Tag: submissions

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Book Proposals

The Hardest Element to Find on Your Proposal

The most difficult element to find in your book proposal is something that is missing or not there. I encourage you to read this article to the end because in my conclusion, I’m going to give you a free tool to make sure your book proposal isn’t missing any elements.  

Currently most submissions to editors and agents are electronic.

One of the consistent failures of authors is to include their physical address and phone number. At Morgan James Publishing, we receive over 5,000 submissions a year and each one are sent a letter of acknowledgement in the US mail. Countless times I have to ask authors for their address and phone number because it is missing from their proposal submission. If you are missing this information, you could be asking for rejection.

Some submissions are still sent through the mail.

It is presumptuous to assume because you invested in an overnight package that the publisher is going to put postage on your manuscript and return it to you. A publisher who receives thousands of unsolicited proposals and manuscripts each year will not invest in the expense of returning such documents. Instead they will be discarded. Only if you include return postage for a letter response or an email address will you be able to receive the rejection or personal feedback from the editor.

Because of the volumes of proposals, publishers are not going to devote their financial resources to returning those without a SASE. The cost is too prohibitive and unnecessary. It is the author’s responsibility to provide the publisher with an email address or return postage for their submission. Neglecting this detail is a dead giveaway that you are unpublished.

Also don’t expect a personal response—even if you met an editor at a writer’s conference and used that information in the introductory paragraph of your cover letter. I have taught at many writers’ conferences, sometimes almost one a month. I have met literally thousands of new people. It’s hard to keep all of those details straight. My schedule was fairly typical for an acquisitions editor in the publishing industry.

No editor likes to write rejection letters, yet it comes with the job description.

Remember also that the editor isn’t running a critique service for your proposal or manuscript when it is rejected. They would like to give a personal response with each rejection, but with the volume of submissions, it simply isn’t possible. If you do get a handwritten note or any sort of personal feedback, realize the encouragement and positive nature of this small sign from the editor—and do take it to heart. If they write, “This one isn’t right for us, but you should keep trying,” then keep trying with a different book proposal.

It is ironic to me that year after year at writers’ conferences I see the same writer trying to sell the same book proposal to the same editors. I admire persistence, but in some cases persistence is taken to ridiculous lengths. If a publishing house turns down your proposal, move on to another publishing house. Some writers work hard on marketing a single nonfiction or fiction book proposal or manuscript and repeatedly walk with great anxiety each day to their mailbox to see if it is accepted. Instead of this single focus, I suggest you turn your attention to another book proposal or a magazine article (something shorter where you can be successful and published). As you take this type of action it will make waiting much easier.

During my years in publishing, I sent proposals to a variety of publishing houses, either personally or through an agent, and some of these proposals have not been sold or contracted. Instead of continuing to push them into the market, I’ve tucked them into a folder and pressed on to another proposal or idea. From my perspective, the world is not limited to a single idea or a single project. You will have far greater success as a writer with multiple projects in the works, instead of continually focusing on a single proposal. When you mail a stack of proposals to publishers or agents, give yourself a few days of rest, then begin writing another book proposal to send out into the market.

During my years of running my own freelance business, I commonly had five different books contracted at any given time. This idea made some writers’ heads swim. They wondered how I kept track of the various projects. I simply staggered the deadlines for the various books and worked on a new proposal and a current manuscript all the time. It gave me a steady stream of work and income. It also meant that when I completed a manuscript or a proposal, I started on another one. You may work differently, but I encourage you to have multiple ideas and multiple proposals in various stages of completion so you will increase your chances of success and publication.

Understand the importance of including a self-addressed, stamped envelope or an email address for a response.

And if you don’t want your proposal or manuscript returned, then be sure your cover letter clearly states this information. It’s a key secret to your success.

In the opening to this article, I promised to give you a free tool to send a complete proposal and not miss a critical aspect. I’ve created a free book proposal checklist. Just follow this link, get it but most importantly read it and use the information for your submissions. I wish every author the greatest success.

Terry Whalin

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in California. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. To help writers catch the attention of editors and agents, Terry wrote his bestselling Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. Get a free copy of his proposal book (follow the link). Check out his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook, his blog and LinkedIn.

