I agree with what everyone says here. It can work if you have a solid novel or two with an established readership, like with The Silmarillion and The History of Middle-earth.
Ah, #2! It's true. I relate with that on the other side of the equation; as much as some publishers want to give unpublished authors a chance, there are lots of dud manuscripts out there. Thankfully I don't have to call myself the Dream Crusher. :)
... Introductions are so difficult! I'm Stephanie. :) I've been lurking around for a while now and I figured it's time I register myself here.
Like most of you, I'm a writer myself, but I'm also here on on behalf of the community (one-woman) division of my publisher. The fantasy community...