Most unsolicited manuscripts end up in the slush pile. Publishing houses and agents recieve hundreds of these a week and usually only resort to the slush pile when desperate.
To increase the chances of your query letter being read, meet the editor or agent face to face first. How? By attending writing and book festivals where publishers and agents will be present. Take a quick moment to introduce yourself, pitch your idea, and trade business cards. When you send your query letter & synopsis, state in the letter than you met them at the festival and you are sending this per their request. (And make sure they did indeed request it - lying will get you nowhere!) Author Catherine Coulter suggests having your photo taken with the editor and including that as well. Anything to get them to spend a few extra minutes reviewing your submission!
The owner of Echelon Press says she will not work with an author she has not met face to face, so you can see how important it becomes to put yourself physically in front of these people!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Author Julie Lessman
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
A Passion Most Pure (Revell January 1, 2008)
by Julie Lessman
A Passion Most Pure (Revell January 1, 2008)
by Julie Lessman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure is her first novel.
Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure is her first novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She's found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister ...
She's found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister ...
As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O’Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there’s the small matter that he is secretly courting her younger sister. But when Collin’s affections suddenly shift her way, it threatens to tear Faith's proper Boston family apart.Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. Collin is trying to win her sister Charity's hand, and Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure is Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Fact Or Fiction?
Just a couple myths concerning publishing, promoting & authors!
“If I could just get my book into a bookstore, it would sell!”
Fiction – The author must drive traffic to the store to buy the book.
“Traditional publishers take care of all the promotions!”
Fiction – They do very little promoting, especially for new authors. They might set up a few interviews and book signings, but you will be expected to drive traffic to your book.
"I just finished writing the book this summer, so I need to hurry if I want it out before Christmas."
Fiction - Maybe Christmas of the following year! A book needs at least a year before publishing for editing, printing & promoting - whether you are self-publishing or seeking traditional publishing.
“If I could just get my book into a bookstore, it would sell!”
Fiction – The author must drive traffic to the store to buy the book.
“Traditional publishers take care of all the promotions!”
Fiction – They do very little promoting, especially for new authors. They might set up a few interviews and book signings, but you will be expected to drive traffic to your book.
"I just finished writing the book this summer, so I need to hurry if I want it out before Christmas."
Fiction - Maybe Christmas of the following year! A book needs at least a year before publishing for editing, printing & promoting - whether you are self-publishing or seeking traditional publishing.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Media Resources
The Yellow Pages, Google, and MapQuest can all be used to find media listings. For more specific listings, try:
http://www.ontheradio.net/Stations.aspx
On The Radio
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/SiteMap/northamerica.htm
Online Newspapers
http://talkshows.about.com/?once=true&
Talk Shows
http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us
On The Radio
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/SiteMap/northamerica.htm
Online Newspapers
http://talkshows.about.com/?once=true&
Talk Shows
http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us
Mondo Times – all media
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