Will self publishing hinder a publishing contract?

by Melinda Tung
20th August 2016

Hi all,

Hope all of you are enjoying your weekend. I would be grateful if anyone could let me know if I have self published my book, would this hinder an agent representation and getting a publishing contract?

Your comments are very much appreciated.

Many thanks.

Kind regards,

Melinda

Replies

Thanks Jimmy,

It's great to know.

Kind regards,

Melinda

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Melinda
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Melinda Tung
21/08/2016

Hi, Melinda!

No set answers to this. I would imagine that different agents and publishers feel diiferently about it.

Of course,

a) if you've had a runaway success as a self-publisher, I would mention this in the covering letter. If you've sold 1,002 copies yourself, they might be eager to take you on.

b) if you haven't sold any, or if you've had bad reviews, you'd probably do better to not mention the self-publishing. As you're not breaking a previous contract, you're under no obligation to do so; unless

c) if the agent specifically asks if you've self-published (or if they mention this on their web-site [oh yes! check out their web-site before submitting ANYTHING]), don't lie about it. They can search you on the Internet... and aren't going to want to sign a liar. (Unless you lie REALLY creatively. :D )

Any help? If so, gimme a "thumbs up", go on!

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Jimmy
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21/08/2016