Hometown talk

It was great yesterday to have the chance to talk again at Leicester University - not only for one of the more proactive careers departments we've come across, but also as my hometown. We've given presentations/sponsored awards there a few times over the last two years and it's always a very enjoyable experience.

My partner in chat (went for a bit of Partridge there) was our very own author Andrew Blackman - whose fantastic first novel ON THE HOLLOWAY ROAD launches a week on Saturday - make sure you pick up a copy of the prize-winning book!

We had a great turn-out for the talk, around 50-60 students, and pleased to say there was standing room only as it started! We took a list of names at the end and really hope to help those looking to get into publishing/writing as much as we can.

And, for the first time in 29 years, on the way down to the station after, I noticed the station building has 'Arrivals' and 'Departures' written over it's arched entrances - clearly I should lift my eyes more often.

Tom

Comments

[Chris Allred]

Thanks Andrew for your support and advice. As an unpublished writer, I feel fortunate to be able to turn to someone who has been through what I’m going through now. I will definitely get in touch with you in the near future.
Thanks again,
Chris

[Andrew Blackman]

Hi Chris

I'd agree with all of Tom's advice. I'd also add: look out for contests. They could either be for the full novel or for the first chapter, or you could even convert episodes from the novel into short stories if appropriate. There are loads out there, both for general fiction and for specific genres - I use www.firstwriter.net to stay up-to-date.

The advantage of contests is that you're on a level playing field. Usually the manuscripts have to be anonymous, so it doesn't matter whether you have any track record, any contacts in the publishing world, etc. It's all about the writing, and that's what you want as an unpublished writer. Also, the contest organisers have actively asked for submissions and are looking for a winner, so you know your work will be read.

Good luck with your submissions, and please feel free to contact me through my website if you have more specific questions.

Andrew

[Chris Allred]

Tom,

Thank you for your reply, and hopefully I’ve done all that you said when I submitted my book to Legend Press. It is my first full-length novel and I’m proud of it.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond to my question.

Chris

[Tom]

Hi Chris,

Wouldn't really know where to start in a comment reply - but some points at random that usually come up when discussing at presentations:

1) Look for an agent and publisher (those that still accept unsolicited manuscripts) simultaneously as the process is very similar for the writer anyway.

2) Do your research - find out who does what, submission guidelines etc (Writers' Handbook is a great guide on details on publishers/agents)

3) Follow the submission guidelines (!) and try to direct to the person who will be dealing with your submission.

4) Don't try to copy - we can many writers who instantly compare themselves to someone else and (this is just a personal one - some publishers may not mind this) we're looking for something new, original and exciting.

5) Don't try to hard - we get many writers who seem to strive too hard in their writing for this 'masterpiece'. Get to know and become confident in your style, what you offer and what you want to achieve with your work.

Hope that's OK and of some help!

Tom

[Chris Allred]

What advise would you give that writer who is trying to get their first book published?