Today is the twenty-ninth in a series of posts by San-Diego-based writer Thomas Shess who has decided to keep a journal on his journey to find a publisher for his novel.

Breaking News-An established fiction publisher responded to my synopsis and requested to see the first 30 pages of my new novel. Obviously, I dashed it off. And, so begins the agonizing wait for a decision. Meanwhile, I received words of encouragement from a veteran non-fiction book publisher, who was nice enough to read my novel and offer comment and criticism. He provided me with a couple of great leads by recommending two other publishers who might be interested in my recently completed thriller. Also, I've taken to heart his comments and have made amendments in my manuscript.

more after the break

Apples and Oranges-Last week, I was asked if my magazine writing career helped me in writing my novel. Yes but mostly no. Any similarity between writing for magazines and writing a novel is the author. Otherwise, all bets are off. Being a professional quality magazine writer or editor does not guarantee that person will be able to write a novel. Sure, exceptions exist, but for the everyday professional writer it's really a case of apples and oranges.

For Example--In non-fiction, when one writes a feature about a celebrity one doesn't have to worry whether the star's words and actions will impact the plot line. Or, is the article writer obligated to display the inner thoughts of the subject toward the interviewer. Being an omnipresent observer over every aspect of the topic isn't as detailed in journalism.

Tougher Assignment--Fiction is harder work. But the crossover to non-fiction magazine writing has had its benefits. I've learned to be a sharper and smarter writer. I get to the point faster. I have an easier time editing my work. If you're trying to write from point A to Point B-then only ask questions that will accomplish your writing goal. Conversational sidebars outside the topic during the interview aren't necessary-unless your underlying agenda is to be liked by the person you're interviewing. A pro writer isn't there to make a life long friend. He/she is there to please an editor-period.

How to Break into Magazine Writing-Wannabe magazine freelancers, who will remain unpublished most likely will approach a magazine with ideas that the magazine doesn't need. A magazine editor doesn't need another book, rock, food, or travel writer. What magazine's need are investigative work. Come with ideas that are hard work. Magazine editors will only have three or four writers that he/she can trust to produce a mss. "as assigned." When I was editor in chief of San Diego Magazine and San Francisco Magazine I always fell for a writer asking he/she will take assignments no one else wants to write.

Lesson Learned-Best lesson on finding writing work came from a retired college placement director-not a J-school class. She told me to find a job that would pay me for writing. Don't be afraid to take your shiny Journalism School diploma to a solid PR or Adv. Agency. I put that advice to test when I applied to the San Francisco Examiner to be a cub reporter. I wanted to be a sports writer, but the only job available was on the business pages. I grabbed that in a heartbeat and haven't looked back. And, I've never written a dime's worth of sports.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I'm still looking for a publisher or a literary agent for my
recently fine tuned first novel, a thriller based in San Francisco loaded with plenty of suspense, a damn good love story and a plot that works-Drop me an e-mail for a pithy synopsis TomShess@aol.com

*Because it's a jungle out there.