Avoid the Dreary Query

Query letters are an essential element to getting your book/article noticed by the people who matter. The ones who make the decisions to publish or toss your agonized-over words carelessly in the slush pile . . . agents, editors and eventually publishers.

Don't take queries lightly.

Basically, a query is a 1-page pitch that should reflect the tone, content and your thinly disguised passion for your piece. It must display your writing skills (NO typos, use perfect grammar and punctuation, "show" don't "tell" by NOT stating the obvious, etc.) and in short, give the editor a juicy taste of the delectable fare yet to come when they request part or all of your manuscript.

Did you catch the part about passion? Very important: NO dreary queries.

You must stand out head & shoulders above the other hundreds of queries the agent scans that day - you have about 7 seconds to make your impression before she moves on to the next one. So without overstating your case ("This is positively the Harry Potter series!"), throw out your baited hook in the first sentence (the distinguishing feature of your book), include genre and title in the first paragraph, a brief bio in another paragraph (remember, this isn't about you, it's about whether your book is marketable or not) and exit your book description quickly by way of a clever but subtle cliffhanger.

The trick is to make her want more without appearing that you're trying too hard.

Spend hours, days, or even weeks reducing your story to one or two powerful sentences that will make the editor or agent sit up and take notice. Anything but brief is just plain grief to an overworked, underpaid agent or editor, so KISS (Keep It Short & Succinct)!

Be sure to address the recipient correctly (NO Dear Sir or Madam or To Whom it May Concern), include a SASE and NEVER utter the #1 novice faux pas: "I have written a fictional novel." You will get nowhere but the slush pile by repeating yourself. (Wouldn't that make a great name for a rock band: Repetitive Redundancy?)

You have either written fiction or a novel, not both. It's like saying I'm a female girl.

Remember, your book is judged by your query to determine it it'll ever get a chance to be judged by its cover. So make your query work for you rather than against you!

Misconception: Everyone Will Be Interested in My Book

An editorial by Irene Watson at Reader Views

Misconception: Everyone Will Be Interested in My Book

Why is this a misconception? The reality is you aren't writing the book to "everyone" or "general public" because there isn't such a thing. Think about it. Does every book in the book store or on Amazon appeal to you? If you answered no, it just proves that "everyone" or the "general public" isn't interested in every book - you are the "general public." If you answered yes, then you are in denial...big time. Ask yourself: Will left-wing politics appeal to me? Will horror appeal to me? Will poetry appeal to me? Will a novel appeal to me? And, so on. And, ask yourself: Will I buy this genre? It's doubtful you answered yes to each one, therefore you will not fit into the assumed category of "everyone" or "general public." I'm amazed how many authors actually think they write to the general public without giving it thought or research. These same authors attempt to market to the masses and in the end become very disappointed that the book isn't selling.

For example, just recently a reviewer brought to my attention that some of the content in a book didn't have upper case when it should have and considered this as an editing issue. When pointed out to the author he explained to me that his subsidy publisher rep suggested this type of writing because it was "hip" and follows the pattern of how texting is done. That's fine, however the issue was the book wasn't written to the "hip" generation - it was written for middle-aged men having relationship challenges. The other issue is the rep is obviously the "hip" generation and doesn't understand the importance of writing to the target audience. It was a bad match as well as bad advice. Just one issue, such as this, could create loss of the author's credibility with readers in what potentially could be a powerful self-help book.

The most important aspect of writing is to identify your audience before you start writing. (This is the same audience you will eventually market to.) Writing a book isn't just writing a book. I can venture to say most authors have never even thought of this aspect but it ends up being the most important. And, from some of the books we get in for review, I know the author hasn't given this any consideration and in the end is disappointed that the reviewer didn't flip head-over-heels about the book.

Let me give you some hints on what needs to be done. First of all, you need to be extremely specific on knowing who you are writing to before you start writing. Again, I repeat: before you start writing the book. You need to create a persona with demographics. For example, you need to know your reader's fears, hopes, attitudes, core values, emotions, lives, needs, desires, age, gender....basically, everything you know about your best friend. Why? you ask. The answer is simple: So you know who you are writing to! There is no other answer.

