Tag: becoming an author

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

From Middle Grade Writer to Middle Grade Author

Oh, my friend.

Let me tell you a story.

Ten years, one month, and twelve days after I left my full-time corporate job to become a freelance copywriter, I signed my first publishing contract.

*pause for frenzied happy dancing*

You know what I realized after I signed the contract? All those years of work up to that moment were just the beginning. They were endurance training, I think. I have learned boatloads on this journey – some lessons I learned the hard way, others were less painful.

Here are the most important things I’ve learned about becoming an author.

1) Be teachable.

From high school English to journalism school to my corporate advertising and marketing career, I was surrounded by people who told me I could write, and I believed it.

I was so confident in my abilities, in fact, that I sent first drafts of manuscripts to agents. I entered first drafts in contests. And had no idea why they were being rejected.

Thankfully, my eyes opened at my first writing conference when I learned about revisions and critique partners. I heard other writers’ paths to publication. And I became something I hadn’t been in a long time – teachable. That’s when I started making progress.

2) Be generous.

Over the past several years, I’ve had the incredible good fortune of meeting some of the kindest writers. They’ve come alongside me (and numerous others) and offered advice, encouragement, and inspiration.

That’s the type of writer I am trying to be. I have a lot to learn, but when I meet other writers, I try to be a good resource. I’m still learning, of course, but I have found that encouraging other writers, sharing what (little) I know grows the type of community that I want to be part of.

3) Be persistent.

I’m not going to sit here and tell you I never thought about giving up. Some days the words are easy. Other days it’s like trying to tunnel through an iceberg with a spoon. Writing is hard. But it’s not impossible.

You know when it becomes impossible? When you decide to stop trying. So keep trying. Even if it’s only two sentences a day. Keep going. You know how. If I can do it, you can too.

I have another year or so before my book publishes. It will be a year filled with revisions, platform-building and marketing, not to mention I have another WIP to polish and a couple of ideas for new books to draft.

But I didn’t want this exciting moment to pass without reflecting on the ups and downs that brought me here.

Next – I need to have a conversation with the powers-that-be about changing the name of this website from “Almost an Author” to “You’re an Author, Now What?” (Just kidding)

Where are you on your path to publication? Do you want a travel partner? The A3 community is here for you. Reach out in the comments below and let us know what’s on your mind.

Kelli McKinney

When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found on the sidelines at her son’s tennis tournaments, brewing a cup of cinnamon spice tea, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff to chase.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling fifteen-year career in corporate marketing before wandering off on her own to be a freelance copywriter.

Now, she is a part-time copywriter, full-time mom, and a children’s author. She lives in Texas but a huge piece of her heart belongs to Oklahoma. Her debut novel, JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is forthcoming in late 2022 with Chicken Scratch Books.

Kelli loves to hear from readers and writers. She can be reached through her website at www.kellmckinney.com or on Instagram @klmckinneywrites .

Categories
Becoming an Author

12 Quotes for Writers on Persevering in Publication

The writing journey is not for the faint of heart. The rejections, critiques, and setbacks provide plenty of opportunities for the aspiring author to call it quits—and perhaps you’ve been there. Maybe, in 2020, you found yourself facing disappointments that have tempted you to give up.

For those of you who are beginning this year with a lack of motivation, you’re not alone. In fact, these obstacles are a necessary part of every writer’s journey. But it’s only those who find a way to move forward despite these setbacks who reach their version of success.

So if you need a fresh dose of motivation from those who have gone before you, check out the following quotes for writers on how to persevere in the publication journey.

“This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don’t consider it rejected. Consider that you’ve addressed it ‘to the editor who can appreciate my work’ and it has simply come back stamped ‘Not at this address’. Just keep looking for the right address.” 

Barbara Kingsolver

“Publication is a marathon, not a sprint. Writing the book is only the start.”

Jo Linsdell

“I finished my first book seventy-six years ago. I offered it to every publisher on the English-speaking earth I had ever heard of. Their refusals were unanimous: and it did not get into print until, fifty years later; publishers would publish anything that had my name on it.”

