A matter of age and being taken seriously - Writers Forum

OddGodHMK · 11-16-2007, 02:12 PM

As I propel onwards to finally submitting my manuscript to agents, I've been thinking about concerns I have.

At the current time, I'm only 17. I'll be 18 in two weeks. So I'm fairly worried that because I'm young[ish], I won't be taken too seriously, or my age may risk my chance of securing an agent or publisher. What are your thoughts?

HarryG · 11-16-2007, 03:22 PM

If you’re submitting fiction, you’re entering into a world of mirrors, so why not fictionalize your Bio too? You don’t have to go over the top, but perhaps a mention of achievements could be slightly amended to look better?

On the other hand, if your MS is a good one, then be proud of your achievement and emphasize your youth, it could well impress prospective agents.

It’s a difficult one to answer, if you’re doing multiple submissions, why not try both, a fictional Bio and a real one, and be guided by the responses.

Whatever, the best of luck.

Erik Buchanan · 11-16-2007, 04:09 PM

If you’re submitting fiction, you’re entering into a world of mirrors, so why not fictionalize your Bio too? You don’t have to go over the top, but perhaps a mention of achievements could be slightly amended to look better?

Don't fictionalize your Bio. Getting caught out as a liar is as good a way to end your career as any.

I would suggest that you don't mention your age. Just say you are a new writer. Talk about the things that you've done that have garnered awards, attention or publication. The school newspaper is a good thing to mention, class assignments are not, unless they've won you awards or scholarships.

Self-published stuff doesn't get you much respect. Electronically published can get you some unless it's from a site that just publishes everybody. Magazine, anthology and other publications also build interest, even if those publications are not in the the same genre.

And if you have no other credits, that's all right. You're new.

Focus on getting your query letter, synopsis and manuscript as tight as possible, and don't be discouraged if no one wants it. Write another one and another one and keep submitting. It can take a while to break into the business.

Good luck.

Ilasir Maroa · 11-16-2007, 08:17 PM

Remember not to let rejection get to you. Many writers (though probably not most) have collections of all their favorite rejection letters. Even if you rack up a hundred, that's a lot closer to getting published than you would be if you didn't submit.

Mike C · 11-17-2007, 03:17 AM

Age is immaterial. At 45, I would never dream of putting my age on a query, so why should you? Don't fictionalise, just leave your age off.

WriterDude · 11-17-2007, 04:45 AM

Wasn't the Eragon guy fifteen or so when he published the first book?

Rabid Euphoria · 11-17-2007, 04:57 AM

Age? Mozart answers all the questions about age. He wrote his first symphany when he was what, four? Nuff' said.

WriterDude · 11-17-2007, 05:02 AM

And one of those (Mozard, Beethoven or someone) was deaf as well.

Stevie Wonder and that opera singer (Andrea something) are blind. Who cares?

Rabid Euphoria · 11-17-2007, 05:06 AM

The Major Leagues (Mets I think) had a one armed pitcher, WWE had a one legged wrestler.

WriterDude · 11-17-2007, 05:34 AM

Bruce Lee was kinda short and not exactly muscular. Put glasses on him, and you have a perfect nerd. And he beat Chuck Norris at least twice.

Erik Buchanan · 11-17-2007, 11:31 PM

The guy who wrote Aragon had family in the publishing business (not that I'm jealous or anything).

But no, age doesn't matter. Write well and keep writing and submitting and you will get noticed eventually.

OddGodHMK · 11-18-2007, 04:11 AM

Awesome, thanks a lot for the advice everyone, it's greatly appreciated.

WriterDude · 11-18-2007, 04:15 AM

Eragon, not Aragon.

SeattleCPA · 11-18-2007, 11:03 AM

Another perspective (sort of)...

One of the things that matter a lot, should you get published, is how newsworthy you and your book are.

A good story that every book reviewer can "start off with" will help the publisher promote the book. An easy to promote book is more likely to get published... Considering this, then, I don't think your age really matters. It could even help.