The story so far

Ok you can’t be accused of tuning into the soap half way through the third season and annoying everyone by asking what’s going on, because this soap starts in about the 10th season. I began making a living from writing back in 1997 when I gave up employment, began freelance copywriting and then soon after began my first full novel. I had early success. Hodder Headline ( now called Hachette) took it up and published it 2000, The Beauty of Truth. It got lots of attention in Australia and sold well (around 11,000...I think). It was sold into the UK and disappeared without a trace (a long story, too long for background fill in).

Two published novels later (The Girls and French Letters) and things are different. There’s a different publishing director at Hachette (who fortunately still likes my work) but also a new 10,000 sales barrier. If they don’t think you’ll sell 10K, you’re out. I submitted a novel late last year - Crash Tactic - a male orientated action comedy which I must admit I loved writing. Heaps of fun. Bernadette, the publishing director liked it (hurrah!) and took it to the editorial committee. This committee ratifies the publishers and editors selection of books to publish. In the old days they did as they were told. Not now. Reading between the lines of my email from Bernadette they had a big bun fight, lots of people read it and ultimately ‘the marketing directors’ (her words) decided it would take too much to promote it sufficiently, so it was a no.

In the meantime I had also sent it to too other publishers. One, at Allen and Unwin liked it but thought Hachette was going to make an offer and so said no (this is probably an excuse as she hasn’t hammered my door now that Hachette has said no). Random House also liked it but were only looking for ‘serious thrillers’ right now. Boring!

I’ve exhausted my personal contacts so am now confronted with the fact that I have to flog the book elsewhere. I believe absolutely and utterly that it should be published and definitely has an audience. 

So the big question is:

DO I TRY FOR AN AGENT?

In the meantime #1 Children's books

In the meantime I’ve had a few children’s books published through ABC kids. 

Captain Wetbeard, a first chapter book which has sold OK (teetering on the brink of earning out it’s advance at the 9 month mark). 

Dorothy the Dinosaur’s Rosy Tea Party. Written for the Wiggles I am credited as the author but I don’t get royalties (just a lump sum). This is sad it’s probably my best-selling book.

Lab Rats in Space - for 9-11 year olds this is the first book of 3 - a comedy space adventure. Released last, it had a mixed reception. A lot of booksellers didn’t like the cover so many didn’t stock it. However the few that did, did really well out of it and are keen for the next book. Despite poor overall sales, this persauded ABC to go with volume 2. It’s been written and it’s with them waiting for editing.

I’ve a couple of other concepts in the pipeline but no commitment on them. ABC books are going through major upheavals (of course!) so can’t commit to anything right now!