George Bernard Shaw

“I wrote a book. It sucked. I wrote nine more books. They sucked, too. Meanwhile, I read every single thing I could find on publishing and writing, went to conferences, joined professional organizations, hooked up with fellow writers in critique groups, and didn’t give up. Then I wrote one more book.”

Beth Revis

“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.” 

Sylvia Plath

“Don’t give up, and don’t lose your stubborn belief that you have a story worth telling. I’ve had so many people tell me over so many years that I didn’t have the qualities needed to be a writer. All of my writer friends and I have one thing in common: We didn’t listen to the naysayers. We kept writing. And eventually we have all been published.”

Devi S. Laskar

“The writer’s life is one filled with creativity, sure, but there are so many other skill sets you need to practice before bringing your books to your readers (or literary agents and publishers). Keep going. Keep writing. Keep learning.”

Kris Spisak

“I’ve found most authors have the wrong mental picture of the process. Instead of a sprint, publishing is more like a marathon. Slow, steady and consistent action will get you your audience and success.”

W. Terry Whalin

“I still encourage anyone who feels at all compelled to write to do so. I just try to warn people who hope to get published that publication is not all that it is cracked up to be. But writing is. Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do — the actual act of writing — turns out to be the best part. It’s like discovering that while you thought you needed the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony. The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.”

Anne Lamott

“To ward off a feeling of failure, she joked that she could wallpaper her bathroom with rejection slips, which she chose not to see as messages to stop, but rather as tickets to the game.”

Anita Shreve 

“Often, you have to fail as a writer before you write that bestselling novel or ground-breaking memoir. If you’re failing as a writer – which it definitely feels like when you’re struggling to write regularly or can’t seem to earn a living as a freelance writer – maybe you need to take a long-term perspective.” 

J.K. Rowling

“From my 25+ years in publishing, I’ve observed that selling books does not occur without the author taking action.”

W. Terry Whalin

What is your favorite quote on this list and why? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa is guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences, coaching young writers, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Becoming an Author

What is Your Writer Mission Statement?

Every year around this time, I take a moment to reflect on the progress I have made as a writer within the past twelve months. I reflect on whether or not I have reached my writerly goals for that year. I evaluate the areas that I could have improved and what I could have approached differently. Then, based on this, I establish new goals for the upcoming year.

But these goals are not chosen at random; instead, they are created in accordance with my author mission statement.

This mission statement captures and distills the vision of my writing career. It keeps me on track when I start to wander too far from my writerly purpose. And since I have reaped the rewards of crafting this statement, I now encourage writers—especially new writers—to craft their own statement as well.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider crafting your own writerly mission statement for the New Year:

This mission statement may help you…

  • Specify your author brand.
  • Define your core audience.
  • Brainstorm new content for your author newsletter and social media posts.
  • Reinforce why you have chosen to take this journey, which will keep you motivated for the long haul.
  • Make publishing decisions (for example: if you should write for the Christian market or the general market, whether you should pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing, etc.).
  • Enable you to see the “big picture,” especially when the going gets tough.
  • Navigate the maze of marketing.
  • Stay focused on what matters in your journey.
  • Avoid the trap of comparing yourself to other authors.

How can you craft this mission statement?

Here is the template that I have personally used to create mine, but feel free to modify this however you wish!

Your mission statement should answer the following questions…

  • What kind of books do I hope to write (e.g. inspirational, adventurous, issue-driven, historical, etc.)?
  • What is my purpose behind writing?
  • Who is my audience? (Be specific here!)
  • What do I hope to accomplish through the books that I write?
  • Is there a specific message that I want to portray through my books?

Need an example of how this may be crafted? Below is the mission statement I have created for my personal writing career:

“In all that I write—both fiction and non-fiction—I hope to minister the healing power of God’s love, show readers that hope is always available, and leave them with an appetite to pursue a relationship with Christ. In the books that I write, it is my desire to show teen girls that they are not alone in whatever it is that they are walking through. I want to encourage them to make the most of their youth by embracing their unique potential to further God’s Kingdom.”

