People who write novellas (a story between 20,000 and 50,000 words) seem to have gone the way of the dodo bird.
Which sucks, because I’ve written one.
I figure the only way I can sell it is either self-publish (which I don’t want to do until my first novel, Illusion comes out since it has a spoiler) or publish it with two others to create one book. But that means I’d have to write two more before I can publish it. And what kind of publisher would want to publish novellas? I figure that mine are more like fan-fiction–they follow side characters from my main novels. So I’d have to get those published first.
I guess in the meantime, my novella “Rules of Assignment” will have to sit in its metaphorical dusty drawer until it can be released.
Bummer…
Anyone else feel like they have writings they wish they could publish, but for one reason or another, can’t?
Interesting: You lament echoes Stephen King’s intro to _Different Seasons_. He finally had enough to make a (good) book.
The only novella I can remember reading was a Ravenloft book that was just a small book and pretty terrible overall, as Ravenloft tends to be. They don’t seem to go very far these days. It’s kind of either short stories or novels, no in between. If I had any talent, I would write somewhat longer short stories, 20-40 pages, along with other things and put them in a compendium or anthology or something like that. Like a Lovecraft book you can find, or Robert E. Howard.
It is a bummer – short stories are in pretty low demand at the moment as well. Or so it seems to me…
An especially big bummer because “Rules of Assignment” is a great read.
Thanks, Claire! I really enjoy “Rules” as well. I’m just not sure what else to do about it.
i’ve got a couple, but after being involved in your process in even finding an agent, i just don’t have the energy. it would be nice, even more than nice, but i just don’t see it in my future anymore. there was a time when i did do some searching as far as agents/publishers go, but it was definitely a hassle. at this point in my life, it’s not for me anymore. i don’t want to discourage anyone else from going for it if it’s their dream — i think it’s a wonderful dream. and quite an accomplishment. best of luck to anyone who’s on this path!