advice on novel

cmbutterfly45

hi, im not working at the moment and have started writing a novel which i have always wanted to do. ive got the first 3 chapters written and am wondering does anyone know how i would go about sending it to a publisher or even if there is any point its a story about an undercover fbi agent who gets burned and subsequently moves to ireland on the witness protection programme story is part mystery skipping from past to present giving many options of who could be torturing her and the reasons that she has ended up where she is in the first place. id like peoples opinion on the plotline, im not interested in earning money its just something ive always wanted.

EileenG

I suggest you write the whole thing before you approach a publisher. Then send the first three chapters (rewritten and edited and polished so they glow) and a detailed synopsis to the publisher of your choice.

If you have a proven track record, a publisher might be prepared to consider an unwritten novel on the back of a few chapters, but not for a newcomer. You may never finish it, or it may turn into a completely different book from the one in your head right now, and publishers know that. Once you have it written, you can tell your publisher "I have written a novel of X words, aimed at the Thiller / Chick lit / whatever market."

We'll certainly help with the plot, but you have to tell us about it.

pickarooney

I reckon you should get it peer-reviewed before going near a publisher or even an agent. And definitely write at least a couple of complete drafts before doing either.

EileenG

Join a writing group (there's one where several members of this forum meet) and get feedback. It's amazing how often you love something in your novel that everyone else can see just doesn't work. Or something you are dubious about is what makes it for your readers.