Authors and Writers. Any Here?

[politicalmonster]

@anthonyrosenthal - Yeah, I'm planning on doing the self publish route via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. E-readers are taking over, and I figure if it sells well enough on the Kindle, I will be able to figure out some way to get it into paperback later on.

I am currently just going through the shopping for an editor, and have it narrowed down to 12. Need to get down to three or four.

It is a really exciting process, and I am already looking forward to my next project.

BTW...All of the authors you listed are some of my favorites, but I have to add in Terry Goodkind as well. His Sword of Truth series is one of the best written I have seen in awhile.

-PM

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I keep meaning to read some Terry Goodkind, politicalmonster.

 

[lasttango]

just a few articles in a few vintage sportscards publications... I'm working on a screenplay... some non-fiction and the great american novel though ;-)

 

[eibhir]

I'm in the process of writing a medieval mystery right now. Once it's done I;m going to try out writer's relief to see about publishing. I've written a few novels, but have a bad habit of not sending them out. Good luck with yours!

 

[rmbittner]

I'm a full-time freelance writer and have been publishing since the mid-80s. Six books and hundreds of magazine pieces so far. Now, I'm working on my first novel, which should get out to agents by the end of next month.
Bob

 

[brewshooter]

You have seen my work in this and many other posts scattered here and there about the internet. Many would look on these as an unrelated series of ramblings, but they are actually the framework for a much greater story I call, Le Dynasty: A Life at the Top. Its plot has lurched along to this point, in fits and starts, but it's really about to pick up. The denouement is going to knock your socks off!!!!

 

[chopz]

stuff related to music theory for guitarists but that hardly counts as writing and the books aren't prose or anything.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Be it for a newspaper, cards, music theory for guitarists (I'd read that. I play) or whatever. It counts. Good luck everyone.

 

[rmbittner]

politicalmonster wrote:

I am currently just going through the shopping for an editor, and have it narrowed down to 12. Need to get down to three or four.

Wow, I'm really surprised that you've found 12 good candidates. I'm not sure what criteria you're using to narrow down the field, but my own recommendation would be that you go with an editor who is familiar not only with SF but with your particular subgenre. And I'd stress "editor." Editing isn't the same as reading. . . or proofreading. . . or writing. You want someone who will catch inconsistencies that arise between something you say in Chapter 2 and something you say in Chapter 28, someone who can point out errors in fact, suggest ways to improve the flow of the story, highlight things that will be confusing to readers, and generally do everything possible to help your manuscript become the best book it can be. And don't be overly swayed by your budget: To compete, you need a finished book that can stand beside anything produced by the major houses. Assuming this is at least a standard-length novel (at least 80,000 words), you should expect to pay anywhere from $1,200-$4,000 for professional editing -- unless you know a professional personally who's willing to do you a favor.
That said, my whole career has been in traditional publishing -- proofreader, editor, now freelancer -- so I'd encourage you to at least consider that route before taking on the investment required by self-publishing. Of course, that's totally your call, though!
Wish you the best with this project!
Bob

 

[jerry]

I've written two books, many articles, lots of advertising copy and a blog. Nothing about pipes, though ... but I'm usually smoking one while I write

 

[politicalmonster]

@rmbittner - Yeah, I found a freelance editor website, and posted a job request. Got a good number of responses, and then had them do a sample edit of my first chapter. From that I was able to see who had an editing style that matched what I was looking for. I thought about doing the traditional publishing route, but Amazon has some good programs if you publish through them, and I don't really want to spend the time looking for an agent, and then waiting on responses from publishing houses. I am confident my book is good, and am willing to let the readers decide.

(OK. I admit it. I am just not patient enough to go the traditional route...lol)

But thanks for the tips!

-PM

 

[rondyr]

If anyone needs the services of an editor, a "polisher", ghost-writer, or plain ol' honest critic, let me know. I love to read. My services are, for the most part, free to those who I consider a friend, and that includes you Brothers (and Sisters) of the Briar.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

@ rondyr I may look you up when my book is finished if you consider me a friend and the offer still stands when I'm finished.

 

[dizzieranddizzier]

glad I found this thread! I wrote a novel for nanowrimo last year that I've gotten some positive feedback from (not universally positive, oh hell no!). it's a sort of comedy. sort of. It's here if you're interested: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/149685
I want to write a SF/fantasy for the next one.
As for the people looking for publishers, I wish them all the luck in the world (and that's what you'll need in a way since you're competing against all the writers in the world!)