Tag: publication

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Inside the Ten-Foot Line: From Conception to Publication (Part Two)

Last month, I detailed the first half of my journey to publication for my MG/YA sports novel Inside the Ten-foot Line. I discussed where my idea came from, knowing the genre, and drafting the story. This article focuses on what happened next.

Remember, every author’s path to publication differs. My experience might resonate with you or provide an ah-ha moment. You can also visit Kelli’s article on lessons she learned on her way to publication.

Pitch

One of the best ways to get your work in front of an editor’s eyes is by attending a writing conference. Beyond offering classes on the craft of writing, attendees can meet editors and agents and pitch their work. For an extra fee, many allow you to submit a manuscript for feedback. Conferences also hold contests. Winning a category gives you exposure. Best of all conferences allow writers to network with other writers.

I pitched the idea for my series first at the Write-to-Publish conference. At the time, there were few sports novels geared toward girls available. A year later, I pitched it at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writing Conference. This time, I found a publisher who, like me, recognized a gap in the market, and requested a proposal.

Action: Set a goal of attending one writing conference this year.

Contract

After that initial pitch, it took almost another year before a contract went to my agent.

But let’s touch on the debate between traditional publishing and self-publishing. In today’s market, both are valid options. With the traditional route, writers share the profit with their publisher, but they don’t have to carry the burden of cost to produce the product. A good publisher will also handle most of the marketing, something I appreciate.

Self-publishing means writers keep the profit, but they also must hire an editor, illustrator, and do their own marketing. If you’re a go-getter, this may suite you best.

Action: Find out more here to find out more about these options.

Edits

Shortly after turning in the completed work, the manuscript underwent several rounds of editing. That’s all I’m saying on this aspect.

Action: If you are traditionally published, be easy to work with. Listen to suggestions from the professionals assisting you. If you are self-publishing find an affordable and competent freelance editor.

Marketing

“It doesn’t matter how well written your book is if you can’t sell it.”

Truth.

Publishers need to make money. As an author, you must do your part to help your book succeed. That’s where platform comes in.

Even before its release on September 20, 2022, Inside the Ten-foot Line  had earned three #1 bestselling banners on Amazon. How? My publisher knows how to market. Among other things, they targeted Amazon Ads and leveraged their newsletter and Instagram accounts to reach my target audience.

On my part, I organized a book launch team, posted on my social media sights, and contacted people with podcasts and or book review sites. I even coordinated ideas with my friend Kelli McKinney since our books were scheduled to release the same month. Her encouragement relieved some of the stress and anxiety I felt over marketing.

Action

If you have not started working on your platform, start! For more marketing ideas, check out this article and/or this one.

I hope seeing my journey helps encourage you on your way to publication. If you have any more ideas to share, please leave them in the comments.

Elementary school teacher Lori Z. Scott usually writes fiction. Her down time is filled with two quirky habits: chronic doodling and inventing lame jokes. Neither one impresses her principal (or friends/parents/dogs/casual strangers), but they do help inspire her writing.

Somehow, her odd musings led her to accidentally write a ten-title bestselling chapter book series and on purpose write over 175 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions. Lori also contributed to over a dozen books.

Lori enjoys speaking, leading workshops, and visiting local elementary schools to share her writing journey. Follow her on Instagram @Stories.by.Lori .

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

Wishing for Publication Part 1: Rush or Wait?

When I receive a new submission at Illuminate YA fiction (teen imprint of LPC Books), I can usually determine fairly quickly if the writer has sent an undercooked manuscript.

It’s disappointing, too, because many of these undercooked submissions offer potential. The premise is intriguing. The main character is likeable. But unfortunately, the content just doesn’t match with what was promised in the cover letter.

To illustrate this—let’s pretend you’ve bought a box of brownies to bake. The picture of the fudgy brownies displayed on the box makes your mouth water so much that you just can’t possibly wait 30 minutes for them to bake. You need them now. So after putting them in the oven, you trim that time and set the timer for 5 minutes instead. Shouldn’t make much of a difference, should it?

But unless you want to eat undercooked brownies (which doesn’t actually sound so bad to me!), that twenty-five minutes will strike the difference between batter-brownies and cakey brownies.

So even though these Illuminate submissions may seem close to being of professional quality, we typically ask these authors to revise, according to our feedback, and resubmit no sooner than three months. Why? We know that, if we were to give them a small follow-up time window, we would risk receiving yet another undercooked submission.

The truth is—quality takes time.

