So, as I've mentioned before, I am currently in the process of pursing literary agents/small publishing houses to publish Lost Souls. When I started writing the manuscript almost 2 years ago, this stage felt like a million miles away...something I would need to worry about in the very distant future. But several drafts later and feeling WAY more confident about my work...here we are, ready to shove it out there and see if anyone bites. A both hopeful and terrifying prospect. As August is just around the corner, the dreaded "Dead Zone" month for anyone who is attempting to sell their work...as everyone is either on vacation/checked out from work....I think we can see this coming publishing hiatus as an opportunity to hone some important skills and work on that sales pitch before Autumn rolls around.
Like many other writers who have navigated the murky waters of publishing, I am realizing quickly that I enjoyed writing the book more than I am enjoying trying to sell the book. But, it's all part of the journey, and I don't want to shortchange my hard work, so I'm giving it a go. Also like me, I'm sure there are many of you out there that have gotten to the point of- "okay, I have this great book...now what?" I started my research in a fairly obvious place...with the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents. You can pick up a copy at any major book retailer or online. I learned that if you want your manuscript to even have the chance to be read by one of the big publishing houses, you need to have an agent. And finding that agent is very much akin to going from general meet and greet to serious relationship.
First of all, your query letter is everything. This is your initial handshake..."hi, nice to meet you" if you will. Most agents do not even want to see your manuscript unless they are intrigued by your query letter....so it's key that you put together a letter that you feel really solid about. The letter should not be longer than a page and consist of 3 parts: Intro, pitch, bio. You intro should include who you are and what you've written...if it's genre fiction say which genre and give a word count-- and then if you have a schmooze factor- this is the place to do it. If you've seen this specific agent speak at a conference, or if you've been recommended by another one of their (hopefully published) clients, or why you think the two of you would be a good fit to work together. Personally, I'm not a big schmoozer, so my intro is fairly straight forward...which may be to my detriment in the end, but you have to do what you're comfortable with.
The second part of the letter is the most important- your pitch. This is specifically what your book is about-- the key characters, plot points, why your target market is going to want to buy your book. I like to think of this like the inside book jacket-- what people pick up when they're browsing at Barnes and Noble, read, and decide if it's going in the shopping cart. Meat and potatoes, people- make it sing.
The third part is where you would give a little info about yourself...if you've published anything previously, or any other experiences related to writing. This section is very important if you are a non-fiction writer...as agents and publishers want to know what sort of credentials you have to write about your subject matter. As a general rule, it's better not to over-elaborate in this section. If you have no previous credits, just don't say anything.
I'm have a link to a great list/post by the very talented Erica Verrillo... of paranormal romance agents for any other authors who are in my genre-- you can check it out here....I then thought I'd end with a Top 5 List of Dos and Don'ts when querying agents.
DO:
1. Query a specific agent at a specific agency who represents the type of material you write
2. Keep the tone professional, and for the love of Pete...PROOFREAD!!!! Double check the spelling of the agent/agency name
3. Focus on plot when pitching fiction
4. Always check the agency's submission guidelines-- maybe they only want to see your query, maybe they want to see the first 50 pages of your manuscript...maybe they only accept snail mail submissions-- do your homework
5. My favorite: Keep pitching despite rejection!!!:)
DON'T:
1. Mention this is your first novel...they don't need to know that. Other stuff they don't need to know- personal information that doesn't have anything to do with the book-- like if you have 3 Yorkshire terriers at home that love to cuddle or you are an amazing orchid gardener
2. Say how long it took to write the book-- they don't care. Some writers churn stuff out in a matter of months, others years. (Harper Lee, anyone?) They also don't care if it's been professionally proofread, loved by your peers, or already has a copywrite. Cool story, bro....moving on
3. Don't send anything they didn't ask for...manuscript pages, flowers, character sketches, whatever. Only a self-addressed-stamped envelope (SASE)-- if they ask!
4. Mention previous rejections-- that's a rule for agents, first dates, life
5. Follow up with a phone call...if an appropriate time has passed and you haven't heard back...follow up the same way you queried- most likely by email.
I think it's also important to remember...agents are people too. They are not omniscient, ( even though they may want us to think they are), and they have their good and bad days just like everyone else. The person on the receiving end of your query isn't looking to say 'no'...they're looking for that next AMAZING project that's going to be wildly successful. That could be your book! So keep polishing, keep trying, and do it your way...keeping a few helpful tips in mind.
Bonne Chance!
