Facing Rejection

As I prepare Noah's Custodian for publication in some form, I've been looking at my options, learning about the various avenues I can try. Analog Science Fiction and Fact is one potential avenue that posts no restrictions on length or such, only that it be a strong story with believable characters against any science-related backdrop. The science must be integral to the story. They will serialize longer submissions, which would have to be the case for my book.

Other avenues include traditional publishing, but that remains a tough nut to crack for a first-time novelist. A good story should speak for itself, but you still have to cross all the T's and dot all the I's and get the right eyes on it. Plus- my book is barely considered a novel in terms of length. It may grow a bit more, depending on feedback, but I can't see it getting past 60,000 words; most publishers of traditional novels want 70,000+ minimum.

As mentioned previously, many publishers now offer digital-only imprints, and my novel is well-suited for that, but there are challenges with many of these new imprints.

At any rate, a first time novelist is likely to be rejected many times. Even JK Rowling still gets rejected, albeit writing under a pen name. Still, it pays to be persistent, if you know you have a good story, as evidenced by Irish novelist Donal Ryan's 47 rejections prior to finding a publisher.

As for my efforts of late, considering which project to work on, all have been started to various degrees: an unconventional fantasy novel (good start on this), a contemporary science-fiction series aimed at tweens and young teens (decent start), or my long gestating Christmas short-story (research, some sketchy plot ideas written out). I'm also kicking around an idea for a new series of sci-fi short stories with recurring characters. We'll see!

Getting Published After 40

Age doesn't figure to be a barrier of entry when getting a novel published for the first time. However, it is encouraging to see a growing segment of middle-aged folks realizing their dreams and even starting a second career in writing.

I've been told time and again that I should be writing, and I agree. No more excuses!

Clive Cussler

One Christmas many years ago, I think I was around 16 or so, my Aunt Karen gave me Clive Cussler's book, Treasure, involving the NUMA team's search for the lost Library of Alexandria's treasures.

Prior to that, I mostly read fantasy tales and some science fiction. That book opened up the realm of the historical techno thriller, leading me not only to the rest of Cussler's work, but to Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton as well. In more recent years, I've read James Rollins (Map of Bones hooked me while on a camping trip), Doug Preston and Lee Child, Steve Berry, Jack Du Brul, and Dan Brown.

USA Today interviewed Cussler recently. I love the old vintage Cussler books, but have been less enamored with his new direction of only co-authoring with 4 to 5 other authors. Cussler has become a brand, and while I've enjoyed many of the collaborations (especially the ones with Paul Kemprecos and Du Brul), they're not the same as the solo Cussler works of yesteryear.

 I'm glad others have picked up the mantle, especially Rollins, who'd I consider Cussler's heir apparent.

Noah's Custodian is Out to My Critical Readers

I finished my first rewrite and have sent the novel out to four volunteers. They are my heroes. I'll incorporate their feedback, give the manuscript a final spit and polish, then try to get the thing published.

If all else fails, I will publish it myself, for better or worse. No reason not to. More importantly, its time to start moving away from that novel for good and begin work on the next one!