My son has written a novella. It's very good. I'm encouraging his writing: he has a flair for words. However, I am wondering whether he would do better in the long run if he started the joy of being published with a full-length book (of which he is certainly capable). I have the notion that the NEW AUTHOR designation and FIRST NOVEL happy cheers still have meaning when translated into public interest and sales.

My first book was launched, poor fool that I was, by a vanity press. It got precisely nowhere (of course) though it is still read and enjoyed. I know that because people come out of the woodwork and tell me. So much more important to me now is that my bouncing baby boy (aged 44) who has fortunately not inherited my literary genius, should get the best advice.

Peter Watson Jenkins