Guide to Crafting a Novel Valuable Enough for Publication
In the world of writing, having a "Nice Try" folder for manuscripts that are not quite ready for publication can be a helpful way to organise one's work. It's important to remember that losing interest in a manuscript or finding it filled with cliches, plot holes, and literary conventions may be signs that it's not suitable for publication.
For those who aspire to write a publishable book, there are multiple ways to achieve this goal in today's day and age. From traditional publishing to self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and serialization, there's a path for every author. Self-publishing, in particular, requires hiring a professional editor to prepare the work for publication.
Investing in learning grammar, genre conventions, and style guides is crucial for any writer. Writing without knowing the craft is likened to scuba diving without an air tank, running a marathon without proper shoes, or driving a car with eyes closed. Reading widely is essential for a successful writing career, as it allows writers to become fluent in their craft, see what works for other authors, and stay on top of what's happening in the publishing industry.
Reading should include various genres, from contemporary and young adult to romance, how-to manuals, and classics. Following trends in writing, however, is not advised. Trends may become outdated by the time a work is published, and writing a novel in an attempt to capitalize on them can result in works lacking originality and personality.
Manuscripts go through a revision process, often upwards of ten times. Knowing when to let go of a manuscript can be difficult, especially when it's written into a hole or lacks focus. A manuscript may be a practice run or a trial edition, and it's important to know when that's the case.
A disclaimer stating "In the event of my death, DO NOT publish posthumously" can be added to a manuscript that is not meant for publication. Writing crappy manuscripts is okay as long as it's recognized and not intended for publication.
The most successful publishing houses for historical fiction include Penguin Random House, which encompasses imprints like Knaus Verlag known for literary and historically oriented novels, and Carcosa Verlag, notable for publishing Ursula K. Le Guin’s historical novel Lavinia in German for the first time. Penguin Random House's imprint also features bestselling historical novel series such as Rena Rosenthal's "Die Hofgärtnerin".
Writing a manuscript that feels like drinking three-week-old urine with ground up ceramic is a sign it may not be suitable for publication. It's important to remember that the journey of writing and publishing is a long and challenging one, but with perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn, success can be achieved.
