I googled Satopia and it came up on a number of webpages, so it will not be deletable.
However, if you have a list of publishers who accept self-published books then that should not be a problem.


- NaomiM

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Also, I should stress that the content is for mature readers only. Is that something I should mention? Could anyone give me some advice for this? Which do you think should be the major areas I should tackle. Also, what else do I need to put in it?

I read the reviews on Amazon which have put this piece of your original question into context. I think it is the structure of the novel that probably needs to be looked at, rather than the adult content per se. Arnold remarks on the lack of plot, Elaine calls it an unpredictable plot and M. Rossiter calls a crazy plot. A couple of reviewers have also remarked on the lack of an heroic protagonist - whereas publishers like a sympathetic MC whom the readership can empathise with.






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All in all, I would put this novel to one side and concentrate on the other manuscripts.

That could be a good idea (as to be honest, I don't think this is my best story I've written by far), so maybe I'll take your advice.

I see your point about the lack of heroic characters, but I don't necessarily think that should always affect reading a novel. Yeah, I agree the novel needs to have a protagonist that you can identify with, but I've read novels where the main protagonist is an absolute monster (Clockwork Orange being one of them) and doing things which are utterly revolting. But because all the emphasis is on him/her, you find yourself drawn into his world whether you like it or not. Perfume is another example of this, as I find the central character a total monster, but because the story is from his point of view, you can't help but be drawn in by him.

Then again, I think I'd be the first to admit that this novel isn't my best work by far, so I will probably keep self-publishing this (but not mentioning it to agents) and concentrate on my other books. Thanks for the advice.

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I think it is the structure of the novel that probably needs to be looked at, rather than the adult content per se. Arnold remarks on the lack of plot, Elaine calls it an unpredictable plot and M. Rossiter calls a crazy plot.

Would having an unpredictable (or for that matter crazy) plot really be so bad? I don't mean to sound ignorant at all, I'm just curious about that. I would have thought an unpredictable plot would have been a good thing, but that's just me.

If you have a story with a strong plot, you are more likely to get away with having a 'monster' for a main character (eg, Hannibal).
If you have a sympathetic (highly lovable) main character you are more likely to get away with a crazy plot.
But having both in the same novel limits the potential readership and that makes it far less appealing to Agents and publishes who know the sort of things that do appeal to the market.
Also, for debut novelists, publishers prefer to go with a safe bet - especialy in the current economic climate. Once that author is established, they may be allowed to play with the novel's structure, etc.


- NaomiM

Fair dos, I see your point there. I think I'll go with your advice and use my other novels for the time being. Thanks for the help, I may be coming to you for help for my next query letter.

I may be coming to you for help for my next query letter.

Feel free to post one any time you're passing the Synopsis & Outline Group.


- NaomiM