Already published but...

by Kate Farrell
22nd June 2016

So here's the thing: My novella MY NAME IS MARY SUTHERLAND was published to my great delight and relief in 2014 by a small press that specialises in horror and fantasy fiction. I've had some very good reviews from within the community but think my book needs a wider audience and am not sure it will happen with this press. I've been inspired by Andrew Michael Hurley's journey with The Loney to ask this question. Whither to proceed? Do I need an agent to push the book elsewhere or try to make an unsolicited approach to a publisher - seldom a good idea?

Replies

Thank you, Lorraine.

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Kate
Farrell
270 points
Practical publishing
Fiction
Contemporary
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Gothic and Horror
Short stories
Kate Farrell
22/06/2016

Your first port of call is surely the press themselves. Ask them what they can do for you. When you signed the contract with them, was anything written there about what their publicity strategy/budget would be? Check your contract to see what your options are with regard to taking the book elsewhere.

Unknown authors do not in general have money thrown at advertising their work - they have to do it themselves. You say you've had good reviews: incorporate some of them in your advertising, and spread the word yourself.

Lorraine

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Lorraine
Swoboda
1105 points
Practical publishing
Fiction
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Historical
Romance
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Food, Drink and Cookery
Lorraine Swoboda
22/06/2016