Writing a work of fiction...

[Bronn]

Anyone here done any serious writing?

I've been world-building a fictional world for a while now, in anticipation of doing some writing about the happenings within it. I'm on the verge of the actual writing itself, and I'm conflicted about how exactly I want to proceed.

At first, my goal was to have a series of 4 full novels. They would be 500-700 pages or so in length, and all following a few central characters.

 

Lately, though, I've tossed around the idea of either going to some sort of serial format (more than a comic, but less than a novella), or some novellas that could eventually be compiled into an omnibus (like Wool.)

 

Also, I'm conflicted as to what format I want to start with. I'm leaning digital with the option of printing a few hard copies, but sometimes wonder if I should go full digital or full print.

 

I want to go full self-publishing at first. Down the road if someone wants to pick it up, that'd be great, I just don't want to get too optimistic.

 

Anyone have any experience in self-publishing or fiction writing? Any opinions on the digital vs. hard copy formats? How about the serial/novella/novel decision?

[PhillyB]

what's your goal as a writer? to see your book in print, or to get people to read it? if it's the former, by all means, have fun with the process (and expect to shell out some cash along the way.) if it's the latter, know that as a first time author you're going to have a very hard time getting any literary agent/publishing house to even consider looking at a manuscript that long (unless you've already been publishing shorter pieces through other venues for years.)

 

either way have fun with the process. my book isn't fiction but i'm finally finishing it up this summer after working on it for a year and a half, so i'll be entering the world of literary agents and manuscript submissions before terribly long... i'll be sure to pass along any experiences that might help you.

[Floppin]

what's your goal as a writer? to see your book in print, or to get people to read it? if it's the former, by all means, have fun with the process (and expect to shell out some cash along the way.) if it's the latter, know that as a first time author you're going to have a very hard time getting any literary agent/publishing house to even consider looking at a manuscript that long (unless you've already been publishing shorter pieces through other venues for years.)

 

either way have fun with the process. my book isn't fiction but i'm finally finishing it up this summer after working on it for a year and a half, so i'll be entering the world of literary agents and manuscript submissions before terribly long... i'll be sure to pass along any experiences that might help you.

As a friend of quite a few professional writers, and being somewhat of a writer myself, digital self publishing is the best way to start your career. Sell your works digitally in E-reader formats through Amazon. You can set your own prices and once you reach a certain level of popularity you will be approached by publishers that wish to pick you up for a print edition. 

[Floppin]

You can change your prices as you want when you self publish and this allows for an incredible level of self promotion. Days where you offer your book as a free download. Anything to get people reading and talking about your work - positive Amazon reviews...etc. 

[Bronn]

TBQH I think it is somewhat both, but with other factors involved too.

Originally, it was to be something to share with my son as he got older. Something that I could read to him that would be original and something that made him feel included. Now I've got son #2 imminent, and that's steering me to keep on working on it to get it here to share with both of them.

 

I've been inspired by a lot of the stuff I've read over the last few years and just thought it would be fun to develop my own realm and the characters in it. To be the creator of a world and the teller of its story. Crafting a world and shaping the fate of the beings within it. There's also a central theme that plays a part of the whole story, which is both inspiring and depressing at the same time. That's all I will say without giving too much away.

 

But yeah. It'd be nice to see it come to fruition. If nothing else, for my sons. I'd love to have other people interested in it, though, and I think they would be.

[TheRumGone]

like Floppin said digital is probably the best way to go at first

 

I have no idea the costs of self-publishing but you could finance it through the money you make from digital downloads so your sons have a physical copy.

 

I've always wanted to write a novel, but i'm starting small with some articles i've written based off interviews i've conducted the past couple of months to try and find my own unique writing voice.

 

Good luck man, sounds really cool.

[pstall]

If you go the e pub route really utilize facebook. Not spamish type stuff but you get that already.

