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!
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