Book Proposals
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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for July Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

How to be a Writer Editors, Agents, and Publishers Love with Literary Agent Chip McGregor

We want editors, agents, and publishers to love our writing. So we submit our “book from God” to everyone. We polish our manuscripts and practice our pitch for that important face-to-face meeting. Some of us have navigated the submission maze and found our publishing home. Yay! What could go wrong? Plenty if you forget to consider your conduct. Literary agent Chip MacGregor draws on his decades of experience in the publishing industry to share his insights on how to be (and not be) the kind of writer editors, agents, and publishers love.

Watch the July 16th replay

Chip MacGregor is the president of MacGregor and Luedeke (LEE-duh-key) and former publisher with the Time-Warner Book Group and Hachette. He’s handled more than a thousand book contracts and represented titles on nearly every bestseller list, hitting #1 with the New York Times and USA Today. When he was in first grade, he hurried home one day and told his Scottish immigrant mother, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a book guy!” After four decades in the business, he has managed to do exactly that

MidYear Look-Back: A Roundtable Discussion with Writers Chat Community

In this open mic episode, the Writers Chat community engages in a round table discussion reviewing episodes from the first half of 2024. This discussion included some fan favorites via categories like fiction, nonfiction, and marketing, just to name a few. We hope you enjoy and are encouraged by the episodes that encouraged us.

Watch the July 23rd replay

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap For June Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The FUNdamentals of Flash Fiction with Sophia L. Hansen

Sophia shares tips for writing effective flash fiction. As it says on their website (gohavok.com), “Havok provides sharp, memorable fiction in 1,000 words or less.” She stresses how important it is for a flash fiction submission to open with a strong hook (the first line should grab the reader) then continues with an engaging middle and a satisfying ending. For the plotters, Sophia includes a basic plot structure with word-count ranges. For additional ideas and resources for writing flash fiction check out this week’s replay.  

Watch the June 21st Replay

Sophia L. Hansen is an author and editor with Havok Publishing and loves to write In Other Worlds. She’s lived on a tiny island in Alaska, the bustling cities of New York and Boston, raised kids in Tennessee and now resides just outside Birmingham, AL. After 30+ years of marriage, seven children, and numerous pets, Sophia still fits into her high school earrings. You can follow Sophia’s words and worlds at https://www.sophialhansen.com/.

How to Survey Your Readers with Jean Wise

In this episode of Writers Chat, our very own Jean Wise leads the discussion on how and why to survey your readers, plus gives tips on the when. You can use incentives like a giveaway to get people to take time to answer your survey. Jean also shares different types of surveys, where to find and post them. In addition she explains that just as a story has a beginning, middle, and end, so does a survey. For more tips and resources, be sure to check out this week’s replay.

Watch the June 28th replay.

Jean Wise is a freelance writer, speaker, retreat leader and spiritual director. She is a contributing author of devotions for six compilations published by Barbour, plus the solo author for Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room, an Advent devotion (Barbour Books, 2014). She has published numerous magazine articles in magazines such as the Lutheran, Christian Communicator and public health journals. A former reporter for her local daily newspaper, she is also a graduate of CLASS and CLASS Career Coaching. You can connect with Jean on social media or at healthyspirituality.org/amazon

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Real talk: When to submit your manuscript

Writing a book is the literary exercise equivalent of taking a cross-country road trip. No matter how beautiful the scenery, after a few miles even the most energetic drivers grow road-weary, and the “are we there yet” questions start flying from the back seat.

That’s when we start thinking about shortcuts. How much easier would it be to go ahead and take the tollway instead of the scenic route?

Of course what I’m referring to here is knowing when it’s time to stop editing and send your manuscript to an agent or editor. How do we know we’re ready? That’s a question I’ve both asked and heard at conferences or workshops.

The answers I’ve heard have varied, but I’ve collected the responses that resonated the most with me and put together a little checklist. This is what I’m using to determine whether my most recent works-in-progress are ready to go. 

Have you read your work out loud?

One agent suggested that unless you’ve listened to your own work out loud – whether you read and record then play it back, or have a trusted friend read it to you – your work may not be polished enough to send. 

Imagine you’re reading your middle grade novel to a classroom full of fourth or fifth graders and really listen as you read. Is the dialogue easy to follow? Do the jokes make sense? Are there scenes that lack tension or is the pace awkward? When you hear it, you can fix it.  

What does my critique group think?

