COULD YOU BE "DISOVERED" on this forum? - Writers Forum

Bluenoseuk · 08-10-2004, 05:46 PM

I was just wondering whether any agents or publishers look at these forums. It would be nice to think that maybe you could get 'noticed'. I hate to use those kinds of words because of what it implies, but I can't think of any better term. Does anyone know whether agents or publishers look on here and maybe discover someones style that appeals to them. it would be great to think it does occur. I'm not suggesting that publishers or agents have a SCOUTING SYSTEM, but nevertheless it might exist...what's your opinion?

Gladiator_008 · 08-10-2004, 05:56 PM

New and upcoming publishing houses most likely snoop around someplace to find fresh new talent to let their presence be known by the competition, and you never really know what happens unless you're apart of it. In my opinion...well, I have no idea. Anything's possible, as many have found out.

Spudley · 08-10-2004, 07:25 PM

Most half-decent agents will be in the same position: I doubt many agents worth working with would need to go looking for new writers; they'll have plenty of new writers contacting them already.

Publishers also generally have enough work sent to them that they don't need to look for any more. The best you'll get are calls for submission - we do get quite a few of them from small magazines and such, and they are a very good way to get your name into print, but they're not likely take time to actually look around the forum for writers.

Of course, there's always a chance... you never know who could be reading. But I wouldn't pin any hopes on it. If you want to get published, you're going to have to make the first move, and write to them.

eleutheromaniac · 08-10-2004, 07:35 PM

Some of the smaller publishers (at least one that I know of, for sure) are always on the hunt for young up-and-comers, and frequent forums such as these. For me, this forum is more of a vehicle to make readers aware and generate interest in my work.

I wouldn't count on getting 'discovered'. It usually doesn't work that way. You'd be better-off spending your time scratching lottery tickets.

gabriella · 08-11-2004, 08:35 AM

I agree with eleutheromaniac.... Plus, the work here is most for criticism and editing, so chances are it won't be that wonderful that they would hunt your down to get you published.

MisterRaziel · 08-11-2004, 08:52 AM

Agreeed. Though I know crap all about the publishing process, I know it'd be more satisfying for me to sit down with a publisher/editor and get rejected face to face.

Wyndham · 08-11-2004, 02:26 PM

Gotta go with Spudley on this one. Since most reputable publishers/editors/agents are looking for excuses to reduce their slush piles rather than increase them I'd be more suspicious than flattered by an offer from someone who was trolling writing forums for clients.

I guess anything's possible, but if you are not doing it already you'd do much better to learn the nuts and bolts of the submissions process than wait for lightening to strike.

Airborneguy · 08-11-2004, 03:52 PM

Bob Gelinas hangs around this forum, at least he used to. He runs a publishing house in Florida that publishes hard cover books.

Eiji Tunsinagi · 08-11-2004, 04:10 PM

Why only hard-cover? That seems peculiar....

Airborneguy · 08-11-2004, 05:09 PM

ask him.

Havoc · 08-22-2004, 09:53 PM

From experience I have learned that 90 % of the time you have to prove yourself to be discoverd. You can't just sit around with the intention of: 'Hey, I have tallent so I will get noticed one day'
Thats not the way it works.
If you want a publisher to seriusly notice you, you have to give him something to notice you for. They won't approuch you becouse they read one chapter, you have to realy show em what your made of.

^^^^^^^^^^^
Opinion.....