm
So far, 2009 is looking good! My novel is supposed to be coming out soon, but my publisher has been ill, so I don't have an exact date. I will keep you informed!