GhostHand Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Not here just to pimp my Podcast - but our last episode (as mentioned above) does contain some great information from Guy Haley, Justin Hill, and Nick Kyme. In particular I think Guys points were fantastic. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4441044 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Idaho Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 Got my rejection but only after I politely asked if they had received my submission. They couldn't find it at first then 5 minutes later I get a rejection. Not impressed. Don't even think they read it. If it's any consolation, dude, they almost certainly did. BL has been crying out for authors in the last 12 months, with various veterans doing less/nothing at all/moving on. A lot of new names are showing up and/or will show up in the mix, which is always all to the good. This route may not be the best or most reliable way to get into writing 40K (that'd be getting published elsewhere and coming to BL with passion for the setting), but nothing ventured, nothing gained, and when they run these events lately, it's out of need. There's no benefit to organising it and then not reading entries. I appreciate your response. I do acknowledge that my style might not gel with what the BL are looking for, the story was a direction that wasn't to their preference at this time, or even that it just wasn't one of the better stories I write. It just felt coincidental that I chase it up and then get rejected a couple minutes later. Writers' hurt combined poorly I guess ;) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4450274 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ovidius Incertus Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 No one who was moved on to further consideration has heard back yet? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4450565 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veteran Sergeant Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 Not here just to pimp my Podcast - but our last episode (as mentioned above) does contain some great information from Guy Haley, Justin Hill, and Nick Kyme. In particular I think Guys points were fantastic. I'll second that. Was a good podcast. It's the previous one though, #136, not the current one, at this point. A lot of useful information from Nick Kyme too, from an editor's perspective rather than an author's. I think it was Guy who mentioned one of the most important takeaways: That you're not writing your stories. You're writing Games Workshop's stories. Keeping in mind that you're writing in their universe and not your interpretation of their universe is #1. #2 would probably be to remember that you're writing stories to sell plastic toy soldiers. The tenured writers there at TBL will get some leeway I'm sure. An aspiring writer needs to prove he/she can write Canonhammer 40K first. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can't, or won't, write their stories, they won't have any use for you. Also, I think it was Nick, but no secrets, lol. Don't tell them it has a surprise ending. If it does, tell them what the surprise is, that way you can show them you understand why it's a surprise and what the impact of that "twist" is, and they can decide if it's actually surprising. Is it Bruce Willis being dead the whole time, or is it just the monsters being people in costumes and the old-timey village actually existing in modern day? They don't know which one you're going to come up with. I don't know what people pitched, obviously, but if you didn't make the first cut, go back and look at your pitch. Two or three times, as critically and objectively as you can. Then have somebody else look at it. Maybe multiple people if you've got a circle of writers/readers. One who knows the fluff, and one who doesn't, and try to get honest feedback on it. Does it make sense? Does it sound interesting? The person who doesn't know the fluff is still important, because they have no expectations (or conflicting interpretations), but will tell you what they think of it anyway. And while a summary is good, you want to demonstrate an understanding of the universe at the same time, too, and a rundown of the kinds of thematic 40K elements you plan to include. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4450709 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Idaho Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 My pitch was weaker than it could be, mainly because I found it hard to condense a pitch that we were instructed to explain the whole novel in. Due to size, I couldn't elaborate on my twists and turns and the novel looked simplistic. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4450732 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dumah Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 No one who was moved on to further consideration has heard back yet? No sir, still waiting. Going on 2 months now since the first round notice. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4450785 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydriatus Posted July 26, 2016 Share Posted July 26, 2016 Same, still waiting. A small update email would be nice, you know, like "We are working through your submissions still, thank you for your patience" to quell any fears about work being lost in the so-called pile ^_^ Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4450980 Share on other sites More sharing options...
