Tag: submission

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

You Wrote a Middle Grade Book. Now What?

You had an idea. You wrote. You slept. You wrote some more. You edited. You cried. (Just me? Oh. Okay. Never mind.) You shared. You revised. You reviewed. 

Now you wonder: How does my story magically leap from my hard drive to the shelf?

If you’ve already bought your copy of Writer’s Market, kudos to you. But if you’ve drafted a generic cover letter that you’re ready to send to every children’s publisher, editor and agent listed, I’d like to politely ask you to pause a moment. Put the postage stamps away, and keep reading. It’s going to be okay.

Ask yourself some tough questions:

1) Is the story well-told?

2) Is it within the generally recognized middle grade word count?

3) What books currently on shelf is it most like?

4) What makes yours different?

5) Who should read it? (the answer is NOT ‘everyone.’)

I want to talk about item number one, is the story well-told?

Of course you’re going to say ‘yes.’ You believe in your story (you should).

But the truth is, you need other writers to help you make this determination. You need a critique group, or an editor, to read your story and help you shape it into the best it can be. Make sure this happens before you begin the submission process.

Your critique group or editor will find plot holes, characterization issues, and continuity issues. They will find any awkward word choices, filler words, or phrases that don’t make sense to this generation of readers. You need this feedback, even when it’s hard to hear. It’s given with the desire to see your story on shelf.

Once you have received feedback and revised, and you can answer the rest of the questions above, you’re ready for the next steps in the process.

If you plan to self publish, at a minimum you will need to know:

1) how to format your manuscript for print and e-reader.

2) how to choose cover art

3) how to market your book

Click here and here for some additional excellent resources.

If you plan to pitch your book to agents and editors, you will need to:

1) research so you find the best agent/editor fit for your story

2) write a concise, persuasive query letter

3) possess patience by the bucket – this can be a slow process

4) separate yourself from your work – rejection is a normal part of the path to publication, not a reflection of your worth as a person.

The fact that you’re reading this is a great start. For what it’s worth, I’m traveling this road with you. AlmostAnAuthor has a number of resources that have helped and encouraged me along the way. What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments and we’ll find an answer for you.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

Categories
Becoming an Author

How to Prepare for Submission

Editors and agents receive multiple submissions per week. If a writer fails to adhere to specific guidelines, then that submission is an easy no. This is why it’s important that writers spend as much time necessary preparing their work for submission. Otherwise, they may risk receiving an automatic rejection from their favorite agent or editor.

So what can you do, as an aspiring author, to ensure that you do not receive this automatic no? 

Here are five ways you can prepare for submission.

1. Double check that you have spelled the agent’s or editor’s name correctly.

This is likely the first impression you will make (after the subject line, of course).

2. Ensure you are submitting to the right person.

Check the website. You don’t want to make the mistake of submitting a YA fiction project to an agent who only represents adult fiction!

3. Follow requested guidelines.

The guidelines are there for a reason! It’s only the writers who adhere to these guidelines who will make a professional impression.

4. Edit your query, proposal, and sample chapters.

Don’t rush this process. Search for typos. I personally recommend having beta readers, critique partners, and/or professional editors review your submission before sending it off.

5. Save your submission in the right file and stick with the standard submission format. 

Again, you will want to review the guidelines to ensure that you hit every mark. There are some agents and editors who are particular about the file and font type. Remember that the standard file is .doc/.docx file, and the standard font is Times New Romans, 12 pt. 

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with this process, you might assume that agents and editors are asking too much of writers—as if they’re requesting that writers 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 in their specific evaluation process.

So if you want to avoid those automatic rejections, do your research ahead of time. Yes, even if it requires hours upon hours of prep work. Keep in mind that almost every successful traditionally-published author has gone through this process as well. 

Then, when you’re ready—and only then—should you send your work into the publishing world. 

How do you prepare your work for submission? Let me know in the comments!

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
Book Proposals

Knock Four Times

A good cover letter is like an intriguing door, it invites the agent or publisher into your proposal.  The publisher or agent will open wide the door with four loud and clear knocks (paragraphs)

Knock One- Hook and Outline

 The hook– One sentence that grabs the readers attention. Use antidotes, humor, facts, or a question.

The Outline- Summerize book in two to three sentences.

Knock Two-Book Facts/Marketing

Facts should include one sentence with gene and word count.

Status of completion includes one sentence with a completion date for nonfiction books. Most publishers and agents want a fiction book completed before submitting a proposal.

Marketing should include two to three sentences that include the target audience and one or two comparative titles.

Knock Three-Outline/Plot of Book

Fiction Outline should be 2-3 sentences and include

The central theme of the story

The protagonist and his goal

The antagonist and his issue

Plot twist

Ending

Non-Fiction should be 2-3 sentences and include

Focus of Book

Problem

How book solves the problem

Knock Four-Biography

This portion should be three to four sentences and include

Major achievements-book, articles, blogs and other published work

Education and Work

Social Media presence

An overview of what makes you the person to write this book.

Before you Knock

Check for grammatical errors

Take time to run your document through Grammarly or another grammar program. Have someone else read your cover letter for errors.

Double check agent or publisher website for submission guidelines

Did you spell the name correctly?

Does that agent or publisher represent the genre of your book?

The entire letter must be one page

Thousands of cover letters beckon the publishers and agents,  these four loud knocks will get you one step closer to an open door.

