The Writers' Circle

I'm currently in the same stage but I'm not even considering getting an agent until it's been heavily edited. I've been editing for a few months now and it's still not done.

As far as getting an agent is concerned, I'd recommend The Writer's and Artist's Yearbook. There's a section in there of all the UK agencies and what types of work they're looking to represent. If you don't want to shell out the fifteen quid it'll set you back then they should have a copy in the reference section in the library.

Good luck.

Keep us informed on how you get on.

JD

I suggest put it away for a while, come back to it and re-edit it at the very least. Getting it professionally edited can be expensive so shop around. I'm offering a free edit of the first 2000 words at the moment, if you want to check out my blog: http://louisewise.blogspot.com/

What genre is it? If it's say, romance, only post it to agents wanting romance etc. 

Holler if you want any guidance.

Hi Zvezda,

Before you look for an agent, and while editing, you may want to ask yourself the following questions which may help you with your editing. These were just some of the editing questions I came across and it may help you plan your next phase.  I would also suggest to get another set of eyes to look at your manuscript. Remember, even the best authors use other people to check their work. Ask your friends if they can proofread. I did and I was pleasantly surprised one fellow was actually a proofreader where he works. I knew him as a drummer. You'll never know sometimes until you ask.  Have friends read your draft and ask for their most brutal opinion before hiring an editor (if that's what you want to do).  Good luck!
..................................
Content: Does the story have narrative drive, emotional power, or original voice?  
	Does it have a good, basic idea? The basic idea could be more fully developed through the addition of a strong narrative voice and better focus. The story should remain focused on the protagonist and his pursuit of his/her story goal. 

Are the characters believable?  
	Are their motivations strong and complex? Would it work best to drop the sections that simply state the characters' motivations and to rely upon the characters' actions to show their motivations?

Does the dialogue sound authentic?  
	Does it sound conversational? Do the characters sound very similar to each other when they speak? If so, you may want to work on creating individual character voices within the dialogue.

Execution: Does the story have sufficient commercial pace and appeal or literary value?  
	Is the plot good? Is the pace off throughout the novel?

Quality of Writing: Is the writing on an appropriate level for the target audience to engage the reader for its own sake?  
	Are there grammar, punctuation, and style issues that need to be addressed? Does the writing need to be streamlined to eliminate summary and repetition?

General Comments: Your overall impression of the book.  
	Does your novel/book have a fair amount of potential? Is it character driven? A story has more emotional appeal if it is character driven. This means it has a strong, central character and a steady, character-based POV.
You may want to use a third person limited POV. Use your protagonist as the central focus for the story. Build the events around your protagonist and his pursuit of his story goal. Use the other characters to compliment the main character and add obstacles.

Hi Bobchoi,
No, I've never taken any writing course ... I spoke to a few editors (some ask for too much to do editing). In its most basic form, a proofreader simply looks for typographical errors.  An editor looks after grammar and consistency issues.  Sometimes thier jobs overlap but that's the basic difference. Editors will also suggest cutting some items to make the flow for the readers more interesting.  It is the editor that would polish your book and sometimes the proofreader is also the editor.  Don't take this as gospel as some might disagree but you can google the definitions and you may find them almost on the same vein as I'm talking about.