BY KATHI KAMEN GOLDMARK AND SAM BARRY

The Author Enablers are here to answer your questions about writing and publishing. Together, Kathi and Sam have more than 25 years of experience in book publishing. Kathi is an author, radio producer and former publicist; Sam is a marketing manager at a major publishing company and a freelance editor. They are also proud members of the Rock Bottom Remainders, the all-author rock band founded by Kathi in 1992.

Locking in an arresting story idea

Dear Author Enablers,

I'm wondering what the ramifications would be if I wrote a book about my experiences in the Texas prison system, believing I fell in love with an inmate, and the aftermath. I have diaries and love letters and was hoping to use pictures, too. Do you think there is a market for this?

Mary
Shreveport, Louisiana

A well-written proposal based on a terrific personal story might capture the interest of publishers, but remember that there is no way to predict or guarantee publication. Check out Visiting Life by Bridget Kinsella. Obviously it's a different story, but there are some important similarities, and Kinsella's work demonstrates that a book like yours can get published.

You have two challenges: convincing a publisher that there is a market for your book outside of people with similar experiences, and that you are the writer who can tell this story. The best way to solve problem number one is to get a short version published in a magazine, newspaper or online journal. Work on problem number two in a writing group or class and workshop your material—you'll need to take your writing skills to the highest possible level before submitting.

Dear Author Enablers,

I have written and published short stories in Spanish, and some sold well. I stopped writing to take care of my growing family, when suddenly a book writes itself, and in English, of all languages! Should I look for an agent, or a psychiatrist? The book tells the story of a middle-aged woman in Africa who falls in love with a much younger man. There is a little African magic, lots of love and funny moments, but no violence or sex—so it lacks the two most important items to sell. My librarian insists it has to be published; two of my friends who teach literature at the university agree.

Where do I find somebody to evaluate the commercial potential of my book? Ah, I forgot a small detail: I am in Israel. Everything would be done by email and phone.

Anna Marie Attias
Israel

Rather than worrying about finding a publisher (or a psychiatrist) in the U.S.A. and working via phone and email, why not start on your home turf? We did a quick Google search and found some English-language publishers in Israel. If you want to hire a pro to go over your manuscript before submitting, we have a feeling that your literary friends can steer you in the direction of professional copyediting services. But don't invest too much of your hard-earned money in editing before you get a sense of how your book will do in the market.

The best way to determine this and to sell a book to a publisher is via a literary agent. As an author with some past success, you should be able to get your manuscript seen with an intriguing query letter. Do a little surreptitious research (again, your librarian friend will come in handy here) and read the acknowledgments in other Israeli-published English books, where most authors thank their agents.

It's a tough, competitive market, but agents and publishers are always looking for great writing and new ideas, with or without sex and violence.

Dear Author Enablers,

I have a manuscript I want to get off the ground. If a publisher only accepts agented submissions but then nixes the book proposal, is one out agent fees, or do agents only charge if the book idea is accepted?

Mike Parker
Pennsauken, New Jersey
(Southwest Jersey, close to the bridges to Philadelphia)

Most literary agents work on a commission basis; if an agent sells your book, he or she gets a percentage of the advance and royalties. Generally, agents do not charge authors fees for books they can't sell. Many expect to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses such as copying and postage, which seems reasonable. We suggest getting your manuscript in terrific shape and writing a scintillating proposal first—then cross the agent bridge into Philadelphia, or more likely (but not necessarily) New York.

Thanks for writing,
THE AUTHOR ENABLERS