Thanks everyone. The questions are still terrific. Keep them coming. I want to mention that the current edition of Jeff Herman's fabulous book is no longer called The Insider's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents. It is now called The Writer's Guide to Book Publishers Editors and Literary Agents. It is published by Prima and available in most bookstores.
Warm regards to all, Sheree Bykofsky
Hello! I was reading the Writers Club message boards and I ran across your name. I know that you have plenty of experience in this industry, and I was wondering if you could answer a question for me. I need a rough approximation on how many hours it should take to proofread a book approx. 325 pages long (with a handful of charts and pictures). The non-fiction book focuses on Judaism and Psychology. The publisher says that they need it back in about two and a half weeks. I need an estimate of how many HOURS a job like this should take. Thank you so much for your time.
Dear Shanmarie,
When I used to proofread fifteen years ago, I figured on 5 to 10 long galley pages per hour (5 if it was very technical and 10 if it was very simple), but since long galley pages no longer exist, I would probably say 9 to 13 pages per hour now . If I had to estimate more precisely based on your subject matter, I would probably figure on 10 pages per hour. Let me know what's decided, ok?
Hello, I was wondering how I can get started in publishing and if I am too young. I am 14 and I think some of my work has potential. In your opinion, do you think I am too young to get anything published? If so how can I start smaller? I love to write and I have been writing stories since I was four years old. Please respond. Thank you.
Dear Kim,
You certainly do seem bright, and if have been writing since you were four and are asking this question now, I don't think I need to be Nostradamus to predict that you have a career as a writer ahead of you. I would be happy to look at a little bit of your work now, but chances are if you wait a few more years, you'll look back on your 14-year-old work and say, "that was great for 14, but look how much better my work is now!" and you'll be sorry you started too soon. When you or any writer make a first attempt to be published, it should always be your best shot and never just to "test the waters" (i.e. "Let's see what an agent thinks of my work or my work-in-progress"). With fiction, the work needs to be completely finished, edited, and polished. With non-fiction, you need to think about a book proposal and sample chapters and/or an edited, polished manuscript.
I don't think it's too soon for you to start submitting your work to magazines. If the work is of publishable caliber, you shouldn't need to mention your age. On the other hand, if you have something terrific for a 14-year-old, you just may convince a sentimental editor to run your piece with your byline: "Kim, Age 14." Remember that there are large magazines, which are harder to penetrate and smaller magazines, local magazines, newspapers, and newsletters (that are all easier to break in with). Look at the most current edition of the Magazine Market Place in the library. And when you're ready to publish a book (you'll know when), please remember the agent who gave you this terrific advice!
Dear Sheree,
An agent recently told me that manuscript submissions should follow these
guidelines:
These guide lines have increased my manuscript (originally 410 pages: double spaced, helvetica 12 pt) over 200 pages! Are these margins, fonts, and words per page standard? Also, should a manuscript be sent unbound? Thanks, JD.
Dear JD, To my knowledge, agents aren't terrorists, and no agent will sit down and count whether you have 60 or 65 characters on a line (Beware of the agent who has time for that!) But what you have described does sound soothing to the eye, and that should be your main goal: big, readable type, double-spaced, unjustified right margins (I would add), reasonable margins all around, numbered pages, and yes unbound, undecorated, and undesigned. And, of course, you should identify your work with the title and your name and address and phone number on the first page. When an agent chooses to represent you, she will have you replace your address with her own. Most manuscripts, JD, are not as long as the one you describe. Is there anything you can cut before you start submitting it?
What is the best way to go about being a publisher or agent's reader? What is the average pay?
The best way is to learn what publishers publish and what agent's represent and send your resume around with some samples of your work and a terrific cover letter describing your qualifications. See the Literary Market Place or Jeff Herman's Writer's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents. Regarding the fees, that will depend on your experience and skill. See the Writer's Union publication that deals with fees. I believe I mentioned the book's name in an earlier column.
Dear Ms. Bykofsky:
I have an idea for a non-fiction book and am currently preparing a proposal
and two sample chapters. In seeking an agent to represent me, I am wondering
if it is appropriate to send the book proposal, outline, and sample chapters
along with the query letter for a non-fiction work. Or is it better just to
describe the idea in a paragraph or two and offer to send more if the agent
is interested. I very much appreciate your guidance in this matter. Thank-you
for your kind assistance.
Dear SauronIV, Hey, don't be so formal. Call me Sheree, ok? But I am going to answer for me alone, since all agents react differently to submissions. It is always safe to send just a query and a s.a.s.e. to any number of agents. If you wish to send more than a short query, you are welcome to send me anything short of a whole manuscript (i.e. the proposal, outline and sample chapters) PROVIDED you include a s.a.s.e. and you tell me I am the only agent considering it and that it has not been directly to publishers. I will always give you a response as soon as possible within three weeks (occasionally four). I hope to hear from you.
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