Got a novel in you? Here's your chance to get published

[KateMumsnet]

First novel competition: If you think you've got a novel in you, but despair of ever being published, stand by: in partnership with renowned literary agency Janklow & Nesbit, we're launching a fantastic competition for unpublished novelists.

Submit the first 8,000 words of your novel - Janklow & Nesbit guarantee to read every single entry. One enormous stumbling block to getting published is simply being noticed - so this really is an amazing opportunity.

The fantastic prize on offer is representation by J&N - setting you firmly on the path to publication: get details of how to enter here.

If you'd like to enter, but could use a bit of bespoke advice, we've organised a one-day Get Published course on Saturday 29 November 2014, where you'll have the chance to pick the brains of the Janklow agents and leading editors - and pick up tips from authors who've already broken through.

What are you waiting for?

so many burning questions!

Anyone going to the Get Published day this Saturday? See you there if you are!

Is that an MN event Katy? Or related specifically to this competition?

I second Rollermum's question re: synopsis v's outline. Both different things yet both mentioned. Thanks!

www.mumsnet.com/academy/course/113-get-published-new-date-announced

It's a repeat of the course they did in November.

No response from MNHQ, kerry. I'm going to risk not following instructions by using the janklow e-mail to ask something (instead of using it to submit)!

Well, I got a very nice and quick response from my query today (not the word count but about being qualified to enter even though I'm taking part in an anthology)!

See you all on the other side!

Yes. There was an automated reply, but then a Real Person responded.

@Rollermum

Anyone else pondering synopsis vs outline? Are they essentially the same thing?

And (total noob question alert) is the idea to literally say what will happen entirely, rather than a appetite teasing blurb sort of thing?

TIA for helping fellow competitor!

Hi Rollermum, firstly – sorry for the slow response. In response to your question – J&N are asking for an outline/synopsis of up to 500 words which paints of picture of how your novel unfolds. A synopsis / outline are essentially the same thing... I hope this helps.

Rollermum, I don't think agents and publishers like "teasers"!

How is everybody doing with their entries? I have two novels, both of around 100 000 words. The first one I finished a couple of years ago, the second I have just completed. I have found the easiest part was the writing, the most difficult is getting noticed and distancing myself each time to go back and edit. I am pleased with both my novels, although the second one has a stronger start, so I will enter that one. I wrote each in a completely different style, in the hope one day at least one of them will get published.
I am still finding it almost impossible to do a 500 word outline. I have entered a few competitions in the past and although did not get anywhere I feel the practice worthwhile. Especially with the synopsis, which are notoriously tricky!
Good luck everyone.

I can't believe I have actually submitted for this... I have had this thread on my watch list for months and thought 'Yes, I have a finished novel but I know I won't end up entering...' but last night I had a couple of glasses of wine and just went at it, sorted out all the editing I needed to do to get the first 8,000 words up to scratch. And found I'd already done a synopsis! (Good thing too as I couldn't quite remember the storyline... )
Feel pleased with myself for just having a go, I know I would have been kicking myself if I'd let the opportunity go by. Sure I won't be in the final 6 or anything, but it's just the idea of grabbing all chances that present themselves.

Good luck everyone! :)

Well done, ponygirlcurtis. I have my 8000 words, just struggling with the 500 word synopsis. I have about twenty different versions, all different lengths etc, and non that are suitable for this entry. I have started from scratch again, but filled with fear and not enough wine!

I definitely agree with the stress of doing the synopsis!

Same here, ponygirlcurtis. After vowing to get this submitted,even if it killed me (and boy, there were many midnight oil moments) I finally sent mine off the weekend. What a relief!

The 500 word outline was daunting - I was desperate to tick this off though and just went hell for leather on Sunday to bash this out!

It's not perfect, I could re-edit until the cows come home and I'm not expecting to get anywhere. However, as a personal goal, I'm proud as punch. Now I can have the wine!

Good luck all you clever writers - now go for it!

oooh I have 4000 words of crap, need another 4000 and then submit. Is there a certain format, I couldn't see one.

All right, kerry, 300 is tough, and you are 'ard as nails. Let's step outside so I can procrastinate

If it helps at all, at the event, the J & N people talked about the synopsis.

They said they don't pay it much attention other than to check it doesn't hold any surprises eg killer dragons suddenly showing up halfway through a Rom com.

They have a quick look after they've read the actual submission, but it's really all about the writing of the submission itself. They said not to worry too much about it.

Hope that's helpful.

If anyone's having trouble getting their synopsis down to length, have a go at doing the thing where instead of starting with a long outline and cutting it, you start off summarising the book in one sentence, then try doing it in 2, then in a few more, and so on. It helps concentrate your mind on the most important elements of the plot.