At 1:19 on the very early morning of the 30th of March 2012, I've pressed the "send" button, whisking away the completed French translation of my manuscript to the one who, I sincerely hope, will soon become my editor.
I've also allowed myself last week to put a new banner-title on this blog. I think the five pictures really do a good job of showing the evolution of the band from the Quarry Men to The Beatles, as described in my novel. It's still missing Ringo, but he'll soon join the band in the second book. I still have a little more research to do before starting it, but I'm always thinking about it, so it's a good sign.
Meanwhile, I think I'll take a small break from writing. Perhaps a week or two. The translation was a lot harder than what I thought it'd be. My hat goes to all those who do that for a living!
And now I wait. Wait for the response from the reading committee, to see if the project will go forward. It's going to be hell waiting for their answer, but as we say, it's part of the game!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Translation done!
That's it. All the dialog has been translated into French. I've just finished re-reading everything and to say I'm satisfied is not a strong enough expression... I've renamed my book to "Le roman des Beatles, 1957-1960" (Literally The Beatles' Novel, 1957-1960) -While I'm pretty sure the editor won't keep that name, for now I'm satisfied with it.
The translation took a lot more work than anticipated. Partly because I was so busy I could not work at it every day, but also because the second part had so many dialog!
The translated manuscript is now in the hands of my two first and most faithful readers. I'll be waiting for their comments before sending it to the editor's reading comity.
It's another step towards publication and I could not be prouder.
Putain de bordel de merde, as we say in French!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Where I'm at...
The last few weeks have been a little busy...
A second publisher manifested an interest in my book. I met him in person two weeks ago. His request was basically this: if I do an all French version, he would offer me a contract. He also wanted total control over the cover and the title, because he wants the book to be accessible to a large audience, on sale not only in bookshops but also places like Zellers and Walmart.
I had ten days to decide if I wanted to translate the thing myself. I knew I would do it, but I spent the time before the deadline researching publishing contracts. It's a lot more complicated than it looks. And then I got lucky. A colleague of mine referred me to a friend who had already published a novel that was sold internationally. He gave me a few pointers, but the more I talked with him about my project, the more he wanted to help. So he gave me the number of his literary agent, one of the few in Quebec.
I contacted the agent who also seemed interested in my project. Now he doesn't know if he wants to represent me permanently, but for now, he's more than willing to give me a hand during the negotiations of a first contract. I don't mind giving creative control over the cover and the title, but I want to keep the international rights of my novel, so I can deal with English publishers myself (or thought my eventual agent...). Having an agent helping me negotiate, I feel confident that I won't get screwed too much for my first time!
This morning, I got a call from the publisher. He asked if I was willing to do the translation myself and how much time it would take me. I said a month. So I have until the first of April to come up with the French version, and then he will submit the book to his reading comity. They will decide if they take the project further or not.
As for the first publisher who was interested, he sent me an email last week saying that with a bilingual version, there was not much of a chance it would sell enough to make it worthwhile. Beside, with all the other publications on the Beatles, it would require a lot of marketing, which is something he was not willing to do. I replied that I was working on a French version and that it would be ready very soon. I asked if it was something he'd be interested in and I'm now waiting for an answer.
As you can see, everything is on the open, everything is still possible. I will take the next month to not only translate the book, but also to keep on sending copies of the manuscript to other publishers. As long as I don't have a contract, it's still fair game, no?
A second publisher manifested an interest in my book. I met him in person two weeks ago. His request was basically this: if I do an all French version, he would offer me a contract. He also wanted total control over the cover and the title, because he wants the book to be accessible to a large audience, on sale not only in bookshops but also places like Zellers and Walmart.
I had ten days to decide if I wanted to translate the thing myself. I knew I would do it, but I spent the time before the deadline researching publishing contracts. It's a lot more complicated than it looks. And then I got lucky. A colleague of mine referred me to a friend who had already published a novel that was sold internationally. He gave me a few pointers, but the more I talked with him about my project, the more he wanted to help. So he gave me the number of his literary agent, one of the few in Quebec.
I contacted the agent who also seemed interested in my project. Now he doesn't know if he wants to represent me permanently, but for now, he's more than willing to give me a hand during the negotiations of a first contract. I don't mind giving creative control over the cover and the title, but I want to keep the international rights of my novel, so I can deal with English publishers myself (or thought my eventual agent...). Having an agent helping me negotiate, I feel confident that I won't get screwed too much for my first time!
This morning, I got a call from the publisher. He asked if I was willing to do the translation myself and how much time it would take me. I said a month. So I have until the first of April to come up with the French version, and then he will submit the book to his reading comity. They will decide if they take the project further or not.
As for the first publisher who was interested, he sent me an email last week saying that with a bilingual version, there was not much of a chance it would sell enough to make it worthwhile. Beside, with all the other publications on the Beatles, it would require a lot of marketing, which is something he was not willing to do. I replied that I was working on a French version and that it would be ready very soon. I asked if it was something he'd be interested in and I'm now waiting for an answer.
