Saturday, February 7, 2009

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Norrell

In your experience which is better: two shorter fantasies that follow a similar time line, each complete in themselves (a sci-fi example would be Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow), or a great fat novel that included all the story lines at once?

I've read that publishers want to know they'll have more than one book out of an author, but from the stuff I see on the shelf lately it seems big books are quite popular too. (I ask, of course, because I'm working on a project that has reached the point when I have to choose which way I'm going).
I think that preference is going to vary per editor and house. More likely, the editor will prefer two books (more revenue), but in terms of what you write, you shouldn't base this decision on what a hypothetical editor wants. Do what will serve the story and your audience best.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, I just listened to 'Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" on NPR and they mentioned a book I was sure must be self-published. 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, The Classic Regency Romance—Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem! "
But no, it's published by Quirk Books.
Guess there's hope for all of us.

Unknown said...

... well written people, I enjoy a good, interesting blog!

charlotte! said...

The subject line made me giggle so much.

Unknown said...

Banned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)

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