My backlist project flies in the face of everything I was ever taught about publishing. I developed the project by trying to figure out why I write. Certainly, as the vast majority of authors would say, not to make money. Some authors experience fame and glory. Most do not. Yet, they labor tirelessly creating. Maybe they do it for the reason I do. I just like writing.
I am lucky enough to have a publisher that I enjoy working with. Plexus Publishing of Medford, NJ, publishes my traditional mysteries featuring amateur sleuth Meg Daniels. That is an ongoing relationship that focuses on Jersey Shore settings. Over the years, however, ideas have popped into my mind for books that fall outside their focus.
NIGHTINGALE SONGS - a story of cross-generational love with a touch of the supernatural
A DEATH IN SCILLY - a traditional mystery featuring an amateur sleuth visiting a scenic British Isle
THE SECRET AUDIENCE - a historical mystery set in the US World War II homeland
Conventional wisdom would be to find an agent who might be interested in these areas, who would then contact appropriate publishers. Even at best, that could turn into a lengthy process.
There are a few publishers who will accept unagented manuscripts. I have had a few great experiences (which did not lead to publication) with a couple of these publishers. If a book isn't what they are looking for, it doesn't matter how much praise they heap on it. If it doesn't fit their market niche, they won't publish it.
All aspects of this process take time, and time is a luxury I no longer feel I have. I'm not breaking any bad news here. I am simply old. I am not about to launch into a lengthy effort to get these additional titles published. I would only want to submit to publishers that accept manuscripts directly, review them in a reasonable amount of time, do not require the completion of a lengthy questionnaire, and promise to respond. (See note below.) Depending on the publisher's focus, those numbers can vary--from zero to a few. Independent publishing gives authors--and readers--more options. And, it allows titles to become available much more quickly.
I like these books. I am proud of these books. They're not doing anyone any good lying around on my hard drive. I'll try to inform potential readers about them in case they might enjoy them. Maybe I'll even become proficient at more of the steps that independent publishing requires. If readers find these books and like them, I'll be very happy. And if they dont? Doesn't matter. I'll just keep writing.
NOTE: I hear many tales of authors waiting for responses on submissions they sent to either publishers or agents and receiving no response at all. Ever. Often, the recipients have noted that because of the volume of submissions they get, they might not respond to every submission. Most often, these manuscripts were required to be submitted through an electronic system. I wonder how limited an organization must be that it can't manage to include in its system a single button that generates a standard rejection letter--not to show appreciation for the writer's effort, God forbid--but for the practical reason that the author can move on. I know publishers hold all the marbles--and as long as people dream of being writers will continue to--but what's up with that?
© Jane Kelly 2025