As you can see, everything is on the open, everything is still possible. I will take the next month to not only translate the book, but also to keep on sending copies of the manuscript to other publishers. As long as I don't have a contract, it's still fair game, no?
Friday, February 3, 2012
There is an interest!
Well this is it! The first contact with an editor.
The email was simple and to the point:
Your book could interest us. I'd like to discuss it further, could you call me tomorrow at... Regards...
The email was from the son of a well known french editor in Quebec.
So of course I called him the next day, but he was in a meeting. I fired up an email saying "tried to call unsuccessfully, could you call me back, etc..."
I get an answer apologizing for an endless and unavoidable meeting and saying that he would try to reach me the next day.
And he did! The conversation was brief and I tried to answer all of his questions with enthusiasm. What could be done about the bilingualism of the novel (I was already working on a french version). Would there be a sequel (yes, the second one was on the way and I envisioned 5 more books to cover the whole story). How accurate was my novel (as accurate as a biography). Could they include pictures? (a bit strange for a novel, but why not?)
He repeated his interest for the book, told me he would read the manuscript more thoroughly (he only skimped at it), speak with his distributor regarding the possibilities of the whole project and call me back next week.
Thank you, goodbye.
And I hung up, feeling like a runner after a long marathon... I know it's only a first contact. Nothing is signed. But to know there is an interest outside friends, colleagues and family is immensely encouraging. A professional that never met me is interested in my book. He read the query letter, the synopsis and parts of the manuscript and he seems to see the potential. How can I not be excited?
Chances for me to become a published author in 2012 are looking so much better!
The email was simple and to the point:
Your book could interest us. I'd like to discuss it further, could you call me tomorrow at... Regards...
The email was from the son of a well known french editor in Quebec.
So of course I called him the next day, but he was in a meeting. I fired up an email saying "tried to call unsuccessfully, could you call me back, etc..."
I get an answer apologizing for an endless and unavoidable meeting and saying that he would try to reach me the next day.
And he did! The conversation was brief and I tried to answer all of his questions with enthusiasm. What could be done about the bilingualism of the novel (I was already working on a french version). Would there be a sequel (yes, the second one was on the way and I envisioned 5 more books to cover the whole story). How accurate was my novel (as accurate as a biography). Could they include pictures? (a bit strange for a novel, but why not?)
He repeated his interest for the book, told me he would read the manuscript more thoroughly (he only skimped at it), speak with his distributor regarding the possibilities of the whole project and call me back next week.
Thank you, goodbye.
And I hung up, feeling like a runner after a long marathon... I know it's only a first contact. Nothing is signed. But to know there is an interest outside friends, colleagues and family is immensely encouraging. A professional that never met me is interested in my book. He read the query letter, the synopsis and parts of the manuscript and he seems to see the potential. How can I not be excited?
Chances for me to become a published author in 2012 are looking so much better!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
New submissions
Seven new submissions were sent today, all to editors from Quebec.
While I was browsing the many websites of all those editors, I was surprised by the high number of paper-only submission requests.
I find it strange that in this day and age, some people don't want to take advantage of the new technology. I cannot imagine a reviewer wanting to carry around a manuscript of 600 pages instead of an e-reader like the Kindle or the iPad...
Oh well, to each his own, I guess. I just hope one of those seven will be interested in publishing me!
While I was browsing the many websites of all those editors, I was surprised by the high number of paper-only submission requests.
I find it strange that in this day and age, some people don't want to take advantage of the new technology. I cannot imagine a reviewer wanting to carry around a manuscript of 600 pages instead of an e-reader like the Kindle or the iPad...
Oh well, to each his own, I guess. I just hope one of those seven will be interested in publishing me!
Monday, January 9, 2012
First refusal letter of 2012
It's always a little disappointing to get one, but since it's the first one of the year, I had to mention it...
It could be discouraging, but since it came at the same time I'm working hard to send more demands, i found it strangely motivating...
Bring 'em on, damnit!
It could be discouraging, but since it came at the same time I'm working hard to send more demands, i found it strangely motivating...
Bring 'em on, damnit!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
New year, new strategy
I've decided to send my novel to Quebec editors and american literary agents.
Editors will receive the bilingual version of my book while the agents will be getting the translation of the first 15 pages.
Of the 22 projects sent to British agents, I've gotten 8 refusals until now. Not discouraging, but I want the project to go forward and that is why I'll be working on this side of the Atlantic from now on.
2012 is going to be the year of my first publication!
Editors will receive the bilingual version of my book while the agents will be getting the translation of the first 15 pages.
Of the 22 projects sent to British agents, I've gotten 8 refusals until now. Not discouraging, but I want the project to go forward and that is why I'll be working on this side of the Atlantic from now on.
2012 is going to be the year of my first publication!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Last chapter, take 2
In between receiving more rejection letters, I've had the time to re-write the whole last chapter of "Some Kind of Innocence", once again. I've just sent a copy to my faithful first readers, to see what they think of it, but for my part, I'm satisfied. The novel is truly finished and I'm immensely proud.
Here are the new stats:
319 pages, 103 685 words.