But, there is more. For example, if you are writing a non-fiction book you need to know how your reading audience absorbs information. Are they methodical and need hard data, logical presentation, and are detail oriented? Or are they spontaneous and are quick to make a decision, don't need hard data and want their problem solved this minute? Or are they humanistic and prefer to read stories of real experiences so they can relate or parallel? Or are they competitive and are success/goal oriented, highly motivated but require options?

As well as knowing how the target audience absorbs information, you as the author needs to know how the target audience reads. In the case of the middle-aged-men with relationship challenges I spoke of above, it is doubtful they would find much "hip" in lower case texting type of writing interspersed in the book. They probably want the facts and a quick fix and would find these editing issues a distraction, especially if they are the methodical type and want logical presentation.

If you have written a nonfiction book and didn't know which persona you were writing to it's a good possibility you've set yourself up for disappointment. Bottom line: You need to know who you are writing to.

But, this isn't only for nonfiction books. It's also important to create a persona and write to that specific audience when writing fiction books. And, again, I'm saying: There is no such thing as general public when writing a book.

Source: Reader Views

Reaching the Purple Mailbox: The Importance of Goals

About 8/10 of the way through this morning's run, I wanted to stop. I mean I really wanted to stop. My legs felt exhausted, my heaving lungs were throbbing and my muscles burned like little condos afire.

Everything about me screamed, "Stop! Just quit right now and this misery will end!"

But I didn't. I pressed on through even more exhaustion, throbbing and burning. Know why? One word: goals.

A month ago, after losing my second consecutive tennis match by running out of gas in the third set, I decided if winning in my chosen sport was important to me, I must do something to increase my potential to do just that: win. So improving my endurance to sail through three sets became my long term goal.

In order to achieve that long term goal, I set short term goals of: 1) Running 4 days per week, and 2) Start with half my neighborhood loop (about 3/4 mile) and add another block each week. I measure my distance by mailboxes as in, "I can't stop today until I get to the Smith's purple mailbox."

Sounds logical and achievable in theory, right? But when sweat starts to flow and muscles begin seizing in protest, the only thing that keeps me going is eyeing that purple mailbox in the distance and not allowing myself to cave - despite every atom in my body desperately trying to convince me otherwise - before I cross that self-imposed finish line.

My long term goal would end up as a dandilion in the summer breeze without those all-important short-term goals.

Such is the deal in our writing careers. Many of us have the long term goal of publishing a book, or X amount of articles, or just seeming our names in print. But have we spent sufficient time developing realistic short term goals to achieve that end? Goals such as writing 500 words a day, 5 days a week, or submitting one article each month, or attending two writing workshops this year to sharpen my skills so I get fewer rejections.

Reaching those purple mailboxes actually gives us a high. A sense of accomplishment. A boost in the ole self-esteem. We begin to think, "I can achieve this short term goal, and the next one tomorrow, too. And before I know it, that long-term goal that appears so far away today will be just an arm's length away. "

And once that long term goal is in the bank, it's time to set another. When I first started writing seven years ago, my long term goal was to see published during my lifetime one book of fiction and one non-fiction, and 20 articles. To my utter astonishment, that goal was achieved within two years, so I adjusted my goals to double that. Since my 11th book and 90th article just came out last month, it's time to tweak my goals again.

So that as a writer, I can, like you, keep running for those purple mailboxes.

Travels with Charley

Last weekend, I was up in Oregon visiting my college-aged daughter. While at the Bed and Breakfast, (ah, bliss! A lovely hotel room all to myself!) I came across the book Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.

Steinbeck is a hit and miss author for me. Loved some of his work but not all. Travels with Charley, though, is a hit.

In 1960, when he was almost 60 years old, Steinbeck set out to rediscover America. He was accompanied only by his French poodle named Charley, and he traveled the length and breadth of the country. One adventure after another. All true!

Loved this paragraph in particular:

For weeks I had studied maps, large-scale and small, but maps are not reality at all--they can be tyrants. I know people who are so immersed in road maps that they never see the countryside they pass through. Suddenly, the United States became huge beyond belief and impossible ever to cross. I wondered how I'd got myself mixed up in a project that couldn't be carried out. [Here's the part I like...] It was like starting to write a novel. When I face the desolate impossibility of writing five hundred pages a sick sense of failure falls on me and I know I can never do it. This happens every time. Then gradually I write one page and then another. One day's work is all I can permit myself to contemplate and I eliminate the possibility of ever finishing.

