Good Wednesday morning! Well, the snowstorm has come and gone, dumped quite a bit of snow where I am, and by now you all know I'm not a huge fan of the cold weather so wasn't liking it, lol ;) Anyway, this week I will be posting more research tidbits and whatnot so if you're looking for those, they're on their way soon :)
Today's post though is about editing, yeah, I know I know..another one? Yes, because the topic for today does happen and that's the point of this blog, to touch base on what may happen and whatnot, along with tidbits.
So, we're gonna assume you've been working with your very first editor. You've gone through the whole complete process and things went so well, it was the best experience ever so far since you signed the contract. Life could not be better for you as an author! You're working on your next book and you've been in contact with your editor on a regular basis... out of the blue, you receive an email informing you, your editor will no longer be your editor and you're now going to be working with, we'll call her Ms. X. I know, not original, sorry, not enough coffee in me yet. But anyway, Ms. X sends a really nice email introducing herself... you reply to her email, introducing yourself as well, and then it all sets in. Your comfort zone has just been shattered into a million pieces!
We're still assuming this is your very first editor, and you were working so well with her, things were great. In fact, you didn't even know that things like this happened. Sure, you've heard of an editor moving to another house or different position in the same company, but it never dawned on you that it would happen to your editor. And you certainly didn't think it would happen so quickly, just when you were starting to get into the groove of things. So what now? Is probably the first question that pops up in your head, followed by a string of like dozens more, lol ;) But anyway..
The best thing you can do then is just sit back for a minute and absorb the news. Allow the change to sink in. Take a deep breath or two, or twenty, though it may not feel like it's helping, it is though. Now, you have a choice, and hopefully you make the right one for you. You can either pitch a fit about it or look at it not in this moment, but down the road. What I mean is, will it really do any good to pitch the fit? Probably not, the opposite I would think. Not to mention, is this the impression you want to give? Not just to the editor, but her boss as well, because I can assure you more times than not, it will be discussed. And let's not forget how many mss you've sent before you were signed with an agent/publisher. If you're thinking about pulling out/leaving, do you really want to start over with a different publisher, this quickly, over something that 'you/your actions' had control over?
The truth is, change happens all the time.. even in publishing. You may as well roll with it, do the best that you can and look ahead, and not get stuck just in the moment. Ask yourself, does it really matter how many editors, or agents for that matter, are switched while you're working on your books, as long as everyone is on the same page? The best possible book that you can give, is their goal too. And if you didn't want to share your stories with the world, you wouldn't be where you are now, right? So it all boils down to what you do, how you react to this change.
Change can be a scary thing because we really don't have that crystal ball allowing us to see the future before we do anything. But change also makes us grow, gets us out of our comfort zone so to speak, and experience life differently. It may be an editor change, an agent retired, a publishing house merging, or yes, even closing their doors.. it's all a part of the business. And most importantly, it is all about how you take the next step.. for you :)
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Other things to check off your list before you send out your ms..
Happy Wednesday! I know I've been a little less visible over the past week or two; that was not my intent. I'm sorry and will post more frequent starting next week.. a lot in store then :) In the meantime, let's talk about more items on your checklist before you send your book out into the world of editors, publishers, etc. We've touched base on the lines, and how to tell as best as you can, if you're not certain. We've talked about queries and synopsis, and things to look out for while editing.
We'll be adding to a prior post about sending out and double-checking their guidelines. This time though, let's talk about the actual sending out part of it. By now, if you're close to polishing your story to within an inch of its life as best as you're able to, you have probably checked out their guidelines and whatnot. Now, I'm not talking the genre you're shooting for or word count, though those are important, too. But I'm referring to the actual 'sending' it out part.
Let's assume you've already made up your mind where you're sending your story, and thinking along this same wave length, you probably have a back up or two if the first passes. But, do they accept simultaneous submissions? If they do, you're able to send to another at the same time, providing the other accepts as well. Do they only accept snail mail or do they want you to send on line? If you're not sure take a look at their site, and even if you're sure but it's been a while since you last visited, you may want to refresh your checklist.. they may have updated their site and changed the way they want and/or accept submissions.
Moving forward, do they want a certain font, size? What about the margins 1/4, 1/2 or 1", header, footer? Every or every other page numbered? Double spaced? Page breaks for each chapter? Title and your name in left or right hand corner? All of these you'll want to double-check to make sure how they want your book to land on their desk.
