by Tamela Hancock Murray @Tamela_Murray

When I review proposals, one element often missing is publishing history.

How do I know this? I own a computer. With a Keyboard. And a Search Engine.

Guess What? So do All The Editors.

Including your publishing history in your proposal is important.

Granted, not every proposal piques my interest enough for me to do a search of your publishing history. But when I get that far, I must search your name to see that history, whether you have offered it or not. It’s that important.

Believe me, if I don’t perform due diligence, the editor will.

I hear excuses as to why authors don’t include their publishing history all the time. Some of these have been:

1) But Tamela, I wrote my book on dogs in 2012 and this book is about Mars.

Yes, but we still need to know.

2) But Tamela, I wasn’t writing for the Christian reader when I wrote “that” book.

That’s okay. You are now. Besides, I can name several authors who once wrote for the general market and are now writing for the Christian market. Just let us know.

3) But Tamela, I wrote that other book under a different name. No one will ever find out.

Until they do.

4) But Tamela, my book sold only five copies. My mother bought four and Grandma bought the other one.

We still need to know. A poor selling book can be overcome, but it is harder to overcome if we don’t know about it up front.

In other words, no matter why you think you don’t need to tell us about your past publishing history, you do.

It isn’t a good idea to keep secrets. When we decide to work together, we can decide how to present your history to editors. If, as your agent, I proceed without knowing, then an editor asks me later, I’m left surprised and somewhat ambushed. Then I’m scrambling to form a response out of the blue for you. Don’t do this to a team member. Let’s work together for your success.

What’s a highlight from your publishing history? No matter how small you may think it is. We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Tamela Hancock Murray has been a literary agent since 2001. She was named Agent of the Year in 2017 by ACFW. She is a bestselling author of over thirty novels, novellas, and nonfiction books and won an RWA Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Because of her experience, Tamela brings the perspective of a working writer to her role as a literary agent. She represents many top authors and continues to develop new talent. She earned her BA with honors in Journalism from Lynchburg College in Virginia.

Today she enjoys living in Northern Virginia with her husband of thirty-three years. They are the proud parents of two lovely adult daughters. Her personal book collection takes up way too much room, but that doesn’t stop her from buying more!