General Chat

That is also a recommendation I can make, usually Ariel or Times New Roman, simply because they are easier to read.

Whatever you do, unless specifically asked, do NOT send a manuscript by email. Short stories for magazines will be different,and some will accept by email, but not novels.

Double spaced lines should be used, and generally an indent on the first line of each paragraph. Don't put an extra line between paragraphs, not needed with indents. And make sure you leave a good margin each side for the editor to make notes.

Be prepared when you submit to an agent for them to critique your work throroughly, and suggest changes. They know the business, and know what publishers are looking for, so it's best to listen to them.

And PROOFREAD. Do it throughly, and check it again when you've done it. When proofreading a good tip is to actually read it out loud, from a printed copy. That way you read slower, you will pick up on mistakes easier, and you will hear yourself reading it. If you trip up on a sentence, it may be because it doesn't have the same rhythm as the rest. Re-write it until it reads better. Your neighbours and family will think you've flipped your lid, but who cares, if it helps to get you published?

Kate, that is interesting about the fonts thanks.

Definitely have a look at the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook - that tells you which agents cater for which subjects (some are really specific and will only consider people who write non-fiction, or children's fiction, others are specific the other way and say "absolutely no children's books"), also it will tell you if they even take on new authors - it seems that some will only consider writers recommended to them personally and others will consider any new submissions, whereas others have got all the clients they want.

As far as I can gather, most publishers don't seem to consider submissions unless they come via an agent. Also, a reputable agent should apparently not charge you a reading fee - they should only take their commission when the book is sold to a publisher, otherwise they have got your money upfront and have no reason to try to sell it.

Little tip that my graphics lecturer gave to us that I always remembered is, sans serif fonts (like the one these messages are posted in) are apparently harder on the eye over a long piece of work like a manuscript than serif fonts (the ones with the little "lines" topping and tailing a capital "H" to stop it looking like a rugby post).

HI
I AGREE WITH TW FRIENDS FIND
IT HARD TO BE CRITICAL

WHERE MY DAUGHTER WORKED
A WORKMATE STARTED WRITTING
THRILLERS BUT FRIENDS ONLY GOT
TO SEE AFTER HE FOUNDA PUBLISHER

HES WRITTEN QUITE A FEW SINCE
AND DOING WELL

Thankyou for replying ladies! I had poems published but that was through a competition, some years ago.
You've given me so many ideas, I hadnt even thought of getting an agent! Thankyou DET. (I wish we had italics on this board so I could stress the word 'thought'). I dont think self-publishing is for me, and thanks for the warning Theresa. Mac, that is really wonderful :-)) how lucky they are! I think my friends would just say what I want to hear ;-) and they're not writers. Okay folks for all your great advice! x And 5EXY, good luck!

mine was self published using lulu, it covered aspergers fibro and other controversial stuff, i sell a couple a week on ebay re written 2nd edition that is .

It pays to do some research first. Find out which publishers publish the sort of book you are writing. Most publishers won't accept unsolicited manuscripts but may read a synopsis and ask for the first chapter, if they like it, which they send to a "reader".

Ensure it is proof read before you send it to anyone because they expect a certain standard of English grammar and will "bin" anything that doesn't reach the required standard.

Edit - TW is right, friends can be poor judges of what will sell and also don't like to be unkind.

Gwynne

I disagree with Eldrick about sending it out to friends to critique, unless those friends are writers themselves and know that honesty is called for, no matter how it might hurt. Friends have a tendency to give a very biased opinion which, although encouraging, is of absolutely no use.

Far better to join a writers circle of like-minded people, and have them make real suggestions for improvements and proper knowledgeable encouragement, and real constructive critique.

There are several ways of publishing.

1. as DET says, find an agent. The best way is to look on the current bookshelves in WH Smith, Waterstones etc, of books of a similar kind. They usually have a aknowledgement of the author's agent in them, then search for that agent's website and get in touch. You'll need a synopsis of the entire book, and the first two to three chapters in final draft form. Also you can find agents in the current Writers' and Artists' Yearbook.

2. Go direct to a publisher. Not all publishers work solely through agents, mainly the bigger, more well-known ones, but again a google search will show you just how many are out there. Again, a synopsis and first two chapters is the way to present. A publisher won't even bother to look at a whole unsolicited manuscript.

3. You can go down the self-publishing route, though this may be expensive, and you'll have to do a lot more of the marketing and promotion for yourself. It's time consuming and extremely hard work. But it's possible. Be aware here there is a big difference between Self-publishing companies, and vanity press. Avoid Vanity press at all times, it will cost you far more than you will ever make in book sales.

There is a magazine out, each month, called 'The Writing Magazine' You'll find it in WH Smith. You'll find a wealth of information on writing and publishing in there.

First of all though, I'd get at least your first draft written, and worry about publishing afterwards.

The average paperback has a minimum of 80,000 words, and many publishers prefer 100.000 words these days. Thicker paperbacks present better value for money these days.

Wouldn't it best to get an Agent? I seem to recall reading that publishers are more likely to reject manuscripts submitted by individuals.

If a Literary Agent takes you on, they are in a better position to know which publishers would be interested in your genre, and give advice about 'what sells', redrafting etc.

Good luck - hope that one day your name will be in print.

Yes, I have written several.

Getting them published is the hard part - you may want to try self publishing if you find it is rejected by a publishing house. It's a massive subject and it's not easy to get one accepted. Even if you do, it's not very lucrative unless you hit really lucky.

A good tip is to send copies to friends and have them critique it, for grammar, plot, spelling, etc etc. You need a thick skin. Then have it proof read. Then start sending it to publishers, in the knowledge that 99% come back with a rejection slip.

Romany, there is a writing circle on General, someone on there might be able to answer you... good luck!

Love

Daff xxxx who gets her inspiration during sleepless nights, lolol!!

puss, ad a bnook published she could be worth havign a chat to ,xxx

Hi Im writting one and have been for some time now. Publishing it, well thats another story. lol
I think it will be very revealing and the subject is one close to us all.

Well i am off for me dinner chat soon.

I've started one, completely unplanned, the beginning just popped into my head while I was cleaning the cooker (honest). I've done just over 8,000 words so far, so have a good way to go. But wanted to know, how does the average person go about getting it published? I know it probably would be rejected by everyone and thats fine but I can at least try. Has anyone done it? And how many words is the average paperback book? Going to bed soon, early start tomorrow so if I miss any replies I'll answer tomorrow afternoon (Sunday). x