I didn't know how to phrase the Subject, sorry about that.
I've been told that finding a literary agent is needed to get published or recognised by a publisher. But finding a good literary agent is a very complicated process. I was wondering if literary agents and publishers take age into consideration?
I've been writing a book since the age of eleven and gradually progressing with the same idea, up until my current age (I've just turned seventeen). I'm currently writing my second draft in-between studying for exams, but I'm always irritated by the fact a literary agent may not even consider reading what I've written due to my age.
About two years ago I sent in my prologue and book synopsis to a Publisher (that accepted material without a literary agent) and they emailed me back saying they wanted the whole manuscript. I decided against it because I was afraid the story wasn't complete(and that I had no idea of the publishing process.) I'm glad I didn't because it really needed a second draft.
I would love some advice and tips on literary agents etc, any comments are welcome. :) What age do you think is the 'right' age for aspiring to be published?
Stan | January 28, 2012 - 19:56
Best advice: check out requirements of individual agents and publishers in 'The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook.' Your local library should have a current copy. Or look here:
http://www.writersandartists.co.uk/
As for the right age... I'd say 63.
Seriously, it's more about quality than age. Some people don't mature (or, at least, get published) as writers until they're in their '50s (Annie Proulx, William Gay). Other people are much younger. Zadie Smith was only 21 or 22 when she published 'White Teeth'... and I think the lad who wrote 'Eragon' was still in his teens.
Good luck with it.
The Other Terre... | January 29, 2012 - 13:23
Firstly I don't think publishers are put off by your being too young - the potential is there for you to tap into the youth market and you have the added advantage that you're not going to conk out two books into a writing career.
The main issue is are you ready yet? Not just is your book finished, but do you want to commit to this career totally so soon. It'll deprive you of all those years of shitty jobs that us middle aged writers tap into for inspiration. Once you've signed contracts you'll be a full time writer, deadlines to meet for your next book.
The fact that you're posing the question on the forum suggests that you're unsure, so maybe think about what else you could do for the next few years, does the thought of doing something else disgust you or is it attractive? The options open are enormous, some excellent university courses in writing, or at 17, you can go out there and see the world.
As for the question of being too young to write, one of my favourite books is Frankenstein by the 18 year old Mary Shelly, (although I've read 3 books by people in their 80s in the past year)
Good luck with whatever you do
jennifer | February 12, 2012 - 01:52
If it's good, it's good - age has nothing to do with it! If you're worried you won't be taken seriously when approaching publishers and agents because of your age, then don't tell them it until they ask! You're right in one respect though - don't send anything unless you're convinced it's 'ready'! (although, if you're anything like me, it's never perfect, haha - there's a danger of overcooking the writing!
And Christopher Paolini was a home-schooled teenager - 15 I think - when he wrote Eragon, did you know?!
J x
jacques | February 19, 2012 - 09:54
I wrote poetry since I was 19, and some if it is quite good. I wrote a science-fiction and fantasy book when I was twenty-six, and it was a total flop. For the last ten years I've been writing on ABCtales and in this time I learned that short stories are my forte, and not trying to write books.
It is all a learning curve. Persistance is the key.
Good luck...
mozzythefirefox | March 17, 2012 - 00:29
Idk if i can publish, for i am only 10 lol