Those of you who’ve followed this blog for any time will know I’m in the
process of completing an epic fantasy trilogy. I’ve written the first 2 volumes
and edited book one to the point where it’s ready for publication. Book 2 is currently
undergoing the penultimate edit and book 3 is yet to be written, though I know
where it’s heading, more or less.
So, how can you help?
Well, I’m seeking the opinions of readers on various aspects of the
fantasy genre:
My book is an adult tale, containing references and descriptions
unsuitable for those under 15 years of age. Would that concern you? (there’s no
erotic content, but there are sexual references).
The major theme of the whole work is hypocrisy in organised religion,
though this is very definitely thematic and doesn’t push the story, which is
largely character driven, with the actions of those characters resulting in the
drama and adventure of the tale.
Clearly, I’m not about to alter the theme, but I’d like to know if the
very fact of it would deter you from sampling the book.
Book 1 is 216,000 words, or around 680 pages of a standard paperback. The
other two volumes will be around the same length. Assuming the story and
characters carry this length, as a reader, does this excite, inspire, worry or
inhibit you?
Clearly, publication of such a tome is likely to be difficult to sell to
a traditional publishing house. Would you be likely to try such a book as, A, a
paperback, B, an ebook, C, both of these, D, neither, if self-published?
What sort of price would you expect to pay for such a work?
The story needs maps to allow the reader to enjoy the location of the
fantasy. I’ve drawn the main map on a sheet of A1 (approx. 60x80 cms) and had
it scanned electronically so I can produce it both in full and in parts to suit
the story as it ranges over the wide territory imagined. How would you feel
about the inclusion of such maps in an ebook? And, would you like a ‘fold-out’
map in a paper book, if possible?
I’ve decided not to publish volume 1 until volume 2 is ready for
publication and volume 3 is already underway. Would that decision help you
decide whether or not to sample the first volume? I know it’s not uncommon for
fantasy writers to start a trilogy and then abandon it before it’s finished. I
want to avoid falling into that trap and, by taking this action, wish to assure
my readers that I’ll give them the full tale.
Later in the process, I intend releasing short tasters so that readers can
have an idea of the quality of the writing and some clues regarding characters,
theme and storyline. Would you welcome such samples?
That’s it for the moment. Later on, I’ll explain some of the techniques
used in the writing, introduce some of the major characters and give clues
about the imagined land I’ve used as a setting. Watch this space.
Thank you for your help in this process.
4 comments:
The content being for those above 15 is reasonable.
Since I practice in an organized religion, the overarching theme would deter me from purchasing the novel. Organized religion is made up of humans, who are flawed, and I recognize this. So having a writer making this a theme of a work wouldn't interest me.
216,000 words is pretty long. If it's good and keeps one's interest it's a positive. If it is long and could have stood for some editing/cutting, this would deter me. Kind of common sense.
I tend to wait for a full trilogy to be published before I consider reading the first, especially if I know it will take the author a long time to get the rest out. Having 1 and 2 ready, with #3 ready within a year, would work.
Really, the cost factor would be important with respect to what format I would read it in. Being 200,000+ word novels, print format will likely be pretty pricy with respect to POD, so a traditional publisher using off-set printing would be necessary to make the price competitive.
With the theme, I would't have much interest in sampling.
Good luck with whatever route you take and wish you much success with it!
Thanks for your comments, Terry. There's some interesting and useful stuff here to add to the response I've had via Goodreads. It's so helpful to have views from as many people as possible and I'm pleased you took the time and trouble in spite of the fact that the theme would deter you from sampling the book. Many thanks.
I consider myself to be a good reader, and the fantasy genre is something I enjoy visiting from time to time. It wouldn't surprise you to learn that Tolkien is one of my favourite authors.
As for the theme, I could go along with that. I do feel that organised religion is a con, and I abandoned mine a long time ago (Roman Catholic), however, I have retained my spirituality. So a tale based on that theme may well grab my attention, and I suspect a lot of other folk could relate to it.
I do feel that over 200'000 words in each part would be a trifle long, but if the story "grips you" then they would fly by.
I also feel that mapping the locations in the story is essential. If it is good enough for Tolkien, then why not. It transports the reader to the location, and gets them more involved in the tale. Have you thought about breaking the map down into 16 segments and turning it into a booklet, to be issued with volume 1.
As for publishing. Why not go the Kindle route? If the book starts to pick up readers, I'm sure the publishing houses will come knocking.
I wish you well in your endeavours.
Paul, many thanks for your response. I have experience in publishing on Kindle, so it's one of the options I'm considering. I like the idea of the booklet for the map - it may well get over the issues that might otherwise cause problems with self-publishing in paperback. Good thought. Thanks again.
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