KramFoot Posted July 26, 2016 Share Posted July 26, 2016 Still waiting as well since the first round notice, now the nerves are really starting to kick in. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4451163 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydriatus Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 Welp, finally got my rejection emal.Took a while, but at least I got past the first stage this time.Ah well, time to write up the story anyway and release it here... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4501744 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ovidius Incertus Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 *Edit* Got my rejection this morning too! Bummer, but c'est la vie. I would really have liked feedback, but I guess that's not in the cards this time. *Edit* That stinks. I've been wondering if anyone has heard anything and was about to post in this thread today. At least the process is moving forward, I guess. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4501751 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeritorA Posted September 15, 2016 Share Posted September 15, 2016 *Edit* Got my rejection this morning too! Bummer, but c'est la vie. I would really have liked feedback, but I guess that's not in the cards this time. *Edit* That stinks. I've been wondering if anyone has heard anything and was about to post in this thread today. At least the process is moving forward, I guess. Everything would be fine brother - you would be accepted next time for sure! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4503187 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orky ard boyz Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 I thought if you were taken to the second stage, wouldn't that mean more writing? I wasn't aware that it just meant they would take a second look at it and then reject or accept based on content they had already seen. What's the point of a second stage then? Why not reject you from the onset? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506036 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexington Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 I think it was Guy who mentioned one of the most important takeaways: That you're not writing your stories. You're writing Games Workshop's stories. Keeping in mind that you're writing in their universe and not your interpretation of their universe is #1. Kind of a funny attitude from a publishing house arguably built on the work of a single author who completely imposed his preferences and aesthetic on GW's IP. :lol: Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506109 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petitioner's City Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 You mean Dan? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506225 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irbis Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 I thought if you were taken to the second stage, wouldn't that mean more writing? I wasn't aware that it just meant they would take a second look at it and then reject or accept based on content they had already seen. What's the point of a second stage then? Why not reject you from the onset? Presumably, if you want say 12 stories, you will whittle 1000 you get not to 12, but to say 50, to not miss anything nice, then count down to final 12 from there. Though, I agree, the whole process seem to be slow and inefficient, especially seeing BL isn't particularly busy recently... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506289 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A D-B Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 I think it was Guy who mentioned one of the most important takeaways: That you're not writing your stories. You're writing Games Workshop's stories. Keeping in mind that you're writing in their universe and not your interpretation of their universe is #1. Kind of a funny attitude from a publishing house arguably built on the work of a single author who completely imposed his preferences and aesthetic on GW's IP. Similarly, as soon as I heard Guy's comment I thought "...we're what?" I think it's one of those things that means different things to different people, because I've always been told it's about writing your own stories in the IP, not what GW wants you to write. That said, there's been a period in the last 2-3 years where that changed for a lot of authors with a shift in the company. The pendulum is swinging back the other way again now, though. That's something that's been noticed and discussed to death on forums just from people seeing the schedule and noticing the shift in attitude (as well as other authors already mentioning it on podcasts, etc.), so it's sadly not juicy gossip. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506297 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petitioner's City Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 I think it was Guy who mentioned one of the most important takeaways: That you're not writing your stories. You're writing Games Workshop's stories. Keeping in mind that you're writing in their universe and not your interpretation of their universe is #1. Kind of a funny attitude from a publishing house arguably built on the work of a single author who completely imposed his preferences and aesthetic on GW's IP. Similarly, as soon as I heard Guy's comment I thought "...we're what?" I think it's one of those things that means different things to different people, because I've always been told it's about writing your own stories in the IP, not what GW wants you to write. That said, there's been a period in the last 2-3 years where that changed for a lot of authors with a shift in the company. The pendulum is swinging back the other way again now, though. That's something that's been noticed and discussed to death on forums just from people seeing the schedule and noticing the shift in attitude (as well as other authors already mentioning it on podcasts, etc.), so it's sadly not juicy gossip. Ok despite partaking in this discussion before, im confused Aaron. Do you mean the pendulum swung away from 'creating your own stories in the sandbox' like the work of yourself, Farrer, Abnett, French, etc., to 'advertise our new product' writing/stick by the rules of the current edition models & texts/write our stories, and now back to 'sandbox'? