Adam_Atlantian said:
I have a few questions i wanted answered.
No problem. That's what we're here for.
Adam_Atlantian said:
1. will my age have any affect on my publication acceptence. (i'm 17)
Well, it'll have an effect to the extent that you're not legally able to sign a contract. Your parent or legal guardian will have to sign on your behalf. But other than that, not really. The product is what's important, not the author's age.
Adam_Atlantian said:
2. i f i have a few mistakes in my manuscript will the publishers still want it or will they scrap it?
As Bleak said above, it depends. But I'll be honest -- if you make as many grammar/spelling mistakes in your manuscript as you have in this post, probably. Let's say that an editor reads two manuscripts in one day. Both of them have good plots, interesting characters and are both potential strong sellers. But one of the books has next to no errors, in grammar, spelling and word choice. The other book has some errors on every page. Not many, but some. The first book will take a week to edit. The second book, a month. The editor only needs one book. They'll pick the one that's easiest to complete, so they can move on to the next one in the schedule. Likewise, if you have plot holes you could drive a truck through, unbelievable characters, or unresolved subplot threads, you're lessening your own chances.
Adam_Atlantian said:
3. could a small word count influence my chances of acceptance?
Depends on the genre and how SMALL a word count you're talking. Right now, single title novels are running between 80,000 to 100,000 words. Some category novels -- romance, western and detective, can drop down to 65,000. Much less than that, and yes, it'll influence your chances. If it's 50,000 or below, you need to take a serious look at the book and see if you can add in some subplots to beef up the word count. They have to be PLAUSIBLE subplots though. Complications of life or such that make resolving the main plotline difficult.
Adam_Atlantian said:
4. finally, since i am a first time author will larger publishing companies be less likely to look at my work?
I don't know that they're less likely. Every publishing house is looking for the "next big author". They LIKE new authors. But finding an agent first will definitely increase the likelihood that you'll find a
better publishing house for better money.
Adam_Atlantian said:
Just a few questions that have been nagging me.
Trust me, they bother us all...
Good luck!