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Friday, July 24, 2015
It's A Wonderful Life
I'm going to try to keep this brief, which, if you've met me, know is a difficult task. I lost someone special today...and I'm filled with a myriad of emotions about this-- sad, worried about my other loved ones who lost today too, grateful that I had the chance to know her, and grateful for my own life. She was not what one would call an 'exceptional' person- wasn't famous, or a hero; she didn't cure any awful diseases or pull a bunch of kids from a burning building. Like everyone else, she had good moments and bad...screwed some stuff up, and did some other stuff right. But she was special to me, and really, that's all that matters as far as this little blip on the Internet is concerned.
The biggest feeling that I'm walking away from all this with is that you have to do what you want every day. Stop making excuses for your life. "I'm sick, I'm tired, I can't..." whatever. Don't waste your moment...whatever your beliefs on the afterlife are, embrace this time and make the most of it. And if you are someone who desires to create ANYTHING....just do it. Stop worrying if that next story/painting/sculpture/costume/insert piece of art here is going to be wildly popular and make you a millionaire. That. Doesn't. Matter. Do it for yourself...because if you didn't do it, you wouldn't be able to breathe. It doesn't matter if it's bad...and a lot of it is bad!... But you created because you just don't know what else to do. And that's your life blood.
That's all I've got...I just returned from traveling last week and I'm still trying to regroup with everything that's going on; but I'll have a more industry-focused post soon.
BC
The biggest feeling that I'm walking away from all this with is that you have to do what you want every day. Stop making excuses for your life. "I'm sick, I'm tired, I can't..." whatever. Don't waste your moment...whatever your beliefs on the afterlife are, embrace this time and make the most of it. And if you are someone who desires to create ANYTHING....just do it. Stop worrying if that next story/painting/sculpture/costume/insert piece of art here is going to be wildly popular and make you a millionaire. That. Doesn't. Matter. Do it for yourself...because if you didn't do it, you wouldn't be able to breathe. It doesn't matter if it's bad...and a lot of it is bad!... But you created because you just don't know what else to do. And that's your life blood.
That's all I've got...I just returned from traveling last week and I'm still trying to regroup with everything that's going on; but I'll have a more industry-focused post soon.
BC
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Creatively Yours
So...I had originally planned to sit down this weekend and crank out a post about pursuing literary agents and provide a great list of resources that I recently found. While that entry will definitely happen in the coming weeks, I've been inspired to write this morning about process. And more specifically, what happens after you've created that initial first draft of your short story/novella/full length novel, and you feel it's ready to be read. NOT by the general public just yet, but by a group of readers, an editor, your spouse--whomever.
It is in this stage, I have found, where the manuscript and it's author are at it's most fragile. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into crafting that draft-- and it is in that moment following a first read thru by someone else that all that hard work can be destroyed instantly. Suddenly there are a barrage of questions about plot, character, word choice, action....and everyone and their mother has an opinion about how the story should go. Criticism that ranges from helpful and constructive to outrageous...the whole thing is a completely painful exercise for the writer no matter how positive the feedback.
But, I think we can all agree...feedback is important. If you have plans of publishing your manuscript, you better have it read beforehand by several reliable people. Helpful ideas do emerge during this process that will make your story better if you're willing to stop, listen, and be open to other alternatives in your work. To use a little real life metaphor....painting is a side hobby of mine, specifically working with oils. I painted constantly back in college, cranking out several new pieces a week-- sometimes starting 3 or 4 canvases every couple days. I lived with a very talented artist back then...my roommate, Becca. One night, after I showed her my latest work, thinking it was done, she kindly suggested that I let it dry a couple days and then keep working the piece- see what comes of it. Not that it wasn't interesting just as it was, but just to see if something more could...happen. At the time, I got a little defensive- I had just poured hours of effort into this work and she was suggesting that IT WASN'T FINISHED??? I went to bed that night frustrated, but when I woke up the next morning, I knew she was right. We have to question our work and push ourselves as artists to that next level. Lost Souls has gone through 3 major rewrites, (as of July 2015), all of them punctuated by reader review in between. While putting it out there, even for my closest friends to read, was challenging; it was the best thing I could do for myself and the book. Not all of the feedback was "OH MY GOD- IT'S AMAZING!!!! I'M OBSESSED!!!!"-- (there was a little of that which feels AWESOME)--but there were some big story altering things...like specifically when one of my readers straight up asked me, "Katie, what is this book about?" And I couldn't answer. That threw things into a tailspin right quick. But now I can answer that question- in one sentence no less- and I'm confident that this book has a clear beginning, middle, and end...something that sounds like a no brainer...but...isn't.
