I recently got agented for my novel, and we're in the process of approaching publishing houses and discussing editorial decisions and so on.

Any advice here from the older hands/published authors on what the whole process will be like going forward, and how painful it'll be?

 

I have no advice, but wanted to say congrats :') Landing an agent is a notoriously hellish process. I'm very happy for you!

 

Not necessarily painful, so long as you’re willing to listen to the editors when your manuscript gets to that stage (which is a great stage to be at, as it means the book has sold). All criticism and edits are in aid of supporting your book—but do remember that once you’ve sold it to the publisher, it is now also their book.

Even the cleanest page of your manuscript is going to have edits made to it, stylistic or otherwise. There will always be something. In my experience, there are edits the publisher will compromise on, and edits they won’t. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the editor is right and trusting them will yield a better product.

The one main piece of advice I have is this: You’re only as good as your next book.

Publishing is a business, and unless you become a success in the league of Rothuss/Rowling/any big name, the publisher will drop you as soon as you stop producing the goods. You’re only as good as you’re next book. I learnt this the hard way.

Should you want to make writing a career, you better be writing. These days for every book I have out on submission I try and have two different manuscripts in my back pocket. It’s a tough rule, but I try and always be two books ahead. My goal one day is to have five fully written manuscripts for every one story that actually gets published. Breathing room.

 

Just wanted to say congrats too. Any hints on what your novel will be about?

 

Thanks all for the kind words, and much appreciated, @Joe, for the helpful advice.

@darklordmike It's a speculative/social sci-fi thriller, and the tldr pitch is:

 

Well done @fire, its a fantastic achievement even to land an agent!