After finishing my first gay romance novel, I realized I love writing and have been writing ever since. However, I have no idea how to go about submitting my work for possible publication. I'm would consider print, e-books small periodicals. I assume I would need someone to edit or critique my work prior to submitting to the likes of Torquere Press or Samhaim. Does anyone have any suggestions or had any experience in this?
Thanks!
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58,024 / 50,000
Jan 2, 2008 - 14 59
In March of '06 I began writing my first gay fantasy romance novel. I finished it around July, polished it for a month and submitted it to a small press publisher mid-August. It was rejected, so I did some more editing and sent it out to another publisher. Rejected. I did this about six times before someone said they were interested in September of '07. Mid-December they contacted me and said they wanted to publish my novel. Currently, I'm waiting for the contract to come in the mail.
I never had any sort of professional edit or critique, although I did sent the manuscript to several people who had given good review of my other work on places like FictionPress. I have a feeling I got really lucky, because I've heard it can take dozens of rejection letters before you get accepted. If I remember correctly, Samhain rejected my novel. Torquere rejected a novella I wrote, but said they'd be interested if I could clear up the characters' motivations a bit. I haven't had time to do that yet, though.
I hope this helps and good luck with your book!
----------Breach: When a sexsomniac meets an incubus, sparks fly, but can they stop hating themselves long enough to fall in love with each other? Find out at http://katicalocke.livejournal.com/.
92,719 / 50,000
Jan 4, 2008 - 08 00
Thank you so much for your answer. I'm not even close to submit my work yet, however your words give a little hope. At his point, I'm working on polishing the novel and have a couple of friends editing it. The good thing, is that I'm writing because I enjoy it a lot and even if I'm never published, I'll keep doing it. At least until all those boys inside my head get their own story. Each one keep pushing me to get their own story, and won't not leave me alone until they have it.
Congratulations on your soon to be publish book. And good luck with your novella, hope Torquere finally decides to accept it!
50,143 / 50,000
Jan 6, 2008 - 20 02
larri,
I write for Torquere, regularly.
As long as it's well written and interesting, they'll probably take it. the hard part is screwing up your courage to send it. May i say "send it! Send it!"
Turn of the Screw is a great place to submit at TQ. Your book is serielized for a year, then out as a complete book for 2 more.
----------My 2005 Julno pirate novel just finished its run.
50,200 / 50,000
Jan 8, 2008 - 11 08
I have gay romances published with Ellora's Cave and Liquid Silver Books. Both expect a good story, self-edited for basic grammar, spelling, POV, etc. Getting a critique from someone knowledgable about basic editing would be a good thing and might improve your chances at being published. No matter how great the story is, if the manuscript is full of technical errors, most editors will reject it. They don't have the time to teach Editing 101 unless they are sure you have written the next NYT bestseller.
The critique group I'm in has always been helpful but it is restricted to members of the RWA chapter. There are also online classes in self-editing.
Shayla
----------Shayla Kersten
www.shaylakersten.com
Past Lies (2007 NaNo Novel), Ellora's Cave, Available now
Longing For Eternity, Ellora's Cave, Available July 2nd
A Helping Hand, Ellora's Cave, Available Aug 27th
Keket's Curse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Jan 2009
92,719 / 50,000
Jan 10, 2008 - 03 51
Thank you so much for the encouragement, I really need it :)
I'd been terrified of showing my work. When I started writing, the possibility of submitting it, never crossed my mind. After all, my husband was the one that suggested I write, just to entertain myself. Once I finished, he suggested, to submit my novel, after all the worse thing that can happen is that they reject my work. Right now there two people editing the novel and I'm really thinking about submitting it.
Congratulations on your book!
92,719 / 50,000
Jan 10, 2008 - 04 03
Shayla,
Thank you for your response, I really appreciate the suggestions.
One of the people critiquing my book is knowledgeable in editing, the other one is helping me with the use of the right expressions as English is my second language. The process had been quite an experience and not as terrifying as I thought, kind of fun, as a matter of fact.
so you write for Ellora's and LSB... I might have some of your books...
50,200 / 50,000
Jan 14, 2008 - 12 01
You're welcome!
And if you have any of my books, I hope you enjoyed them! :D
Shayla
----------Shayla Kersten
www.shaylakersten.com
Past Lies (2007 NaNo Novel), Ellora's Cave, Available now
Longing For Eternity, Ellora's Cave, Available July 2nd
A Helping Hand, Ellora's Cave, Available Aug 27th
Keket's Curse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Jan 2009
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Jun 25, 2008 - 08 38
It is so refreshing to see other gay romance authors. It's about time we stop treating gay people as somehow "deviant". I share your love for these novels, and also write them.
Please check out my site at www.beautobeau.com. I would love to share these with you. Let's all embrace our differences as well as our samenesses.
B.K. Wright
----------BK Wright