Novels
I started writing in earnest in 2000 when I had my first novel published. Since that time there have been many trials and tribulations. My attempts at finding a decent publisher proved impossible. It would appear unless one is famous, rich, or own a publishing company there is no way to get published by a reputable publisher. As you can see from the picture above I tried.
Emma of Lulworth Cove and Thelma’s Cottage were published in 2000 but alas the publishers were not mainstream and I never received a penny in royalties and if they would like to sue they are very welcome to try.
I suggest hopeful authors avoid any publishers who require payment from the author under the pretence of a partnership. In my opinion there is very likely no partnership at all. The limited print run made is usually at the author’s cost. Publicity will be at a minimum and again only until the authors payment is spent (less the publisher’s profit). These companies make their living directly out of the author and take zero risk themselves. Don’t be charmed by lunch out with a director, this is just to butter you up and to give you a sense of false importance. The only thing that is important to them is your wallet. Lastly, vanity publishers publish under an imprint. All book stores are very well acquainted with these imprints and will not stock such books as they know they are of variable quality.
Self-publishing is a legitimate way to get published. The down side to self publishing is that the author needs time and resources to market his own material. Many a famous author started by self- publishing his first book.
Movies
I found my dip into the movie making world blighted with problems. If you have a script ‘optioned’ (movie rights purchased) don’t go taking a world cruise just yet. I have had three such options. What the producer is buying is a lease on the intellectual rights to free his hand from competition whilst he looks for funding. If the producer fails to find funds (often the case) the script and intellectual rights are returned after a set period usually a year. If you sell your movie rights test how serious the producer is and ask for the WGA minimum about $3000. If the producer only offers you a 'token dollar' check out his track record before commitment.
I now produce movies and know a lot of the pitfalls: Beware of production companies that want to be attached to the project but refuse to put up funds immediately. They just want a share of the action, they might chip in when all the donkey work is done, but will take no risks when you need to convince investors about the merits of the proposed film. All the work will be left to you and they will provide soothing words but no cash.
Getting support from the UK Film Council I would liken to jumping over the moon complete with the cow and spoon. The Film Council will tell you when they have rejected your project that the competition is fierce. However, if one takes the time to see whom they have made awards to you’ll be horrified to note that the council fund the same companies over and over, and over again. I have concluded that funding from this organisation is for the select few and isn’t there to support the British film industry as a whole. So far wehave made dozens of applications all to no avail. I have been in this business 8 years yet to meet anyone who has benefited from Council funds.
If you are going to produce your own movie watch for the sharks, never ever under any circumstances whatsoever put any money up front with the promise of funding. No genuine investor will ask for up-front fees. Also beware of consultants who want up front payments to find funds, if they are so certain they can find you funding, ask yourself why do they want paying first when they can take a finders fee when funding is arranged. The truth is they are far from certain of finding you funds, the movie business has very few certainties.
Final piece of advice, don’t despair, have belief in your own work. Don’t let people put you down. Believe me there are hundreds of people, if not thousands who like to see a good man/woman fail. Gawd knows why but it is a fact of life. Believe in yourself and go forth.
On the 1st of September 2007 I secured worldwide distribution for the comedy feature Derek. It took me four months to get a distribution deal and was amazed and appalled by the sheer number of sharks that are out there waiting to prey on the unsuspecting film maker. I was offered several contracts which would have basically given away ownership of 'Derek' without any prospect of ever seeing a penny in return. I will urge any film makers seeing this article to read any distribution contracts very carefully before committment.