|
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 | JD Higginson [428] | 23/05/2009 |
I'm also in that stage. The best source online is querytracker- it's free and includes several agents
that are normally overlooked. I hope this site helps you- the query letter is what grabs the agent, but
if no one sees your briliant idea it can't get out to the market. Don't get discouraged!
Sincerely,
Dragonwriter | Dragonwriter [152] | 23/05/2009 |
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. | louise [101] | 07/07/2009 |
Hi its me,
Thank you so much for your help. Just to keep you all informed I have been editing my book and sorting
it out. Have decided to wait a while until I start looking for an agent. I might consider self publishing
first. I have also been in newspapers about my book lately so I get a bit of publicity, hopefully this
should make it easier for me to continue with the long publishing process! | Zvezda [10] | 08/07/2009 |
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. | Grampa Pogi [479] | 12/07/2009 |
Grampa Pogi, you've offered some excellent pointers (questions) to Zvezda who is trying to get his novel
published. Have you taken a course on creative writing or...? I checked your background and there was
no hint. Also, what's the difference between an editor and a proofreader? Do we need both? | bobchoi [501] | 12/07/2009 |
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. | Grampa Pogi [479] | 13/07/2009 |
I have to say, these comments have helped me so much...I am so glad I did! I have 400 pages of novel,
and have started the process of editing myself, and, am having my husband and friends read as well. I
wasn't sure how to proceed myself...I just ordered the 'Writers' and Artists' Yearbook 2010' from Amazon
for £9.66. Thanks everyone! | Sourceling [63] | 02/01/2010 |