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Hi, Owen,

Thanks for posting and for your suggestion about a future HYPNOTISTS book. Actually, my research tells me that animals can be hypnotized quite easily, but only for the purpose of quieting them down when they’re fearful. Anyway, I have a feeling that THE HYPNOTISTS is pretty well done as a series. But it’s an interesting idea, especially involving Stanley.

Your question: If you have a really great property, one that the publisher really thinks is going to be the next Harry Potter-type success, you can get it published immediately, or as soon as they can edit it and design and illustrate the cover. But a more realistic approach isn’t how fast, but if your work is good enough and publishable enough to be sold at all.

KDP is self-publishing, and I have never done that. I don’t know if I believe in it. And yes, a professional editor is absolutely essential. You need someone experienced to tell you if your work is professional and publishable. Friends will tell you that your book is great; a pro will give you the plain unvarnished truth.

Oh, I just read all that over again, and it’s SO discouraging!  I don’t mean to be! But it IS better to know the realities of the business, right? Good luck! I hope to be writing you a fan letter one day!

                                                                                                              —–Gordon Korman—–