There’s truly no substitute or shortcut for good writing. If you don’t have a trusted critique group or reading partner, you need to find one or create one. The best groups will read thoughtfully and give sincere feedback on what’s working and what’s not. If your critique group thinks it’s ready, that’s a good sign.

Is this your fifth (at least) draft?

I’ve heard a number of authors say that their agent never sees the first five drafts of any project. Sometimes they don’t even submit draft number six. They revise, polish, pause, revise again… you get the picture.

It’s hard, but you must resist the temptation to submit your second or even your third draft. Make sure you’re putting your shiniest, best work in a prospective agent’s or editor’s hands.

If you’ve done all three of these things – read it out loud, received the “go ahead” from your critique group, and you’ve revised the whole thing a few times, good news! You are probably ready to submit. Now you’ll want to research agencies and editors to check their submission guidelines, but that’s a post for another day.

I am still on this road trip to being published, and these are the biggest, most painful things I’ve learned along the way.  Please know I’m writing this not to discourage anyone from submitting. Far from it. I am cheering for you and I want you to succeed.

I’m writing this because I have made the mistake of submitting manuscripts too soon simply because I was excited about a story.

 I mean, I loved my story, my husband and son loved it, so why didn’t the rest of the world? I’ll tell you why. My husband and son read past the unpolished words and saw what was in my heart. They love me.

Loving me is not an editor or agent’s job. Their job is to fall in love with what’s actually written on the page. My job – your job – as a middle grade author is to make sure the words on the page are worth falling in love with.

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
Book Proposals

Always Cover the Basics

From reading many submissions, I’ve seen numerous misspellings of my first and last name. This small but significant mistake makes an immediate negative impression for reading the rest of the proposal. Your professionalism needs to shine through your proposal to a literary agent or an editor.

For a minute,. Imagine yourself as an editor or agent receiving submissions. You are actively looking for wonderful writing and solid authors that you can publish. This fact is good news for authors who wonder if anyone even reads their submissions. The important truth for authors to recall is that you receive hundreds of submissions. The little known truth is writers have only seconds to interest the agent or editor in their work. If that professional opens your submission and sees a glaring error, then that submission is rejected and they press on to the next submission. Rejection can mean receiving a rejection letter or not receiving anything or silence because of the large volume of material the editor or agent is receiving

Here’s some important basics to cover in your submission:   

  1. Address a specific person. Never send an email addressing “Dear Agent” or “Dear Editor.” Besides looking funny, it makes the editor wonder if you are sending this material to thousands at the same time (and normally not saying it is a simultaneous submission). Editors and agents will change positions in the industry. It can be cause for rejection if you address someone who is no longer at that business. Check the agency or publisher website for their guidelines before sending and make sure you have all of the correct details.
  2. Double check every word of your submission is correctly spelled. This point is one of my 21 Secrets in Book Proposals That Sell. I’ve had readers say, “Obvious.” Often submissions contain typos.
  3. After you write your proposal and sample chapter, put it aside for several hours (or several days). With fresh eyes read your submission aloud and use a pencil to immediately adjust errors. The ear is less forgiving than the eye and you will pick up on more details reading aloud. Your goal is for every sentence to make sense.

Recently I’ve updated my free book proposal checklist: http://terrylinks.com/bookcheck Use this checklist to know you have sent a complete proposal. It is time-consuming for the editor to have to write an email asking for a missing section or missing address or _____.  Almost daily I write these emails to authors but I recognize I’m different. Because of the high volume of submissions, many agents and editors will not write for the missing information and instead they will never respond or send a quick rejection.

As a writer, you want to rejection-proof your submission and give it every possible opportunity to get their approval, interest and excitement. Every editor is looking for the next bestseller. Will it come from you? I hope so.

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. To help writers catch the attention of editors and agents, Terry wrote his bestselling Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. He answers to your proposal questions at: www.AskAboutProposals.com.

Check out his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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
Magazine and Freelance

Don’t Let “Bio Foxes” Spoil Your Article Submission

For almost ten years I’ve served as the editor Reach Out, Columbia magazine, a regional publication dedicated to celebrating the life and light of Jesus Christ in the world. My favorite part of my job is reading and editing articles—until I get to the end and encounter a problem with the writer’s bio.

Solomon (who must have edited a magazine at one time) warned about “the little foxes that spoil the vineyard” (Song of Solomon 2:15).