This last weekend, while in my delightful B&B, I finished up the notes and groundwork for a novella that is due September 1st. Steinbeck's words spoke to me!

And now...I better get busy...

The Real Test

The call from the Women's Center was surprising: "We've got a homeless woman here who lives in her car. She's written a book and would like to see about getting it published. Since you're an author, we wondered if you'd mind speaking with her."

I cringed quietly (didn't want the counselor to know how annoyed I was) and replied, "Well, I'm kind of busy right now with two speaking events coming up next weekend to prepare for and a book proposal my agent wanted yesterday."

No reply.

Enter conscience. I had volunteered to help the charity "in any way I can." And I had just finished writing in my speech on "Becoming a Barnabas" the incriminating statements, "A true Encourager must be willing to be used whenever, however, and for whomever God places in her path. That means willingness to be available, even if it means interrupting our own busy schedules for unexpected developments."

Yikes! Time to put my conviction where my mouth is.

So regardless of my private eyerolling and preconceived ideas that that this would be a waste of valuable time, I met with "Lynn" in the lobby of a church where we could sit in air conditioned comfort to discuss her manuscript.

To my utter astonishment, it was good. Very good. She was a bit rough around the edges in appearance (who wouldn't be, living in a car?) but was articulate and well educated. Lynn had been working on her memoir for nearly two years and had painstakingly typed it into book form on a computer at the public library.

I found her story fascinating and well written, and with some good editing, I believe it has commercial potential.

When we first met and she reluctantly turned over her well guarded manuscript to me, I could read the fear in her eyes. Or was it distrust? Probably both. Her tension was palpable. For a moment, I thought she might snatch the bundle of papers out of my hands and bolt for the door. But after I completed the first chapter, I'll never forget the light in her eyes and relief on her lined face when I aasssured her it was one of the best firsts drafts I'd ever encoutered.

Her smile was absolutely radiant!

I was able to offer a few tips and recommend a professional editor I know. But most of all, despite my initial selfishness, I was able to encourage this aspiring writer who had received much discouragement and disappointment from life in recent years. I gave her a copy of my book, Grit for the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers and invited her to our monthly writing group and a free writing mini-workshop I'll be doing at a local bookstore soon.

We hugged as kindred spirits when we parted ways, me to my nice home in a safe neighborhood and her to her rusty car packed with all her earthly posessions.

Yet I was the one most encouraged.

Interview with award-winning author, Ruth Ellinger

Can you give us a little bit of information about your publishing history?

I have been writing magazine articles, short stories, periodical columns, and literature for over thirty years for both secular and Christian publications. My writing interests cover a wide variety of genres including everything from garden articles for Ogden to a recipe book that went to three printings. My real love, however, is writing for the Christian market. In 2005, my first full-length historical fiction was published and was my first experience in writing fiction. This was an entirely new genre for me and I felt very unqualified. I have just completed the third book in the ‘Wildrose’ series and it has been quite a ride. I am actually beginning to enjoy writing historical fiction.

When in the process of writing your book did you begin to look for a publisher?

After my first draft of The Wild Rose of Lancaster, book 1 in the Wildrose Series, I began to seek a publisher. I should have waited until it was the FINAL draft. It would have been far more impressive. I thought my first draft was the final draft. It was my limited experience in fiction, but I soon learned I had only begun. The revisions came next.

What struggles have you had on the road to being published?

Concerning book publishing, the time element is always a challenge. As a pastor’s wife, I have many other obligations and I must lay aside writing time to attend to ministry needs. I do this willingly but the interruptions do get me off track when writing full-length historical fiction. So far, I have met only one deadline. Yikes! Fortunately, my publisher is very understanding.

What has been the best part about being published?

Several things come to mind. Of course, it is always thrilling to see your book on the shelf at the bookstore. Most importantly is sharing the message of God’s love and biblical/Faith principles to anyone who might read your book. It is so rewarding to receive a letter or email from someone who has been inspired or blessed by your unique way of sharing the gospel. Meeting other authors and writers who share your writing ambitions is also a blessing and encouragement.

Will you share with us how you come up with ideas for your books?

The Wildrose Series is based on the lives of the colorful and passionate people in my ancestral lineage. I have always loved stories from childhood, and my paternal grandmother inspired me with her love of God, family, and events that shaped the lives of our ancestors. I tucked these great stories away and filled in the blanks. A book was born.

