Katrina novel

[ejfindorff]

Hello Mr. Burke,
I cannot believe I haven't come across your books before. I am a New Orleans native and also a fiction writer. I just had my first novel UNHINGED published by Medallion press, I can officially call myself a "author." ha ha.
Anyway, I purchased The Tin Roof Blowdown specifically because it was set during Katrina. I am halfway through and loving it. I now plan on starting my JLB collection. I have spent the last year working on a fictional crime thriller based on true accounts that happened to a paramedic in the days before, during, and after Katrina in New Orleans. This manuscript has landed me an agent in New York and we are now discussing final edits. I've let others read it and they are blown away.
I don't contact other authors and have never asked one to read my stuff (except Anne Rice, but that's a long story), but a looksie from an author who has written about the same subject is rare in this case. I don't feel there are any legal issues, since I already have representation. Again, I am from New Orleans, so you can understand that I would be naive enough to think you might want to.
If not, don't sweat it. I completely understand and that won't change my mind on reading all your work. Hopefully, one day we might meet up at a conference or something.
Take care,
E.J. Findorff

[ejfindorff]

Mr. Burke,
Perhaps I was a little forward and assuming. After I posted, I thought what if the roles were reversed? So, consider the request forgotten, but I do plan on meeting you one day.
Thanks and take care,
E.J. Findorff

[jamesleeburke]

As you guessed, I'm buried for a long time, Mr. E. But believe me absolutely on this. The only opinion that counts regarding a manuscript is the publisher's. Nobody else will have any influence on its acceptance. I have been publishing in New York for almost fifty years and not on one occasion have I ever convinced an editor to buy a friend's book. People will tell you that a recommendation from another writer will send a book to the head of the line, but it's not true, at least not in my experience.

If you believe in your work, nothing else means diddily-squat on a rock, noble mon.

Keep the faith,

JLB

[ejfindorff]

Mr. Burke,
I so appreciate your advice, but you misunderstood. I didn't want a recommendation and I would only accept another author's opinion on my work if they asked to read it (other than the Anne Rice incident). However, I would have valued your critique since you obviously know New Orleans inside and out as well as the happenings during Katrina. I don't know any other writer (not that I've tried to contact any) that has woven the storm into a fiction thriller or mystery. So, in the meantime, I will systematically read all your work because I just love reading New Orleans stuff and hopefully we can chit chat along the way.

One question; did you experience Katrina first hand or was it all research? I was in Chicago at the time, but my folks lost our house in the East and they now live in Baton Rouge.
E.J.

[Rtmichael]

I think a friend can get you a look by an editor, agent or even publisher, but only a look.

[ejfindorff]

Mr. rtmichael,
That's a great offer, but I already have an agent for this novel. It's been a very long road and I'm very excited. I just thought Mr. Burke might enjoy reading a Katrina story based on true accounts of paramedic's ordeal and at the same time, get a little feedback on it. I'm loving The Tin Roof Blowdown and I plan on starting the series from the beginning.
E.J.

[Rtmichael]

Well, was not actually an offer, just a comment-smile.