Evan Marshall reveals how to publish a novel without an agent in Morris talk

By Sharon Sheridan

Writers often complain about a dilemma: They can’t publish a book without an agent, but they can’t get an agent as unpublished authors.

Not true, agent and author Evan Marshall told listeners at a luncheon sponsored by the New Jersey Press Women at Rod’s Steak and Seafood Grille Restaurant in Convent Station on Saturday.

“It is possible to sell a novel without an agent. People do it all the time,” he said. “But there’s a correct way of doing it.”

First, he said, “be clear about your goals. Do you just want to get a novel published, period?”

Typically, the easiest route is to begin with a “category novel” – a romance, urban fantasy, mystery, Western, “whatever it is you may want to write,” he said.

“I believe the best way to choose a novel to write is to choose what you love to read. You have an advantage because you already know what’s already out there. It’s all about fresh ideas.”

Among publishers who will look at direct submissions, as opposed to those submitted by agents, he said, “Very often they are smaller companies. They are sometimes regional presses.”

These companies are legitimate businesses, but they need material and may be too small for many agents to wish to work with, explained Marshall, co-author with wife Martha Jewett of The Marshall Plan Novel Writing Software.

Even big publishers will look at material directly from writers, he said. “They key is to first find a specific editor at one of these houses and start by approaching that person. Don’t ever write to the publisher and just say, ‘Dear sir or madam.’ … You need to focus on an editor.”

Marshall offered several suggestions for finding an editor:

• Consider subscribing to Publishers Lunch, an e-newsletter that includes news of recent book deals, which can help authors identify patterns of which editors buy the type of books they write.
• Meet editors at conferences, luncheons or conventions. “Very often these editors go to these things looking for talent.”
• Ask a published writer for a referral. Ask if you can use that person’s name in a query letter. Even better, if a friend refers an editor, ask the friend to make a phone call on your behalf before you make contact.

When approaching an editor, Marshall said, the best way typically is with a one-page query letter outlining your credentials, describing your novel and its category and inquiring whether you may submit the manuscript.

If it’s your first novel, he added, you should finish it before sending query letters. You also should have a short and a long synopsis prepared and should be sure to follow all submission rules, he said.

“Don’t forget the junior editors,” who need material to avoid the dreaded EMD or “empty desk syndrome,” he said. Look for “newbies,” people who recently have been promoted or switched jobs. Begin by sending a simple letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the editor’s reply.

Similarly, if you believe you need an agent, begin with new agents, he said. “They’re looking for material, hungry for clients to try to sell.”

Editors often will provide the names of agents they like working with, and you also can check out agents’ websites if they have them, he said, cautioning that agents who ask for an up-front fee are not legitimate.

“An agent should be making his or her living completely by taking a commission on advances or royalties.”

Have your complete manuscript ready to show the agent, he advised. Common reasons agents may turn an author down include:

• A derivative story idea. “Many people think they should be grabbing the books off the shelves of the bookstore, reading them and rehashing them. (Agents) don’t want what’s selling now. They want a fresh idea.”
• An unclear genre.
• The wrong word length for the genre.
• Grammatical or other problems in the manuscript.
• Writing that reads like a summary of the action, telling a story instead of showing what happens through action and dialog.

“The good thing about self-publishing is you have complete control,” he noted. But authors who decide to self-publish books must be aggressive promoters, he said.

Even when self-publishing companies offer a “distribution package,” it doesn’t mean your book will appear in bookstores, he explained. “All they have done is make it available to bookstores. But they haven’t notified any bookstores about the book.”

“I believe in Internet publicity,” he said, adding, “That doesn’t mean you might not work with someone who does traditional book publicity.”

Evan Marshall can be found on Facebook (facebook.com/themarshallplanet), Twitter (twitter.com/marshallplanet) and Linked In (linkedin.com/in/themarshallplanet).

New Jersey Press Women, an affiliate of the National Federal of Press Women, promotes excellence in journalism, public relations and communications teaching; encourages its members to network with communications professions; and provides the opportunity for recognition of achievement.

The group will hold a reorganization and planning meeting Nov. 8 at 7:15 p.m. in Westfield. Those interested in attending are asked to contact Millicent Brody at 908-232-3889 by Oct. 31.