Concerning the novel guidelines

[Dayton Ward]

I don't recall anything in the guidelines specifically prohibiting simultaneous submissions, but given that you're just starting out, one at a time is probably the preferred way. As for waiting, the best advice is probably to wait until your agent hears back from the publisher, which can be anywhere from a month to six months or more, depending on the volume of submissions they have to review.

 

[JarodRussell]

I don't recall anything in the guidelines specifically prohibiting simultaneous submissions, but given that you're just starting out, one at a time is probably the preferred way. As for waiting, the best advice is probably to wait until your agent hears back from the publisher, which can be anywhere from a month to six months or more, depending on the volume of submissions they have to review.

I'd assume it either hurts or helps your application immensely. It could make the editor become biased with "Gee, so many stories, and the first one wasn't too good, probably all crap." or make him think "Gee, so many stories, and the first one was not too bad, the Force is strong in this one."

 

[Dayton Ward]

Or, "Gee, so many stories, as though I've got nothing better to do. Thanks for nothing, Hopeful Writer."

 

[DonIago]

Dear Hopeful Writer,

Thank you for your multiple submissions. Not only has my insomnia been cured, but after judicious shredding I have much-needed mattress padding.

Love,

Overburdened Publisher

 

[Dayton Ward]

^ You've been looking through my files and old manuscripts, haven't you?

 

[DonIago]

(hides sheaf of papers behind his back with one hand, adjusts halo with the other, flashes best approximation of angelic smile)

Why? Uh...nnnnoooooo....

(looks all self-satisfied) Yeah, I'm good...

 

[xortex]

I'm stuck on page four again anyway. I'm a musician, not a writer, dammit. Gerrold had the best piece of advice for a star Trek writer or any other writer - Give up.

 

[Greg Cox]

One proposal at a time is probably better. It you overwhelm an editor, it's too easy for him or her to go "Oh hell, this guy again? Let's just reject all of them at once . . . ."

 

[xortex]

So how do I unstick myself after barely four pages of telling the whole story. What do women look for in Star Trek. What makes a good story for a women editor?

 

[Greg Cox]

Honestly, having written TREK for Marco, Margaret, Ed, and Ordover, I've never noticed a difference between male and female TREK editors. Ditto for when Paula Block was handling the approvals.

My advice: don't worry about whether your editor is a man or woman, especially where something like STAR TREK is concerned.

 

[William Leisner]

So how do I unstick myself after barely four pages of telling the whole story. What do women look for in Star Trek. What makes a good story for a women editor?

Really, the worst way to try to unstick yourself is to worry about what someone else wants from your story. Figure out what you want to happen on page five, and go from there.

 

[Stevil2001]

So how do I unstick myself after barely four pages of telling the whole story. What do women look for in Star Trek. What makes a good story for a women editor?

Michael and I peppered the outline for A Choice of Catastrophes with references to lipstick, which seemed to do the trick.

Also: feelings. Women love emotions.

 

[xortex]

Thanks guys. Just one more question character oriented people stories of plot driven stories? Just in general, and what would you like to see?

 

[Dayton Ward]

^ Here's a counter-question: What types of stories do you see when you read Star Trek novels? Plot-driven? Character-driven? Anything and everything in between?

Your answer should be: "Yes."

There is no one, single type of Star Trek novel.

 

[DonIago]

That being said, you can't go wrong with more topless characters and implied sex.

 

[David cgc]

I'd say go explicit, but metaphorical, like New Frontier does.

 

[Rush Limborg]

(hides sheaf of papers behind his back with one hand, adjusts halo with the other, flashes best approximation of angelic smile)

Why? Uh...nnnnoooooo....

(looks all self-satisfied) Yeah, I'm good...

(Snicker)

Hey...if you've got there anthing else...perhaps we can talk things over, and I could Make You And Offer You Can't Refuse...?

So how do I unstick myself after barely four pages of telling the whole story. What do women look for in Star Trek. What makes a good story for a women editor?

...Also: feelings. Women love emotions.

Which I seem suprisingly good at, considering the reaction to my fanfic....

 

[Captain Robert April]

Three words: Zero Gravity Threesome

 

[JD]

 

[JarodRussell]

Play the "Blue Danube"!