Something to Write About
Recently, I was able to type THE END beneath my 85,000 word novel – the one I’ve been alluding to throughout the life of this website – as well as many other topics.
In fact, on the first post of this website, I wrote:
Let’s begin this writing blog with a quick look at my own novel writing practice.
Novel Chat 02/12/2020
At the time of writing, I have not yet completed my first novel. Of late, there have been distractions, including a massive plot hole. Creative writing puzzles are not easy to deal with. Sometimes they untangle if you leave them alone for a while.
There are other aspects of life that the Later Writer will need to embrace. Unless blessed with perfect solitude (is that a blessing?) you must interact with Life and People. It is all possible future material so try not to isolate yourself too much.
What’s Next?
Decisions have been made. I never wanted to self-publish, recognising both my true aspirations and capabilities. That leaves mainstream publishing – two ways into that and I would love to be represented by a literary agent.
I’ve completed a study of the requirements of UK literary agents and compiled a spreadsheet.
What Are the Criteria for Querying?
Listed in the spreadsheet (above) is the following information:
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- Date Sent
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- Name For querying a specific agent within the agency
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- Agency
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- Looking For Most agencies indicate what types of work each agent has on their wish list
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- Requirement & Method Each agent/agency requires certain methods of contact, specific lengths and types of writing samples. By recording as much detail as possible I have everything in one place. This helped inform my Batch Numbering
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- Sample Length Whatever amount of my novel the agent wishes to see in the first instance, I need to edit my own manuscript to produce those samples
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- Outcome & Comment Clearly, writing BINGO will be a thrill … meanwhile, not all agents have the time or resources to offer any feedback but I will heed what anyone does say to me
Once I have the feedback I need from my Beta Readers, and then assess what further work is required on my manuscript, I will begin the querying process.
