I have an unpublished science fiction book? How do I get the word out about it?

Question

I am trying to publish my first science fiction novel. I know all the procedures for publishing a book, but so far it is very frustrating. I keep getting rejected. I know this is a normal part of book publishing, but I want to know if there is a website where I can post part of my book online so other people can read it and give me feedback about it. Perhaps if I make my book known, it will have a better chance of getting published. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Just keep at it. While you are waiting on the first novel, I would start on the next one. Getting rejected doesn't necessarily mean the novel is bad, there could be several reasons for being rejected. Posting part of your novel is a good idea and you can get good feedback. But remember, take it with a grain of salt. You will get bad advice also. Critters is a good one, but you have to read so many before you get yours read. I would like to read your novel and, if you like, I could give you a look at mine. Being a fellow science fiction writer, we could help each other. I'm currently working on my fourth novel in The Galactic Seven series.

Answer 2

No.

Publishers do not troll around sites looking for potential books to publish. Getting your unpublished book "known" will do you absolutely no good. The reality of the publishing world is this: the places that will allow anyone to post anything attract people who want to post anything. The typical person who visits a lot of these "writer sites" isn't looking to get or offer constructive criticism. They are looking for someone to pat them on the back.

There are three reasons a book is rejected:
1. The book sucks...and no tree should have to die because of it.
2. The author is breaking submission guidelines (i.e. submitting to publishers who only look at agented work without using an agent), or submitting to publishers who are not interested in the type of book he is offering
3. The book just doesn't fit with the publisher's current plans

Before you can worry about 2 and 3, you need to worry about 1. Besides your friends and family, who has read the book? Have you gotten any real feedback? Maybe attended a writing seminar or workshop?

If you want, I will look at the first 3 pages. No, I am not publishing sci-fi novels at this time (though we are looking for genre poetry), but I can give you a heads up if there are things you are doing wrong that are causing the rejections. Message me via YA and I'll provide you with an e-mail address.

Answer 3

I wouldn't suggest putting any of it online, not yet. And publishers are not exactly reading websites, looking for the next big thing.

If the book keeps getting rejected, consider a few things. Publishers only look at the book propsal, they don't read the whole book. Are you submitting the whole book? That might not be the best idea. Instead, submit a query letter with a smaple chapter, asking if they would like to see more and could provide any feedback. Some smaller, independent publishers will give you feedback if you ask them nicely.

Consider a local writers group. Science fiction is fairly popular so it shouldn't be too much of a problem finding a group to join. There are writers groups online, if you want to consider that, some might be in your local area.

hope this helps.

Answer 4

Whoa. Don't post excerpts online.

At some publishing houses, that's considered publication, and a cause for rejection of the manuscript that contains portions which have been publicly available.

Besides, it won't accomplish anything to post it in public. The public can say it's great or it's bad, but it takes skill to help the author figure out what works, what doesn't work, and how to fix the latter.

Sounds to me like you need a writing site with high-level critique. Consider http://critters.org and/or AbsoluteWrite.com/forums Both have active, knowledgeable critique available in exchange for the same.

Answer 5

If it is fantasy, sci fi, or horror, join critters.org