Serializing Novel

arainsb123 · Jun 13, 2005

My novel was rejected today by a publisher, but the rejection letter had an interesting twist. My ms wasn't rejected due to quality, but due to the difficulty of publishing an underage author like myself. I was offered the chance to have my novel serialized in the publisher's magazine.

I'd only be paid in contributor's copies, but it would be nice to finally have a legitimate publishing credit. My misgivings are as follows:
*Does a magazine that pays in contributor's copies count as a real publishing credit?
*The magazine only takes one-time nonexclusive rights. However, I know some publishers won't consider previously published material, and I do intend to keep submitting the MS to book publishers. Would the fact that the ms was deemed worthy of publication help it at all?

Thanks in advance!

scribbler1382 · Jun 13, 2005

arainsb123 said:
My novel was rejected today by a publisher, but the rejection letter had an interesting twist. My ms wasn't rejected due to quality, but due to the difficulty of publishing an underage author like myself. I was offered the chance to have my novel serialized in the publisher's magazine.

I'd only be paid in contributor's copies, but it would be nice to finally have a legitimate publishing credit. My misgivings are as follows:
*Does a magazine that pays in contributor's copies count as a real publishing credit?
*The magazine only takes one-time nonexclusive rights. However, I know some publishers won't consider previously published material, and I do intend to keep submitting the MS to book publishers. Would the fact that the ms was deemed worthy of publication help it at all?

Thanks in advance!

First off, I think that's a disgusting reason to not publish your work. As far as whether it "counts" as a publishing credit, the answer is yes. Just not as a professional credit.

Before you do anything (submit again/take the offer) I'd get in contact with a bunch of agents right away, laying out the situation for them. Agents love it when you've done the upfront grunt work for them.

Good luck!

arainsb123 · Jun 13, 2005

Ah. I didn't think it would count as a professional credit, but I hoped it might. Oh well.

Re the agent suggestion: what motivation would an agent have to negotiate a non-paying serialization for me?

scribbler1382 · Jun 13, 2005

arainsb123 said:
Ah. I didn't think it would count as a professional credit, but I hoped it might. Oh well.

Re the agent suggestion: what motivation would an agent have to negotiate a non-paying serialization for me?

None. But if the only reason they won't publish it as a whole book is your age, an agent can turn that around for you. And if you've got evidence that the publishing world might take an interest in your work (as you obviously do) an agent will take you on and market you elsewhere.

arainsb123 · Jun 13, 2005

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely take it.

Cathy C · Jun 14, 2005

Um, what publisher has a magazine? There are some companies with newsletters that go out to their own authors or some people who sign up, but that won't do you much good, and getting paid with copies isn't getting paid.

Also, you need to consider that a true "serialized" novel isn't just cut-up pieces of the book. Each serial has a plot arc: a beginning, middle and cliff-hanger ending that makes the reader want to pick up the next chapter. You'd be doing a lot of rewriting of it for no money.

I agree with scribbler. Find an agent. Your age won't matter if the book is well written and interesting.

Good luck!

Julie Worth · Jun 14, 2005

scribbler1382 said:
...But if the only reason they won't publish it as a whole book is your age, an agent can turn that around for you...

And besides, by the time you get an agent and the agent gets you a publisher, you'll be plenty old enough!

Sheryl Nantus · Jun 14, 2005

Cathy C said:
Um, what publisher has a magazine? There are some companies with newsletters that go out to their own authors or some people who sign up, but that won't do you much good, and getting paid with copies isn't getting paid.

Also, you need to consider that a true "serialized" novel isn't just cut-up pieces of the book. Each serial has a plot arc: a beginning, middle and cliff-hanger ending that makes the reader want to pick up the next chapter. You'd be doing a lot of rewriting of it for no money.

I agree with scribbler. Find an agent. Your age won't matter if the book is well written and interesting.

Good luck!

gotta echo the "WTH" about the magazine - sounds like they like your novel enough but don't want to pay up for actual book publication. The age thing I think is a ploy to get your work for free and then make money off it, if they sell the magazine.

I sure wouldn't go fer it. But that's just me.

arainsb123 · Jun 14, 2005

This publisher is pretty reputable and I own a book its released, but I have to say that I'm not sure why it would be easier to serialize my novel then release it in book form.

James D. Macdonald · Jun 14, 2005

A book that's publishable by one is publishable by many. Try a different publisher.

What's the name of this publisher?

arainsb123 · Jun 14, 2005

scribbler1382 · Jun 14, 2005

arainsb123 said:
LBF.

If nothing else Preditors & Editors says they be cool.

Serializing Novel

arainsb123

Learning!

scribbler1382

Write For You, Edit For The Reader

arainsb123

Learning!

scribbler1382

Write For You, Edit For The Reader

arainsb123

Learning!

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?

Sheryl Nantus

Holding out for a Superhero...

arainsb123

Learning!

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

arainsb123

Learning!

scribbler1382

Write For You, Edit For The Reader