A story behind the story

A tale of woe, ending in do-it-yourself success !

By Sheila Asch

A long time ago I was with BBC Radio Brighton (now Southern Counties) as a freelance writer/broadcaster.  I was living in Newhaven at the time, and researched the history of my house there.  My ongoing discoveries were featured over 5 months in a popular programme called Good Morning, and  later published as an article in Sussex Life - a 2-page spread with photos.

While all this was going on, I had an idea for a fictional story based on my research.  I didn't write it with any age group in mind, but my agent submitted it to a publisher who'd just started doing children's fiction.  It was accepted - I had a contract and advance royalties - it was due to be published more than 2 years later.  When the time came there was, apparently, a recession in publishing. They decided not to continue with that genre - indefinitely.  This was very upsetting and, even more so, as it had been publicised on radio and everyone was looking forward to it.   Shortly after that - another blow - my agent retired.  I'd got the manuscript back, but after all that wasted time, and because the story depended on specific dates, I thought it wouldn't work - and shelved it.  I continued without an agent, concentrating on short stories, articles, poetry and broadcasting.  Then, for a while, I gave up professional writing because of other commitments.

Recently, I started again and completed another novel - an adult one.  Luckily, I managed to find another agent. In general conversation I told her what had happened with the original one. She liked the sound of it - nagged me to completely re-write it and bring it up to date.  It was difficult, but I did it !  She decided to concentrate on that one first; was just about to start negotiations for it when she had to give up her business for personal reasons.  I was devastated. As I'm sure you all know, it is VERY difficult to find an agent - and most publishers won't consider anything unless it's through a literary agent.  However, I discovered that many authors, (including some well known ones) are now using 'publish on demand' companies. I was recommended to one called Lulu.  Contacted them - and - at last, after all those years, my book was published !  It's classed as 'young adult' fiction, but every adult who's read it has enjoyed it.

The title is KATY'S TIME.  It's now available for retail sale through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. - and is stocked by The Kemptown Bookshop and City Books in Western Road.  On Tuesday, 10th July I was interviewed about it on BBC Southern Counties Radio and the broadcast has generated a lot of interest.

I'm still hoping to find another agent, but to anyone having similar difficulties I can recommend publish on demand - even though one has to do one's own publicity !