This article may point out a better way to go instead of looking for a publisher. Goggle it.

Another idea instead would be to record your journey for those authors who have already published non-fiction titles and are looking to make the leap to fiction. That would be consistent with who you already are. As well, it would certainly be of value to “wannabe” authors in your situation.

Just some honest thoughts from a reader who respects and appreciates what you offer here.

As I understand it, Amazon is going to be starting up their own publishing arm soon. Traditional publishers aren’t all that happy about it though.

I think it was just announced the other day. Something to look into.

Many publishers no longer accept new authors sans built-in audience or buzz or startling controversy. Sounds like Geoff has first class conversational skills to get the in that way. If an editor does like you, it can go a long way. Likewise the CEO of a publishing company, or the head of marketing. Takes some research to find out who they are.

Volunteering for a panel is great, but you have to really know your stuff- because the fans do. In NY/ CA you have to be a big name draw to even get on one. Out in the midwest I am sure it is different, as you do not have thousands of known personalities/authors living in close proximity.

Of course- it helps if you are typecast into a genre neatly. I have been at meetings where we did not promote certain book as they did not fit neatly into a category. It was a disappointment- but the ability to sell easily is a huge concern in a shrinking industry (print versions). Those books we usually put into QPB; that customer was more open to nuance and innovation.

Currently on Ebay- Harlan Ellison is auctioning off the rights to have a short story critiqued by him. Wish I had the money!

Since you have such a huge brand to build on, you really should not use a pseudonym at this stage. It provides no value, and I simply wouldn’t do it unless you specifically want to develop a promotion process from scratch. If you do manage to land a publisher, they’ll tell you whether a pseud is necessary. Why jump the gun? If you build buzz, it will be easy to notify everyone what name they should use when looking for the book.

You’ve already mentioned that you like going to gaming conventions. I’d recommend adding SF/F conventions to your itinerary. You’ll meet a ton of really smart, really interesting people, including publishers, agents, and other authors, and pick up a ton of really good advice. Aim for the literary conventions rather than the media (Star Trek, Stargate, etc.) ones. Nothing against them (they’re a ton of fun too!), but unless you’re writing in that segment of the audience, you get more bang for the buck from the literary cons. Here’s a good place to start looking:

Volunteer to serve on a few panel discussions (at least 3 to 6 months before you plan to attend). If you speak interestingly, people will start to recognize your name as someone worth listening to. And bring business cards or flyers for your book. As long as you’re not obnoxious about it, it’s fairly traditional to promote one’s own work this way. I’ve gotten a couple novels past the slush pile simply by striking up good conversations with editors at major publishers and asking their permission to send them something. “As we discussed at ReaderCon” in your cover letter is a great way to get past the slush pile.

Keep us posted!