On Writing : Any questions? by Lauren Hackney

How many writers approach publishers with a registered copyright already in force?

Plenty of writers with self-published books approach traditional publishers as a way of proving they can do the job. If you are looking for a traditional publisher to pick up your books AFTER you have self published, this is possible however this is highly unlikely unless the book has achieved extraordinary sales and amplified the writer's profile. I personally only know one self-published author who made it big with Penguin. It took her first book to sell thousands in the first month and her book trailers went viral on tiktok. She worked incredibly hard before the book was published to create interest. Look, anything is possible however it is publishing house specific. I hope I answered your question.

Thanks for sharing your expertise with all! Do publishers only want fully-written books or they also look at proposals in children's publishing?

Geoffroy Faugerolas Australian writer Tina Strachan pitched her children's book series as an idea to Harper Collins Australia and this resulted in a three book deal. All books were published and no initial manuscript was submitted. Joel McKerrow also pitched to Larrikin House Publishing with just an idea and was signed however his profile is quite strong as an international poet. These are rare cases. Usually the first three chapters are required with YA novels and chapter books. Picture books require full manuscript upon submission. I hope I've answered your question and thank you for asking one :)

Super helpful. Thanks!

Hi Lauren Hackney what a timely scroll for me to come across this post.

I have just decided to send a screenplay to a very trusted resource to determine if it could be adaptable to a stage play. If he agrees that he thinks it can be I am going to move forward with my first stab at a stage play.

I would love ANY pointers on crafting a script to a stage play as well as the mechanical aspects of trying to submit it for consideration by theater companies. Thank you and others in advance for any helpful info,

This is an amazing question and a wonderful new way to serve your project. My strong suit is publishing with physical books and ebooks and assisting authors. Ill ask around in my network for anyone who can assist with playwriting. Ill message you if I find anything. And equally - keep me posted. This sounds interesting!