/lit/ - Literature

In my country, Russia, I had two friends who use this Facebook to tell me my parent has died. I tell my friend that in great country of Russia we use door to tell people these things. I take my friend outdoors to country and I shoot them dead. They no friends no more.

Bump!

You shouldn't have to pay to get your work read. There are plenty of reputable publishing houses that will look over your manuscript free of charge.

I'm not that savvy on this, though. There's a section in On Writing that will answer your questions better than we can. All I remember is that King frowns heavily on those who charge reading fees.

>>2265011

Wow, really? I thought that even to get my manuscript read or stand any chance in hell was a feat in itself. I heard that I would need an agent and getting an agent is extremely hard and that there's a 99% chance most won't even read it- that it would go into the "round file".

I've been working so hard for so long, putting all my heart and soul into this book for many years. I'd at least like a fair chance with it at some point.

When you say there's a section on this, is that on the website I posted or some where else?

Thank you very much for your kind help, anon. It's greatly appreciated.

Friendly bump before bedtime. Hopefully I'll have more information by the morning.

>>2265033
>When you say there's a section on this, is that on the website I posted or some where else?

Somewhere else.
In "On Writing.
By Stephen King.

Personally, I think it sounds like a scam. As someone else pointed out, if your manuscript is anything promising, agents/editors will talk to you about it when you send it to them - for free. If it's shit and there's too much to be done, what input do you think you'll get at this convention?
Plus, "agents and editors", sounds impressive. But be reminded, you are a writer. That doesn't mean you're an experienced writer, or even a good writer. You catch my drift?
Worst case scenario, they'll talk you into self-publishing, since - what a coincidence! - they have some people from that business right there, and a lot of great writers did that etc.
If you want to blast some money out, I'd rather suggest looking for a freelance editor with a good reputation and no connections to self-publishing and have him look over your work and get his input.

>>2265560

I see. I'll try to hunt down that book by Stephen King. I also wasn't aware that even with a promising manuscript it would be read by agents/publishers and you would be given a fair shot. Also, is self publishing or online publishing a bad idea to get started? I'm not even sure how all of that works to be honest.

Thank you very much for your information and advice.

If you've written an entire novel without workshopping...

Lol.

>>2266334

Why "lol"? And how does workshopping work?

Bumping before bed.

Jesus, OP. I'm going to, in the graciousness of my good heart, pretend you're not trolling.

WORKSHOP YOUR HORRIBLE MANUSCRIPT. Google that shit, I'm not going to explain it. But, for Christ's sake, find a tough workshop group with authors who actually get things published.

After you've workshopped and edited, rinse and repeat, submit it to fantasy publishers. You'll get a response letter which falls into three categories:

(1) You're horrible, don't contact us again (bottom ~70%)
(2) You're horrible, your work is not right for us (middle ~25%)
(3) We like your work/ think you show promise, your work is not right for us, but show us other stuff you have (top ~5%)

If you don't have a few of those (3) letters, then you're throwing your money in a pit, because many other people at these meet and greets will have and they're who the editors and agents are looking for.

>>2267844

Thanks for the advice, although I don't think my manuscript is horrible. I do agree that going to these workshops and polishing it in any way that I can would certainly be beneficial and only get me further, so I will certainly look into them.

As far as the three letters go, it doesn't sound too promising but I guess a lot of people who have no business writing submit manuscripts for whatever reasons. I've put a whole lot of work into my novel and while I'm not claiming to be the best writer of all time, I certainly think at the very least I've got something decent and hopefully more.

You say at these "meet and greet" conferences they're looking for people who've received these letters? If they received approvals why are they looking to get more publishers and if they've been turned down, why would they want to advertise it?

Thanks for the information.

Bumping before bed.

New day, new bump for more advice and opinions!

>I have just about finished a fantasy novel

>What do you make of this?
Sounds like one those get-rich-quick scams.

>>2271686
>What do you make of this? Have any of you been to this or something similar? Is it worth the $400-$650
Glad you asked, OP. Now stand back and get ready to be aMAZed at the possibilities!