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Anyone know anything about what to do when you've finished a book? I'm just a second year college student and I've just finished writing my first novel. I've hardly told anyone about it (my family doesn't even know) and haven't told any of my profs, either. Even the ones I talk with more, including the monks (I go to a Benedictine school and we have a monastery on campus). So, should I tell anyone? Should I have anyone read it? If so, who? As someone who's barely twenty years old, do I stand any chance at all of being published? If I want to push forward with it, what should I do?...wow, I'm full of questions. I'd just very much like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
Posts: 45 | Registered: Mar 2000
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Though I've never attempted to publish a book, my impression is that if the book is good, it will get published.
My recommendation would be to go to the library and look at OSC's books on writing, Characters and Viewpoint and How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy. Even if your book is not science fiction, OSC gives some advice on getting published that should apply universally. Also look on the shelf where you find those books and see if anything else catches your eye.
Also, I would get people to read it. Not just family, but intelligent, unbiased people that can tell you where your book is lacking.
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Since I'm not a published writer, (at least, not a paid one), I can only advise you to have others read your book. Look for people you trust to be honest. Even if the first person hates it, or loves it, show it to someone else. They can often point out things you didn't consider, ask questions about obscurities, and in general make your story more understandable to someone who doesn't know you. A good way to do this is join one of the writer's groups here, and submit your book chapter by chapter, but it may take awhile so you'd have to be patient.
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