Help - Writers Forum

Taz · 01-02-2006, 02:21 AM

I have my best work to date and it is a novella. I was wondering if it was worth while still attempting to get it published. I have been told by some no and others say i should attempt it as I may regret it if I dont at least try. Could you please she'd some light on the topic. I know the chances are almost nill but i'd still like to give it a shot if peole think it worth while doing so. Your help on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Dresdor · 01-02-2006, 02:32 AM

1. Is it finished?
2. Is it formatted in an easily read manner?
3. Can you describe the story in an attractive and catching way in a few short paragraphs?
4. Will the first ten pages catch the eye of a reader?

If you answered yes to all those questions, submit away.

Adrienne · 01-02-2006, 08:09 AM

There are novella markets, though they are far fewer than novel markets. But if you feel it's ready, by all means, submit it!

maggie · 01-02-2006, 12:53 PM

I agree with Dresdor. And why not submit it if it is ready? What have you got to lose? Have you checked around the Net for novella markets? Have you checked Writer's Digest and Writer's Market? Those might be places to start.

What subject matter is your novella? Is it mystery? Romance? Si-Fi? Whichever genre it is, check out sites in those genres to see if they publish novellas.

Good luck and keep us posted.

mammamaia · 01-02-2006, 07:42 PM

as noted, it's pretty hard to do anything with a novella... you won't find any book publishers taking them from unknown writers, so you will have to find magazines that do... if it's a sci-fi or fantasy, you'll have a better chance than with other genres...

check the writers market listings and also check duotrope.com for mags that will accept novellas... you might also consider either expanding it to a full novel or paring it down to short story length, to maximize its chances of finding a publishing venue...

best of luck... hugs, maia

gohn67 · 01-02-2006, 07:51 PM

Also make sure to proofread it before you send it out. Make sure it looks good. You want to impress them with your best and if your best is fully of improperly punctuated dialogue and grammar, than that's probably not good enough, even if it is superbly written.

Icywind · 01-02-2006, 08:00 PM

Definitely try it!!

I mean...it may be a long shot...but wouldn't you be thrilled to see it accepted?

Though of course, just to be safe, run it through Microsoft word in spell check, REREAD it yourself, make a few copies and ask friends to read it...and of course...GIVE IT A BIG WET KISS...before sending it off!!!

Good luck!^-^

Hodge · 01-02-2006, 09:13 PM

There are few places to publish novellas, but there are several contests for novellas. Pick up a copy of The Writer's Market to see what you have to choose from.

Odd · 01-03-2006, 11:30 AM

What genre is it? Some genre really like the novella size so you might be able to sell. Either way, format it, dress it up with a nice bow and lack of any or as few as possible typos, and toss it out there. It never hurts to try. Besides, you may just get lucky and get a letter with some advice on it if nothing else.

-Odd

mammamaia · 01-03-2006, 04:51 PM

to get honest feedback, don't have any relatives, friends, or lovers [if you're old enough for such stuff] give you feedback... only a neutral party who's knowledgeable about writing and publishing will be able to give you an honest and valid opinion on whether your work is ready to be submitted or not...