OT-Book help

[Ken O]

Last week I finished writing my novel. 49,686 words. It's my first time completing anything of this length. Printed it out. Didn't look at it for like two days and then did my first round of edits.

Umm...now what? I'm not really sure what my next step should be. I have access to a grammer nazi English major which I will probably use for cleaning up a thrid draft but do I need to go to one of the professional editors online? I'm not really sure how I could afford those rates.

I do want to submit it a few places before I try to jump into the self-publishing biz. The book is a detective story set in modern day Orlando, nothing supernatural or anything like that. Any suggestions on which doors I need to be knocking on?

This is all new ground for me and any help would be appreciated.

[Myron L]

I would look at some of the smaller publishing houses first. Pick two or three, and submit them for professional evaluation. Let them be your critique. Don't be frustrated if at first you don't succeed ! Write, write again !
I have found one thing that helps me as a writer is having someone tell me "go back and eliminate (random number of) words".
When I take the "I have to cut this back...what isn't crucial to the reader experience ?" approach, I end up with a much better product.
LongManShort had me do this when I submitted a short story for "The End Is Nigh" publication. When I re-submitted, it was far better than the original submission (which our own Fitzroy did an illustration for, by the by).

Just my opinion, T-Wyrm...but be proud you finished a novel...that's an amazing feat in and of itself !!!

[Ken O]

Thanks for the advice.
I'm going to get a copy of the Writers' Market Guide. I was told that will help choose where to send things.
Also I have 4 copies going out today to people who I trust to give me honest feedback. After that I'll make all the changes I need to.

[hellboyone]

Congratulations on the accomplishment, no matter what happens. I know how hard it is to write a novel.

[Ken O]

Thanks Rick.

What is amazing is that I'm so used to writing now that while my 4 "advanced" copies are out I'm plotting the outline for the follow up.

The first was "Dying for fun and profit" and the sequel is currently named "Gator bait in rollerskates". :D

[patrick r]

I am absolutely no help in this arena; however, I wanted to show my support. Go T; congrats.

[THE REAL kirk]

I'd also like to say, "Congrats!" on completing such a major undertaking. Please keep us posted on your progress as I know several people here could benefit from such; including me (though I have yet to finish anything outside of short stories).

[King_Vold]

The first was "Dying for fun and profit" and the sequel is currently named "Gator bait in rollerskates".

You have a knack for titles. :D I too would like to say congrats, finishing something that big is no easy task. Good luck, looking forward to reading it!

[Celtic_Fiddler]

Good luck, T-wyrm!

I also like to write - just thought I would show my support as I am not published. I think the title is great. I wish you much success!

Keep us posted! :)

Andrea