A word to the wise:
Avoid submitting work during and around a Holiday
A word to the wise:
Avoid submitting work during and around a Holiday
Filed under publishing, Uncategorized, writing
We often talk about the “rules” of writing for kids citing proper page lengths and
story types for different age groups. A better term would probably be “guidelines”;
these rules exist only to tell you what, in general, editors like to see in the
manuscripts sent to them. And, of course, for every rule there are numerous
exceptions. But while we’d all like to think our book is strong enough to override the
guidelines, this is usually not the case. Here are some rules that shouldn’t be broken
until you a best-selling author:
Write Within Designated Word Lengths
No editor is going to turn down a terrific book just because the text length falls
outside the average guidelines. If your young adult novel is complete in 100 pages,
there’s no sense padding the manuscript simply because most YAs are longer. But
length guidelines are there for a reason — publishers have determined about how
much text kids of different ages can read, and so it behooves you to try to stay as
close to those guidelines as possible.
Don’t Provide Testimonials in Queries
It’s nice to have lots of neighborhood kids read your manuscript and give you
positive feedback, but your potential editor doesn’t want to hear about it. Frankly,
editors don’t give much credence to testimonials from readers who may be family or
friends of the author. Also, don’t clutter up the query letter with ideas for why
children need your book or what they’ll learn from it. This is up to the editor to
decide. (One exception: You’ve written a nonfiction book and can show that there
aren’t any other books in print that cover the same subject.)
Keep your query letter tight, brief, and to the point. Provide an intriguing plot
synopsis or nonfiction outline, relevant information about yourself, and enclose a
self-addressed, stamped envelope. Sell your book, not your reasons for writing it.
Don’t Write a Series Before Selling the First Book
I’ve critiqued many manuscripts from authors who say, “I’ve got six more books
written with these characters. Should I mention that to the editor when I submit my
manuscript?” My answer is always no. Unless an editor is specifically looking for new
series proposals, and the books were written from the start to form a series, this is a
bad idea. Realize that series are created as a group of books that are bound
together by some sort of hook; in fiction, it might be a club the main characters
form, a neighborhood they all live in, or a cause they champion. In nonfiction, it’s a
topic (natural sciences, biographies) and an age group. Rarely do you see picture
book fiction series. What does happen is a character may become very popular with
readers and the author is asked to write another book featuring the same cast.
These fiction “series” actually grow slowly one book at a time.
So, unless you’ve conceived your books as a traditional series and are able to
send a thought-out series proposal to the editor, stick to selling one book. When an
editor sees you have numerous manuscripts featuring the same characters and
similar plots, she may feel that you’ve spent too much writing new material and not
enough time revising what you’ve already got. And remember, each book — series or
not — must stand on its own. It needs a strong beginning, well-developed middle,
and satisfying end. No fair leaving the ending unfinished with the intention of
continuing the story in the next book.
Filed under Uncategorized, writing
Saguaro Books, LLC
Be the first to read and edit new middle grade and young adult fiction by emerging authors. Low pressure—read and react. Ideal for individuals still in college or at home with children or family, looking to add experience within the industry to their resume. Also perfect for new or emerging writers looking to learn about the industry.
Please indicate your strengths and background: Must be able to use MSWord with the ‘Track Changes” and “Comment” features. BA/BS in English or Creative Writing a BIG plus. If you have published books or magazine articles, that is also a plus. Visit www.saguarobooks.com
Contact: Ms. Mary Nickum, CEO, mjnickum@saguarobooks.com
Filed under editing, publishing, writing
Saguaro Books, LLC
Low pressure—read and react. Ideal for individuals still in college or at home with children or family, looking to add experience within the industry to their resume. Also perfect for new or emerging writers looking to learn about the industry. Please indicate your strengths and background: BA/BS in English or Creative Writing a BIG plus.
Visit www.saguarobooks.com
Contact: Ms. Mary Nickum, CEO, mjnickum@saguarobooks.com
Filed under editing, publishing, Uncategorized, writing
Filed under editing, publishing, Uncategorized, writing
In a query, should the synopsis tell the whole story in a short form or should it leave mystery to the story like on the back of the book?
Queries and synopses are different things. A query should never include a synopsis.
A query is a one-page letter that explains what you’ve written, who you are, and why the agent or publisher should consider your work. A query letter will contain a pitch, which is an explanation of your story in 3-8 sentences. It’s like the text you see on the back of a DVD box. It’s designed to pique your interest. A pitch, like the back of a book or DVD, will not spill the beans regarding the ending.
A synopsis is a front-to-back telling of what happens in your story. It’s like sitting down with a 12-year-old and explaining your entire story in about five minutes. You explain who the characters are, what the conflict is, the three acts and, finally, what happens at the end (e.g., the villain dies). So, in a synopsis, you do indeed give away the ending. You would not do so in a pitch, and a pitch is what appears in a query. A publisher will probably ask for a synopsis IF your query has grabbed their attention.
Remember: First the query then and only then, IF REQUESTED, the synopsis.
Filed under publishing, Uncategorized, writing
Saguaro Books, LLC
Low pressure—read and react. Ideal for individuals still in college or at home with children or family, looking to add experience within the industry to their resume. Also perfect for new or emerging writers looking to learn about the industry. Please indicate your strengths and background: BA/BS in English or Creative Writing a BIG plus. Visit www.saguarobooks.com
Contact: Ms. Mary Nickum, CEO, mjnickum@saguarobooks.com
Filed under editing, publishing, Uncategorized, writing
“Read, read, and read some more! Make sure you read a wide variety of stories: fantasy stories teach you about making up completely new worlds, crime-solving stories teach you about handling a complicated plot, stories with lots of characters teach you how to describe relationships. Also, write as many stories as you can, even if no one else reads them. And remember that the best inspiration comes from what’s around you.” —Erin Hunter
Filed under publishing, Uncategorized, writing