Getting a novel published Page 2

Thanks for all the advice. I'm planning to rework my NaNo sometime so I've got over 50,000 words ready.

Quote: Griff @ February 9, 2008, 2:03 PM

I think small publishers accept manuscripts direct, but if you're looking to make any money, be warned that it's possible with small publishers to hand over a 100,000 word novel that took you five years to write and get a few hundred quid back at most.

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Surely that's better than nothing. Once you'v got one in your hand it's a gtreat stepping stone I would have thought.

A published book that is.

You won't put me off Griff. No-one else on here has managed to.

And I'd love to see my book in 3 for 2 at Waterstones.

I'd like to see mine get on the Richard & Judy reading list.

Immediate f**king fortune.

I'm not sure... I can't remember one. How many years has it been running?

I know they have no obligation to promote new writers. But they know how powerful they are, and it does now annoy me a bit when they put already massively successful authors on their book list, who do not need the publicity or the new readers.

Quote: zooo @ February 9, 2008, 7:38 PM

I know they have no obligation to promote new writers. But they know how powerful they are, and it does now annoy me a bit when they put already massively successful authors on their book list, who do not need the publicity or the new readers.

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10 out of 10. Couldn't put it better myself.

Quote: Griff @ February 9, 2008, 7:27 PM

Yep, I think getting picked for Richard & Judy is like winning the lottery. Big bucks.

Anyone know if anything remotely approaching a comedy novel has ever been on the R&J booklist ?

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Starter for Ten - although it was written by the guy who did Cold Feet, so he did have a headstart...

Did a novel writing MA last year - will see if I can dig out what the agents like to receive (covering letter wise etc...)

From what we were told, small publishers are a good way to go (the majority of book prize nominations like the Booker go to books published by small publishers - to encourage the grassroots of the industry), but then it's still an advantage to have an agent - but to get an agent it helps to have interest from a publisher so it's a bit of a catch 22.

And apparently the way to the top of the slush pile is to have something that proves the quality of your writing - winning a national competition or having short stories published in a print or online magazine that is tough to get into (or have a popular online blog).