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506377 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A D-B Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 I think it was Guy who mentioned one of the most important takeaways: That you're not writing your stories. You're writing Games Workshop's stories. Keeping in mind that you're writing in their universe and not your interpretation of their universe is #1. Kind of a funny attitude from a publishing house arguably built on the work of a single author who completely imposed his preferences and aesthetic on GW's IP. Similarly, as soon as I heard Guy's comment I thought "...we're what?" I think it's one of those things that means different things to different people, because I've always been told it's about writing your own stories in the IP, not what GW wants you to write. That said, there's been a period in the last 2-3 years where that changed for a lot of authors with a shift in the company. The pendulum is swinging back the other way again now, though. That's something that's been noticed and discussed to death on forums just from people seeing the schedule and noticing the shift in attitude (as well as other authors already mentioning it on podcasts, etc.), so it's sadly not juicy gossip. Ok despite partaking in this discussion before, im confused Aaron. Do you mean the pendulum swung away from 'creating your own stories in the sandbox' like the work of yourself, Farrer, Abnett, French, etc., to 'advertise our new product' writing/stick by the rules of the current edition models & texts/write our stories, and now back to 'sandbox'? A little. Sort of. Kinda. It's less the way it's been the last 2 years, but not quite the way it was 3+ years ago. It's new, and that's by no means a bad thing. Other authors have discussed it more on various podcasts, but I lack the links right now. There's nothing solid to point to, really - not that the schedule and the kinds of stories being written won't highlight better than any of my explanations could. I think it's probably fairest to say that some authors will usually/always do some kinds of stories, and some will always do others, and that's the only real thing that'll be seen in terms of an end result facing out to the public. The prolific guys, for example, can write 3-5 novels a year, and can be trusted with tie-in releases based on the model/studio schedule, where you're asking for endless and painful hilarity if you tried that with me or Dan. They just couldn't rely on us to hit those kinds of deadlines (and I daresay we'd be less likely to accept that kind of project, anyway). Some authors pitch what they want to write, some authors are offered projects, and pretty much most do some mix of both depending on time, circumstance, and passion. We're just leaving a period where it was heavily weighted toward project offers for the majority of authors. (I write so slowly that I avoided that period purely through just... not being involved in it.) Guy's comments surprised me, but I think it's more about context than meaning. Guy is a good example of the ferociously prolific type that can write to spec and nail every deadline. He is an avatar of that blessed ideal: a professional. That makes him worth listening to. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506414 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Carnelian Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 At the end of the day, I feel like submission periods for large publishers like this are a lottery. If you win it, I'm happy for you. But I think it was Guy who said that the easiest way to get published at Black Library is to get published elsewhere. That proves you can write to a deadline, finish projects, etc. So that's what I'm focusing my energy on now. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4506423 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Idaho Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Yeah that's my approach. Well that and moaning on the Internet how hard done by I am. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4507359 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigil Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 My pitch got to the "second round" of scrutiny by the editors before being rejected. All in all, I learned a lot about pitching between my correspondence with an excellent BL employee during the process and the IC interview. I'm very much looking forward to the next submission window (or better yet, coming forward with publishing credits to show BL). All things considered, a great learning experience. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4508118 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoebus Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 The prolific guys, for example, can write 3-5 novels a year, and can be trusted with tie-in releases based on the model/studio schedule, where you're asking for endless and painful hilarity if you tried that with me or Dan. They just couldn't rely on us to hit those kinds of deadlines (and I daresay we'd be less likely to accept that kind of project, anyway.Book 5 40: Master of Mankind A Horus Heresy novel As news of the atrocities on Isstvan III arrive Horus advances on Terra, the Emperor and his most loyal allies struggle to contain the onslaught of the denizens of the Webway. READ IT BECAUSE We are given insight on the secret works that stole the Emperor away during the time of Horus's fall closing phases of the Heresy! Kidding, kidding! ;) In all honesty, I'm greatly looking forward to Master of Mankind, A D-B. Quality over quantity, always. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4509457 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xisor Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 It's been remarked in a few ways - much closer ties to miniature releases, heavier product placement, the feeling that 'novel new things' were being replaced with similar-but-available models. Whether that replacement was done, or whether it was gentle encouragement by design and suggestion, there's not easy way to say or distinguish, really. In some ways, it's not important. Looks like a few experiments were tried in management style & objectives - some proved good, some didn't; let the style grow. --- The upsurge of Inquisitor stories is a very pleasant return to form. And I'll be keen to see where things go hereon. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4509776 Share on other sites More sharing options...
