posted
My writing group is currently reviewing my work, and someone has pointed out that it is broken into pretty short paragraphs. I am aware of the effect this has on readers, but overnight I wondered if it matters to publishers?
Short paragraphs mean that the same number of words will require more pages. In effect, I am killing more trees. Does anyone know if this makes my book siginificantly more expensive to publish or market?
Not only does a thicker book take more paper, it also requires more shelf space in a book store. For shipping, fewer books will fit in a carton. Would this make my book less desirable to publishers?
I must admit that a significant reason for this style right now is that one of the books I am reading is "Pride and Prejudice," which uses incredibly long paragraphs. To me the long paragraphs interfere with the readability of an otherwise excellent book. I may have overreacted.
Any thoughts on this issue?
[This message has been edited by Doc Brown (edited July 12, 2001).]
posted
Long paragraphs are bad, I agree with you there. Nothing bores me like a huge chunk of text. Short paragraphs, on the other hand, are easier on the eye, but irritating if there is no reason for them. However, I assume that you paragraphed skillfully. Those are valid points for why shorter paragraphs are bad in the eyes of publishers, but then again, the are also reasons why they should like them. As you said, shorter paragraphs bulks out the book, which is infinitely more sellable since people don't mind being charged £5.99 (or the US equivalent) for a big book, while they protest at the same price for a skinny volume. A bigger book also looks more impressive. It will stand out on a shelf next to slimmer volumes, so it will catch the eye of a browsing shopper. In the end, I don't think it will make a difference. I think the main problem a publisher struggles with is finding a good and sellable story. Bugger the paragraphs, if the story's good, that's all that matters, in the end. Right? JK
Posts: 503 | Registered: Sep 2000
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