That’s no idle question. I’m borderline desperate for an answer, because, once again, I find myself without a clue.
While clumsy floundering is my standard procedure, there’s a difference this time: I’ve accomplished something. Something worthwhile, even. I wrote a children’s book. Me. The lazy, unmotivated slug put in the work and followed through with an idea. All the way to the end. Honestly, I’m not really surprised. I’m flipping gobsmacked.
I love to start things, they’re so perfect when they’re ideas, but then I hit a snag or get bored and, well, that’s that. And off I go to launch another project destined for abandonment.
This time, however, I stuck with it and I’m determined to see it through. As soon as I figure out how.
I’ve made one crucial decision already: I will not be self-publishing. Unfortunately, I don’t have a truckload of cash, nor do I have the necessary business skills or the planning / managing capacity. So that option is out, which leaves me with:
a. find an agent
b. find a publisher who accepts submissions from unrepresented authors
c. buy a used copy machine, a stapler, and set up a booth on the sidewalk
If you’re smart, you’ll put your money on ‘c’.
I’ve done a bit of googling already and I’m not encouraged by what I’ve found. Agents aren’t accepting submissions, publishers aren’t accepting submissions, so what am I supposed to do with my submission? Ergo and thus, the ‘now what’ question is highly pertinent.
If you have any suggestions, my comments are wide open to any and all submissions. From anyone. Any time. Oh, in case you’re interested, the book tells the story of a heedless, headstrong kid unconcerned with rules and regulations and expectations, and who never considers consequences. It’s about friendship, forgiveness, courage, and living with an unsinkable, open-hearted approach to life.
Not to brag or anything, but it doesn’t stink. In fact, it might be the teeny-tiniest skosh above average. And any help you’re willing to provide in the form of advice will be gratefully received and never, ever forgotten. Thank you in advance.
copyright © 2022 the whirly girl
the whirly girl 
Good luck with the next step! That’s super exciting.
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Thanks, I can use all the luck I can find‼️Honestly? This is kind of scary, too. I’m in way over my head, I think 😬
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Congrats on finishing! Always a great feeling, though it’s the exact moment where you learn that writing is only the beginning in this entire journey.
Lol at option C, though if you actually do that, I can say that it takes as much grit as it does to find an agent or publisher.
For me, I’d choose to shop it around first, let it make the rounds while I write another project. Once you have several completed projects, then you have more to juggle, meaning you get to self-publish one while you continue pitching another. Wishing you all the best!
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Thank you, Stuart! I appreciate the support!
Finally finishing was a huge, huge relief. Being pleased with the result was a lovely, unexpected, gobsmacking surprise.
I’m anxious to get it in front of people, see what kind of response it generates. So shopping it around sounds perfect. The trick, I’m learning, is finding someone willing to take a look. Good thing I’m not in a hurry :o)
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Dumb question, but isn’t there a (relatively) easy way to self-publish an electronic version on Amazon or some other platform?
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Hi! For a computer savvy person, yes. For me, it’d be like climbing Everest in mittens and flip-flops. It is an option, though, and I’ll definitely look into it. Thanks for the reminder!
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I wish I knew somebody, who knew somebody…or something like that. In the olden days I could have fixed you up with the people I worked with at Simon & Schuster. Those days and those people are long gone. The publishing game has changed so much I am afraid I’m useless for this one. Most of the games have changed so much…I am a dinosaur.
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Me, too. Plus I waited until pretty late in the game to attempt such a boondoggle. But 🤷🏻♀️ I’m determined to see this through, come Hell or high water. These days I’m staring down the barrel of a query letter. That’s more daunting than anything so far. Oy 😭
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Awesome. I’m glad you’re taking this step. It’s a gem of a story and definitely worth the effort to get it out there in the world.🤞🏻
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Thanks! If nothing else, this oughta be interesting.
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A learning experience 🤔
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