KramFoot Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 Still no word yet after the first round. No news is good news I guess. Doesn't stop me checking my emails every day mind Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4509875 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DukeLeto69 Posted September 22, 2016 Share Posted September 22, 2016 Loooong time lurker but only second time poster! Active on other forums but for some reason never got involved here! I for one am REALLY hoping we are now seeing a change in direction at BL back to where it was several years back - ie more of a publishing house operating in the same IP and less of a marketing arm to sell models to Young Adults. I am a Marketing Director for an organisation with a turnover approx three times the size of GW. I am in my 40s. I played W40k through 1st and 2nd edition but have not played since the mid 90s and have not purchased a single model, paintbrush or paint pot since then. In fact I had nothing to do with W40k for 10 years until one day I spotted the Eisenhorn Omnibus in a book shop and was intrigued enough to buy it in 2006. As I have always loved the IP I have since then spent an incredible amount of money buying a tonne of BL releases, all the rule books and codexes, the Imperial Armour books, the Forgeworld Horus Heresy books, all of the FFG role playing sourcebooks and rule books. I reckon I have spent £4-5k! My point is that I represent a more mature consumer of GW product, someone who I expect does not fit their target demographic of teenage boys. I am someone who does not want to read bolter porn and Young Adult fiction. I want something more sophisticated and challenging. Ok it doesn't have to be literary genius, after all I enjoy Sci fi and pulp fiction, but the kind of books that Abnett and Farrer produced in the past (Eisenhorn, Ravenor, Bequin, Calpurnia) are what I want more of. I want to explore and mine that rich vein of IP. The W40k universe is so rich and vast. Yes I get it that this is WARhammer 40k but we do not always have to see Battles on the front line. I know that this year GW hired a new Head of Marketing and it is pretty clear to me that they are having a positive impact. GW are re-engaging with their customer base and being active on social media again. White Dwarf has been revived and refreshed. BL now appear to be getting more of a free hand. This is all really good because GW need to diversify their product range to ensure they appeal to multiple customer groups. There must be at least four broad categories of customers: 1. Young teens who start their interest in the hobby playing the game and buying models. They do not have much money so their individual value to the business is low but they represent the future customer base that needs nurturing. 2. Older teens/early 20s who will be the most active consumer of model kits. Their spending power is increasing and you need to get these people heavily invested in the game. I know the argument for the whole 2 minutes to midnight scenario but it always surprises me that GW haven't allowed the timeline to move forward and allow the customer base to influence the meta story through campaign results (like the Eye of Terror campaign did). Yes there is also the "that would make it W41k" argument but then 2000AD comic never changed its name! 3. People who want a more advanced game. Give them an advanced rules set and encourage tournaments. Have a basic rules set for beer and pretzels gamers but an advanced set (all that rule bloat) for more serious war gamers with serious budgets to invest. 4. Older people (like me) who love the IP and eat up the fluff but have zero interest in models and gaming. GW may be surprised at how much budget we are willing to spend on books as long as they are targeted at us and not YA bolter porn. I did start to lose faith a few years ago as I too saw the increasing tie in to model kits and the obvious shift in BL being a marketing arm for GW rather than a serious Sci Fi publisher. However, there were enough good moments sprinkled around to keep me coming back (albeit spending less). The Black Legion book, Ahriman books, several (but not all) of the HH novels. I do think now the future for BL is brighter than it has been for a while. The concept of The Beast Arises series is great and the books generally very good (more behind the scenes and politicking would be good for me). Authors like ADB (not just because you are on here), Wraight and French are really good and it is exciting to see we will be getting Inquisitor based stories from the latter two. I truly hope Dan Abnett comes back and at very least finishes the Gaunts Ghost series and Bequin series. I wish ADB wrote more quickly LOL but looking forward to MoM and Black Legion 2. So sorry for the long post but just hoping GW really do allow for authors to stretch their writing chops a bit more and realise that by doing so they will actually be extending the lifespan of their customer base and in turn open up longer term revenue streams, Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/320744-write-for-black-library/page/12/#findComment-4511475 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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