 

 

Cherrilynn Bisbano  is the Managing Editor at Serious Writer & Almost an Author -Top 100 writing websites

Host of Genre Chat & Fulfilled Prophecy Friday

Speaker with Women Speakers & By Design ministries.  20 years military service. Resides in Rhode Island with her Husband and son.

 

 

Categories
Book Proposals

Proposal Do’s and Don’ts

Why was my proposal rejected?

As a submissions reader, I now understand why my past book proposal was not accepted.

Each day I read proposals with bad grammar, misspelled names, or the submission guidelines ignored. I’ve had authors claim their manuscript is the next bestseller, better than J.K. Rowling, a must for every school in America, and sent by God to bless the world.

I shake my head and send them a “pass” email or delete the submission. Why would I pass on the next best seller?

Avoidable mistakes, like I made in my first book proposal.

So, how can we get our proposal noticed?

DO

  • Follow submission guidelines- Most agents will delete the submission if guidelines aren’t followed.  When an author does not follow submission guidelines the agent believes the writer cannot follow any instructions.
  • Take time to research agents- Spell the name correctly. Research what genre the agent represents. The agent I work with represents family friendly content as stated on the website. I’ve had three erotica submission in one month.  (The delete button is my friend.)
  • Send an edited manuscript-  An unedited manuscript denotes unprofessionalism. Agents want to represent authors who are ready to publish.
  • Have a Social Media Platform– Let’s face it, writing is a business. The more people you know, the more speaking engagements you book, and followers you have, the more books you sell. If you don’t have social media accounts, choose two platforms and build your followers. Build a website before you send your proposal.

DON’T

  • Say your book is anointed by God and we must represent you– Confidence is great, an agent loves to work with a confident writer. However, there is a fine line between confidence and exaggeration.
  • Address your proposal to many agents in one email- Your Manuscript will be rejected by most agents if they see other email address in the “CC” or “To” sections of the email.  In the body of the proposal state “simultaneous submissions,” this alerts the agent that other agencies are receiving your work.
  • Harass the agent with multiple emails- Agents are busy. Most submission guidelines give a response time. Three months seems to be the average. If you have not heard from the agent within the time frame stated on their site, chances are they passed on your manuscript.
  • Give up– Agents desire to see you succeed. Agents also look for specific genres. If one agent passes on your proposal, keep submitting to other agents. Meanwhile, make sure your manuscript is edited by a professional editor, have Beta Readers review your book, build your social media platform, and sharpen your writing skills.

If you follow these do’s and don’ts, you will have a much better chance of success.

 

 

Cherrilynn Bisbano is a speaker, editor, coach, and writer.  Her passion for helping people is evident. She is Managing Editor at Almost an Author. As host of   “Genre Chat”  she interviews established authors in a specific genre.

She considers it an honor to encourage ladies with the Word of God, as she travels to speak.

Cherrilynn is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, Amramp, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Refresh, Broken but Priceless, and other online magazines. Contributor to Breaking The Chains–Strategies for Overcoming Spiritual Bondage. 

She earned her Leadership Certification through Christian Leaders Institute and continues toward a Chaplaincy certification. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her fifteen-year-old autistic son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 18 years, Michael, Sr.

Website: www.TruthtoShine.blogspot.com

Contact: godsfruit@juno.com

www.almostanauthor.com

Categories
Truth Be Told

Sober Judgment

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment. Romans 12:3

I love to watch people. Airports provide ample to feed my odd obsession.

passenger-silhouettes-at-airport

Recently on a cross country flight I observed people who travel a lot get preferential treatment. They get to board early and have first dibs on the best seats. Traveling many miles can earn you free tickets, or even the privilege of sitting up front in First Class.

I maybe travel twice a year. Usually it’s to fly to visit my mom in Arizona. I’ve never been in first class. I usually get stuck in the middle seat.

Contrary to what you might be thinking, I do not begrudge frequent flyers their perks. I might envy their obvious confidence while I stress over details they obviously take for granted. Maybe when I grow up…

Truth be told, there is something that does bug me. The arrogant attitude of those who look down on those of us stuck in Zone 2, 3, or 4. They roll past us with their fancy luggage, expecting us to part before them like the Red Sea.

As I sat there watching and waiting, I couldn’t help but think about a recent sermon I preached on this very topic. Part of me wished I had considered this image, but then I felt the Spirit nudge.

plank-n-speck

Before I decide to get all judgmental, I should probably check for the log in my own eye. Their condescension and arrogance is not a license for me to feel better about my simplicity and humility.

Thinking that made me chuckle out loud. I couldn’t help but remember how irritating it was when one of my children would misbehave and the other would get all cute and be sure to inform me how much better they were acting.

I was doing the same thing, and it didn’t feel good.

I picked up my phone and texted my husband: I think next time I travel I’m going to wear my covering.

FullSizeRender

I am the pastor of a Church of the Brethren. Many of the women still wear a head covering, primarily at Love Feast. I wear mine whenever I lead in worship in recognition of whose authority I am under. (Mine isn’t traditional. It was made for me by a dear friend.)

Sitting in the airport I began to wonder if I needed to be more aware that I am under that same authority whether I am preaching or not.

The answer was and is a resounding: Yes!

To think of myself “with sober judgment” results in seeing me the way God sees me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, but that isn’t reason to gloat—all His creatures and creation can claim the same thing.

So whether I’m in the back or the front of the plane, bus, church, or line at Walmart, I need to be sure I’m not thinking I’m better than anyone…or worse.

 

How about you? Any planks or arrogance cluttering up your judgment? Perhaps it’s time to sober up.