Here are the new stats:
319 pages, 103 685 words.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Prix Robert Cliche
I've just received two more rejections... But thankfully, I had something to keep me busy:
VLB publishing is having a contest called "Prix Robert Cliche". It's open to anyone aged 17 and more who has never published before. The price is $10 000 and the publishing of that very first book.
http://www.edvlb.com/prixrobertcliche/
(in french only, sorry!)
So I've sent my manuscript today (at the very last minute of course). I have no idea if they will consider my bilingual version, but hey, I have nothing to loose except the shipping price. They wanted the manuscript to be single page, 12 point font and double spaced... So now my novel is suddenly 625 pages!
Who cares about the trees, right?!
VLB publishing is having a contest called "Prix Robert Cliche". It's open to anyone aged 17 and more who has never published before. The price is $10 000 and the publishing of that very first book.
http://www.edvlb.com/prixrobertcliche/
(in french only, sorry!)
So I've sent my manuscript today (at the very last minute of course). I have no idea if they will consider my bilingual version, but hey, I have nothing to loose except the shipping price. They wanted the manuscript to be single page, 12 point font and double spaced... So now my novel is suddenly 625 pages!
Who cares about the trees, right?!
Monday, November 21, 2011
More submissions
Today I've send ten more submission of my project to various literary agencies. I'm halfway through the list of agencies I have, so that means I still have a lot of work to do. But it also mean that my chances of finding someone interested in my work are still good!
I've crossed my fingers for such a long time now that I'm getting cramps... At the very least the rejection letters have stopped coming in. Perhaps the remaining agencies will take the time to read what I have sent.
I've spent the last few days in a little countryhouse in the middle of the woods and I've taken the timne to re-write the last chapter of the book. I finaly have a much more satisfying version.
I can't wait for people to read it.
I've crossed my fingers for such a long time now that I'm getting cramps... At the very least the rejection letters have stopped coming in. Perhaps the remaining agencies will take the time to read what I have sent.
I've spent the last few days in a little countryhouse in the middle of the woods and I've taken the timne to re-write the last chapter of the book. I finaly have a much more satisfying version.
I can't wait for people to read it.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Four.
Two other negative letters this morning.
One very generic, but the other more personalized: she says she's sorry because she just took on two new clients and want to given them her full attention. And then she suggests I purchase her book "From Pitch to Publication", so I can learn everything I need to know about publishing my novel in Great Britain...
Ok, thanks!
One very generic, but the other more personalized: she says she's sorry because she just took on two new clients and want to given them her full attention. And then she suggests I purchase her book "From Pitch to Publication", so I can learn everything I need to know about publishing my novel in Great Britain...
Ok, thanks!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The first of many?
I just received my first rejection letter this morning. The agency takes very few new clients and they fear they would not be able to sell my project to a editor, and bla, bla, bla...
I'm not sure how I feel. It stings a bit, but on the other hand, I knew this would happen. I'm surprised it arrived so soon. I mean did they even take a look at the text or just the query letter?
Anyway, I can't give up on account of one letter... It won't be the last, that's for sure.
I have to keep on trying other agencies. I just have to listen to the training montage song from Rocky IV and I'll be good to go!
I'm not sure how I feel. It stings a bit, but on the other hand, I knew this would happen. I'm surprised it arrived so soon. I mean did they even take a look at the text or just the query letter?
Anyway, I can't give up on account of one letter... It won't be the last, that's for sure.
I have to keep on trying other agencies. I just have to listen to the training montage song from Rocky IV and I'll be good to go!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Out in the world
I have sent my project to 11 literary agents today.
It might not seem like a lot, but it is. Every agencies have their own specifications and requests so I had to customize what I was sending for each and everyone. It took me five hours to send all eleven!
I will keep on going tomorrow morning (that is around 11am for me... ;) ), I'm onto agencies starting with the letter H.
I've also put aside names of agencies that only take mail submissions. Those I will do at the end, since it requires printed copies, envelopes and stamps...
It is a weird feeling, submiting my novel to all those agencies. Depending on the tone of their websites, I was either full of hope or completely depressed. Some websites are so hostile, it's even a little scary! Most of them ask for patience, around 4 to 8 weeks for a reply.
So now I wait...
It might not seem like a lot, but it is. Every agencies have their own specifications and requests so I had to customize what I was sending for each and everyone. It took me five hours to send all eleven!
I will keep on going tomorrow morning (that is around 11am for me... ;) ), I'm onto agencies starting with the letter H.
I've also put aside names of agencies that only take mail submissions. Those I will do at the end, since it requires printed copies, envelopes and stamps...
It is a weird feeling, submiting my novel to all those agencies. Depending on the tone of their websites, I was either full of hope or completely depressed. Some websites are so hostile, it's even a little scary! Most of them ask for patience, around 4 to 8 weeks for a reply.
So now I wait...
Monday, November 7, 2011
In the beginning...
Tomorrow morning, I will begin my search for a litterary agent. I've been looking foward to this since completing the novel in August. I will use this blog as a kind of progress report on my project.
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