Yes, I know this may be a hard truth to swallow when it comes to your publication dreams. The idea of holding your book may seem so alluring that you’re tempted to do whatever it takes just to make that dream come true ASAP. And with the ease of self-publishing these days, that temptation may actually be unbearable.

So why should an aspiring author stick around for the long haul when short cuts are easily accessible? Is it worth the frustrations that may come with waiting?

I believe so. Here’s why:

By rushing, you get a book out there and may even garner some pretty good reviews. But … you’ll sacrifice the potential to garner five-star reviews instead.

By waiting, it may take a while to perfect the manuscript. But … the emails you’ll receive (once it is published) from readers who rave about your book and its strong writing will be priceless.

By rushing, you throw your book together and can claim you have officially written a story from beginning to end. But … the story never had a chance to gain the kind of depth that could bring it to life.

By waiting, it may be years before your dream comes to pass. But … this process grooms writers into authors. The kind who are able to withstand long-term author careers.

By rushing, you can finally see your name on a printed book! But … your brand and reputation as an author is now attached to an undercooked piece of work. 

By waiting, you may receive endless rejections and grow weary of the inaction. But … you are developing patience and humility, both of which are necessary character traits for an author to possess.

By rushing, you will be able to tell people that you are officially an author. But … you lack the sense of accomplishment you would have had if you didn’t take the short cuts.

By waiting, you may grow frustrated as you realize there is much about the writing craft and publishing industry that is unfamiliar to you. But … during this process, you are sharpening your craft and learning how the industry works. 

By rushing, you can have multiple books out on Amazon for the world to enjoy. But … the joy of meeting each new author milestone may be cheapened and underappreciated.

By waiting, it may take years for you to prepare the fields and set the foundation of your author career. But … the fruit that will result is the lasting kind that will not spoil over time.

So, rush or wait … which will you decide?

I would love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments what you believe are the pros and cons of waiting vs. rushing.

In the next post, I will share with you how you can make the most of these waiting seasons.

Now, if you’ll excuse me … I have some brownies to take out of the oven!

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
Dear Young Scribes

Young Writer, You Are Enough

I was fifteen years old when I officially decided to launch my writing journey. I began by devouring books within the genre I’d like to write, studying the craft, learning how the industry works, starting a blog, and I wrote the first draft of my debut novel, PURPLE MOON.  

When I attended my first conference a year later, I met several writers who were supportive and encouraged me in my writing journey. I can’t tell you how many people have told me, “I wish I was your age when I’d started out!” However, over the years I’ve also come across writers (and professionals) who don’t seem to have a respect for young writers. Some might even categorize them all as inexperienced, impatient, and assume they can’t write because they haven’t been in the industry long enough.

It’s as if some people will only respect writers if they’ve held a college degree for years, have worked in another profession, and then they finally decide to pursue this field well-into their parenting years.

There aren’t enough people who are encouraging young writers. Assuring them that they are enough. Yes, you can launch your writing journey at a young age. No, you might not have as much “life experience” as the writer who is double or triple your age–but will that keep you from a publishing contract? Only if that lack is reflected in your writing. However, I constantly come across submissions at Hartline Literary Agency from young writers whose talent is far beyond their years. I wouldn’t have known they were young had they not mentioned it in their proposal!

Young writers are passionate about storytelling. Driven to learn and improve their craft. Dedicated. Innovative. Intelligent. Imaginative. Teachable. Willing to embrace new challenges and adapt to the shifting industry. And isn’t this what editors at publishing houses are seeking? (I’ll answer for you: Yes!)

If you’re a young writer who is dealing with doubts and discouragement over your age or lack of experience, let me assure you that you are enough. Age does not have to keep you from striving toward your dreams.

And if you ever do begin to wrestle with discouragement, here are a few things to remember…

  • You are the leaders of tomorrow’s publishing industry. Your future books could set new trends amongst your genre. Who knows? You might even see your story come to life on the big screen someday! (Hmm…I wonder if Veronica Roth ever believed she was too young to write “Divergent” as a young adult…)
  • You are tomorrow’s best-selling and award-winning authors. Your books could be treasured and adored for years by future generations.
  • You are more likely to embrace and adapt to the new changes within the industry—especially where technology is concerned.
  • You are eager to grow; therefore, you are open to criticism and feedback and maintain a teachable attitude.
  • You’re familiar with the struggles of your generation. Your influence and voice amongst your peers might be louder (and less judgey!) than those who cannot relate.

Of course, the publishing journey might not come quick or easy for you. You have plenty of time to grow, develop, and glean from those who have gone before you. That’s why it’s important to start now–especially if you know this is a dream of yours.

