
You wouldn’t believe how many emails I get every week from people asking how to get their own HALO novel (or one they plan to write) published.
Usually I carefully explain the facts and let them down easy, but this time a young man has sent me emails—with increasing tones of desperation—with a return email address that my bounces my replies. So I’ll explain it here, and hopefully he will see this (or at least, I can point future queries to this post (despite the fact it’s already in
my FAQ)).
D.S. writes (paraphrased):
“
I would like to propose a sequal to Ghosts of Onyx. I have written the first chapter. I would like a response from you soon. I do understand copywright laws protecting your works.”
And then in a follow up email (more paraphrasing...):
“
I would like to get into contact with Bungie to get it approved so that i wont get sued. I couldnt think of any other person who would be able to help me with this except for you. I really admire your work and expertise. Please help me.”
Most of these requests come from freshmen in high school (some even younger) who are trying to do the right thing and figure how to write and get published. If you comment here, I ask that you be very polite.
Okay. So let’s take this item by item.
First, I don’t have time to help anyone write a novel. I have a family, a full-time job, and several writing projects of my own already under contract. This leaves me zero free time to work with anyone else.
I try to dispense what little writing advice I have time and energy for on my blog. There’s a search field at the top of the blog page. Also every entry is “tagged” so if you see a blog with the label “writing advice” or “writing business” you can click on that tag and get a list of every blog entry on those subjects.
Second, for every HALO novel published so far, either Bungie or Microsoft’s Licensing team has approached established professional writers of their choosing for the project. It is unlikely that an unproven writer would be considered.
Microsoft also has to pick the right story that supports (or at least does not interfere with) any potential future HALO project they might be working on (and note, I’m not confirming or denying that they are!).
If you still want to try to get your novel published, I suggest contacting Microsoft’s current HALO publisher, TOR books. Please look over their
FAQ for their submission guidelines.
Again the odds are long because it’s usually Microsoft who contacts TOR to find an author—not the other way around...but you never know.
Third, the young man in question is correct to seek clarification on this process and the copyright issues. You cannot publish a HALO novel without permission from the copyright holder (Microsoft in this case). Doing so is a violation of copyright law and Microsoft will vigorously protect its intellectual property. (I’m talking about published works—not fan fiction. Fan fic is a hotly debated legal quagmire that I’m
NOT getting into here).
Last point: It’s gratifying that so many people like the HALO novels and want to try to write their own. It’s natural for beginning writers to imitate either the style or setting of works they like. It’s a good way to learn. I started out imitating Roger Zelazny (although not as good).
Don’t be discouraged, D.S. Just write. Learn. Make your own stories!
Good Luck.
Labels: email, Halo, Writing advice, Writing business