Yeah, mistakes happen, things get overlooked all the time. You swear you checked to make sure everything was in order, only to find you've made an error and realize they want it a different way than you've sent it. And you know there is nothing you can do because it's on the way.
The only advice I would ever give anyone if asked is.. double check everything.. and I mean everything.. before you send it out. Not a month before, not a couple of weeks before, like a day or two before you send it out.
Sharpen your pencil, make a list of exactly how who you are subbing to wants your ms. Write it down and check off each item as you go along. Even if that means reading/going over your ms again, when honestly, that's the last thing you want to do because you've read/checked it damn close to a hundred times already, lol ;)
The point is, you've come this far.. you've spent so many hours writing, rewriting, editing, scratching pages or chapters even, starting over half way though because of a sagging middle, and frankly, everything in between. The last thing you should want to do now is rush sending it without giving your ms the best version you can possibly give it. And it goes way beyond the actual story. Sure, they may love it, be ready to jump through hoops to sign you on because your sample chapters grabbed them 'that' much. But if the complete is riddled with typo after typo, in 8pt, single spaced, no page numbers etc. Can you imagine printing say, 300 pages, and when someone goes to take it off of the printer, every... single... page... slips from their fingers, falling to the floor? I ask you, would you want to sort through the messy pile as you try to figure out which is the first, second, third, or page sixty? I like to think I am a patient person, but I'd be ready to walk away after about an hour of sorting through all of it.
And with that vision, is this how you want your first impression to be remembered? I personally wouldn't. They're asking for a ms to be a certain way because that's how it works best for them, and so they can focus on the story. Don't give them a reason not to be excited to read your ms by not even considering or adhering to their guidelines.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
We'll be adding to a prior post about sending out and double-checking their guidelines. This time though, let's talk about the actual sending out part of it. By now, if you're close to polishing your story to within an inch of its life as best as you're able to, you have probably checked out their guidelines and whatnot. Now, I'm not talking the genre you're shooting for or word count, though those are important, too. But I'm referring to the actual 'sending' it out part.
Let's assume you've already made up your mind where you're sending your story, and thinking along this same wave length, you probably have a back up or two if the first passes. But, do they accept simultaneous submissions? If they do, you're able to send to another at the same time, providing the other accepts as well. Do they only accept snail mail or do they want you to send on line? If you're not sure take a look at their site, and even if you're sure but it's been a while since you last visited, you may want to refresh your checklist.. they may have updated their site and changed the way they want and/or accept submissions.
Moving forward, do they want a certain font, size? What about the margins 1/4, 1/2 or 1", header, footer? Every or every other page numbered? Double spaced? Page breaks for each chapter? Title and your name in left or right hand corner? All of these you'll want to double-check to make sure how they want your book to land on their desk.
Yeah, mistakes happen, things get overlooked all the time. You swear you checked to make sure everything was in order, only to find you've made an error and realize they want it a different way than you've sent it. And you know there is nothing you can do because it's on the way.
The only advice I would ever give anyone if asked is.. double check everything.. and I mean everything.. before you send it out. Not a month before, not a couple of weeks before, like a day or two before you send it out.
Sharpen your pencil, make a list of exactly how who you are subbing to wants your ms. Write it down and check off each item as you go along. Even if that means reading/going over your ms again, when honestly, that's the last thing you want to do because you've read/checked it damn close to a hundred times already, lol ;)
The point is, you've come this far.. you've spent so many hours writing, rewriting, editing, scratching pages or chapters even, starting over half way though because of a sagging middle, and frankly, everything in between. The last thing you should want to do now is rush sending it without giving your ms the best version you can possibly give it. And it goes way beyond the actual story. Sure, they may love it, be ready to jump through hoops to sign you on because your sample chapters grabbed them 'that' much. But if the complete is riddled with typo after typo, in 8pt, single spaced, no page numbers etc. Can you imagine printing say, 300 pages, and when someone goes to take it off of the printer, every... single... page... slips from their fingers, falling to the floor? I ask you, would you want to sort through the messy pile as you try to figure out which is the first, second, third, or page sixty? I like to think I am a patient person, but I'd be ready to walk away after about an hour of sorting through all of it.