Every field has its little foxes. Today I’d like to share four “bio foxes” common to magazine and website submissions. Problems with this seemingly insignificant component won’t totally ruin your submission, but they can hinder a publication timetable, reduce an editor’s efficiency, and make said editor decidedly grumpy.

And we never, ever, ever want to make an editor grumpy.

Four Bio Foxes that Can Spoil Your Submission

  1. Forgetting to include your bio at the end of your submission.

If a magazine allows you to include a bio instead of just a byline, they’ve given you a gift. This valuable piece of literary real estate allows you to mention (and, often, include links to) your blog, book, or website. A bio provides a way for readers to further explore your writing by visiting your blog or website or hop over to Amazon to buy your book. If you include personal details, you help readers learn more about you and enhance the connection they feel.

Whether this is the first time you’ve written for the publication or the twentieth, always, always, always include a bio at the end of your submission. It saves the editor the time and frustration of having to either email you for the missing item, search for it on a previous submission, or (heaven forbid) make one up.

  • Failing to update your bio.

If you’re still using the bio you sent ten years ago, or five, or even two, it’s time to update. Hopefully the list of your writing accomplishments has grown, you’ve gained a new hobby, or added a grandchild or two. Not sure what to include? Study the bios of other contributors and take your cue from theirs. Be sure links and web addresses are functional.

  • Failing to follow the publication guidelines for your bio.

Most websites will specify the length and scope of your bio. If the guidelines say, “No more than 40 words,” please don’t send 75. Worse yet is sending 75 and instructing the editor to “edit if necessary.” An editor has no idea what your priorities are and may very well cut the item you most want to include.

If the guidelines instruct you to focus on your writing credits, personal life, or expertise with the subject matter, be sure to honor the request.

  • Neglecting to include a professional head shot.

Not every site or publication includes a head shot with your bio, but many do. Be sure to attach this (usually in jpg format) with every submission. Even if you’ve written for the publication before, attaching it to every submission ensures that the correct picture will accompany your article. It also saves the editor or graphic designer the time and effort it takes to email you for a picture or search their files.

Your bio may seem like a small thing, but attaching one that is up-to-date, fits the publication guidelines, and includes a headshot in every submission will maximize your reach and please your editor. If you doubt its importance, take a page from King Solomon, one of the wisest writers of all. He was so convinced a bio was valuable that he included it at the beginning of one of his most famous books: “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.”

Too bad he didn’t include a head shot.

Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of several devotional books including Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women, winner of the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. Her most recent book, Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible releases in the spring of 2020. A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Writer’s Block Or Submission Block? Play to win the Publishing Game

We came. We pitched. Did we send?

Writer’s conferences are well-planned days of speakers, workshops, and opportunities. After pitching themselves and their beloved projects, many writers leave their meetings with agents, editors, and publishers, clutching close a business card and those much sought after words, “Send that to me. I’d like to take a look at it.”

Perhaps you submitted a query or proposal and received the coveted invitation to submit your manuscript.

Editors report that they often never see the projects they invite writers to send. 

There are two types of writers. Those that submit for publication and those that don’t. In the writing industry, the difference between players and spectators is frequently determined by who takes the next step. 

While the unpublished group may claim writers’ block, professional writers are adamant that writers block is as mythical as Nessy the Loch Ness Monster. 

“A professional writer doesn’t wait for inspiration anymore than a professional plumber waits for inspiration to lay a pipe.”

John Erickson

After spending his first forty years as a Texas cowboy, John Erickson is the author of 60 some Hank the Cowdog books. “A professional plumber knows some principles like you don’t lay a pipe uphill or in frozen ground but he lays that pipe. Professional writers write. I write four hours a day seven days a week because I’m fanatical about that because that’s what I do.”

Batter Up

Are your projects stuffed in a drawer, or stored on computer files? Submission block is like a batter that refuses to swing. Opportunities wing past. 

What are you afraid of? Rejection? Success? Both? Taking action that will change the status quo of your life? Is the dream of one day being a published author greater than your courage to go after it?

Even a rejection proves you are in the game. A participant rather than a spectator. A “no, thank you,” is not calling your baby ugly. It is a step closer to connecting with the agent or publisher that shares your passion for the project. It is valuable feedback. Behind a “no” is generally three plays. 

