Writing Update

On By Mick CanningIn Work in progress, writing

I haven’t done one of these for a long time. For anyone wondering what has happened to my novel in progress, it’s finished. Hurrah! I know there were two earlier versions which got discarded as soon as I had finished them, but I’m really pleased with this one – it’s the book I had visualised when I began it nine years ago. Only better. When I had finished the earlier versions, I felt relief they were finished, but no joy. This time, I’m really happy with what I’ve written. I know it’s what I want to say.

Irrelevant photo. Because.

It has had the attention of several beta readers and is now all the better for their suggestions. It has also had what I hope will be the final edit, and I am beginning the process of looking for a publisher or an agent. This means a lot of research and writing both long and short synopses. And then, I suppose, months of waiting to see whether I have any luck.

There is also poetry and zine-making going on sporadically, plus some currently vague ideas for another novel.

It’s all go, I tell you.

34 thoughts on “Writing Update”

  3. That’s great news, Mick! Congratulations. Do not give up now, the process of querying needs nerves of steel. Try both publishers who accept unagented mss and agents. You can also have direct feedback by paying for a one to one with an agent via Jericho Writers. They have a list of agents and you can choose one that fits your book. I’ve had good feedback (although none asked to represent me, which is always the hope…) Good luck!

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    1. Thanks, Marina. I’m going to focus on agents at first, but obviously if I draw a blank I might well look at approaching publishers. I have told myself I’ll put a limit on how long I try, though.

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  4. John Bainbridge's avatar John Bainbridge

    Well done! I’m just trying to gear myself up to write my next novel. Worth seeking out the Writer’s and Artist’s Year Book. They list agents and publishers who are legit. Lots of conmen and sharks are online.

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      1. John Bainbridge's avatar John Bainbridge

        I did a survey a few weeks ago – given that I get plagued by so-called agents, publishers, publicists all seemingly fascinated by my book. All phoney of course. Over the past few years I have been approached by a few legit publishers wanting to take them on. So far I’ve refused.

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  14. Nine years is a long time, Mick. Hope you find a publisher – but it might, in today’s market, be worth considering self-publishing.

    I’m also working on another novel – mine’s been forming for around three years, but I think I’m almost at the penultimate edit stage!

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    1. Thanks, Robbie. I’m sure you won’t remember, but a few years back when I blogged I was stuck on the novel and feeling like abandoning it, you commented it would probably be my magnum opus. Who knows what will happen?

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