Dear Mr. Sorceror,

I have a few questions as an aspiring author concerning publishing and how you got about promoting, then I'll finish it off with some questions about Bartimaeus. Not to treat you like a book or anything, but...whatever.

What do you think is the most rewarding way to market your novel? Book signings? Radio? Newspaper? Talking to schools and libraries? Just a mix of it all?

What publishing company would you recommend? I can't recall if you're represented by Miramax or Hyperion or both, and since you're a bestseller, they do something right. My pal was ruined by a very inept branch of Random House in Canada.

Also, what do you think that a writer should do to up his query? Any specific things a fantasy writer should do, such as get a certain college degree, take a few courses to get a few added bonuses on his query, whatever? How many queries did you send out until someone chose to be your agent/to publish the Amulet of Samarkand?

Finally, what do you consider the most important aspect of a novel: storyline, characters, imagery, etcetra?

Now, for the real reason you're here, since you're not a marketing book...let me think of some things not addressed yet.

How many rejectoins did Amulet of Samarkand before you found a publisher?

Are any of the characters based off anyone you know?

What was your inspiration for Bartimaeus, if any?

A little forum thing --- Do you plan on frequenting the forum, or simply blessing us with a few random visits to keep us guessing? Also, do you roleplay?



I think I got Carpel Tunnel writing all those. Hallelujah for Stroud. Thanks for taking your time.

- Krim

Hi Krim,

Okay, here goes:

1. Marketing novel. The most rewarding bit is definitely going to stores, schools, libraries etc and talking to/with people. After months locked up in a garret, it feels good to discuss your work. It's also essential, because you get proper feedback.

2. I'm with Hyperion/Miramax in the US and Random House in the UK. I'd recommend both of them highly.

3. There's no set pattern re. how best to get a book published. I got several rejections from different publishers before my first novel (not Amulet) was accepted, and I think everyone has to be prepared to send stuff around before you get a bite. Actual background - degree etc - doesn't matter at all, I think. It may help to get an agent first, but that takes time (and rejections) too. I had published 2 novels and various other books before I got an agent. Ultimately, an agent is good, however. The key thing with all this is perseverence.

4. Most important thing in a novel... hmm. You need something of all those things, but ultimately if the characters don't work, it's going to be a flat experience.

5. Amulet got no rejections.

6. No, the characters aren't based on anyone in particular. Someone once told me that Nathaniel is a bit like me at that age, however.

7. Bart just began with the idea of a sarcastic, world-weary demon who would nonetheless be the guy we rooted for in the book. I sat down and began to write and his voice just came out.

8. The forum's great and I'll hopefully visit from time to time.

9. I don't roleplay, although I used to devise my own games zillions of years ago.

Now my arms are aching...
Cheers,

Jonathan

Thanks for the help. I'm happy to see I wasn't the one to get the longest reply. :D

Well, I'll see you next time. I'll attempt to think up some new questions for you next time. I'll check out Hyperion/Miramax, see if I can't at least get some good advice.