A ramble...and an odd question

What about sticking it at the end of the book, as an appendix? There are six appendices at the end of The Lord of the Rings, in my edition taking up over 100 pages.

I'm not saying your publisher will go for it, but it's a possibility. Otherwise, perhaps it could be posted online or available for free download. I agree that including the entire text within the narrative is not a good idea.

It seems likely, now that I think it through, that your friend needed to write the non-fiction book in order to really digest what she needed to know to create the novel. It's probable that the reader never needs to see it at all, and that your co-author should chalk it up to a vital--for her--part of the research process.

This is a tough question, I would think so much depends on the audience potential, and the marketing strategy that you almost have to wait untill you get to the publishing stage to make that call. Because what you're talking about here is melding two seperate pieces of info together in order to complete a picture in a medium that should only require one. I can't remember where I saw it, but I remember a story about buried treasure that was fiction based on a true story that provide a genuine map outline and some info about where and how the treasure was buried which was suppose to be true. It was a long time ago. soory I can't remember the book.

nccreative said:

But, again, this book within a book is what is dear to the author

Click to expand...

It sounds to me as if YOU'RE now the author. Do you have some sort of contract outlined with the original author? If you don't, I suggest doing so now, before stuff gets complicated.

A fascinating problem. I'm no expert, the only other novel I can think of that includes non-fiction is Moby Dick. If nothing else works, maybe you have two books, each could refer the reader to the other. I had another thought, but you already answered it.

Just an idea, but... it sounds like the non-fiction info really gets in the way of the story. But, the primary author isn't willing to let it go. I would suggest, putting it in a separate section, chapter, or appendix...and letting the editor cut it if the novel is published.

Of course, if the primary author is so emotionally attached to the info, she may not let it be published without the fact dump.

Part of what makes a good writer is the ability to weave research into your story seamlessly, to translate it into a work of fiction. As a reader, I wouldn't appreciate seeing a big chunk of non-fiction added on if it wasn't directly related to the plot. And I think if you put it in the Appendix, most people will just skip it anyways. When I buy a novel, it's because I want to read a story not the research that inspired the story.

Anyone remember Celestine Prophecy? James Redfield couldn't create a character or a dialogue or a plot if his life depended on it, but it didn't. His idea caught on and millions bought the book, overlooked his horrible prose, and loved it.

Celestine Prophecy was a phenomenon, an early version of Chicken Soup for the X, a self-help philosophy, message, formula, whatever, done as fiction. Redfield was told by somebody that his main idea was too dry, but if he fictionalized it, the thing might sell. I don't know why millions bought it. I do know he self-published at first, then self-sold 6,000 from the trunk of his car, until it got so big a publisher couldn't say no.

So, that's one for fictionalized philosophy. I'd call it blind luck. I think you're trying to push on a rope, but I haven't seen what you've read, so what do I know? Good luck with this project. You'll need it.