And with that vision, is this how you want your first impression to be remembered? I personally wouldn't. They're asking for a ms to be a certain way because that's how it works best for them, and so they can focus on the story. Don't give them a reason not to be excited to read your ms by not even considering or adhering to their guidelines.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Saturday, January 28, 2017
So, you've received your copy back from your editor...
I hope everyone is having a fab weekend! I know, I usually don't post over the weekend but I had to take a break from editing so thought what better time to post while thoughts are fresh than right now, lol I know it's later than my regular posting time and with still not enough coffee yet, and seriously thinking I'll never reach that point, you'll have to bear with me again, I'm afraid ;)
For this post we'll assume you sent a query and sample chapters out to and editor and she wanted a full, so you sent it. They offered a contract but they also want revisions. So, continuing with this theory, you've sent the story back to them and have once again received their copy back. They want additional changes.
So, let's break this down a little..
For many, this is the norm..they'll send a letter letting you know of their interest, and sometimes they'll include some minor changes they'd like to see. Moving forward just a bit, now, at this same time, keeping with the above, they have offered a contract. Congratulations!! That's totally awesome, and no doubt, you're floating on cloud nine :)
After a bit, when your feet are on solid ground again, you go back and re-read the letter and the notes that the editor had left. You work your fingers to the bones and fix the issues and then send it back, along with the contract if you haven't done so before this point.
You're excited beyond belief! You have spent countless hours alone, with only the thoughts and actions of your characters playing out in your head. Sometimes they're easy to deal with, sometimes, not so much. But you've done it! You have a contract and your book will be available for all to see!
Then, you feel the rug pulled out from under you because you've got another round of edits to go through. This time, your ms looks more like the red sea of ink. You may wonder, what the heck happened? How can it need that much work/corrections? You may be afraid that making all these adjustments will hurt/change your story.. yup, the very one that took all but your last ounce of energy and sanity most days, for almost a year. Panic sets in, right?
But, here's the thing.. it's ok to panic. In fact, I think if I didn't panic when I walk in those very shoes, for me, it wouldn't be as rewarding. You have to remember too, first and foremost, romance publishing is a business. We're talking billion, not million, yup, with the 'b' dollar business. You, and it's the same for your publisher, editor, etc., they want to put out the very best story that is possible.
Anyway, back to panicking. It's ok to feel confused and whatnot. Walk away for a day or two, don't touch your ms during that time. Let things process in your head, let it settle. Take a deep breath, have a cup of tea, take a long walk, go to the movies.. whatever you do that helps to unwind from a stressful day or week. Then, when you're back to 'writing mode' pull the ms back out and start at the very beginning, the first editor marked note. Read it, read it again if you need to, and go from there.
What you don't want to do is take all of this personally. Your editor is not trying to change your story into hers. She's not putting up wall after wall for you to climb, only to tumble back down the damn thing and climb it a few more times, until you seriously don't know what you're feeling at this point. Several rounds of edits may make you upset, yes, but letting your editor 'have it' or telling her off isn't going to help either. Totally the opposite to be honest.
For now, let's assume you've only met online and don't know her personally. This is the time to act professional, in fact, way before this point, but for this post we'll start within the time frame. Anyway.. She's on your side. Her name is behind it as well as the publishers, and yours on the cover. The time and place to not have a thick skin is not now, and certainly not with her. You can always vent to your sister, your best friend, your who ever, though it probably won't make you feel any better in the end. Try your best to understand why she's asking for the change/s, if you're not sure, ask her. Now, by no means am I suggesting to send an email for every question. Condense it and try to ask all that you can, within reason, in one email.
There may be a spot though that you'd rather not make the suggested change, that's okay, too. The next time you talk to your editor, explain why you feel the way you do about that particular part. And who knows, by talking it through, the two of you may come up with a different and better outcome that neither of you thought of before you talked. :)
The truth is, it is not often a story does not need to go through editing before it's ready to be released. But if you take it all in stride, step by step, as it's presented to you, it may not feel so overwhelming. And may be easier to get through every round of edits that are needed before it's ready for its release!
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
For this post we'll assume you sent a query and sample chapters out to and editor and she wanted a full, so you sent it. They offered a contract but they also want revisions. So, continuing with this theory, you've sent the story back to them and have once again received their copy back. They want additional changes.
So, let's break this down a little..
