BACKGROUND: I've just finished book 1, tho need obviously a rewrite to trim. Bk 2 is not even a vague idea. Initially, the concept was envisioned as a trilogy but I'm almost prepared to consider a duology... the concept lends itself to future stand alones if I just can't get enough of this world. I do not at this time have a synopsis of Bk1 or a remote idea of what happens next in the duo/trilogy except for the ultimate end state.
WHAT'S NEXT?: At what point do I try to solicit an agent (ie, until bk 2 is in draft form? half way done? now?)? Should I try to get an agent while trying to submit it to publishers myself (for those that don't require agented manuscripts)? I have a map for the book that's not the greatest, though it did the trick for the writing; should I try to solicit someone to make me a decent one to include in my submission package?
posted
Don't try to get an agent until this one is DONE. You really don't want to be in the position of having someone say "Send it," and having to reply: "Ok, in a couple of months, after I fix things up."
Posts: 932 | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
I second that thought. I am now at over a year and a half since I "finished" my first draft and I still don't feel like I have gotten it to full second draft status (this could be because I HATE editing) but you really need to have a book ready before you try to shop it.
You could spend time brainstorming about where book 2 needs to go while you let book 1 cool off before you dig in to do the edit. Or you could spend time on this and other boards procrastinating, not that I have . . .
posted
Not only have #1 done and ready to mail, but have several synopses ready (a one page for sure, but also a three-page or so, and a longer eight-page or so), a paragraph blurb, and a one-sentence tag line, any of which may be requested by different agents or editors and all of which will be handy when you write your queries. I'd suggest having them done ahead, because they can be harder to write than the book.
Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jun 2002
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posted
When I "finished" my novel back in October I gave it to my parents to read and then ignored it for two months. I picked it up again this month and am slowly rereading it, circling and making notes but not making any changes yet. After a chat with my dad a few nights ago in conjunction with my own fresh set of eyes on the material, I have decided (grrrr) that it needs another rewrite. (This will be my third.) I do, at least, feel more confident about this one than the previous ones.
So that's my story. I recommend finding someone who is willing to read it, bracing yourself for whatever they have to say, and coming back to it in a few monthswith fresh eyes. I used NaNoWriMo as a distraction, but perhaps you can think of something else. Hopefully, in a few months when you come back to it you'll decide it only needs a little brushing off or perhaps a bit of elbow grease here and again, then you can start looking for an agent. At the very least, I would fish for volunteers to read your query package (first 3 or so chapters + cover letter + synopsis) on F&F.
Let it sit and ferment for awhile before you go back to do edits.
Work on something else--a few short stories, some research, another book. The purpose is to prevent yourself from getting burned out on it. Enjoy the time you have to write this first book, because with deadlines after you've become published you won't have that luxury again.
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You could get a editorial consultant through the North Carolina Writer's Network (for NC writers) or perhaps hook up with http://www.noveladvice.comPosts: 17 | Registered: Dec 2004
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How did you find your agent? How long have you been with this agent?
Also, maybe the number 2 novel is the one that catches the eye of the publisher and public.
I think one should write number one, give it your all, then finish it! Go to the next, and the next, improving with every one...until your tire of the craft or have nothing else to say.
[This message has been edited by kathmandau (edited December 22, 2004).]
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Hopefully, in a few months when you come back to it you'll decide it only needs a little brushing off or perhaps a bit of elbow grease here and again, then you can start looking for an agent. At the very least, I would fish for volunteers to read your query package (first 3 or so chapters + cover letter + synopsis) on F&F. 
