THE 'MAGICAL FORMULA' TO SECURE A BOOK CONTRACT ELUDES ME
The following is the my latest update on the continuing visiccistudes of publishing a memoir.
THE NINTH REJECTION
The brief note {like each of the other eight} indicated that the story is interesting and provocative. However it is "old." Further the editor is unable to figure out how he can put together an "aggressive" marketing campaign.
So once again the rejections seem to come down to a problem of marketing. This despite the fact that I have submitted a detailed 85 page marketing plan which is comprehensive and expansive. Much of it provides specific information as to marketing the memoir on the internet. This is in addition to the conventional channels of marketing including book tours, presentations at conventions, direct sales, amassing e mail lists of friends, family, etc., radio and TV appearances, and the like.
MY REACTIONS
Immediate:
- I wish this rejection would have been sent out in the third week rather than the eighth.
- I allowed myself to feel the full brunt of the blow I experienced: stunned, hurt, depressed, resigned, angry, determined to press on.
- Wishing that Maxwell Perkins was still alive and would read my submission.
- Understanding that it only takes one publisher on my wave length to make a meaningful connection but finding it difficult not to be discouraged.
- Convinced I have a potential best seller that promises to make a significant contribution towards understanding the complex nature of drug addiction and detailing what treatment is most promising in effecting a salutary 'cure' but needing one publisher to take a chance that I am potentially accurate in my prediction.
- Wishing that publishers would give more details as to what they mean by their often quoted phrase: "found his work compelling but just don't love it enough".
- I am deeply frustrated by the criticism of "old" attributed to the time period of the story line - 1967-1969. My experience at Odyssey House - an innovative, ground breaking therapeutic community wherein I was a psychologist treating heroin addicts was a life defining event for me, the addicts, and the birth and evolution of the therapeutic community concept. It has taken thirty five years to gain the necessary objectivity to do justic to this complicated story. Additionally what was learned from my story - personally and professionally - is as relevant now as it was then.
- As observed in the Times Review of Books there are a number of recently published memoirs dating back to the 60s and 70s. Apparently these book were not considered to be dated. I can't figure out what they have that mine doesn't.
- Reading the above I am aware of a mixture of powerfully negative feelings of frustration, hurt, disappointment, consternation, puzzlement, and especially anger. But overarching is an even greater determination to press on at all cost.
Upon Reflection:
- I am aware that no amount of venting is going to get me what I want - namely a book contract from a reputable publishing house.
- I and my editor/agent are going to have to keep working and reworking to see if we can discover the magical formula for opening the seemingly unopenable publishing lock.
- The content appears to be acceptable.... the problem is marketing.... Will it sell is the guiding issue that has to be sufficiently spelled out to make a prospective publisher finally "love" my work enough.
Now What?
I need your help. If anyone has been in my shoes and has managed to secure a book contract I would be eternally in your debt if you would share your experience with me. I am aware that as a first time author I am not in a unique position. Breaking into the publishing "fraternity and sorority" is extraordinarily difficult - at least for me. That I have an important and well written memoir is clear. That I have secured and emplyed the professional services of a top notch editor is clear. That I have a respected agent is clear. That I have material that is both informative and entertaining is clear. That I have provided a comprehensive and carefully written submission package is clear. But there is something - some X factor - that remain illusive that is decidely and painfully unclear. This is why I need your help.
P.S.
I still have one more piece of bait in the water hoping that it will be sufficiently enticing for the tenth prospective publisher to swollow it.
"TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY"
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