This mission statement distills my heart behind my writing career. It reflects how I want to impact my readers. It focuses on what I believe is the message I am called to share to my target audience.

So if you need a little extra motivation for your own writing career—if you have been struggling with comparison, finding your author brand, staying focused, etc.—I challenge you to create this mission statement. Return to the why and the how: why you have chosen to write and how you would like to impact your readers.

Then return to this post and leave your mission statement in the comments below! =)

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa is guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences, coaching young writers, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Becoming an Author

7 Ways to Build Writing Education During COVID

There’s no denying that COVID has brought about drastic changes to our world in 2020. Yes, most of these changes have resulted in negative impacts—but I’m the kind of person who likes to find growth opportunities in the midst of difficulties. For the aspiring author, one such growth opportunity is the extra time you have been granted to grow in your craft. Why not make something good of this year by investing in your dream and building your education?

Here are seven ways you can do just that:

1. Enroll in a virtual course. The online courses available for writers today are limitless—there are courses on storytelling, character creation, editing, description, show vs. tell, and even courses on the business and publishing side of the industry. No one should have an excuse to not be educated in writing. My personal favorite place to build my writing education is through Serious Writers Academy. (Shameless plug: You can check out my course on deep POV by clicking here!)

2. Sign up for a membership to receive continuous education. You may be interested to see what Novel.Academy has to offer (an online school specifically geared toward inspirational novelists).

3. Receive mentorship from seasoned writers. (I offer a three-month mentorship, WRITE NOW, in which I privately coach teens and young adults who aspire to learn more about both the craft and the industry of writing.)

4. Receive a critique and/or edit of your book from a professional.

5. Find a virtual critique partner or class.

6. Enroll in a virtual writing conference. (I look forward to teaching at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in November! This conference offers both a virtual and an in-person attendance option.)

7. Last but not least, read books! There are countless of books on the market that are geared toward writers who hope to grow in their storytelling abilities, craft, editing skills, marketing, and learn more about the business side of writing.

What have been some of your favorite ways to grow your writing education during COVID? Do you have any that you would recommend? Feel free to share in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa is guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences, coaching young writers, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Becoming an Author

Wishing for Publication Part 2: 5 Ways to Embrace the Waiting

It seems as though every season in the publishing industry invites a new waiting game: Writing the book. Editing. Sending it out on submission. And then even the contract process and book release itself. So why should aspiring authors wait when they can easily choose the fast track instead? We discussed the answer to this question in the last post, so you can check that out here.

In today’s post, we will answer the question, how can aspiring authors make the most of these dreadful waiting season?

Here’s the easy answer: avoid focusing on the end result, and instead reframe your mindset and choose to actually embrace these in-between stages. This is a journey, after all, and one that isn’t entirely about the destination. Besides, the majority of our writing career will be spent in these seasons—so we might as well get used to them!

To offer a more practical answer, however, here are five ways aspiring authors can grow in the in-between stages of the publication journey:

1. Keep writing.

Unfortunately, many writers assume waiting equals twiddling their fingers, waiting for the agent/editor to respond to their submission. Sure, it’s healthy to take a break from writing. But when that break is over, why allow this lack of response to keep you from moving forward?

Aspiring authors will never know if the first book they send out will gain interest or not. That’s just the cold truth of the publishing industry. Those who truly want to see their dreams come to pass will get back to work, writing a new book, because they know that publication on that first one is never guaranteed.

2. Keep reading craft books.

Writing is an art form and is more instinctive than logical, so what good is it to read books on how to write? Even though that is true, there’s no denying that storytelling, as well as the act of putting words and sentences together to spark imagination, is a craft. Those who sharpen their craft are the ones who will excel in this skill—just like musicians and actors and dancers develop their craft as they learn from instructors. And since it can take a while to read these craft books, what better time to read them than during a waiting season?

