I've finished my first novel...now what?

Question

It took me the better part of three years to write it, and I'm finally finished...

Answer 1

Wow! Getting that first book written is one of the hardest challenges a writer faces. You've done better than 90% of beginning writers right there.

Now it's time to revise. Get a book called "Revision" from Writers Digest Books. It's one of the better how to books. While you're at it, get "Writers Market 2007." That tells you who is accepting what and how they want it submitted and what the word count needs to be.

Next thing is figuring your word count. Take the CHARACTER count your word processor gives and divide it by six. That's the official word count. Don't use the word count the word processor gives you because it doesn't use standard six character words.

You'll probably find your book is short. Happens. My first one was incredibly short. When you revise, look for places where you can go into more detail, work on the subplots, and go into more depth on your characters.

Yeah, revision is tough. Been there. My first published book, THE MANHUNTER, got revised seven times before I managed to place it with a publisher. Then it got revised two more times before it was published. AND I could still improve it, but the publisher won't let me.

On the other hand, my seventh book is pretty near perfect. I just have to correct some punctuation, change a phrase here and there and put in some missing letters and it was ready to go. You learn.

Answer 2

First off- Congratulations!!! Awesome!! I am so happy for you!! Now, I am jealous, I have to finish mine soon! Well anyway-

Is it edited? Is everything spaced correctly? Did you copy-write your book? If not, do it! How do are plan on publishing it? Self or a company? If for a company you need a book proposal(link below)
http://www.how-to-write-a-book.net/writing-a-book-proposal.html
And, I hate to say that I can only give you websites, but at least it is a start. So, here they are:
http://www.pammc.com/tips.htm
http://www.essortment.com/in/Hobbies.Writing/#general
http://www.how-to-write-a-book.net/
http://www.authorhouse.com/ContactUs/FreePublishingGuide~source~OLC~keyword~First+Time+Author.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-publishing
http://www.booksjustbooks.com/
(a good example of how much self-publishing would cost)
http://www.gregathcompany.com/gloss.html
(good author glossary on terms)
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/find_a_book_publisher.htm

Hopefully that will help a little. I really wish I could help more, but I am just researching myself. Again- Congrats!!!

Answer 3

carry it to a publisher and have them edit it and see if it is good for a new novel--wait? did you write it? or di you read it? nvm, i just got two points--thx!

Answer 4

i think you have to find an agent first. many publishers won't even look at your work if it doesn't come from an authorized agent. you should be able to google an agent. careful though.

Answer 5

Congratulations, pryceless.
Now the work really begins.

Answer 6

send it to a publisher

Answer 7

Read another one.