  • The piece does not fit with the purpose of the publisher. For instance, a publisher of non-fiction books is not interested in novels. 
  • There are similar projects already available or in process. 
  • The writing needs improvement.

A homerun response is an enthusiastic yes followed by that favorite call, “Check enclosed.” 

Get in the Game

If submission block is keeping you out of the publishing game, here are moves to get you playing:

  • Accountability. Tell someone you will submit on or before a specific date. 
  • Submit your best work knowing it may not be perfect. 
  • Approach an editor as an eager team player. Be coachable.
  • Like athletes, writers improve with practice. Every time you submit, you take a swing at the ball. 

Betcha’ a cold ballpark hot dog and warm soda that your publishing home run average improves when you submit your work. 

PeggySue Wells is the bestselling author of 29 books including Slavery in the Land of the Free, The Girl Who Wore Freedom, Chasing Sunrise, and Homeless for the Holidays. Connect with her at PeggySueWells.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.

Categories
My Writing Journey

My Writing Journey

We’d love to hear your writing journey. Whether you’re at the beginning, in the middle of it, or a seasoned, multi-published author, we’d love to hear your story. Because we’re writers, we’ll identify with it.

Look under submission guidelines and tell us your story.

Categories
Book Proposals

Book Proposal Overview-Video

BOOK PROPOSALS IN A NUTSHELL

Cherrilynn joins the hosts of Writers Chat to give an overview of Book Proposals.

Writers Chat is also under the umbrella of Serious Writer.

Check out Serious Writer Academy and the Serious Writer website for all things writer.

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Cherrilynn Bisbano is the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services.

As managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ACFW.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah nominated, Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.

Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her sixteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 19 years.

Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats.

www.truthtoshine.blogspot.com  Fulfilled Prophecy Friday

www.thewriteproposal.com  The Write Proposal

https://www.womenspeakers.com/united-states/east-greenwich/speaker/cherrilynn-bisbano Speaker

 

Categories
Publishing Perspectives

Submitting a Fiction Novel to a Publisher, Part 3: The Author’s Questionnaire

Publishing Perspectives column

The first part of this series examined the Query Letter. The second part looked at the synopsis. In this column, we’ll look at the Author’s Questionnaire. It helps the publisher understand a bit more about your platform, and about how you view your book. Your responses to this questionnaire will be used in preparing promotional materials.

Personal information

This part of the form will feel a bit like a resume because it will likely ask for:

  • your contact information and demographics
  • a list of cities where you have lived
  • a list of schools you attended and the degrees you received
  • other special awards or honors you’ve received
  • your hobbies
  • a list of your social media profile pages
  • URLs of any other internet presence you have, such as a website or email newsletter
  • a biography (that would be appropriate for a book back cover; you should develop a 50-word version, 100-word version, and 250-word version)

Experience as a writer

In this section you will list:

  • any other books you’ve written
  • magazines to which you have contributed
  • any media interviews you’ve given
  • any writing-related awards you’ve won
  • whether you have done any public speaking related to your writing topic

This information indicates whether other organizations have felt you were a good enough writer to be published, and that you may have a following of people who look for your writing. The more you have been published by other entities, the less of a risk you might be for this publisher.

Your book

This information is supplemental to your synopsis, but also helps the publisher understand what part of the genre spectrum (and thus the likely audience) your book fits into. Questions may include:

  • how you got the idea for the book
  • any interesting experiences while researching, writing, or pursuing publication
  • the theme of the book
  • why your book is unique; how it differs from other books on the same subject; what strengths your book has; anything controversial in the content
  • a list of similar books that could reasonably be considered competition
  • sample marketing ideas (a two sentence summary of your book; back cover copy; a list of 10 interview questions)
  • description of the target market for your book (and no, this isn’t ‘everyone’)

Marketing contacts

Another section will ask for your help in promoting the book. Do you have connections beyond friends and family? Are you a person with a readership already built? Do you have friends who are professionals in the media industry? Some publisher will reach out to these organizations for you, others simply use the information to evaluate the size of your platform. You will list things such as:

  • contact details for your alumni magazine
  • names of professional organizations or clubs of which you are a member
  • conferences or conventions that you regularly attend
  • names of bookstores where you are known
  • names of hometown newspapers
  • a list of any television shows, radio programs, or podcasts that would be interested in having you as a guest due to the subject of your book
  • a list of people (preferably, who you are already acquainted with) who would be influential in promoting sales via an endorsement of some sort (other authors, bloggers, professional reviewers, famous individuals)

So, you can see that there is quite a bit of researching and writing that you will do after you finish your book! Please comment with any questions you have about the above information, and come back next month to learn more about describing your ideal target audience.

