I have finished revising the first draft of my novel and want to send the manuscript to publishers and agents. I was thinking of using contacts from books from the same genre and also 'The Artists and Writers Handbook', or 'Writer's market'. Has anyone used either of the above books? Are there other steps recommended? When do you start making a website around your novel, assuming you want to do this?
Robert, thanks for your fantastic advice. The questions you ask are really relevant. Think editing till you can edit no more and reading it aloud are really good steps. I am doing both, the latter quite by mistake and it really helps with plot structuring and thinking about the flow of the dialogue. Also writing the synopsis fairly early on in the Novel help with plot and subplots and pace.
I lik the sound of electronic submissions, but publishers and agents seem to be old-fashioned and like hard copies. Do you think submitting electronically will increase the chances of rejection?
A Writers Handbook is the next step for me, besides the editing that is so difficult to stop doing!
Victoria thanks for your advice. 'Playing to one's strengths' is a good reminder to keep in mind. I haven't tried Twitter before and will keep this in mind.
Astor, that is very useful advice. I think it helps me plan to buy the book as you and Robert have highly recommended it. I would love to have the problem of being accepted by more than 1 agent. it is such an uphill task, I was so relieved just to have finished the draft of my novel, but now there is the next round, equally challenging if not more