For many, this is the norm..they'll send a letter letting you know of their interest, and sometimes they'll include some minor changes they'd like to see. Moving forward just a bit, now, at this same time, keeping with the above, they have offered a contract. Congratulations!! That's totally awesome, and no doubt, you're floating on cloud nine :)
After a bit, when your feet are on solid ground again, you go back and re-read the letter and the notes that the editor had left. You work your fingers to the bones and fix the issues and then send it back, along with the contract if you haven't done so before this point.
You're excited beyond belief! You have spent countless hours alone, with only the thoughts and actions of your characters playing out in your head. Sometimes they're easy to deal with, sometimes, not so much. But you've done it! You have a contract and your book will be available for all to see!
Then, you feel the rug pulled out from under you because you've got another round of edits to go through. This time, your ms looks more like the red sea of ink. You may wonder, what the heck happened? How can it need that much work/corrections? You may be afraid that making all these adjustments will hurt/change your story.. yup, the very one that took all but your last ounce of energy and sanity most days, for almost a year. Panic sets in, right?
But, here's the thing.. it's ok to panic. In fact, I think if I didn't panic when I walk in those very shoes, for me, it wouldn't be as rewarding. You have to remember too, first and foremost, romance publishing is a business. We're talking billion, not million, yup, with the 'b' dollar business. You, and it's the same for your publisher, editor, etc., they want to put out the very best story that is possible.
Anyway, back to panicking. It's ok to feel confused and whatnot. Walk away for a day or two, don't touch your ms during that time. Let things process in your head, let it settle. Take a deep breath, have a cup of tea, take a long walk, go to the movies.. whatever you do that helps to unwind from a stressful day or week. Then, when you're back to 'writing mode' pull the ms back out and start at the very beginning, the first editor marked note. Read it, read it again if you need to, and go from there.
What you don't want to do is take all of this personally. Your editor is not trying to change your story into hers. She's not putting up wall after wall for you to climb, only to tumble back down the damn thing and climb it a few more times, until you seriously don't know what you're feeling at this point. Several rounds of edits may make you upset, yes, but letting your editor 'have it' or telling her off isn't going to help either. Totally the opposite to be honest.
For now, let's assume you've only met online and don't know her personally. This is the time to act professional, in fact, way before this point, but for this post we'll start within the time frame. Anyway.. She's on your side. Her name is behind it as well as the publishers, and yours on the cover. The time and place to not have a thick skin is not now, and certainly not with her. You can always vent to your sister, your best friend, your who ever, though it probably won't make you feel any better in the end. Try your best to understand why she's asking for the change/s, if you're not sure, ask her. Now, by no means am I suggesting to send an email for every question. Condense it and try to ask all that you can, within reason, in one email.
There may be a spot though that you'd rather not make the suggested change, that's okay, too. The next time you talk to your editor, explain why you feel the way you do about that particular part. And who knows, by talking it through, the two of you may come up with a different and better outcome that neither of you thought of before you talked. :)
The truth is, it is not often a story does not need to go through editing before it's ready to be released. But if you take it all in stride, step by step, as it's presented to you, it may not feel so overwhelming. And may be easier to get through every round of edits that are needed before it's ready for its release!
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Friday, January 27, 2017
Just keep writing! :)
Good Friday morning! The weekend is upon us so this will be a short but important writing-wise post.
Writing, writing and more writing. The more you can sit behind the desk, on the sofa with a pen and pad, however you do it when you write.. a lot happens. Over time, you'll find your mistakes more easily, you'll etch out a regular time period to actually write, and you'll hone your skills as a writer. If you ask many authors they'll tell you one of the biggies as far as writing goes is actually the writing part.
Try to get yourself on a schedule and stick to it as best as you can. I know, these days it's fairly hard to get a few minutes to yourself, let alone do something you actually wanna do. But, maybe if you think of this as a business, a job, if you will. If you only have twenty minutes while dinner is baking in the oven, than snag that time and write. If you have an extra break at work or lunch; if you can eat and write at the same time, try a few minutes to do so. Some write everyday. A few pages, a chapter, one page. The point is, they are writing and writing frequently. It may not be at an exact scheduled time, but they know that's what they want to do and they find the time to write, even if it's sitting in the car waiting for the kiddo's to get of out school.
Here's the thing.. every sentence gets you that much closer to the end of your story. And even if you can't jot down a few paragraphs, if you only have time to make a couple of notes on where you're going when you're able to get back to your story.. it all adds up, and you'll be amazed at the end of a week how much you've written, compared to before you tried this tidbit.
