The BBC Books

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Version 2.6

This FAQ was scribed by Richard Prekodravac
At this moment the BBC Books FAQ is a guide to "What the hell do I do?" As the series develops this FAQ will become more indepth.
Thanx to the following: David Robinson, Paul Rhodes, Shannon Patrick Sullivan, Siobahn "Shabang" Morgan, James Bow, Martin Day, Gary Russell (add name here).

And at Chuck Foster's place:
http://www.pipex.net/people/chuck/sf/drwho/in/faq/bbc-books.txt

Warning: This FAQ is absolutley truthful. Except for the bits that aren't. Here's a clue the not true bits are silly. If you can't work out what bits are silly then please email me.

Contents:

  1. General Questions
    1. What the Hell is going on?
    2. When will the series begin?
    3. How often will the books be released?
    4. Will the books have a 'series' title?

  2. About the series.
    1. Are there new companions? Who are they?
    2. What novels have been commisioned?
    3. What are the basic plots?

  3. For pedants.
    1. I heard that none of the covers will be permitted to have a picture of Paul McGann!

  4. Virgin Characters.
    1. Can I write a book with Benny...?
    2. But what about continuity?

  5. So you want to be an author.
    1. Can I write for the series?
    2. What should my submission include?
    3. Where can I send my submission?
    4. Can I email my submission?
    5. Where can I get a copy of the BBC Guidelines for Prospective Authors?

Section One: General Questions.

What the Hell is going on?

BBC Books have "taken over" Virgin Publishing's Doctor Who Books. What this actually means the BBC has not renewed Virgin's licence (ends May 1997) to publish Doctor Who fiction, instead the BBC will try to instead. The BBC will publish books that comprise of Eighth Doctor adventures, 1-7 Doctor adventures, and may publish short fiction collections and non-fiction books.

***When will the series begin?***

June 1997.

***How often will the books be released?***

There will be one eighth Doctor and one of 1-7 Doctors published every two months.

***Will the books have a series title?***

Unlike Virgin's New and Missing Adventures the BBC Books will not have a series title. Each book will go under the title of: "Doctor Who: [insert book title]". The best way of addressing the series I believe is to refer to "The eighth Doctor books" and "The past Doctor books" (credited to Shannon Patrick Sullivan).

Section Two: About the series.

***Are there new companions? Who are they?***

Samantha Jones a 17 year old natural rebel from the Coal Hill school area will be joining the eighth Doctor in the first novel of the BBC series, "The Eight Doctors" by Terrance Dicks.

***What novels have been commisioned?***

The Eighth Doctor Books

"The Eight Doctors" by Terrance Dicks.
"Vampire Science" by Jonathon Blum and Kate Orman.
"War of the Daleks" by John Peel
"Genocide" by Paul Leonard
"The Bodysnatchers" by Mark Morris

Past Doctor Books

"The Devil Goblins from Neptune" by Martin Day and Keith Topping (3rd Doctor and Liz)
"Murder Games" by Steve Lyons (2nd Doctor and a sponge)
"The Ultimate Treasure" by Christopher Bulis (5th Doctor and Peri)
"Illegal Alien" by Mike Tucker and Robert Perry (7th Doctor and Ace)
"Chains of Commands" by Garl Russell (6th Doctor and The Brigadier and Mel)

***What are the basic plots?***

"The Eight Doctors" The eighth Doctor suffers amnesia and meets seven strange people (former cast memebers of The Brady Bunch?).
"War of the Daleks" no boom.
"Chains of Commands" involves the sixth Doctor, Mel and the Brigadier set in Pease Pottage.

Section Three: For pedants.

***I heard that none of the covers will be permitted to have a picture of Paul McGann!***

You heard right. None of the covers will be permitted to have a picture of Paul McGann on the front cover.

Section Foure: Virgin Characters.

***Can I write a book with Benny...?***

Not really no. BBC Books prefer you didn't so effectively no. Put that pen down come away from the character you are surrounded.

***But what about continuity?***

Well it will be lots of fun as the writers walk on egg shells around the continuity established in the New and Missing Adventures. "Chains of Commands" for example, will not contradict what was written in "Millenial Rites".

Section Five: So you want to be an author.

***Can I write for the series?***

You may send your unsolicited manuscripts to BBC Books through the post only.

***What should my submission include?***

Your submission needs to be printed. Details can be found in the BBC Guidelines for Prospective Authors.
A sysnopsis (less than 4000 words), and a sample chapter.
James Bow informs me that a query letter is greatly appreciated by the BBC before sending your submission. James suggested: "a one page query letter, basically saying "we have this story idea, it features x with the y and this stuff happens, are you interested in seeing it?""

***Where can I send my submission?***

Doctor Who Books
A3008
Woodlands
80 Wood Lane
London
W12 OTT
UK

***Can I email my submission?***

Your submission needs to be printed. Do not email your submission.

***Where can I get a copy of the BBC Guidelines for Prospective Authors?***

By contacting BBC Books directly:

Doctor Who Books
A3008
Woodlands
80 Wood Lane
London
W12 OTT
UK

or e-mail:
doctorwho.books@bbc.co.uk

Or on the Web at the Broadsword Web Site:
http://www.broadsword.org

"Look its Skaro!" by John Peel in "War of the Daleks"

----- line -----

Broadsword FAQ

Submissions, questions, info or just general email to info@broadsword.org