[PhillyB]

As a friend of quite a few professional writers, and being somewhat of a writer myself, digital self publishing is the best way to start your career. Sell your works digitally in E-reader formats through Amazon. You can set your own prices and once you reach a certain level of popularity you will be approached by publishers that wish to pick you up for a print edition. 

 

a good alternative option but there is no exposure like getting stocked in brick-and-mortar bookstores

[Inimicus]

Hugh Howey might prove to be a good case study:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Howey

 

Basically self published a series in short story format that has been pulled together as a single edition (Wool)

 

He was able to start off small with the shorter format and let that build as he had a direct feedback channel from his audience.

[Bronn]

lol Inimicus... in the OP

 

Lately, though, I've tossed around the idea of either going to some sort of serial format (more than a comic, but less than a novella), or some novellas that could eventually be compiled into an omnibus (like Wool.)

 

 

He's the main influence on me wanting to self-publish,

[Inimicus]

lol Inimicus... in the OP

 

 

He's the main influence on me wanting to self-publish,

 

fuging wow....

 

¿its friday afternoon?

 

 

I got no better excuse

 

/facepalm...

[Floppin]

a good alternative option but there is no exposure like getting stocked in brick-and-mortar bookstores

 

 

It's not meant to be an alternative, but rather a means to an end, and I said as much. By self E-publishing you get exposure right of the bat and make a little cash, although money shouldn't be your goal at this point. You need positive feedback. When you get positive feedback you WILL be approached by national publishers about potential print editions. 

 

Publishers tool around on e-pub websites all the time, looking at indi published literature all day long. It's a way of finding books that will actually sell, before offering contracts to the author. 

 

I mean sure, you can toil away sending your manuscript into publishers, hoping to get picked up and put right into print, but this avenue is a dying system. The vast majority of successful authors start out by gaining an e-pub following. I'm not just speaking out of my rear here, a kid I grew up with's father is very successful author of over 20 Horror novels that have sold on a national level. This was his advice to me and his publishing group has, in fact, written lengthy blog discussions about the virtues of starting out as an e-publisher. 

 

I'm not saying that you can't be picked up right off the bat and put into a store as a new author, but your poo has to be goddamned amazing and you better sell yourself like a fuging champion if you ever get the opportunity to even speak to a publisher. It does happen, it's just not the easiest or most viable path taken anymore.

[PhillyB]

It's not meant to be an alternative, but rather a means to an end, and I said as much. By self E-publishing you get exposure right of the bat and make a little cash, although money shouldn't be your goal at this point. You need positive feedback. When you get positive feedback you WILL be approached by national publishers about potential print editions. 

 

Publishers tool around on e-pub websites all the time, looking at indi published literature all day long. It's a way of finding books that will actually sell, before offering contracts to the author. 

 

I mean sure, you can toil away sending your manuscript into publishers, hoping to get picked up and put right into print, but this avenue is a dying system. The vast majority of successful authors start out by gaining an e-pub following. I'm not just speaking out of my rear here, a kid I grew up with's father is very successful author of over 20 Horror novels that have sold on a national level. This was his advice to me and his publishing group has, in fact, written lengthy blog discussions about the virtues of starting out as an e-publisher. 

 

I'm not saying that you can't be picked up right off the bat and put into a store as a new author, but your poo has to be goddamned amazing and you better sell yourself like a fuging champion if you ever get the opportunity to even speak to a publisher. It does happen, it's just not the easiest or most viable path taken anymore.

 

yeah the publishing industry has changed exponentially over the past decade or two. they're no longer going to take a chance publishing something that could potentially be a flop; you're either a sure bet or you're getting a rejection letter.

 

literary agents are the middle man that you have to seek out now, especially as a first-time publisher. they're the conduit between you and the major publishing houses; if you can't get a literary agent to try to market your book for a commission, there's no chance you're going to get a bite from a direct manuscript submission.

[Doc Holiday]

fuging wow....

 

¿its friday afternoon?

 

 

I got no better excuse

 

/facepalm...

When I do that I always reply with "Who reads on message boards?"