I guess what I'm saying is, it really doesn't matter how or the time of day/night that you can sneak off and grab a handful of minutes.. grab them! Write those thoughts down before they are gone and when you've run out of time, that's ok. You can add more when your next writing time comes around.
For me, I write best at night. When all is quiet, for the most part, and my writing goal is no less than 5 pages. Most of the time I'm able to meet that goal, sometimes though, it doesn't happen. But, I don't kick myself in the butt. I just put everything away for the night and get back on track tomorrow.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Writing, writing and more writing. The more you can sit behind the desk, on the sofa with a pen and pad, however you do it when you write.. a lot happens. Over time, you'll find your mistakes more easily, you'll etch out a regular time period to actually write, and you'll hone your skills as a writer. If you ask many authors they'll tell you one of the biggies as far as writing goes is actually the writing part.
Try to get yourself on a schedule and stick to it as best as you can. I know, these days it's fairly hard to get a few minutes to yourself, let alone do something you actually wanna do. But, maybe if you think of this as a business, a job, if you will. If you only have twenty minutes while dinner is baking in the oven, than snag that time and write. If you have an extra break at work or lunch; if you can eat and write at the same time, try a few minutes to do so. Some write everyday. A few pages, a chapter, one page. The point is, they are writing and writing frequently. It may not be at an exact scheduled time, but they know that's what they want to do and they find the time to write, even if it's sitting in the car waiting for the kiddo's to get of out school.
Here's the thing.. every sentence gets you that much closer to the end of your story. And even if you can't jot down a few paragraphs, if you only have time to make a couple of notes on where you're going when you're able to get back to your story.. it all adds up, and you'll be amazed at the end of a week how much you've written, compared to before you tried this tidbit.
I guess what I'm saying is, it really doesn't matter how or the time of day/night that you can sneak off and grab a handful of minutes.. grab them! Write those thoughts down before they are gone and when you've run out of time, that's ok. You can add more when your next writing time comes around.
For me, I write best at night. When all is quiet, for the most part, and my writing goal is no less than 5 pages. Most of the time I'm able to meet that goal, sometimes though, it doesn't happen. But, I don't kick myself in the butt. I just put everything away for the night and get back on track tomorrow.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Not really sure where to start your story?
Good morning!
I'm sorry about not posting every day. My goal was to, but to be honest, it's been a little difficult over the past week or so to keep up that pace. Hopefully, though, I'll be able to be back to normal daily postings. In the meantime, I'll post a few times a week at the very least. Sorry again for the inconvenience.
Today's topic.. we're gonna keep within romances. I've been asked and have read countless times about writers not knowing exactly where to start their story. It's a tricky question because without actually reading what a person has written it's hard to pinpoint. So, I'm gonna play it safe with a reply to this question.
When in doubt, start with an action scene, or as close to an action scene as you can. You want to introduce at least one of your characters as quickly as possible. Have them doing something.. exciting, mysterious, etc. Then go from there. In my wip's I try my very best to jump right in a scene/chapter, usually using my heroine, and about half way through I'll start writing my hero's pov.. but before then, I've placed my hero on good ground as well. I'm not just talking about 'here he is, this is him'. The way I try to write a chapter, is I try to do half of a chap from the heroine's pov, and the other is the hero's pov.
Now, I'm not suggesting you count the pages of a chapter and cut it in half and use one for each of your main characters, though you can if you want because it's your story. What I'm saying, I hope, is that when you're introducing your characters, it has to feel real, natural, so it's not about how many pages you write using a certain point of view. It's about how the character's interact within the scene you're writing.
Saying this though, try your best not to head-hop. You can have both your main's on the same page, or several pages in, just try to stick to using one point of view and then switch to the other, after you've finished with that particular part in the story.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
I'm sorry about not posting every day. My goal was to, but to be honest, it's been a little difficult over the past week or so to keep up that pace. Hopefully, though, I'll be able to be back to normal daily postings. In the meantime, I'll post a few times a week at the very least. Sorry again for the inconvenience.
Today's topic.. we're gonna keep within romances. I've been asked and have read countless times about writers not knowing exactly where to start their story. It's a tricky question because without actually reading what a person has written it's hard to pinpoint. So, I'm gonna play it safe with a reply to this question.
