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Hi,
I wonder if anyone could advise. I think I have made some kind of 'amateur mistake' which I am unsure how to rectify. I have been working on a memoir, which is by no means finished. I did, however, sent off a few chapters to a publisher in order to ascertain whether it would be a book they would consider supporting. I thought you could receive commissioning/financial support as you write an accepted book? I think I got this wrong and I also seem to have given the publishers the wrong idea. There response has been positive:
Dear Nicola,
Thank you for your recent submission. We would be delighted to be able to look at the whole manuscript.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Regards
However, this positive response is based on me having a completed book! What do I do? Should I explain that the book is in progress and I will submit it to them on completion? Or, perhaps they would like to see further chapters as they are completed? Or, perhaps I just have to step back and hold my head in disappointment as I admit I took the wrong approach?
Any advice, guidance, or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.
Best Wishes,
Nicola
Comments
[quote=Nicolauk]Should I explain that the book is in progress and I will submit it to them on completion?[/quote] Yes. It might be a good idea to give them an idea of how long you expect that to take.
It's not usual for a publisher to pay you anything before a book is completed and I doubt a new company would consider doing that.
Well done on getting a response to send the whole manuscript. You won't get an advance. i agree with PM, you'd better tell them!
I haven't heard of the publisher, but because your book is non-fiction, most non-fic publishers will only require an outline, synopsis and chapter breakdown of your book. In this case I would send them what you've written, a synosis and breakdown of chapters, with a letter stating that it is still a work in progress. Good luck and congraulations on the letter! Let us know how you get on.
Wishing you lots of luck ;)
I have had another change of mind! I am going to take your advice, Amanda. I will send them a timeline of everything and get scribbling. Thanks so much for the advice :) Can I ask what your own dilemma was?
If so, I'd definitely take up the advice above and get scribbling! And remember, they like what they've seen already. You are in a good position.
Unless you have a strong publishing history no publisher will buy the book on a proposal.
Good luck, Nicolauk.
Good luck
Now get on and finish it!
QFT.
Congrats on the news, I hope it works out for you.
Great! Let us know what happens.