Several publishers and agents turned down the initial drafts of my now published first book, now that is nothing unusual. The vast majority of manuscripts from prospective authors are flung to the side with little afterthought for the poor tortured soul that laboured to produce them. No matter how good or bad the writing, the physical feat of writing a book should always be applauded.

I look back on those early drafts, which now bare little resemblance to the finished work, and I have to say that I would reject them as well. When you embark on writing a book, and this is true of me, I gave little regard for the skill of how a story is constructed. I attacked the writing with a linear and chronological glee, telling the reader eveything about everyone as quickly as possible. Learning to edit, delete and mould previous words was the hardest lesson learnt. Oh, that and taking criticism, constructive or otherwise.

I was fortunate to get published directly - with Legend Press and YWO. It is a wonderful opportunity that they are giving to new authors. The unsupported deal is designed to get you noitced and hopefully recognised by the bigger publishers. But I realised at the London Book Fair this week, that no matter that you are published and relatively successful (As The Frog and the Scorpion, has been) without an agent you are still as welcome at the Publishing party as an incontinent waiter.

So, once again I begin the earnest search  for an agent. Putting my pride in storage and hoping that luck will put my enquiries into the hands of the right individual that will make all the difference to my ongoing publishing success.

Anyone got any recommendations?