When in doubt, start with an action scene, or as close to an action scene as you can. You want to introduce at least one of your characters as quickly as possible. Have them doing something.. exciting, mysterious, etc. Then go from there. In my wip's I try my very best to jump right in a scene/chapter, usually using my heroine, and about half way through I'll start writing my hero's pov.. but before then, I've placed my hero on good ground as well. I'm not just talking about 'here he is, this is him'. The way I try to write a chapter, is I try to do half of a chap from the heroine's pov, and the other is the hero's pov.
Now, I'm not suggesting you count the pages of a chapter and cut it in half and use one for each of your main characters, though you can if you want because it's your story. What I'm saying, I hope, is that when you're introducing your characters, it has to feel real, natural, so it's not about how many pages you write using a certain point of view. It's about how the character's interact within the scene you're writing.
Saying this though, try your best not to head-hop. You can have both your main's on the same page, or several pages in, just try to stick to using one point of view and then switch to the other, after you've finished with that particular part in the story.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Monday, January 9, 2017
Let's talk about queries!
Good Monday morning! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a few days, I've been sick with I think the flu, but now hopefully it's finally finished and I'll be back to my normal postings, lol ;)
Query letters.. a lot of publishers and agents do ask for a query letter first. Some though do want a query, synopsis and the first chapter, so please be sure to check the guidelines of the publisher or agent you are targeting to see exactly what they want before you send out. We're going to start with just the bare basics by saying a query letter is what they're looking for. So what do you include in it? How long should it be? And several other questions may pop up in your thoughts if you haven't sent many or any out yet.
I like to stick to the safe side of things when I'm not sure..only the most important info gets put into my query. But that doesn't mean that you should stick to this, that's just the way I do them when in doubt. Short and sweet so to speak and if they want more, they'll ask. The point here is getting yourself familiar with writing queries and the more you do the better you'll be at writing them.
The first part should be your information, who you are, your addy's, phone, etc. Sorta like how you start a business letter. Then I skip a few lines and address the query to the person who will be receiving it. I skip a few more lines and then introduce myself, mention if I have any published books and where they are, any awards that I have received, etc.
Then, dropping a few lines down again, this is where I would put the book info. I think of it sorta like a back cover blurb to a book but a tad bit longer. It should be about the most important happenings in the book. The characters, the main reason/s why they aren't together, etc., and finally, why/how they are together by the end of the book.
I always thank them for their time when ending the letter, but that's just me, it's your query and up to you.
So, what we have so far.. who you are, are you published (if not just skip that part), what the main points in your book are, and how they conquer it all and end up together in the end.
I know the above is a condensed version of the post, but this is where you really want to make every word count. I see it as.. this is the first impression type of thing. You know your book inside and out, you are excited about it and want to share it with the world. Take that excitement and try to capture those parts in a couple or few paragraphs. They're getting a sneak peek of your book and your voice.
If you're still having trouble another way to practice writing them..try thinking of it as a trailer of a movie when you're breaking down a query, and then add from there.
I hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Query letters.. a lot of publishers and agents do ask for a query letter first. Some though do want a query, synopsis and the first chapter, so please be sure to check the guidelines of the publisher or agent you are targeting to see exactly what they want before you send out. We're going to start with just the bare basics by saying a query letter is what they're looking for. So what do you include in it? How long should it be? And several other questions may pop up in your thoughts if you haven't sent many or any out yet.
I like to stick to the safe side of things when I'm not sure..only the most important info gets put into my query. But that doesn't mean that you should stick to this, that's just the way I do them when in doubt. Short and sweet so to speak and if they want more, they'll ask. The point here is getting yourself familiar with writing queries and the more you do the better you'll be at writing them.
The first part should be your information, who you are, your addy's, phone, etc. Sorta like how you start a business letter. Then I skip a few lines and address the query to the person who will be receiving it. I skip a few more lines and then introduce myself, mention if I have any published books and where they are, any awards that I have received, etc.
Then, dropping a few lines down again, this is where I would put the book info. I think of it sorta like a back cover blurb to a book but a tad bit longer. It should be about the most important happenings in the book. The characters, the main reason/s why they aren't together, etc., and finally, why/how they are together by the end of the book.
I always thank them for their time when ending the letter, but that's just me, it's your query and up to you.
So, what we have so far.. who you are, are you published (if not just skip that part), what the main points in your book are, and how they conquer it all and end up together in the end.
