Snowballing

[Fenris]

Hi Nathan,

I realize it's been a while since I posted on the forums--it's been a crazy year so far, and hopefully I'll be back in the groove soon. But something's been bothering me for a few weeks now, and I thought you'd be the person to ask.

Building up a following and a faithful audience is important for an author. Would setting out short stories introducing the characters/themes/etc. be a viable option? Say on Facebook notes or a blog (I'd have to start one first, of course). They wouldn't be related to the main story of the series the characters are a part of, so it wouldn't hurt me too badly if someone were asinine enough to try and steal them.

Because short stories are something I have time for, and if I could get enough people interested, publishers might be more willing to pick up the actual novel once I'm done revamping it. I figure it's best to do what I can with what I have right now, and this could be a good opportunity. What's your opinion?

Thanks,

Fenris

EDIT: 'is' changed to 'are.' Grammar fail.

[Fenris]

Impulsive old me has decided to just go ahead and give it a try. Still, any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Nathan Bransford]

Hi Nathan,

I realize it's been a while since I posted on the forums--it's been a crazy year so far, and hopefully I'll be back in the groove soon. But something's been bothering me for a few weeks now, and I thought you'd be the person to ask.

Building up a following and a faithful audience is important for an author. Would setting out short stories introducing the characters/themes/etc. be a viable option? Say on Facebook notes or a blog (I'd have to start one first, of course). They wouldn't be related to the main story of the series the characters are a part of, so it wouldn't hurt me too badly if someone were asinine enough to try and steal them.

Because short stories are something I have time for, and if I could get enough people interested, publishers might be more willing to pick up the actual novel once I'm done revamping it. I figure it's best to do what I can with what I have right now, and this could be a good opportunity. What's your opinion?

Thanks,

Fenris

EDIT: 'is' changed to 'are.' Grammar fail.

Ultimately barring some sort of scenario that reaches phenomenon status (and maybe not even then), I think what's really going to sell the novel to a publisher is the novel itself. So if you're going to have fun with it go for it, but I don't know that I would do with the aim of attracting a publisher.

[Fenris]

Thanks Nathan!

I think what's really going to sell the novel to a publisher is the novel itself.

That's true. Oh well--at least this way I'm getting blogging experience. Maybe it'll come in handy later. Until then, I guess I should start trying to reach that "phenomenon status." Optimism switch is ON.