Senior Project Advisor
Lee Gulyas
Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Spring 2022
Keywords
writing, editing, publishing, novel, literary fiction, publication, NaNoWriMo, query letter, proposal, book proposal, comp titles, pitch, special marketing, road trip, car, Flite of the Jon Quimbys
Abstract
This project details the actions I took in writing my first novel, editing it, and starting the pre-publication process for it. It describes everything from the origins of my idea for the novel all the way to where I am now (June 2022), at my second editing pass and having written the first draft of my query letter for an agent. My premise is that people often assume that authors just write a book and that's it, but there's actually a lot more steps in editing and publishing they have to take before their book is released to the world. The sections on the writing and editing processes are more narratives of my experience and strategies with them, from writing the first draft during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) to sending it out to my first three readers for feedback. while the section on the publishing process is more instructive based on what I've learned about the publishing industry. Primarily, I give some explanation and tips on how to write a successful query letter and book proposal, as well as touching on comparable titles, pitching your book, and special marketing strategies. The novel is called Flite of the Jon Quimbys and is about a young man who reconnects with his estranged family by driving his grandfather's old car across the country with his friend.
Department
English
Recommended Citation
Clifton, Robert, "The Author's Gauntlets: The Writing, Editing, and Publishing Process of a Novel" (2022). WWU Honors College Senior Projects. 603.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwu_honors/603
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Fiction--Authorship; Editing; Book proposals; Authors and publishers
Genre/Form
essays
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf