Publishing the Novel
Publishing the Novel
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#0Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 2:28pm
I'm almost finished (okay, not really) with my novel and I wanted to go ahead and get a list of possible publishers together so when I get my manuscript finished, I can go ahead and send it.
Would it be better if I submitted my work to known publishers who have published books with the same themes? My novel is something like DREAM BOY, minus the scary rednecks and the end.
Any information would be helpful. Thanks!
peach
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/05
#1re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 2:39pm
I probably can't provide too much advice, but curious if you have submitted chapters to any publishers yet? If so, what were their thoughts?
Also, if you haven't already, the book, The Writer's Market (updated every year or so) is a pretty good resource - gives instructions for submitting queries, chapters, etc. and editorial contacts. I've used it more for background, but it might be worth checking out.
SueleenGay
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/03
#2re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 2:41pmI think you should submit it to Corine's Corner. Maybe she could post it in serial form. That would give the Corner a big boost and help you out at the same time. Two birds...
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#3re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 2:42pm
No, I haven't submitted anything. My aunt's published a book, but it's a nonfiction theatre resource, so I'm not sure she could help me.
I've looked at it at the book store, but it's kinda expensive and really freakin' thick. Next time I'm at the store, I might just skim through it and take notes instead of buying the whole thing.
EDIT: I got novel happy.
Updated On: 2/21/06 at 02:42 PM
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#4re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 2:45pmIs it an insightful memoir to your time at chef college?
peach
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/05
#5re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 2:45pm
Captain - maybe you can get it from the library?
Otherwise, if you know which publishers might be interested in your type of book (for example, skip textbook publishers, etc.) check out their Web sites.
When I worked in publishing, we posted very thorough guidelines for submitting manuscripts for review on our Web site.
And remember, when sending out manuscripts or chapters for review, to put your copyright notice on EVERY page! You own the copyright until you sign it over to a publisher. This way your intellectual property is protected during the selection process.
SueleenGay
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/03
SueleenGay
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/03
#8re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 2:49pmI would love to read your Aunt's book. Where can we find this novel? Is it thick?
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#9re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 3:12pm
There's the link to the book, via Amazon.
A theatre resource book is one of those books you find in the Drama section of the bookstore.
No, it's not a memoir. I would've called it as much if that's what it was. It's a novel.
Yes, it does make sense to go through her, but the book was published by Southern Illinois Press. Not exactly a a top shelf office, is it?
Composing Ourselves, By Dorothy Chansky
touchmeinthemorning
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/3/04
#10re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 3:19pm
It is EXTREMELY hard to get a novel published without connections, so my advice is to go to parties, network with people, and continue to work towards making yourself central to the publishing community.
I'm working on getting a "novel" finished, as well. It is a tricky process.
Kringas
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/05
#11re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 3:27pm
Don't get all snippy, your Obviousness. You're the one revealing information piece by piece, as though this is a Nancy Drew mystery or something (My great-step-cousin wrote those books, btw).
You said your aunt published a novel. How were we to know that by novel you meant nonfiction theatre resource and that you didn't approve of her publishing house?
#12re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 3:42pmYou should probably pick up the Writer's Market book that's published annually and has all the contact/submisison information for just about every publisher, major or minor, out there.
Kringas
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/05
#13re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 3:43pmHe's scared of that book. Too thick.
SueleenGay
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/03
#14re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 3:58pmYour Aunt's Novel looks good. And not too thick. What IS a novel, anyway?
Plum
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
#16re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 5:06pmYou need an agent. If you just send an unsolicited manuscript to a publishing house, it'll get stuck in the slush pile. It'll get read eventually, but not very closely.
#17re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 5:09pm
Did it strike anyone else that the people on "Composing Ourselves" all look like gender-bending lesbians?
Just me? Carry on, then.
#18re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 5:16pmPlum is correct. As someone who used to work in book publishing, i was tossed my share of manuscripts and told "read it if you feel like it."
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#19re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 6:09pmI'm not scared of thick novels. I love thick novels.
#20re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 6:16pm
There's a guide to literary agents (from the same people behind The Writer's Market) that could help you.
Btw, don't just send your manuscript out to tons of publishers when you're finished. Send a query first.
#21re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 8:46pm
go to your library....you know, that building with books in it.....find the Publishers Directory, by Thomson-Gale
It lists all known publishers in the US. If they do not have that exact reference title, they will have something similar. If you have a library card and can go into their online catalog, you can see if they have the current edition, ISBN number below....or just call and see if they have any edition.
There are also various trade titles on this subject.
No other directory matches the exhaustive coverage of the Gale's Publishers Directory. It's the most comprehensive source of detailed information on U.S. and Canadian publishers, distributors and wholesalers. The directory also covers small independent presses and virtual publishers.
Published/Released: January 2006
ISBN: 0-7876-6680-7
#22re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/21/06 at 8:51pm
your Aunt's book is only 239 long, that is NOT thick........
Also, Southern Illinois U Press is a fine publisher........
You are going to have a hard time getting anything published if
A. In your youthfulness you think you know what a good publisher is, or is not.
B. You are afraid of a 239 page book
#23re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/22/06 at 1:15amit's my understanding there are very few publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts. get a literary agent!
SueleenGay
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/03
#24re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/22/06 at 12:31pmWere you planning on just printing out multiple copies of your novel and sending it blindly to publisher in the hope someone would publish it? What is your novel about? How do you define the word novel?
Kringas
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/05
#25re: Publishing the Novel
Posted: 2/22/06 at 12:34pmI have a background in English and have been told I'd have made a fine editor. Perhaps you should send me a chapter or two to edit. Totally pro bono.
Videos