Nathan Bransford - The Forums

Title: Beyond Blackwater Pond Genre: Fantasy Adventure The first hint of morning sun pierced the dusty windowpane, striking Brian Hummel in the eyes. The tall sixteen-year-old sat up groggily and threw his long legs out of bed. The old farmhouse floor creaked as he stood and pushed his mass of dark ...

Thanks for the input. The reviews that I have are real. Good point though, no one takes things at face value anymore. I am the kind of guy that wil sell 10,000 just to make a point.

I self-published my book. I sold quite a few and received five-star reviews…but so what.
In your opinion, how many books would I have to sell in what period of time to get an agent or publisher to take notice?

I am trying to uncover the secret formula.

How about more suspense? I am going to jump off a bridge how would that be for suspense? I am now trying this suspense angle. Better...worse...or give up Dave and go back to painting. PS: Honestly, thanks for your different view points as I can't see it anymore, if you know what I mean. Deep beneath...

Am I getting closer? Latest attempt below... Dear Ms. Readmuch Sixteen-year-old Brian Hummel can’t help but roll his eyes at his Grandmother’s latest prediction. As far back as she can remember, townspeople have vanished at Blackwater Pond and she is positive that something else is about to happen. ...

Will do. I have hesitated to make query comments because I don't feel like I know what I am doing yet. As soon as I feel I have it somewhat mastered I am there.

Dear Ms. Near an old farming town there is a small but deep body of water called Blackwater Pond. No one has ever been able to reach its bottom. Townspeople have vanished at the pond as far back as Grandma can remember. And she’s positive something else is about to happen. Sixteen-year-old Brian Hum...

Thanks, for your help. The message I seem to be getting here is that it is all about the writing. Get rid of all the fluff. My second book in the series is twice as long as the first. Should I mention this because the first book is a little on the short side?

No harshness heard at all. Thank you for taking the time. The point in mentioning the number of books sold is that I only have them at one store. I hope an agent would do the math. If they were available all over it would be (80 x whatever). I wish I could include the artwork because it is amazing. ...

Dear Ms. Hard Toplease I wrote a novel that I hope is right for you. My story fits into the category of one of your favorite genres, magical realism, and it contains many of the elements that you enjoy. The story is a 40,725 word YA fantasy adventure entitled Beyond Blackwater Pond, that takes place...