Yes, feedback is important- to a point. Like I said before, that time right after the first draft is when things are at their most delicate; but it is critical to get constructive notes before you can move on. But what about when you're 3 or 4...or 5 drafts in and feeling more confident? While my little painting story above illustrates that art is never truly finished, all authors get to a point where they feel that This. Is. It. I'm ready--let's have this baby. So you send it to an agent/editor/publisher...and magically, they decide this is the next BIG THING....except they want you to change your main character's back story, or rewrite that section where the guy gets stabbed in the throat....or this sweet gem I encountered last week-- "We really like your book, but we can only publish works 120k word count or less.... (Lost Souls falls around 128k).....can you shave off a bit to meet that requirement?" Cut to me sitting at Panera tearing at my hair while I figure out where to cut 8500 words. Remember, this is my baby we're talking about here-- I've just been asked does my baby really need her left hand? Or those pesky eyebrows? Pick a foot. I didn't know if it could be done, but after 5 hours and much teeth gnashing, I had a version of Lost Souls that fell right around 119k. And while I prefer the longer draft, I was content with the shorter version, and would be thrilled if it were published. I was willing to lose 8500 words if given the chance to have my darling shine in front of a larger audience.
That is to say, there are concessions that I am not willing to make. If a reader says to me-- "Oh, you should replace 'macerate' with 'annihilate'!" Or..."That doesn't sound like something a 12 year old would say" or..."that sex was really graphic"....While I promise I will give your note ample thought, you also have to respect that those are the words these people are saying in my head. Character voice. And as I've gone through my own personal creative journey, I've grown more confident...especially in my ability to say "Thanks, but no." That is my right as the author. Whether you think a line is inaccurate or not politically correct or whatever-- it's my choice...not yours. Creative control is never something you should give away lightly.
So...as I continue my own growth as a writer, I encourage you all to think about what you're willing to change/give up/walk away from in your work. Especially when posed with opportunity. Where do you draw the line between creative control and collaboration...or even, compromise? It's different for everyone and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Have a lovely weekend,
Bonne Chance
It is in this stage, I have found, where the manuscript and it's author are at it's most fragile. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into crafting that draft-- and it is in that moment following a first read thru by someone else that all that hard work can be destroyed instantly. Suddenly there are a barrage of questions about plot, character, word choice, action....and everyone and their mother has an opinion about how the story should go. Criticism that ranges from helpful and constructive to outrageous...the whole thing is a completely painful exercise for the writer no matter how positive the feedback.
But, I think we can all agree...feedback is important. If you have plans of publishing your manuscript, you better have it read beforehand by several reliable people. Helpful ideas do emerge during this process that will make your story better if you're willing to stop, listen, and be open to other alternatives in your work. To use a little real life metaphor....painting is a side hobby of mine, specifically working with oils. I painted constantly back in college, cranking out several new pieces a week-- sometimes starting 3 or 4 canvases every couple days. I lived with a very talented artist back then...my roommate, Becca. One night, after I showed her my latest work, thinking it was done, she kindly suggested that I let it dry a couple days and then keep working the piece- see what comes of it. Not that it wasn't interesting just as it was, but just to see if something more could...happen. At the time, I got a little defensive- I had just poured hours of effort into this work and she was suggesting that IT WASN'T FINISHED??? I went to bed that night frustrated, but when I woke up the next morning, I knew she was right. We have to question our work and push ourselves as artists to that next level. Lost Souls has gone through 3 major rewrites, (as of July 2015), all of them punctuated by reader review in between. While putting it out there, even for my closest friends to read, was challenging; it was the best thing I could do for myself and the book. Not all of the feedback was "OH MY GOD- IT'S AMAZING!!!! I'M OBSESSED!!!!"-- (there was a little of that which feels AWESOME)--but there were some big story altering things...like specifically when one of my readers straight up asked me, "Katie, what is this book about?" And I couldn't answer. That threw things into a tailspin right quick. But now I can answer that question- in one sentence no less- and I'm confident that this book has a clear beginning, middle, and end...something that sounds like a no brainer...but...isn't.
