Is it a good idea to do this?

by A.L Star
27th December 2011

So far I've written 8 chapters of a book which I want to make around 18 chapters long, and I was thinking of looking up publishers or agents now, but would it be better to wait until the book it almost done, or finished all together?

Replies

A long time ago I submitted a book to a publisher before it was finished. It was incredibly difficult to write a synopsis for it, and it really wasn't polished enough to go out at that time. It got a firm "No" from the publisher.The finished novel bore little resemblance to the submission package I sent. Maybe if I'd taken the time to finish and edit it properly, the outcome would have been different. You owe it to yourself to send out your best work; enthusiasm is great, but focus on finishing the book and then think about where to send it.

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Clare
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Clare Hill
02/01/2012

Personally I would have to agree with Tony, for it is always easiest to complete the original manuscript and well enjoy the journey it takes you on. Writing is a passion and without passion in the writing (aka you rush it) then the reader feels no passion. Wait if what I would say

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Victoria Birkitt
30/12/2011

Thanks for your question, Antoinette. I'm at a very similar stage on my first novel and was just sitting here asking myself exactly the same thing!

For me the question is borne out of a simple desire ... I want to know whether people think my idea (and the quality of my novel writing) is any good or not!

Thanks to Tony, Zohaib & Cressida for some consistent (and encouraging) advice...

...I guess it's back to the creative grindstone!

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dennis lawrence
29/12/2011