Don’t be surprised, however, if you do come across writers or professionals who don’t take you seriously. If you do, just brush off their opinions and keep moving forward. Allow your confidence as a young writer to be your response.

Besides–those who might criticize you because of your age? I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re just bitter. They’re probably thinking, “If only I would’ve been smart enough to start my writing journey at that age!” 😉

If you’re a young writer, which do you receive more regarding your age–encouragement or criticism? Is there anything you’d like to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

[bctt tweet=”Young Writer, You Are Enough @TessaEmilyHall #amwriting #teenwriters ” username=””]

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show teens they’re not alone. Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa’s first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House in 2018. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Dear Young Scribes

How New Writers Can Build an Impressive Writing Resume with Zero Experience

Aspiring authors are frequently advised to build a writing resume in effort catch the attention of an agent or editor. The reason? Agents and editors search for writers who are not amateurs. They want to work with writers who have proven themselves to be skilled in their craft and experienced with words and deadlines. When they see a list of publishing credits beneath your name, they will gain respect for you as a writer. It gives them a reassurance about your ability to produce quality, publishable-worthy content.

At least, this is what goes through my mind as I review submissions for Hartline Literary and Illuminate YA.

But I’m sure this advice might cause some inexperienced writers to cringe. How is it possible to build this kind of shining writing resume when your writing has only been published on your blog—if that?

Here are ways you can start now at building a writing resume that will cause your submission to stand out in a slush pile:

  1. Submit guest posts to blogs and online magazines.

Online publications are often searching for new content to build their database. Not only is this a great way to build your credibility as a writer, but it will also give you more exposure and help to establish your online visibility and platform.

Where to find this:

Use an online search engine to find blogs and online magazines that publish articles to the audience you hope to reach. (For example, if you hope to target a Christian teen audience, consider submitting an article for the blog to my magazine, PursueMagazine.net.)

  1. Write for your school and/or church newsletter.

Where to find this:

If your school publishes a newsletter, ask if you could contribute an article to build your writing resume. Same goes for your church newsletter. Find out if your church releases weekly newsletters; if so, ask how you can submit an article that meets their approval and guidelines. Many new writers have found this to be the best way to get their feet wet in the writing world.

  1. Enter writing contests.

Placing in a contest is one of the best ways to establish credibility as a writer. There are several writing contests you can find online that offer a variation of categories to enter—such as short stories, flash fiction, devotions, articles, novels, etc. Here’s a plus: Some of these writing contests are judged by literary agents and publishers.

Where to find this:

WritersDigest.com holds multiple contests each year. TeenInk.com offers writing contests specifically for teen writers. Many writing organizations and writing conferences offer annual contests for unpublished writers as well.

 

(Side note: Recently, a teen writer sent a proposal to me at Hartline and stated that her work had been critiqued in a contest by an editor at Penguin/Random House. This editor told her that, out of all the manuscripts she’d critiqued in that contest, this writer’s work was the most promising. You better believe this gave me a new level of respect for this writer’s work!)

  1. Publish your work in magazines.

After you’ve worked to establish yourself as a writer by publishing articles for free and/or writing for your blog, consider submitting your work to print publications. Again, find magazines that are targeted to your specific audience and publications that will build your expertise in a certain field. If you’re a fiction writer, search for magazines that accept short stories or flash fiction pieces.

Where to find this:

The latest Writer’s Market Guide (or Christian Writer’s Market Guide) is the best way to find a list of current magazines that are searching for submissions. Be sure to follow the specific writing guidelines listed in the writer’s market guide, and adhere to the specific theme if there is one.

If you begin to feel as though building a writing resume is annoying work that cuts into your book-writing time, remember this: Any time spent working with words is an investment into your writing career. Writing for blogs/publications will increase your visibility, validate your expertise, and help you practice writing quality content on a deadline.

Then, when an agent or editor receives your submission, they’ll know you’re not the type of writer who rushes toward achieving publication. Instead, you’re in this for the long haul. You’re dedicated and a hard-worker. You know what it takes to be a career-novelist, and you’ve already worked hard to invest in your career by first taking the time to build an impressive writing resume.

Do you have tips to add to this list? What’s the biggest struggle you’ve faced as you’ve worked to build your writing resume with zero experience?

 

[bctt tweet=”How New Writers Can Build an Impressive Writing Resume with Zero Experience #pubtips @TessaEmilyHall” username=””]

 

Categories
Dear Young Scribes

Build a Platform & Increase Chances of Publication

“Does building a platform really increase chances of publication?”

