April 23, 2011 I am writing a paranormal romance novel, what should i do now?
Question:
Am I suppose to try and finish writing the book before seeking a agent or publisher, or should I pitch them my idea first. I have already completed several chapters. Also do I even need a agent or do I just go to a publisher. Also what are some good publishers for paranormal novels in the united states.
And would you know that if I start by writing paranormal with a particular publisher if I have to keep writing that style, or if I can switch to regular romance novels at a later time.
Tags: novel, paranormal, romance, should, writing
- 5 comments
- Posted under Book Recommendations
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Damien Kane
said
Have you ever bought a half-finished novel or a semi-complete car? I haven’t, and I don’t expect a publisher to, either.
Your novel should shine like the brightest star to have the slightest chance of success. Many agents and publishers get thousands of letters and manuscripts about having a book published. They go into what’s called a slush pile. AVOID the slush pile.
You will need an agent. They will negotiate the best prices for you and alleviate you of the legal stuff you don’t want to be bogged down with. Get a good agent who markets the material you are producing. Even if you get accepted by a publisher, you must get an agent before signing anything.
So, use an agent. If you’ve not finished, be straight with them. Write a synopsis and send it and see if they’re interested. If they’re not, move on. You can find a list of literary agents on the internet or public pages You should research them first.
Completing several chapters is good, but you will probably need to re-write a lot of it. If you don’t, then hello: you’re the first person I have ever met in the industry who doesn’t have to. Writing a book doesn’t guarantee you’ll get accepted. From memory, Harry Potter hovered in a slush pile for 7 years nearly until somebody saw the potential.
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krithi
said
I have no personal experience but I’ve read that most publishers expect a completed manuscript. Apparently, earlier authors would write just 2 chapters n send it out. But a lot of publishers got burned this way, because some authors would take the advance paid n then not write the book. Nowadays, I think the procedure is to finish the book n then try to find a publisher. Even though the publishers read only the first few chapters, most don’t even consider an incomplete book.
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victoriakismet
said
First, finish the book. Editors and agents won’t look at your work unless it’s completed. Join RWA–the Romance Writers of America. The members there can point you in the right direction as far as publishers and agents. Depending upon the publisher, you may not need an agent.
If you decide to switch genres, that’s your prerogative. But you need to have the first book complete before you can even start thinking about a second. Good luck!
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CHRISTINA R
said
I agree with Victoria, check out RWA. Secondly find a critique group.
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Autumn
said
Write the novel, first. Too many people skip ahead to the “How do I publish my book/how do I find an agent” questions and haven’t even finished the book! Insane.
Once you seek an agent (you’ll need one of those unless you choose to seek publication with a small press), look for agents who represent multiple genres – the genres you prefer to write.
But finish the book first. You’re not just putting the cart before the horse, the horse is in another state!