writing a novel … next (brave) step
For the past two years, I have been working on a novel. The working title of the book is ‘Saving the Landing Church’ – the actual title is ‘Open to the Skies’. For more information about the process of writing ‘Open to the Skies’, have a look at the category ‘writing a novel’. https://nichepoetryandprose.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/writing-a-novel-telling-a-story/
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The book is about a woman who falls in love with an old church and decides to save it from demolition, in spite of active resistance from members of the community.
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the setting for my novel … an old church and its hall and rectory are moved to a new location along the St. John River to create a writers’ retreat …
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After taking my book through nine drafts, numerous readings of bits with my writing groups, and a third-party edit, I have taken the next (brave) step. I am sending my novel to three publishing companies. I chose the publishers based on their dedication to Canadian authors and subjects, their willingness to read unsolicited manuscripts, and their current book lists.
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It will be a long wait. I know from past experience that I may not hear from them for six to eight months, and then it will likely be ‘no’. This is not lack of confidence or uncertainty about my skill. It is reality – most book publishers get up to a thousand submissions per year and, of course, can only choose a few of these to publish. However, on my side is the characteristic of doggedness.
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I will be sure and let you know what happens next with ‘Open to the Skies’. Meanwhile, I’ll be busy working on a sequel to the first book and, of course, on my poetry.
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Copyright 2015 Jane Tims
nichepoetryandprose 
Good luck, Jane. I am looking forward to reading your novel when it’s published.
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Robin
March 26, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Hi Robin. It will take a long time, I think. Once I get a publisher (6 months at least) it can take up to two years to get the final book out there. I will be an old lady!!! Jane
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jane tims
March 26, 2015 at 4:48 pm
Good luck with it. Have you considered self-publishing?
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Pia
March 18, 2015 at 8:30 am
Hi Pia. I will consider that if I get only rejections. I would like to go the traditional route first because publishers are a big help with promotion and marketing. The old stigma around self-publishing seems to be less these days. Jane
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jane tims
March 18, 2015 at 1:17 pm
Good luck
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kiwiskan
March 17, 2015 at 4:43 am
Thanks!
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jane tims
March 17, 2015 at 9:33 pm
Doggedness is what has helped authors get their novels published in the past. Never give up. Being realistic is helpful but don’t stop trying to find a publisher. You will be published. Your work is too fine not to.
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Carol Steel
March 16, 2015 at 9:23 am
Hi Carol. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I can’t wait to hear, and, if the answer is no, I’ll try someone else. Meanwhile working on my new book is so much fun. I’ve been editing for a long time, and I forgot the joy of just typing in a long, long line! Jane
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jane tims
March 16, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Two years is a long time, but then again not long when you are busy with something. I wouldn’t have the stamina. I want instant gratification. Just read your link about starting your book. Whatever the result, I am sure it has been a rewarding experience to write. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. 🙂
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ladysighs
March 16, 2015 at 8:06 am
Hi! You do great work and had the stamina for all your Esther poems! Thanks for going back and reading about the early days of my book. It was lots of fun to do and time passed too quickly! Jane
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jane tims
March 16, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Dear Jane, Many blessings, and I look forward to reading your book someday.
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Ellen Grace Olinger
March 16, 2015 at 8:04 am
Hi Ellen. Thanks! I know you are working on one too (poetry), so we can read one-another’s books some day! Jane
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jane tims
March 16, 2015 at 1:21 pm