3. Keep filling your creative tank.

Only you know what activities help you spark new story and character ideas. Maybe it’s taking a walk around an art museum, watching an old film, snapping photos, or reading books in the genre you write. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to partake in these creative outlets that are outside of writing, because doing so will likely replenish your creative tank (and trust me, this writing journey will demand this tank to be replenished frequently!).

4. Get involved in the writing community.

Writing can be a solitary journey, and it can be even more difficult to endure these waiting seasons and face rejections without other writers by our side. This is why we need to engage with other writers. They can offer us encouragement when we feel discouraged and remind us of why we chose to take this journey in the first place. So how can you find these friends? I advise taking writing classes, signing up for a writing/critique group, attending writing conferences, or even reaching out to likeminded writers within the online writing community.

5. Keep growing your platform.

I know—platform isn’t the most exciting word for an aspiring author to hear. I do advise focusing on your craft first before platform; however, there is no escaping the truth that establishing a platform is becoming more and more important in today’s publishing age. As an agent, I will occasionally receive rejections from publishers simply because a client needs to work on his/her platform. So while you wait, why not do what you can to grow this platform? Consider writing articles for publication, launching a newsletter list, and engaging on social media. Don’t worry: These platform-building efforts will not be wasted time (as long as you keep writing your first priority, of course).

As you can see, there are plenty of ways aspiring authors can be an active waiter rather than a passive waiter. Are there any other tips you can add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. She writes both fiction and devotionals for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her latest devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, encourages teens to pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Becoming an Author

Avoid Automatic Rejections by Following This Checklist

It can be discouraging to not receive a response on your submission—and even more frustrating when the response is an automatic “no.” I personally don’t give automatic rejections to submission; however, there are agents and editors who may delete a submission even before they’ve had a chance to evaluate it. 

It might sound rude for them to delete a submission before even considering the project. However, they receive multiple submissions per week. If a writer does not adhere to specific guidelines, then, well, that’s an easy way for the agent/editor to separate the pros from the amateurs.  If the writer can’t follow the submission guidelines, how can the editor/agent trust that they will behave professionally in the future?

Would you like to avoid this automatic no? If so, here are 5 questions to review before hitting the submit button:

1. Did I spell the agent or editor’s name correctly? 

This is likely the first impression you’ll make (after the subject line, of course). You would be surprised how many emails I receive that are addressed to “Emily” (my middle name) rather than “Tessa” (my first name)!

2. Am I submitting to the right person? 

Check the site. Ensure that the agent or editor accepts your genre and would make a good match for your works. 

3. Did I follow the specific guidelines? 

There are some writers who think they’re “above” the rules. But guidelines are set for a reason! Don’t be lazy—unless, of course, that’s the impression you’d like to make. I doubt it is. You’re hoping to work with this agent or editor, so make sure it’s obvious that you are a professional. And professionals don’t carry an egotistical attitude. 

4. Have I edited my submission—including the query letter, book proposal, and sample chapters? 

Don’t rush this process. Search for typos. You are a writer, after all. And even though writers aren’t always perfect in the arena of grammar and punctuation, your submission will look sloppy if it’s not clean. (I personally recommend asking others to read over the proposal/submission just to double-check. We’re often blind to our own faults.)

5. Did I submit the right file and adhere to the standard format? 

Again, you’ll want to read the guidelines carefully to make sure you’ve hit every request regarding format, font, and file type.

For those who are unfamiliar with this process, you may think agents and editors are asking too much of writers—as if they’re requesting you to jump through unnecessary hoops. But trust me when I say that these guidelines are set for a reason.  Not to frustrate the author, but because it helps the agents and editors to quickly evaluate each submission in an orderly manner. It also helps to differentiate the pros from the amateurs. Do what you can to come across as a pro! Keep in mind, too, that almost every successful traditionally published author has gone through this process. 

Then, when you’re ready—and only then—should you send your work out to the publishing world. But not without going over this checklist first, of course! 

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. She writes both fiction and devotionals for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her latest devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, encourages teens to pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.