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advice

  • 08-06-2010 02:01AM
    #1
    segarox
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭


    i need some advice... i've been writing a novel for a few months now and i'm on the 108th page and what i need to ask is should you submit a sample of an unfinished manuscript to an agent. i need to know as i've watched a vid saying you should have a finished manuscript and i've read an article saying you send in unfinished work.


Comments

  • #2
    EileenG
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,775 ✭✭✭EileenG


    No, no, no. Never submit an unfinished MS to anyone. In fact, even when you finish it, don't submit it. Leave it to cool, then go back and edit, edit and edit again. If you don't, you will cringe in embarrassment later when you look at what you tried to sell, which is so far below the standard you can reach when you put the effort into it.

    Trying to sell an unfinished MS is like expecting to win X factor when you haven't learned to sing in tune yet.

    And any agent which expresses any interest in an unfinished MS will sooner or later ask you for money. Or encourage you to do a spot of vanity publishing. The good agents are flooded under with more finished polished work than they can handle.

    Apart from anything else, you'd be amazed how many people write three quarters of a novel, then give up and never finish it.


  • #3
    smcgiff
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,943 ✭✭✭smcgiff


    What EileenG said,

    By submitting unfinished work you are only reducing the amount of agencies/publishers you can submit your work to when finished.

    As you've probably heard it's very hard for your very best work, which will need to be edited fully at least once when fully finished, to get published.

    Also, absolutely no reputable agency/publisher will want to see an unfinished work by an unknown. Unfortunately Google will be able to throw up loads that will be glad to take an unfinished work, but will eventually ask for money.

    Finish your novel, then (and only then) submit knowing you've given it your best shot!


  • #4
    segarox
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭segarox


    well thanks loads for the advice, i really apprieciate it


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