1 Topic by Norm d'Plume (edited by Norm d'Plume 2017-08-23 02:41:57)

Topic: When to publish?

I'm coming into the home stretch with my first novel and am wondering when to publish. It is book one in a series (The Galaxy Tales) and leaves a key question unanswered that will be addressed later in the series (book two or three). The problem is I don't write full-time and I have another unrelated book that I want to write before continuing with the Galaxy Tales. If I publish as soon as book one is written, it could take 6-8 years before book two in the series is ready. I'm inclined not to publish until I've at least resumed writing the Galaxy Tales, so as not to leave book buyers stuck indefinitely without an ending.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Dirk

Quote Post 1

Re: When to publish?

I'd publish it and see how it does. If it receives a really positive response that might motivate you to finish the book faster. My philosophy is not to wait. Any of us could get hit by a bus tomorrow. Go for it!

Quote Post 2

Re: When to publish?

cobber wrote:

Any of us could get hit by a bus tomorrow. Go for it!

Cheerful, Cobber! Any thoughts on Christmas?

I agree to go ahead and publish. There's something rewarding about seeing your work in print. (And it keeps you from trying to rewrite over an over again.) Six to eight years--you must be a total perfectionist! I think it was Steven King who said he still wants to rewrite his works. Go for it! JP

Quote Post 3

Re: When to publish?

Dirk,
Like you, I am about 90% done with my novel and there will also be a sequel because there are some issues that have to be solved. But I will not hold off looking for an agent to get it published.

If your book does very well, you may decide to forgo your other project and write the sequel.  In addition, you could work on both projects.  I know of an author that does this all the time.  She usually takes 3-4 years between books but she also publishes novellas and other books in between.

But I would publish this novel.  It will take time for you to have it edited and get the marketing done. In addition, we all know that life can interfere with our plans. Get it out there.
Sherry

Quote Post 4

Re: When to publish?

Ah-hem. You know what I'll say.

Quote Post 5