I’ve finished writing my novel.

[Finnyhaddock]

It’s a thriller with, I hope, a thread of black humour. I have a friend giving me detailed feedback this afternoon and it’s my fourth draft so pretty much ready to go.
It’s not perfect (what is?) and I ve bought writers and artists yearbook. Pls could I ask you all for any good advice or even some crossed fingers.
I thought I would try to get an agent and if that fails try to self publish.

Congratulations! Firstly, hold fire on self-publishing. It is very tempting to get your baby out there, but don't even think of it for a couple of years.

Do your research into agents very carefully. Make sure you only send it to those who have expressed an interest in that kind of book. See if you can find interviews with the agents online - you can refer to things they've said in your letter.

Make sure each letter is sent personally to each agent. NEVER use Dear Sir! (They are virtually all women.) Use their name. Say something about yourself. Say what the novel's about - in a short paragraph. (Try to think what the blurb would be on the back of a book and write something like that.) Send three chapters and a synopsis. No spelling errors. No formatting errors. Your name and title of the book on each page. Include a phone number and hope for the best!

Good luck!

Thank you Brilliant for such good advice and words of encouragement. It’s a bit scary but exciting too! I know it’s not a great work of literary merit but I’m pleased I’ve done it.
Just need to get my baby out there and think of a plot for next one.

Sorry, no advice but I just wanted to say well done on finishing!

Oh well done, that's really fantastic!! I'm an aspiring writer and I am finding it hard to make progress and you have inspired me. Very good advice from MyBrilliantDisguise. Well done and hope you get a book deal very soon.

Thank you! Still waiting on friend’s phone call. She said it was ‘hilarious’. I’ll take that as good but waiting for a truthful report!

Amazing work. Congratulations!
I have no advice but I hope the feedback you receive is positive.

Best of luck finny ! Also don't send it to every agent that represents your genre at once. I think it's recommended to send in groups of 5 or so? This way if you receive any feedback you can work on it before sending it on to others. Also think about what books it would sit next to on the shelf and put that in your query letter. How exciting and good luck again!

Congratulations and good luck!

Thank you everyone. My friend gave me some really good feedback and advice.
I’m going to take her points on board and not rush. That was my first ‘yahoo’ instinct.
Very satisfying feeling whatever the outcome.

Congratulations! You’ve done all the right things. Four(!) drafts, advice from beta readers, and now you are taking it slow rather than rushing to submit. On top of all that, if you take brilliant’s advice I’d say you have a good chance. Wish you all the best...