David, if a whole novel is uploaded on WW could that count as publication even if chapters are deleted as I go along, or would you suggest not doing this? I want to be sure not to compromise my position with regard to publication.
V'yonne

V'yonne, the general view is that it doesn't count as publication if you click the box to make it visible to WW members only (or to yourself only - some people do that as a form of backup). Then it's only like, say, giving your writers' circle copies, or your friends. If it's visible on the internet it's more possible (tho' I don't think it's ever come to the crunch) to argue that it's been published.

Emma

Emma, thank you for that response. I know I am not the only member to be concerned about this question from my contacts with others.

Yes, it keeps coming round.

Emma

Please don't take this as definitive in any way, but from the pov of someone who works for a small publisher (long barn books) - when running the first novel competition the rules stated that a writer could not have previously published a novel. I can't see that we would include putting it up online for the purposes of critting on a site such as this as having been published. I can see why you'd be concerned but I'd be astonished if doing that caused you problems in the future.

Jess, thank you so much for replying to my querie. It would appear that the best thing to do is to write a synopsis and send it to a bunch of agents to see who bites but I think I would like to be sure I can reach the finishing line before I have the temerity to do that. Hence my interest in uploading more chapters.

I would always advise anyone to finish a novel and revise it and revise it again, before sending it out - you can't be sure those first chapters are the best they can be without it.

Emma

All advice gratefully received!