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I don't know if that is spelled correctly, but I don't feel like checking the spelling at this time (I know, I'm lazy lol) but does anyone know of any good websites or magazines or markets that accept Novellettes? If so, throw some my way. Thank you. It will help me significantly. =]
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Ever thought about trying what Stephen King did with Different Seasons. He took four novellas and published them in 1 book. You could take your novelettes (I'm under the impression that you have more than two) and put them together to make a book.
Posts: 823 | Registered: May 2009
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Okay. I really have thought about what Stephen King did. (I love Stephen King's writing; in fact, he's my inspiration) But I don't understand something: how would I combine the novellas and novellettes to put in one book? What would go on the query letter? And would the novellas have to be similiar? I do in fact have several novellas...And, for my First book that I "attempt" to get published, it wouldn't be a problem to have a few novellas in one book, even though it'll be my first?
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quote:And, for my First book that I "attempt" to get published, it wouldn't be a problem to have a few novellas in one book, even though it'll be my first?
Unfortunately, it might be for a first book. Not impossible, but probably more difficult.
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What would you say would be more difficult, though? Getting a 200,000 word novel published, or a collection of novelettes and novellas that is equivilant to about 70,000 words in one? (sorry if the structure of that sentence is jacked up lol but I have to go lol and it was rushed)
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You get short story collections (which is what it is) when you have published a number of successful novels. Usually those stories will have been published elsewhere and are reprints.
If the stories are good enough then a magazine will pick them up and you can make your name. If they aren't, then a publisher (novels) wouldn't risk it anyway, especially with an unknown.
quote:What would you say would be more difficult, though? Getting a 200,000 word novel published, or a collection of novelettes and novellas that is equivilant to about 70,000 words in one? (sorry if the structure of that sentence is jacked up lol but I have to go lol and it was rushed)
You're making an uphill battle for yourself either way. It's hard enough to get published the first time. Why make it harder?
Generally speaking novels should be between 80,000 to 120,000 words. Practically speaking, you'll have your best chance with something under 100,000 words--at least until you're known.
I know of one case where a short story collection was published for an author that does not have a novel out. It's pretty darn rare.
If you can't find a way to tighten the novel up--and I grant that's a pretty huge cut--or else break it into two (reasonably complete) novels, maybe it's time to put it on a shelf for a while and start work on something new.
Individual novelettes may not be the easiest to sell, but there are a few markets that will take them. You can always try that, too.
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Actually, there are quite a few short story authors who have collections published before they sell a novel, but it's generally by small presses, rather than major publishers.
But selling a collection made up entirely of previously unpublished stories is unlikely, even for a small press.
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Speaking of which, Eric, have you done or do you plan to do a short story collection yet?
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What about publishing a novel that has two parts (or books), each with its own dramatical development (that would mean Exposition, Climax, Resolution, Exposition, Climax, Resolution)?
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quote:What about publishing a novel that has two parts (or books), each with its own dramatical development (that would mean Exposition, Climax, Resolution, Exposition, Climax, Resolution)?
I'd call that a very short series. I don't see a problem with it.
But unless you've got some kind of an "in", I suspect your chances with a 200,000 word manuscript are pretty slim. Reading agents' blogs, a lot of them would stop right there because it would just be too hard to sell, especially in the current market/economy.
[This message has been edited by Meredith (edited May 08, 2010).]
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> Speaking of which, Eric, have you done or do you plan to do a > short story collection yet?
Kathleen, I'm working with Paper Golem Press, who published Cat Rambo's collection last year and publish the Alembical series of novella anthologies, to put out a collection later this year.
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