This is a question many beginning authors ask when they are told to focus on building a platform—even before they receive a book contract.

“What’s the big deal?” they ask. “Shouldn’t I spend time working on my book instead of blogging? Won’t I gain a readership when my book is published?”

In the past, aspiring authors did not have to worry about building a brand, blog, or platform. They simply wrote a book, landed an agent, and received a publishing contract.

This is not the case with today’s writing industry.

If an aspiring author wants to gain interest from an agent/publisher, they must try to build a platform. When a publisher receives a proposal from an author, they often do an online search of the author. They want to see how many books the writer will be able to sell based on the number of potential readers they can reach through their blog and social media.

So, how can you, an aspiring author, build a platform—even as a teen?

Here’s how:

It’s pretty tough for an aspiring author to build a platform without writing a blog. Is it possible? Maybe.

But if you really want to impress an agent or publisher, don’t skip this. Blogging is a great tool to brand yourself as an author, build a readership, and build your platform—even before your book is published.

As a teen, you especially have the advantage of beginning to grow a platform early. Since it usually takes a long time to build one, you can try to begin growing it now before you completely dive completely into the writing industry.

But remember: A platform isn’t built overnight. It takes time, effort, and consistency.

However, I still advise that aspiring authors spend the majority of their time writing. Because if you don’t have anything to pitch to an agent/publisher—then, well, the time you devote into establishing a readership will be fruitless.

How has building a platform paid off in your writing career? Do you enjoy blogging, or do you consider it to be a waste of time? I’d love to hear what you think!

[bctt tweet=”Should aspiring authors build a platform? via @tessaemilyhall”]

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Categories
Dear Young Scribes

10 Teen Authors who Landed Book Deals

Although I don’t believe every teen writer should strive for publication, let’s face it: More and more teen authors are landing book deals these days.

Writing is a form of art—just like dance, theater, and music. Teens have become successful in each of these industries. Why should the writing industry be excluded?

So if you’re a teen writer, don’t become discouraged by the naysayers. Besides, several teens authors have landed book deals, such as:

1) BETH REEKLES

BethReekles

  • Age when debut novel sold: 17
  • Debut novel: THE KISSING BOOTH
  • Publisher: Random House UK
  • Route to publication: Wattpad.com
  • Film adaptation: In the works

2) KODY KEPLINGER

KodyK

  • Age when debut novel sold: 18
  • Debut novel: DUFF
  • Publisher: Poppy
  • Route to publication: Literary agent
  • Film adaptation: Yes

3) CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI

Eragon

  • Age when debut novel sold: 19
  • Debut novel: ERAGON
  • Publisher: Self-published, then Knopf
  • Route to publication: Self-publishing
  • Film adaptation: Yes

4) STEPH BOWE

stephb

  • Age when debut novel sold: 15
  • Debut novel: GIRL SAVES BOY
  • Publisher: Text Publishing
  • Route to publication: Literary agent

5) S.E. HINTON

theoutsiders

  • Age when debut novel published: 18
  • Debut novel: THE OUTSIDERS
  • Publisher: Viking Press
  • Film adaptation: Yes

6) SAMANTHA SHANNON

boneseason

  • Age when debut novel sold: 17
  • Debut novel: THE BONE SEASON
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Route to publication: Literary agent
  • Film adaptation: In the works

7) LUCY SAXTON

lucysaxton

  • Age when debut novel sold: 17
  • Debut novel: TAKE BACK THE SKIES
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Route to publication: Literary agent

8) CAYLA KLUVER

tumblr_static_legacy-trilogy

  • Age when debut novel published: 15
  • Debut novel: LEGACY
  • Publisher: Self-published, then Harlequin Teen
  • Route to publication: Self-publishing

9) KAT ZHANG

tumblr_mde6x1Fppe1r0x68m

  • Age when debut novel published: 19
  • Debut novel: THE HYBRID CHRONICLES
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Route to publication: Literary Agent

10) ALICE OSEMAN

alice oseman

  • Age when debut novel published: 19
  • Debut novel: SOLITAIRE
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
  • Route to publication: Literary Agent

Keep writing. Don’t become so determined to snag a book deal that you rush the process of learning and growing. Instead, write because you can’t not write—then you can move on to submitting to professionals when it’s time.

Who knows? You could become the next teen author I add to this list!

(PS: If you are an aspiring teen author and would like to grow in your craft and boost chances of publication, check out this creative writing mentorship program I created just for you!)

[bctt tweet=”10 Teen Authors who Landed Book Deals by @tessaemilyhall #amwriting #teenwriters” via=”no”]