I took the decision a few weeks ago to put the first few chapters of my novel on Authonomy (anyone who’s interested can check out the link out here –

www.authonomy.com/books/42657/the-blog-of-maisy-malone

I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to grab a little exposure, gain some feedback and perhaps find my way onto the Editor’s desk. Because that’s the point of it I guess, the secret hope that your novel will end up on the Publishers highly polished desk and be recognised as the next best thing since the last ‘next best thing’.

But sadly, I don’t think it really works that way. After a few weeks of having my book going up and down the charts more randomly than Cliff Richard on acid, I have concluded that there is no logic in the rankings. Nor sadly is there much to be gained in the feedback you receive, although it does plump your ego, the majority of users heap glowing praise at you in the hope that you will respond in kind. And of course you do, because we’re British and good like that. Also, who doesn’t like positive comments? You would have to have a heart of steel not to get a tiny glow from the sugary words that are thrown at you. But then the doubt creeps in. Along with the million requests to ‘read and rate my book’.

All of this is undertaken in the hope, the desire, to fall into the top 5 and be plucked out by the fat fingers of the editors for a further review. A review, not a request to read your novel. I have a feeling that you have more chance of becoming Simon Cowell’s adopted love child than securing a publishing contract this way.

So I guess I will bow out. And continue to search for an agent/publisher in the usual, bog standard way. It’s hard, it’s soul-destroying at times, but its real. And that for me is enough.

Wish me luck!