I know the above is a condensed version of the post, but this is where you really want to make every word count. I see it as.. this is the first impression type of thing. You know your book inside and out, you are excited about it and want to share it with the world. Take that excitement and try to capture those parts in a couple or few paragraphs. They're getting a sneak peek of your book and your voice.
If you're still having trouble another way to practice writing them..try thinking of it as a trailer of a movie when you're breaking down a query, and then add from there.
I hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Monday, January 2, 2017
Let's talk about pirates!
Happy New Year for those who celebrated!
We've talked a lot about what to look for during editing over the past couple of weeks, so I thought to bring in the New Year, let's talk about... pirates! Before I get into some details, if you're looking for more, SIU ALOT ALOT is a writer's resource; where reference and research mingle. Book 1, coming soon! And explores pirates as well as a couple other time periods, tidbits, and writing topics with examples. Okay, enough of the shameless plug, let's get down to it and start it off with two very famous female pirates!
A quick note though before we get into the nitty gritty so to speak, please double check your facts you include in your story if you go off the beaten path of things. I realize you are more than likely following this blog because you're writing fiction, and there is way more freedom when creating your characters and their worlds, but do know, if you're writing in a specific time period, your readers chose that book/period because they really enjoy it and they know a lot of facts. And though you're writing fiction, you should stay close to some of the details that are well known... but you still have a lot of blank pages to create your own spin on it. :) Anne Bonny and Mary Read, if you have chosen them to base your heroine characters on, you should do more research than I'm touching on in this blog post.
Books based on strong females; well, these two fill the bill to a 't'. The more accurate details to layer in your story the more your reader will not only recognize, but also appreciate your knowledge of your characters and time period. But, do know though, when enough is enough; don't bog your story too far down with history details that it reads as a lesson or essay ;)
Anne and Mary were female buccaneers who led/turned into living a full pirate life. Though a short period of time, they sailed with Captain 'Calico' Rackam in the Caribbean, and fought beside their shipmates. At first Mary was dressed as a male pirate. Jack was in love with Anne Bonny and if I'm not mistaken, didn't trust her friend for a period of time. But, and again, if I'm not mistaken, it was in the course of a heated argument, Mary's disguise was uncovered.
In early 1700's, Calico Jack and his crew were captured, brought to trail and sentenced to death. At the time of the sentencing, both Anne and Mary were pregnant. The court allowed their sentence to be deferred until after the birth of their children. Mary Read died in prison. Anne Bonny gave birth and was set free. It is rumored though that her father was very important and of great wealth and paid a handsome fee for her safe return home.
Male pirate tidbits perhaps to base your hero's story on..the entire crew democratically elected a pirate's captain, but this was not a lifelong title. Captains could be removed during a voyage simply for not performing at the level that was expected of them or for over-stepping their bounds of authority. A pirate captain had absolute command when pursuing a vessel or in military engagement, otherwise he was treated as an additional member of the crew.
Bodies of people needed some type of structure and since pirates were at best, outlaws, they did not follow a government. But that did not mean they were unruly. They wanted leadership by example, not by status and hierarchy. So, before each setting off for a new voyage or when electing a new captain, compacts were drawn up. Basically, these were guidelines on how the ship will function. And under these agreements were allocations of authority, distribution of plunder, rations and discipline enforcement.
Booty aka treasures... A pewter charger or plate was a large platter that was placed under a dinner plate and used usually only at formal meals. The charger, more than likely, wasn't normally used aboard a ship, making us think it was stolen and put in their treasures collection as well as other expensive pewter tableware.
A few tidbits are below, to round out this post on pirates, so you should have a little of this and that to at least jot down bones for an outline, and let your muse fill in the rest as you go along! Again, if you're looking for longer/more details, be sure to pick up a copy of SIU when it's available, it has lots more info than what I'm posting here!
Braids and ribbons were used to adorn various elements of pirate clothing, but were also used to braid a pirate beard or hair. Black Beard was famous for tying black braids to his beard and hair and infamous for sticking lighted matches under his hat on either side of his face to terrify his enemies.
Gold hoop earrings were a sign of wealth but also, many pirates believed that if they wore the earrings it would ease seasickness because they put pressure on the earlobes.
