A debut novel is the first novel a novelist publishes. Debut novels are often the author's first opportunity to make an impact on the publishing industry, and thus the success or failure of a debut novel can affect the ability of the author to publish in the future.[1] First-time novelists without a previous published reputation, such as publication in nonfiction, magazines, or literary journals, typically struggle to find a publisher.
Sometimes new novelists will self-publish their debut novels, because publishing houses will not risk the capital needed to market books by an unknown author to the public.[1] Most publishers purchase rights to novels, especially debut novels, through literary agents, who screen client work before sending it to publishers.[2] These hurdles to publishing reflect both publishers' limits in resources for reviewing and publishing unknown works, and that readers typically buy more books from established authors with a reputation than from first-time writers. For this reason, literary communities have created awards that help acknowledge exceptional debut novels.
- ^ a b "The Big Question: What should you do if you want to get your first novel published? - Features, Books". The Independent. 2008-01-04. Archived from the original on June 6, 2008. Retrieved 2011-05-23.
- ^ Woodroof, Martha (October 8, 2013). "First Novels: The Romance Of Agents". Monkey See. NPR. Archived from the original on October 8, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2013.