A Debut Novel: From Writer’s Process to Publisher’s Eye

Dustin Lovell, M.A., Writing Program

Rebecca Baumann, MFA, Writing Program and Communication Studies

Following an introduction of the presenters, Dustin Lovell
will read from his yet unpublished debut novel, and briefly explain the relationship between the novel’s theme and its characters, as well as how he has applied the skills learned from academic discourse to creative writing. Rebecca Baumann will then share how a publisher would approach a debut novel from both an editing and publishing perspective, how to make it marketable, the role of agents, and the downfalls of self-publishing. Lovell and Baumann will share their writing processes and methods for finishing their work, as well as how the subjects they taught to students in Writing Labs informed the development of their writing processes. The session ends with a Q&A on writing process and publication.