This is a sample from a 40,000 word diary about a failed novelist. As no agent will touch it with a barge-pole, I'm thinking about making it available for free on the internet, and seeing how many people download it. I'll probably put this sample on a myspace site, with a link to the free download.

So ... I'm keen to know if this sample makes a decent enough 'hook'.

Hopefully I don't sound like a big-headed prat. Any comments greatly appreciated. With any luck, I'll get this link right...

http://www.writewords.org.uk/archive/16568.asp

Hi there

Sorry, but I had a quick peek, and personally, wouldn't download.

I don't find that there is enough to interest me. Certainly the proposed meeting with a prostitute does nothing! Maybe the men will feel differently.

I'm interested in your statement that 'no agent will touch it with a bargepole'. That sounds as though you have tried?

Vanessa

Hi Vanessa,

It is more pitched towards men, you're right! Not everyone's cup of tea, I know.

I have shown it to a lot of agents. Some of them liked the writing-style, but didn't think they could sell it.

Anyway, thanks for your comments.

VS

Hi,

Your writing style is clear and concise, and straight to the point without being overly descriptive, which I like, but I found the story too mundane.

You need to add some drama, interest and impact, make the reader want to know what happens next by giving them hooks to draw them in.

Hope this helps

Katerina

It's the sort of thing I'd enjoy reading on somebody's blog - always good to know there are other writers out there going through the processes - but not as a book, or a download, more as a sort of real-life diary, I suppose.

It is a real-life diary!

It's an interesting point though. It's much easier to market a book if you label it 'a blog' rather than 'a diary.'

It is a real-life diary! It's an interesting point though. It's much easier to market a book if you label it 'a blog' rather than 'a diary.'

The Friday Project is actively seeking blogs to publish - you might consider aiming it their way, although you probably need to serialize it as a real life blog first.