Thread: Would I Have a Problem Publishing This?

Well, I got an idea for a series when I was watching Criminal Minds a few weeks ago. Its a crime series, that invloves a 15 year old genius working with the BAU. But, as I'm plotting it out more and more, I'm finding that the series is becoming more and more like the show.

The sad thing is, I really like this idea. I have gotten around 10k into the first draft of the first book, and I'm really enjoying writing it, and I have serious thoughts about publishing it. I dont have a name for the series, except for Criminal Encounters, which is only a rough name.

I didn't exactly rip off the charcaters. I have a Garcia, a Hotch, and a reid. Actually... Two. The MC and another. I have a character that is similar to Morgan, but thats it. And no, I didn't use those names

What do you think about the whole situation? About the characters and the plot. If you have any suggestions on how to make it more original, please post it below. Thanks!

Also, what do everyone think about a first time author publishing a series?

And, I'm sorry if the whole thing didn't come out clear. If you need further explaining done, just ask.

Criminal Minds is a very popular show in the States. It's even spawned a spin-off recently with Forest Whitaker as the lead. I think you're always going to run the risk of being compared to the show, especially since you admit to having three similar characters. Ultimately it depends on how well you pull it off. The thing that makes Criminal Minds so good is the research which goes into it. All those stats and profiles you hear Reid and the team mention, they're true. If your research is lacking, or you don't come across as having knowledge of criminal minds, your prose is going to suffer for it.

As for keeping it original, I have one suggestion: In the show, Reid is a shy, reticent, and somewhat introverted man who is still a very likeable and relatable character. I suggest watching a show called Breakout Kings, which also has a genius in its ranks. This man, however, is cocky, arrogant, and facetious. Try making your character a mixture of those two.

One last thing: There is no such thing as a 'profiler' in the FBI's Behavioural Analysis Unit. The position does not exist. That's another way perhaps of keeping yours more original.

My character is not exactly like Reid, she is just basically a genious like him. I will try making a mixture, like you have suggested. I started watching clips from other crime shows and stuff so my idea isn't exactly like Criminal Minds.

And, I've started my research already on the BAU, I will probably start a thread either here, if they have a research section, or on another writing forum I am on. I haven't really looked around here.

Thanks!

My character is not exactly like Reid, she is just basically a genious like him.

There's your answer. You can make your Reid-like character more original if you turn him into a her. Add in the mixture of personalities and voila, an original character.

Ok! Now I just have to work on making my characters less like Garcia, Hotch and Morgan-even though the one like Morgan isn't EXACTLY like him, but still similar.

Thanks for the help.

If you're not referential in your cover letter, a publisher isn't going to make the connection in a negative way. It's not like writing being reminiscent of other writing, when elements of style and specific word use can indicate a correlation. A lot of the time, it will even be a positive connection ("Hey, this group dynamic is very similar to Criminal Minds. I love that show.").

In short, no, it won't impact your ability to be published unless you choose a publisher that's absurdly stingy.


Edit: By referential, I mean putting something in your cover letter like, 'This novel is Criminal Minds meets [cultural reference X].'

Edit2: Concerning breaking out as a series writer: I worked for a publishing company, and this is what I learned: If you're absolutely confident in the quality of the first novel in the series, and absolutely certain you can write to a specific (and very possibly short term) deadline, such as the next book in six months, and two more in 12-16 months, submit your book as the first in a series, and make sure the publisher is aware of this willingness in your cover letter. If you think life might get in the way, or you're not sure you can finish a second book of equal or greater quality within six months, flesh out the ending of your book so that it can exist as a standalone, and only after a publishing agreement has been reached should you tell them you're willing to do a sequel/trilogy/quadrilogy in the future. Agreeing to write a second book only to realize you can't is one of the worst ways to tarnish your reputation as a writer.

I have a plan about the whole 'writing the second book in six months'. Thanks for the tips, anyways.