NovelTalk Article - How to Catch a Fish

How to Catch a Fish aka Snagging Editorial Interest

Step 1.

Before you cast your line, bait your hook.

What are you hoping to catch? Are you using the right bait? Who’s fishing, and why?

Do you have a credible, logical story, targeted to a specific publisher, a specific line? What is that publisher’s preferred format? What is the story’s theme, you focus on the topic of the novel, and do the story events best depict it? Who are the characters? Are they well motivated? What do they want? What do they stand to lose? Who is their adversary, and why is he/she an adversary?

Step 2.

Cast your line, then watch the splash.

In present tense, start out with the conflict hook. When the hook hits the water, it doesn’t mess around, it sinks beneath the surface and churns things up. When you start your synopsis, you shouldn’t mess around, either. Sink into the conflict at Chapter 1, then follow through to the end of the story.

Step 3.

Crank the reel to take up the slack line.

Put your net within reach—in case you snag The Big One.

Quickly establish whom, when, and where. Characterize the hero and heroine through contrast, goals, and motivation, and establish the setting. Begin foreshadowing coming, specific, main events.

Step 4.

Tap the line to wiggle the lure.

Sharpen the focus on characters and events. Depict formidable obstacles that enhance your characters’ assets. It doesn’t take much character to snag seaweed. It takes a lot of character to swim with sharks.

Step 5.

You’ve got a nibble.

No, don’t jerk back! He’ll get away!

You’re moving the plot inevitably forward, expanding on characters’ motivations, and learning (the habits of the fish) what makes your characters tick. But a nibble isn’t a bite. Resolve too much too soon, and you’ll ease the tension. A loss of tension equates to a loss of interest, which equates to no sale. So instead . . .

Step 6.

Hit a reef.

Build on the tension with bigger obstacles. Broaden the conflict gap with characters wants and obligations.

Step 7.

The fish bites!

Set the hook--and struggle. This is The Big One! At the point of exhaustion, you’re about to give up, but you remember the net you put into place. Grab it--now!

Step 8.

Crank the reel, taking in line. Soon, the fish will break the water’s surface.

Tie up all loose ends, resolving the minor conflicts first. Recognize characters’ growth and development.

Step 9.

Net the fish.

All obstacles are resolved and eliminated. The characters achieve their goals, or fail to achieve them and understand the rationale and obtain fulfillment by reaching a happy or satisfying ending.

Do all of this in roughly one page per ten thousand novel words, and what happens? The editor feels satisfied—and you’ve caught a fish!

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Last Updated on February 06, 2009