Post: Reply | Quote

I'm responding to Jacko's question in a previous thread. He asked about the market - whether there are plenty of manuscripts circulating.

I met with someone from HC just this weekend and asked the same question and am reassured that the "slush pile" as it is called is as big as ever.

That is why it is vitally important that all of you who are writing and thinking of submitting to a premium publisher this year take the time to write a very polished synopsis of your tale. If this doesn't grab the slush reader's attention, then she doesn't even bother to read chapter one.

And if you get to that next stage of reading beyond the synopsis is every reason to ensure your opening chapter is exciting and addictive. Don't leave it until chapter three for the action to begin because no one who counts will ever get there.

Work until you bleed on making sure your writing has a distinct style, good grammar, excellent spelling. Failing here is yet another reason for the slush reader to toss it on the huge rejection pile.

Sorry to sound so gloomy but you need to know this hard stuff in order to rise above the flotsam and jetsam and come to the surface of the slush pile and most importantly, to the attention of an editor.

Post: Reply | Quote

Be careful, Jacko. I expect good manners at this Board at all times from everyone and putting a little smiley after pointed remarks does not mask poor manners. Please keep in mind that I offer my personal take on questions because I want to and because I genuinely enjoy everyone at this board. I don't do it because I am obliged to.

Now you asked:

So what's the market like? Are publishers hungry for well-written trilogies or do they get more than they can handle?

Are publishers hungry for well-written trilogies?... Very obviously, the answer is yes. A fantasy publisher would go out of business all too quickly if it wasn't always hungry for well-written fantasy novels be they trilogies, duologies, series, whatever - from what I can gather they don't much care for stand alones in Australia.

As for the second part of your question, I thought I had answered it. The slush pile - as it is nicknamed - is as big as ever. Yes, they do get more than they can handle which is why if you are an aspiring writer you need to ensure that when you finally take the plunge and send off your manuscript that it is the very, very best you can make it. There are rarely second chances.

The slush pile is enormous and more often than not is almost never read by an editor. Other fantasy readers in the organisation who don't mind ploughing through several hundred novels - when time permits - only send up the absolute sparkling ones for consideration.

The good part is that once you are published, then this publisher will always look at your next piece of work so the proverbial foot in the door is vital and if his or her work maintains the high standard, it usually leads to continuing success for that author.

Hope that helps...if I haven't answered to your satisfaction, then suggest you re-phrase your question and post again. I'll keep an eye out for it.

Are you ready to send anything off yet?

Post: Reply | Quote

Slush pile - a fate worse than death.

Edited by: Kushiel7 at: 6/29/03 4:04 am

Post: Reply | Quote

Garth Nix said when he worked for HC as an editor.. he read the cover letter... hoped it was only a few words... then read the first paragraph... if that was good read only the first page then a page from the middle and maybe a page at the end.... if that passed the test he then... put it on the maybe pile.

If it failed any of the above it was straight to reject...

he reckons the opening paragraph has to be something special.

Post: Reply | Quote

Any chance of an answer to the question that I actually asked? ">

Post: Reply | Quote

Fiona, out of interest if you get put into the slush pile is that the end for good. Does noone else look at it.

Wow Good luck to all of the writers.

"If I take an apple from the fruit basket, do I have to eat it"

Post: Reply | Quote

Every hopeful, who submits a manuscript to a publisher, gets put into what is fondly known as the slush pile. Very unfair term, I know.

If you use an agent who is well connected - and that's not too hard in Australia's small market - then your agent can usually pick up the phone and speak directly with the acquisitions editor and say "I've got a hot one here, really need you to read it."

If you show an agent and he or she doesn't think the ms is good enough to make that call then you will be saved the heartache of hitting the slush pile, getting the horrible rejection letter and that ms never required again. At least by using the agent he or she can look at the draft and show you where the work needs to be done before the publisher even gets close.

Let me add some sparkle to what sounds like a dark tale. No story which is seriously good will be overlooked. It will rise to the surface of the slush like cream where it will be read first, noticed by all who matter and will hit the top of the acquisitions editor's desk very quickly.

It might take longer than using an agent but a great story will not go unnoticed. Make it the best it can be before you take it anywhere.

Good luck to all who are getting close. F

Post: Reply | Quote

Thanks for your insights Fiona "> .

cheers,
Darren.