I pored over it for hours during the next few days. I looked for those who specialised in Short Stories. Right. So many only accept work via an Agent. I looked at the sparse list for agents and was not impressed. Not so good. Then wrote out a list of prospective publishers.

I had serious thoughts for another day or so before I decided on two names. Then I picked out two stories and readied them for posting along with a query letter, short bio and s.a.e. The reply times quoted were six to eight weeks. I marked the calendar accordingly and kept on with my writing.

Three weeks later, much to my surprise, I received the first reply. My work had been returned with the manuscripts assessed. Remarks had been made on the pages. There was no formal letter forwarded; just a pen scribble on the last page to thank me for ‘letting us see these stories, but not interested at this stage. Keep writing.’

One of the stories I forwarded had been read over Radio NAG in Brisbane. [This one hour programme is then forwarded to Sydney where it is relayed across the nation through station CBAA.] His remarks about this story made me grin to myself.

I quote: ‘Hm – I’m not sure there is enough of a point to this story for me. I didn’t like either of the characters. They were both petty and selfish. Well written though.’ Other paragraphs were bracketed and the remarks were either ‘good’, ‘yawn yawn’, ‘good some drama.’ etc. Similar sayings were penned on the other story.

I felt a bit put down but then realized that was only his opinion.

Next day believe it or not my other envelope arrived. What a contrast in opinions. The same stories had been again assessed but with better results. I could not believe that people, professionals in their trade, could differ so much. Obviously personal tastes came into their critiques.

A typed letter was attached and I read it with interest. What luck. He liked my work and had sent a ‘conditional agreement to publish’. A proviso added ‘if the other stories come up to the same standard’. Excitement coursed through my veins.

I read on. That night I feverishly printed out the other stories in the collection, mailed them the next day then played the waiting game again.

Early the next week I had another letter confirming that with the exception of two stories the rest would be published.

Hooray! Now this is where it is interesting. My publisher is L&R Hartley, Murwillumbah, New South Wales. He is a printer/publisher who is trying to help new writers become published. There is no cost to me, with the proviso that I do not exact any charges upon the publisher.

My first job was to transfer my work to floppy disc or CD or email it to them and the assessor suggested some art work be done by the publisher [again no cost to me].

Mr. Hartley works under three umbrellas:

• He prints the book plus a small payment to the author plus free copy.
• He prints the book and you receive a free copy.
• The author pays for printing – self publishing.

Once printed a price is decided on and I can buy as many copies as I like at the cost price. I can then market them myself. The order time is approximately 2 weeks.

I agreed also that he could sell either CD copies or printed copies on his web site. (This money helps him with the publishing costs as do my orders.) Another outlet of the company is to have the work sent to First Chance Publishing, (in their International Ebook Library) in the United Kingdom. A great way to become known.

There is a personal web site thay they created for me ( also free) to advertise my work. A letter of introduction was supplied to be attached with any query letter I write to distributors or the like regarding my book.

I also have the option to purchase, for a small fee, promotional items all adorned with my book logo (book marks, flyers, fridge magnets, business cards etc.) Great idea.

I would recommend this company to other writers because of their business plan along with the help that they give to the clients. No cost is the big draw card. So much better than self/vanity publishing. That can be a barrier when contacting agents or other publishers.

L&R Hartley are Beta Publishers. Professional assessors critique the manuscripts and give constructive criticism. I am busy writing a mystery novel at the moment and look forward to publishing it with this company.

Mr. Hartley himself is a pleasant and very knowledgeable person to speak with at any time. He has been in the trade for over thirty five years now and is well known both in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

© Frances Johnson 2005.