Do you plan your stories first with an outline or does it come to you as write it?

I have a loosely structured outline with a list of significant events, characters, and a time frame organized according to chapters. I estimate the word count I want for each chapter and try to stick to this count. However, sometimes my plans go in another direction when one of my characters begins talking or acting on their own, so I change my outline to fit the character. So, yes, sometimes the story comes as I write. I like my writing best when this happens.

What do you want readers to remember and carry with them after reading your book?

My goal in writing inspirational fiction is to reach out to my readers with the message of God’s Sovereign love for His children and His willingness to forgive all who seek Him. I want them to carry away the expectation that -- “because He lives,” they can face the complexities of life with hope and courage. This has been a theme in the Wildrose series.

What are your dreams for your writing?

Mostly, the same as the above question except…it would be really great to have my books sell without doing all the promo. I would much rather be sought after than seek after readers myself. I am getting lazy.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given/learned in your life as a writer?

Revise, rewrite, reword, rewrite. Then rewrite again.

What do you wish you had known when you first started out as a writer for publication?

I wish I had known how important it was to join a writers’ group and attend conferences where good instructors and teachers offer their expertise and assistance. Going it alone is not an easy road.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing?

I don’t know of any writer who would say it is smooth sailing right into publication. It is hard work with long unpaid hours. I must average about 1 cent an hour. My thirty-year portfolio as an article/story writer paved the way for the launch into book publication, but even then, I piled up some rejections before I landed a publisher.

For this particular book, how long did it take from the time you signed the contract to its release?

Eighteen long months.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/she is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

I don’t have an agent and I don’t really need one with my present publisher. There are pros and cons to having an agent. I like being free to plan my own agenda and don’t want the hassle of complying with agent requirements. I have looked into acquiring an agent and this route doesn’t seem to be a fit for me. Too much ‘Highlander’ in me. It probably works well for some though.

If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book?
A super smart, hard working publicist. (some are not)

How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online?

Self-promotion is not my strong point although a certain amount is necessary. I cannot be the shameless self-promoter. It’s just not in me. I do just what is necessary to keep my publisher happy and to keep me happy too. I have a website and blog online. I have no time to twitter, my face, your face, buzz—whatever else comes down the pike. I promote my books at a variety of events at libraries, festivals, book fairs, bookstore signings, and workshops. I have a loyal readership who help spread the word. Wow! That’s enough for me!

Where can readers find a copy of your book?

My latest book, Sword of the Wild Rose, will be released April 24, 2010 and will be shortly posted online and available at your favorite Christian bookseller very soon. It is available online from CBD, Amazon.com, and can be ordered from most online booksellers such as Barnes & Nobles, Borders, etc. In regions of interest such as the Midwest, my books are available in ‘Choice” book racks as well. You can also order autographed copies from my website. Cross your fingers for an in the works deal with Target and Cosco.

Sometimes it's Just Roadkill

Did you hear about the Pennsylvania man who was arrested after trying to resuscitate a possum on the side of the highway?

Nope, I ain't funnin' ya.

According to the article in the 3/27/10 Florida Times Union, a 55-year-old , um, gentleman (and I use the term loosely) was a apparently bit tipsy on his way home one afternoon. Several witnesses called in a report of a man kneeling in the road before the deceased animal, attempting to give it mouth-to-mouth resucitation.

You just can't make up stuff this good.

While we may never understand his motives, one can only assume that he was an animal lover with passions gone awry. Or eww-y in this case. A possum? Have you ever seen a possum up close and personal? That species must have been last on God's to-do list and he ran fresh out of eloquence. A wee, cuddly puppy or an adorable fawn I might understand, but a possum?

It wasn't like our guy had just hit the thing with his car; witnesses said the possum had been "dead a while." Wouldn't you love to read that police report?

Anyway, it occurred to me that trying to revive one of my old manuscripts is kind of like that. I pulled the thing out of its bottom drawer with the intention of infusing it with life and giving it one more shot at a future. After all, I spent many hours of effort and energy on that ill-fated plot years ago; why just bury it without first pulling out the electric paddles?

But you know what? It was too far gone. It had no pulse. No heartbeat. No dying breath. So I got out the coffin.

As much as writers hate to admit that every single thing they write isn't golden, we must face hard, cold facts. Sometimes it's just roadkill.