How to send out a novel

Post by **mccutcheon** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 5:16 pm

Does anyone have info on how to prepare a novel to be sent to publishers? Anyone have experience with it? All info would be a great help.

A specific question I have is should I add where I think the chapter breaks should be or send it all as one (rambling) text?

Post by **Sloth** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 10:06 pm

I think its best to send it as one big rambling text.

Also try to mix the pages up... I hear they like that.

And use blood not ink.

And smear some faeces on the cover.

And always include beer and used syringes so they think you might OD and die soon.

These tips will help you get published like me.

Post by **mccutcheon** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 11:22 pm

Okay, does anyone have any real help?

Myke115 · Post by **Myke115** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:53 am

McCutcheon ... though I have yet to take the leap in trying to get a novel published, I've been slowly researching effective ways to do so. A while back I bought this book called "How to get happily published" ... it has a lot of good tips. Here's a few of the suggestions I think might be particularly helpful when preparing a proposal for your manuscript:

1) - Explain why you believe the particular editor you're addressing will be interested in the work you want to place (tie it to a genre, type of work, etc. that the publisher, editor has a history with)

2) - Describe the main point your manuscript makes, the ground it covers, and it's style.

3) - Say how what you have to say is fresh and different from specific works already in print (hit the highlights of how your work's perspective is unique).

4) - Mention any relevant experience, qualifications, connections, prior credits, etc.

5) - Convey your enthusiasm for your work, it's topic, etc.

6) - Breakdown the development of the novel (ie. ... chapters, etc. -- I'd say here that this might answer your question ... gives editors an easier method of reading thru a novel with natural breaks.)

7) - Describe your book well enough so that editors can pass the proposal information to colleagues in the manner you want.

8) - Possibly use an anecdote to illustrate the theme of your novel and it's significance.

9) - Identify the audience to whom the book is addressing. (Can you direct editors to several possible markets for your work?)

10) - Express passion and excitement for your work and the desire for it to be published.

Mc ... I don't know if any of that helps, but it can't hurt. My only other personal piece of advice is to do some good research on how to help get published. There are some really helpful non-fiction advice books out on this.

myke

PS ... McCutcheon, you Sloth or any other writer here might want to check out this site: www.popmatters.com It's kinda an eclectic look at various aspects of pop culture (movies, books, comics, sports, etc.). Some of it is right up the Pax alley. Also, if you'll scroll to the bottom of the main page and click on the "submissions" link, it'll take you to a page where they are looking for contributing writers to the site. Looks like they are looking for additional reviewers of music, movies, books, and tv. Might be a way to get a few things published.

PS2 -- Have I not posted enough and been unique enough now to get a title other than "plethora posterus"???? C'mon??????

Post by **Sloth** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 1:59 pm

Okay everybody come up with suggestions for Myke and we can pick the best one.

Rabbit came up with some good oners but I can't remember them. "Biblio Thumpus" or something.

martino · Post by **martino** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 2:31 pm

better not ask me

Post by **mccutcheon** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:58 pm

Thanks Myke.

rabbit · Post by **rabbit** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 9:05 pm

yeah "Biblio Thumpus" was for the bible banger who posted on the now defunct rabbithole forum. he thought i was going to hell. fuck him.

rabbit · Post by **rabbit** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 9:06 pm

why am i only a 3 star member? i fucking rule.

Post by **mccutcheon** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 11:29 pm

This works in reverse. the fewer the stars the cooler you are.

Maverick · Post by **Maverick** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 1:28 am

you say that because you only have 2...

martino · Post by **martino** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 2:38 pm

no no mav, mc got it right!

Post by **mccutcheon** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 5:24 pm

Martino, when tyou get a chance email or post here your advice on the novel. thanks.

Maverick · Post by **Maverick** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 5:40 pm

well then, guess I better get voting....cant have Mccutcheon and martino seeming like the cool kids while Brett and I are sitting around with our 5 stars.

martino · Post by **martino** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 8:47 am

sorry to be keeping you waiting mc friend but if you knew what kind of a personal and professional situation i am in you'd understand. really, it has been heavy.

anyway, i am printing out the manuscript today (no proof-reading-on-the-screen for me, man, i take this job seriously) and i will read it over the weekend. expect a first opinion on monday or tuesday.