I have recently written, edited and self-published a book (An English Summer - A.M. Crook). As I haven't given exclusivity to the host, I figured there was no reason why I shouldn't self-publish then look for a traditional deal. I have learned that agents often want manuscripts sent in a certain format but surely I could just send them a copy of my book? Thoughts?
It's entirely up to you, Andrew: 'don't ask, and you won't find out' is one way of looking at it, and what have you got to lose? The current thinking is that unless your book is a complete runaway bestseller, no publisher will be interested. Sending them a self-published copy is likely to be seen as approaching after the fact: you've done it, so why bother them?
Many publishers are very snotty about go-it-alone authors anyway. There's a definite 'them and us' feel to the business, even now, so you'd have to choose the proposed company with great care.
If an agent or publisher asks for something in a specific format, that's the format they want. Don't expect them to spend a single moment on anything that they would have to alter in order to read it. They're much more likely to junk it and read one that is as they requested, because apart from anything else, it would show that you either didn't read their rules or didn't take them seriously.
Finally, is your book professionally edited and proof-read? Is it as perfect as it can possibly be? Unless it is, I wouldn't recommend it as a sales tactic.
Good luck!
Lorraine
Thanks
From what I read I reckon you'd need to sell a shed-load to generate any interest. There used to be something called 'first rights' which, apparently, publishers were very keen on getting, though maybe that's gone by the board nowadays.
Good luck with it, though. Be interesting to find out if you get a bite or two.