Novel

[TheUdjat]

So. Today I finished my first novel. It is, currently, unpolished and greatly in need of editing, but I will be spending the next month combing through it, grooming it, and fixing it up for what will, I hope, eventually be publication.

That brings me to a couple of questions. First, anybody want to read a snippet or two of it when I've got it edited a little better? Secondly, anybody have any personal experience with publishing things? This will be my first foray into that world.

Some details: It's a Modern Fantasy/Horror kind of story, very long (208,000 words at last count). It hits 372 pages on Word, but will no doubt be longer than that as a paperback. And, with any luck, it doesn't woefully suck.

Actually, I'm pretty proud of it. I've never in my life written something this long. Amazingly (to me) it only took me about 3 1/2 months to write this.

Just had to tell someone.

[Arclite]

Firstly, I would like to read as much as you'll let me! It's sad that most of the world doesn't understand the concept of a good book nowadays.

And secondly, a simple "Sorry, I can't help you there." I have also been looking at the process, for if I ever finish the novel I'm working on.

[K Man]

Check out the Writer's Market available at any bookstore. It will list publishers, hints tips and tricks on getting published. Usually a one-page synopsis sent with inquiry and they will contact looking for remainder of manuscript. Be prepared to be shut down though...editors can be cold-hearted.

About 90,000 words is a short novel, so yes, your novel will be long.

I would love to read snippets of it for sure. Good luck and let me know if you need more help.

[Toptomcat]

For a 200,000 word peice, I would start looking for places to cut. I hear a lot of publishers will ask people to cut longer works down before publication.

[TheUdjat]

I've heard differing things about the length issue. Some people say 'Between 75,000 and 125,000 is ideal', and others say 'Longer is better for fiction' and others say 'Doesn't really matter, as long as it's good', which is the philosophy I tend to take.

I've already decided this is getting published, one way or another. Even if I have to do it myself. I'm not the type to be over-confident and arrogant, but I know my work's good. I know it's better than a lot of books I've read. I'm not saying it's the best or anything, but it's good, and it will be in print.

It's just a matter of how. I know publishers can be cold-hearted, and I'm kind of expecting that, to be honest. I also know editors like to tear up stories, and I'm expecting that, too. But I do appreciate the warnings and advice, believe me.

I'll check out the Writer's Market - thanks for the tip.

I'll send out some snippets when I've got enough pieces polished that I'm content with. It probably won't be for at least another week or so, though. I'll be doing it via email, so contact me through private message if you want something sent (but like I said, no rush).

[K Man]

If you give me your address (Via PM) I can send a 2005 Writer's Market to you. A little outdated, but most of the info is still good. Otherwise you can pick it up at the local bookstore.

[TheUdjat]

admin said:

If you give me your address (Via PM) I can send a 2005 Writer's Market to you. A little outdated, but most of the info is still good. Otherwise you can pick it up at the local bookstore.

Thanks, but I think I've got it covered. Actually, I discovered that they have a website with continually-updated information and other resources which sounds like it might be a very helpful tool. I might give that a trial run before buying the latest edition (they have a free trial month). According to their claim, everything in the book is on their site.

Pretty reasonable fee, too.

I'll keep everyone updated on how things go!

[TheZebraShakes™]

Wow. a finished novel. Now that's dedication to a cause. I know how tough it is trying to write something like that so that's why I never even get halfway through any story I try to write.

Congratulations on finishing it. Hopefully the editing process will go smoothly and plot hole free and you will become a published author.

[TheUdjat]

Thank you. To be honest, prior to this, I'd never made anything over about 30 pages. But for some reason, this sucker just... happened. And better still, I feel like I could do it again (though I need to write a short story to relax a little first).

Unfortunately, I already know there are some problems that need to be caught in editing (some of the earlier sections, particularly. Changed my mind about how I wanted some things to look and I have to rewrite that). But the hard part, I feel, is over.

[VemuKhaham]

wow, so there's still hope for me too? I once got to 50 pages...

But in 3 1/2 months? I read slower than you write, man. Good luck with the publishing!

[TheUdjat]

Bah, you can do it. I'm not an especially fast reader myself, and I only wrote a few pages a day, most of the time. And sometimes I'd erase what I did the previous day and try it again. 3 1/2 months is a long time while you're doing it.

And the last several dozen pages go fast.

[Japic]

First off, congrats! I've got to give you props for getting this far. I can't imagine writing a 50 page story much less a 350+ page one.

As to anyone interested in reading it... you know that we're always here. That's why this section of the boards exist! If you're comfortable doing so I'd love to see some of your work posted here.

[TheUdjat]

I won't be posting anything publicly until I've finished registering the copyright, which is why I'm asking and, thus far, only releasing snippets. Besides, if I just show the whole thing, you guys wouldn't have any reason to buy it!

But there will be snippets at some point, rest assured. It's done, but it's not, well, done-done yet. You guys will be the first to read pieces of it. (Actually, my girlfriend's read the whole thing, but she's the only other person who's read any of it).

[Wicksy]

Hey man, congrats on writing your first novel!

What would you be after in terms of reading? I have experience editing and correcting technical documents: my own phd thesis plus several masters dissertations and i have reviewed journal articles prior to publication if thats any help.

[spiral]

The best resource I have come across for writers of fiction, is "On Writing" by Stephen King. It is a superb reality check for those who would like to better their game.

Secondly, prior to your editing process, I advise reviewing "Elements of Style", a vital work for anybody hoping to write correct english.

[TheUdjat]

wicksy said:

Hey man, congrats on writing your first novel!

What would you be after in terms of reading? I have experience editing and correcting technical documents: my own phd thesis plus several masters dissertations and i have reviewed journal articles prior to publication if thats any help.

I'm not as bothered by the technicalities, because I do tend to bend the rules a bit in order for the narrative to sound stylistically right. I'm always up for changing glaring errors, though. Mostly, though, I just want to know if it sounds good and makes sense. I want people to read these samples for enjoyment, not for scrutiny.

I've already accepted the fact that it won't be loved by everyone, because that's just the nature of things. But as long as there are no glaring plot holes and some people enjoy it, I'm happy. It's my first book, after all. I obviously have room to improve.

Spiral - I own King's book. Definitely interested in checking out the other one.

[Wicksy]

Or ask my phd supervisor to correct it! He will correct your grammar and style to the nth degree ;D

[TheUdjat]

To keep you all updated...

I've edited a little over half the novel so far. Once I finish this read-through I'll probably have to tweak a few more things, but it'll be basically done at that point. Then it's off to the US Copyright Office, and I can start revealing pieces of it.

My goal is to be finished editing by the end of the month. (It was originally the end of last month, but that was pretty unrealistic)

[Japic]

Good luck man; I can't wait to see it!

[TheUdjat]

Oh yeah, the second draft is finished, by the way. I'll be sending it off to the Copyright office soon, and then the hunt for publishers will begin. I hope to find one by the end of the year, but that's probably optimistic. I hear hunting for these things takes lots of time and effort.

I'll keep you all updated. And like I said oh so long ago, I'll have some previews up at some point.

I'm also starting on my next story, which I originally began as a break from the subject and writing style of the completed piece. It's growing rather rapidly. I'm not sure if it'll be a short story, novella, or a full-fledged novel, yet. We shall see.

How awesome would it be if this could be my job, all the time?