Leaving Well Enough Alone?

popmuze · May 18, 2009

My agent has just recently agreed to send around my latest YA novel. Today, however, I came up with three or four more potential chapters I could write, taking place after my current ending.

Should I
A) Write the pages and tell my agent to include them with the submission.
B) Think of them as the first three chapters of the sequel.
C) Drop my agent a line to get his reaction.
D) Don't do anything for forty eight hours, repeat, and rinse.

blacbird · May 18, 2009

Leave well enough alone. You have an agent shopping a completed novel, which puts you about a dozen light years ahead of 99% of us, probably ahead of where 98% will ever be. Presumably you brought that novel to a satisfactory finish, or the agent likely wouldn't be pitching it. Consider your new ideas, which take place after your "current " ending, as something for the next book.

caw

RJK · May 18, 2009

I agree with the bird. Let sleeping dogs lie. In the remote case that a publisher says they like it, but it needs more, guess what, you're ready with just what he is looking for. If not, the chapters won't go to waste, they'll be a great beginning to book #2 in the series.

NicoleMD · May 18, 2009

I guess it depends on what those four chapters accomplish. Do they offer a secondary climax at least 80% as intense as the first? Are they just more denouement? Do they bring up new and exciting questions and situations?

The first I might consider adding to the novel. The second I would scrap. The third I would use for a second book in the series. Not knowing a thing about what you've written or have in mind, that is. Might be fun to write it anyway and see.

Nicole

scribbler1382 · May 18, 2009

Talk to your agent.

Izz · May 18, 2009

Talk to your agent.

psykeout · May 19, 2009

I'd agree with the first couple of people. Keep it under wraps. Your agent has agreed to sell your book, why put the possibility out there that they change their mind? If they like it, why screw with it?

You've got a couple of chapters, which could probably be stretched out to make another book if it's intriguing enough. As RJK said, if the publisher wants more, you're ready. If not, then start working on that sequel! Besides, it's easier to get a series out there if you've already got your foot in the door with an agent...or at least that's what I've heard.

Epiphany · May 19, 2009

I think you should talk to your agent. Hell, that's like... 30 minutes of reading, right? If anything, they'll just say to save it for the next book. Maybe they'll think it's genius and want to change it immediately. Whatever it is, they aren't going to do something as rash as dropping you for submitting another four chapters. Tell them about your potential chapters and get their reaction, and if it is good, then write the chapters asap.

JJ Cooper · May 19, 2009

Let it be. Your agent thought it good enough to shop as is. Some agents may not really like changes or suggestions made whilst they're submitting. Could cause some mild angst.

If your MS doesn't find a home and/or your agent suggests a different approach, have those pages ready to rumble. Same if you land a publisher. Don't make those suggestion IMO. Just wait and see what the editor comes up with. They may well like it the way it is or make suggestions along the lines you're thinking.

So, write it up and have it at the ready if need be. Start your new book with the additional information if you like. More importantly, just start the new book and try not to worry about the submission.

JJ

RunawayScribe · May 19, 2009

Your agent's sending it around...you're far ahead of a lot of writers with that alone. Leave well enough alone. Keep the pages ready in case anyone suggests further changes, but I wouldn't go muddling with it now.

caitysdad · May 27, 2009

wait 48 hours to make sure you still like your ideas, then talk to your agent.

allenparker · May 27, 2009

If you know where the next three chapters are leading, write them as a start to the next book. It doesn't necessarily have to be a sequel. It could just be the next in a line of books about and for the same characters.

All things considered, the worst thing that happens you have to empty the recycle bin tomorrow.

just a thought...

Leaving Well Enough Alone?

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

blacbird

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

NicoleMD

Onomatopotamus

scribbler1382

Write For You, Edit For The Reader

Izz

Doing the Space Operatic

psykeout

should be writing instead...

Epiphany

Don't kill the bar, Dude.

JJ Cooper

.

RunawayScribe

It is what it is.

caitysdad

allenparker

Naked Futon Guy