I have a book idea, but no agent and no manuscript. What next?

Question

I have a great idea for a book, and I think it would be well received. Do I need to write the book first or can I sell it first and then write it? Or what?

Answer 1

You have to write the book first, and it should be different from other stuff you've read. It will need characters,  UNUSUAL things that happen to them, and correct English. No Internet language or smiley faces, no slang, no boring stuff. If you try and write like someone else, people will notice, and not like it.

AFTER you write it, read it out loud along with the punctuation to see if it needs commas, periods, etc. If it does, go through it again, and fix it. When it's finished -- about 200 pages --  THEN look for an agent.

Answer 2

You have to write the book first. A publisher or whoever would by the book wouldn't buy it before it is even written. Write it first and then get some opinions on it (friends and family) and then have someone professional look at it and hope that you get it published.

Answer 3

if it's fiction you should get down and dirty and get it written. writing takes a lot of practice, sometimes years, so begin, now. good luck.

Answer 4

write the book first.  You have to have something to get presented.  Since you are unknown, you have to prove yourself before anyone would buy an idea.

Answer 5

Plop down in your chair and write your book. Try and make it the best it can be as you write, but write until you get to the end. For a first timer, the best length is 80,000 words.

Once you have the FIRST DRAFT finished, take a little break and let it settle. Then go back and start from the beginning to edit and revise. Fix your spelling, grammar, plot holes, etc.

I do NOT suggest you rely on your friends and family for honest opinions on your writing and story. They love you and no matter how honest they think they are being, they will be biased in your favor.

You'll want to find yourself a critique partner or group who will be honest with you. Perhaps a group that has some established authors who can help you with the business aspect of being a writer as well as the technical aspects.

They key is to remember that if you are working toward publication, this is now a business for you and not a hobby. Once you get published you will hae a lot more responsibility, but I promoise it will be worth it!

Karen Syed Guest Blogging at Emerging Author

http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com

Answer 6

Uh, yeah.  You do have to write it first.  You can't sell ideas.  Once you are an established author you may get hired for books that you haven't written yet, but that's a long way down the road.  Check out the Snowflake Method for getting your ideas organized, and NaNoWriMo for a support group atmosphere and people to bounce ideas off of and get opinions from.