Anyone have any top tips on getting comedy novel published? I've got the Writers' Handbook but it is a little out of date.
Getting a novel published
1) Write a funny novel.
2) Send it to a publisher who publishes funny novels.
3) Cross your fingers.
Duuuuuuuuur. It's not quite that simple and some people may have illuminating information or could share experience with publishers fochrissake...
Fred, I too share your pain. I have one nov out or coming out and 2 looking for homes. It isn't easy, especially humour. PM me if you want and we can have an info swap.
There might be some tips in the Writers and Artists Yearbook... I'm not sure...
And get a more up to date version of the Writers Handbook.
Sorry - I've got no idea. I will tout mine about someday though.
Well zooo's had one hasn't she.
Haha! Love the avatar!
The new Writers Handbook/Yearbook is in the library.
I'm sure SlagA has sorted you out, he's the expert!
But I would just say send the first 3 chapters with a query letter to every single agent in the country who handles any comedy novels or represents any comedian writers.
Now you could try "self-publishing" It might seem the last resort for talentless tosspots (myself being in that category ~groan!) but it's a realistic and VERY rewarding option while you still trying to get properly published.
Lulu is by far the best for this and absolutely free. See my signature;
I'd try publishers, your scripts will either be returned pronto from an agent who won't even consider anyone else on their books or it'll be in their tray for months until they get around to rejecting it.
I think it's the other way around. Most, if not all publishers do not accept material from unagented writers.
But, try everything! Something'll stick eventually.
I've had a couple of books published. I did it the blissfully naive route - I thought I had written something good so just sent it to a publisher. I sent an apologetic email, saying 'you probably get these requests all the time, but...'.
And that was that, they liked it so paid me to finish the first book, and then suggested the second.
Don't get bogged down with people telling you how difficult it is - and don't worry that publishers say they don't want unsolicited material, that's just to keep out the timewasters. Have conviction in your work and tout it around - it really is that simple. If it's good, someone will publish it, if not, they won't.
Don't do vanity publishing - if a book is good enough to go into print a publisher will do it for you.
Also, I wouldn't necessarily bother writing the whole thing. A chapter or two, plus synopsis is fine. After all, the more you've written the more you'll have to change later on.
Just have faith!
Quote: Barbs @ February 9, 2008, 2:08 PMI've had a couple of books published. I did it the blissfully naive route - I thought I had written something good so just sent it to a publisher. I sent an apologetic email, saying 'you probably get these requests all the time, but...'.
And that was that, they liked it so paid me to finish the first book, and then suggested the second.
Don't get bogged down with people telling you how difficult it is - and don't worry that publishers say they don't want unsolicited material, that's just to keep out the timewasters. Have conviction in your work and tout it around - it really is that simple. If it's good, someone will publish it, if not, they won't.
Don't do vanity publishing - if a book is good enough to go into print a publisher will do it for you.
Also, I wouldn't necessarily bother writing the whole thing. A chapter or two, plus synopsis is fine. After all, the more you've written the more you'll have to change later on.
Just have faith!
That's brilliant!
When did you get them published?
I agree with Griff though, they'll ask to see the rest straight away, and if you've only written 10% of it, you're f**ked.
Thanks, that's great advice