Getting non-fiction noticed

[thelioncub]

I've written a non-fiction book about depression and self-harm, but I am really at a loss as to how to get it noticed.
I've been submitting to agents, one at a time, only to get rejections (which I know are to be expected)
I've been using the Writer's yearbook to find who to submit to, but i guess i'm struggling to work out how I find out who would be interested in this rather niche book.
Do I just have to keep submitting regardless?
Is it ok to phone them first and tell them the subject before sending?
How long should I keep going before I give up?
I have read loads of books on similar subjects, but only one of them has mentioned his agent. I was kind of thinking that would be a good way to find out who has been interested in that topic before, but is there another way?
Last year I did loads of interviews on live t.v/radio/magazines etc for the inquiry into self-harm in the UK, and lots of people were interested in my book. I've mentioned this in my proposal, but do you think that's a good idea? I don't want to come across as pretentious.
Any help would be greatly appreciated here as I really am new to this. I don't call myself a writer, and the book was merely incidental. It just so happens that I believe my book would help people who are suffering with depression or self-harming, and that's the only reason I want it published!
Help!!

 

[novella]

Rather than send the MS to agents, you should work on a convincing pitch letter that will entice them to ask for more. Mention any credentials or research you've done, who your market is, what niche the book fills that is not filled by other books, and why you think this particular agent should be interested. If you send a few of those out and hear nothing, you have to revise that letter and your pitch. Pay attention to any comments you get in reply.

 

[thelioncub]

Thanks for this novella.
I should have mentioned I'm not sending the whole MS out, just a four page proposal covering the things you mention, and sample chapters.
So far the response has made it difficult to know where to go. A couple of agents said they thought i pitched it brilliantly, but it just wasnt their kind of book. One academic publisher asked for the complete MS but then came back with 'thought the subject was very interesting and valuable... but we feel that we would not be able to market it successfully', and the rest haven't really given any feedback.
I don't know whether i'm just aiming at the wrong people - I didn't think the academic publisher would take it on, but they were very keen to read the finished product last year during the time I was involved in the inquiry, so I sent it anyway. I don't know if these replies are standard and hence don't mean much or not?
I revise the proposal each time I send it, but i'm starting to feel a little lost.
It's hard to know isnt it, whether rejection is because you haven't found the right agent yet, or because the book isn't worthy of an agent!

 

[novella]

If I were you, I'd make a study of other books on the market in that area and see what style and format they use, what kind of titles they have, etc. Strangely enough, though publishers and agents always say they are looking for 'new' and 'unique' works, many times they are looking for things that fit a formula that has worked in the past. A lot of self-help books have this Inspirational sort of format, with an "Idea Line" or "Inspirational Notion" leading off a section, with anecdotes that follow and support the idea. Structure in nonfiction is of primary importance.

NB: Your opening on the other thread indicated to me a lack of structure and purpose. That might be hurting you.

 

[thelioncub]

Yeah.
I've tried to read every book out there on mental health problems, and learn about their style, and memoirs especially have been part of my recovery, hence I feel I have a good understanding of what 'sufferers' need.
I know what you mean about 'fitting into a formula', and I think my book does do that. It's different enough to offer the audience something new, but similar enough to other books to safely be in the 'that works' category.
Question is, is it better to approach publishers/agents who have similar authors on their lists, or go for publishers/agents who might be looking for something new - perhaps to compete?

 

[GeoffNelder]

Novella has given you excellent advice.
You seem to be following the correct path and finding, like the rest of us, that it is damned hard, as a new author, to be picked up.

An extra help would be an endorsement from someone in the field. Preferably someone else who has had a book published on the topic or who has a good reputation in the practice. Since you have had many interviews, someone there might be willing to look over your MS and support it.

Then you keep submitting to agents and publishers. As a general rule you have very little chance without an agent IF you are a fiction writer but it is less essential for specialist non-fiction. You will save post though, by telephoning or e-mailing the acquisition editor's office first. At the minimum find out a name of who to send your pitch to.

Best of luck,

Geoff

 

[doc_williamson]

Show me your stuff

I became a publisher (recently) largely because I just don't have the patience to wait for months for agents rejection letters, or the "we think you might do better with another publisher" brush off's. Self-publishing is certainly a route that has lost a lot of the stigma associated with "vanity" press in the past.
However, it is also not usually a way to get rich or even make a living. It is a really difficult way even to sell a few books. But since I started publishing books just a few months ago, I am certainly open to submissions, and looking to expand our catalogue.
Send me you pitch and sample chapters (via email or point me to a place on the web where I can see them) and I'll give you an honest opinion on what I see, and if I like it we may be able to publish it for you. (Don't hold your breath, but I'm certainly open to new titles and yours sounds like your road to recovery and minor celebrity status might make a book in itself.)
At worst, I'll try to give some constructive criticism. Of course, as they say, advice is usually worth what you pay for it, but if it is really "ripe" for publication, we can make it happen pretty fast.
Best of luck with your book in any case.
sincerely,
Stafford "Doc" Williamson