Does anyone know if publishing extracts of an unpublished novel will affect the likelihood of agents/publishers picking up the complete work?

I ask because a magazine has expressed interest in seeing some extracts from a novel I've written. I'm not represented by anyone at the moment, and although part of me hopes that having a chapter published might attract positive attention, I don't want to sabotage my chances with agents/pubs who want exclusive rights to it.

???

Others may have a different view, but I don't think it's a problem. An extract of Taking Comfort appeared in an American literary journal called Lit Pot before I submitted it to MNW. I told them in the covering note that this was the case. At the time I discussed doing it with my agent and he was of the view, in general, publishing an extract does no harm and may even do good. But, as I say, others may have a different view.

Well done on the interest, by the way.

Thanks, Roger - nothing concrete as yet, but I did just want to be sure that I'm not going to be wasting their time (or inded, getting my own hopes up!)

I'd agree with Roger - if anything, I'd think it would do good. Just check that you're only granting the mag a licence to publish those sections, that time (can't remember the proper term). The Society of Authors can advise.

Emma

Defo. Thanks, Emma.

And, as soon as the magazine has published the extract, all rights revert to you, so there would be no worry about the magazine having ongoing rights to it.

Dee

Ah, so that's how it works...thanks!