The material for clothing used for a captain when on land/shore usually were more flamboyant and pricey. Taffeta, velvet, silk, damask, and feathers, especially those of exotic nature were favored, to name a few. Also, because a pirate usually didn't bat a lash towards rules, especially of any government; they did not abide by the Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws. And their colors of fabric varied greatly from crimson, deep blue, purple, violet; essentially any colors that were set aside and only to be worn by the Upper Classes.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
We've talked a lot about what to look for during editing over the past couple of weeks, so I thought to bring in the New Year, let's talk about... pirates! Before I get into some details, if you're looking for more, SIU ALOT ALOT is a writer's resource; where reference and research mingle. Book 1, coming soon! And explores pirates as well as a couple other time periods, tidbits, and writing topics with examples. Okay, enough of the shameless plug, let's get down to it and start it off with two very famous female pirates!
A quick note though before we get into the nitty gritty so to speak, please double check your facts you include in your story if you go off the beaten path of things. I realize you are more than likely following this blog because you're writing fiction, and there is way more freedom when creating your characters and their worlds, but do know, if you're writing in a specific time period, your readers chose that book/period because they really enjoy it and they know a lot of facts. And though you're writing fiction, you should stay close to some of the details that are well known... but you still have a lot of blank pages to create your own spin on it. :) Anne Bonny and Mary Read, if you have chosen them to base your heroine characters on, you should do more research than I'm touching on in this blog post.
Books based on strong females; well, these two fill the bill to a 't'. The more accurate details to layer in your story the more your reader will not only recognize, but also appreciate your knowledge of your characters and time period. But, do know though, when enough is enough; don't bog your story too far down with history details that it reads as a lesson or essay ;)
Anne and Mary were female buccaneers who led/turned into living a full pirate life. Though a short period of time, they sailed with Captain 'Calico' Rackam in the Caribbean, and fought beside their shipmates. At first Mary was dressed as a male pirate. Jack was in love with Anne Bonny and if I'm not mistaken, didn't trust her friend for a period of time. But, and again, if I'm not mistaken, it was in the course of a heated argument, Mary's disguise was uncovered.
In early 1700's, Calico Jack and his crew were captured, brought to trail and sentenced to death. At the time of the sentencing, both Anne and Mary were pregnant. The court allowed their sentence to be deferred until after the birth of their children. Mary Read died in prison. Anne Bonny gave birth and was set free. It is rumored though that her father was very important and of great wealth and paid a handsome fee for her safe return home.
Male pirate tidbits perhaps to base your hero's story on..the entire crew democratically elected a pirate's captain, but this was not a lifelong title. Captains could be removed during a voyage simply for not performing at the level that was expected of them or for over-stepping their bounds of authority. A pirate captain had absolute command when pursuing a vessel or in military engagement, otherwise he was treated as an additional member of the crew.
Bodies of people needed some type of structure and since pirates were at best, outlaws, they did not follow a government. But that did not mean they were unruly. They wanted leadership by example, not by status and hierarchy. So, before each setting off for a new voyage or when electing a new captain, compacts were drawn up. Basically, these were guidelines on how the ship will function. And under these agreements were allocations of authority, distribution of plunder, rations and discipline enforcement.
Booty aka treasures... A pewter charger or plate was a large platter that was placed under a dinner plate and used usually only at formal meals. The charger, more than likely, wasn't normally used aboard a ship, making us think it was stolen and put in their treasures collection as well as other expensive pewter tableware.
A few tidbits are below, to round out this post on pirates, so you should have a little of this and that to at least jot down bones for an outline, and let your muse fill in the rest as you go along! Again, if you're looking for longer/more details, be sure to pick up a copy of SIU when it's available, it has lots more info than what I'm posting here!
Braids and ribbons were used to adorn various elements of pirate clothing, but were also used to braid a pirate beard or hair. Black Beard was famous for tying black braids to his beard and hair and infamous for sticking lighted matches under his hat on either side of his face to terrify his enemies.
Gold hoop earrings were a sign of wealth but also, many pirates believed that if they wore the earrings it would ease seasickness because they put pressure on the earlobes.
The material for clothing used for a captain when on land/shore usually were more flamboyant and pricey. Taffeta, velvet, silk, damask, and feathers, especially those of exotic nature were favored, to name a few. Also, because a pirate usually didn't bat a lash towards rules, especially of any government; they did not abide by the Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws. And their colors of fabric varied greatly from crimson, deep blue, purple, violet; essentially any colors that were set aside and only to be worn by the Upper Classes.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)