Categories
Child's Craft

Picture Book Submissions – The Powerful Proposal

Apparently this is a controversial issue – To submit a children’s Proposal with your manuscript or not? I always do. The editors can choose to read it or not, but I submit it, unless the Market Guide for a publisher states specifically not to submit a proposal. I will share with you what I learned at a conference from Christine Tangvald, back in the early 2000s, who has had a gazillion children’s books published. I figured if it worked for her, then I would do exactly what she did. I have not learned anything different through the years, it has worked for me, so this is how I still submit.

I don’t use the same form of proposals as is encouraged for adult books. Those seem to be more in paragraph form. Children’s Proposals are shorter, more precise with bullet points and sub-headings, and to the point. If you are an editor and prefer receiving children’s manuscripts in a different form, please mention it below. We’d love to submit the format you hope to receive, especially if it has changed in the last 20 years.

Here is a sample of a proposal and a short description of what each section may look like. Number the pages, with the exception of the first page, in the header right corner. In the header left corner put your last name and brief title. Use Times Roman Numeral 12 point font. Let’s use a purse theme and call it For the love of Purses.

In header: Lord/purses

Top left corner

Single spaced

Name/address/phone

email/website

 

(start this about 1/2 way down)

For the Love of Purses

Proposal

By Jill Roman Lord

 

Proposal: A Picture book for girls celebrating a child’s passion for purses that becomes a passion for sharing. (In one sentence tell what your book is about)

Purpose:

  • Bullet points here.
  • What point do you hope to make?
  • What impression do you want this book to make?
  • Any lessons you hope will come across?
    • For example – to demonstrate a girl’s passion for purses
    • To exemplify the joy of having a passion
    • To demonstrate a girl going ‘overboard’ in her passion
    • To serve as an illustration of a girl sharing her passion with others less fortunate
    • To exemplify the joy in giving and sharing
    • To encourage girls to reach out to others in need
    • To encourage girls to share their passions
  • Hopefully you get the idea – not too many but enough to state your purpose.

Target Market:

  • Girls ages 4-8
  • Girls who love purses
  • Girls learning to share with others in need
  • Get as specific as you can… All girls is too broad.
  • Not too specific as to shrink your market too small.

Special Features:

  • What makes your book stand out? List them here.
  • Written in delightful rhyme
  • Scripture verse at the end
  • List of charitable organizations at the end to which children may donate items
  • Template for making purses with items around the house
  • Apps for children wanting to sell purses
  • Whatever creative idea you come up with to help your book ‘rock’!

Specifications:

  • 750 words (shows your word count is within this publishers target range)
  • Written as a 32 pages book (flexible) – always be flexible here, but let them know you’ve thought it out
  • Colorful pictures on each page
  • Any other specifics here…

Comparisons:

  • Do your homework and see what other books are already published similar to yours and list them here, but don’t slam them as theirs is published and yours isn’t, yet…
  • Mention how yours is different. Briefly. Editors don’t have time to read too much detail.
  • Clifford’s Big Red Purse – List author, publisher, date: Story illustrating a big red dog and his love for his new purse. Written in prose. For the Love of Purses is written in rhyme and also demonstrates a love of purses but takes the reader further into sharing this passion with others.
  • Next one, etc.
  • Not an eternal list but enough to show it’s a popular topic but why yours should also be published.

Credentials:

  • Any published work?
  • Start with most recent and work down to oldest
  • Important accomplishments related to your manuscript
  • Won award for starting collection of purses to send overseas
  • Articles published or number of articles if you’ve written a ton
  • This is the place to let them know you’re the one to write this book
  • Not the place to mention your high school summer work at Walmart, unless of course you were manager of women’s/girls purses.

And that’s it. This is not the one and only way to submit, but I learned this method from a professional at a writer’s conference and it has worked for me. Again, if you are an agent or editor and prefer different submissions please let us know! Spend time on this, do your homework, and make it powerful and make it sparkle!