Yes, feedback is important- to a point. Like I said before, that time right after the first draft is when things are at their most delicate; but it is critical to get constructive notes before you can move on. But what about when you're 3 or 4...or 5 drafts in and feeling more confident? While my little painting story above illustrates that art is never truly finished, all authors get to a point where they feel that This. Is. It. I'm ready--let's have this baby. So you send it to an agent/editor/publisher...and magically, they decide this is the next BIG THING....except they want you to change your main character's back story, or rewrite that section where the guy gets stabbed in the throat....or this sweet gem I encountered last week-- "We really like your book, but we can only publish works 120k word count or less.... (Lost Souls falls around 128k).....can you shave off a bit to meet that requirement?" Cut to me sitting at Panera tearing at my hair while I figure out where to cut 8500 words. Remember, this is my baby we're talking about here-- I've just been asked does my baby really need her left hand? Or those pesky eyebrows? Pick a foot. I didn't know if it could be done, but after 5 hours and much teeth gnashing, I had a version of Lost Souls that fell right around 119k. And while I prefer the longer draft, I was content with the shorter version, and would be thrilled if it were published. I was willing to lose 8500 words if given the chance to have my darling shine in front of a larger audience.
That is to say, there are concessions that I am not willing to make. If a reader says to me-- "Oh, you should replace 'macerate' with 'annihilate'!" Or..."That doesn't sound like something a 12 year old would say" or..."that sex was really graphic"....While I promise I will give your note ample thought, you also have to respect that those are the words these people are saying in my head. Character voice. And as I've gone through my own personal creative journey, I've grown more confident...especially in my ability to say "Thanks, but no." That is my right as the author. Whether you think a line is inaccurate or not politically correct or whatever-- it's my choice...not yours. Creative control is never something you should give away lightly.
So...as I continue my own growth as a writer, I encourage you all to think about what you're willing to change/give up/walk away from in your work. Especially when posed with opportunity. Where do you draw the line between creative control and collaboration...or even, compromise? It's different for everyone and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Have a lovely weekend,
Bonne Chance
Friday, July 10, 2015
Counting Backwards from 10
Just came up with a tentative timeline through February 2016. Which manuscripts I'll be working on between now and then, how long I'm giving certain agencies to respond before I start an entirely new round of fresh queries...when I'm going to call it and pull the trigger on self-publishing. Kind of overwhelmed with everything right now...and for me, one of the best ways to mitigate that stress is to make a list. And then once that list exists, start crossing things off it.
I won't bore you here with the entire list, but between now and Sept. 1 I will be focusing my energy on a new book (NOT part of the Lost Souls trilogy) that I just started the rough for 2 days ago. It's a light, fun hero tale...something sunny...perfect for the second half of Summer. Debating posting a preview of that soon-- just want to get a little further in--it doesn't even have a real title yet. It feels fantastic to take a step back from LS...despite my mad love for that story and all my characters. I started work on another project titled Evergreen last Fall...but that's shaping up to be a very intense SVU type book...and I need to be in a certain headspace for that beast. I'm going to have some fun the next couple weeks with this new piece, as well as working to build BCB. Then come the fall (along with 2 of 3 of my girls returning to school-- counting down!;), I'll hit Hellbound (Book 2 in LST) hard. I've completed Round 1 of agent/publisher queries, and that waiting game in underway. If nothing comes of it this time around, I'll start Round 2 in September...as we are fast approaching 'Dead Month' (More on that this weekend in my next post).
SO! Getting organized...coming up with a plan! No one gets to freak when there are directions to follow, right? I'll just keep telling myself that....and try to breath evenly.
BC
I won't bore you here with the entire list, but between now and Sept. 1 I will be focusing my energy on a new book (NOT part of the Lost Souls trilogy) that I just started the rough for 2 days ago. It's a light, fun hero tale...something sunny...perfect for the second half of Summer. Debating posting a preview of that soon-- just want to get a little further in--it doesn't even have a real title yet. It feels fantastic to take a step back from LS...despite my mad love for that story and all my characters. I started work on another project titled Evergreen last Fall...but that's shaping up to be a very intense SVU type book...and I need to be in a certain headspace for that beast. I'm going to have some fun the next couple weeks with this new piece, as well as working to build BCB. Then come the fall (along with 2 of 3 of my girls returning to school-- counting down!;), I'll hit Hellbound (Book 2 in LST) hard. I've completed Round 1 of agent/publisher queries, and that waiting game in underway. If nothing comes of it this time around, I'll start Round 2 in September...as we are fast approaching 'Dead Month' (More on that this weekend in my next post).
SO! Getting organized...coming up with a plan! No one gets to freak when there are directions to follow, right? I'll just keep telling myself that....and try to breath evenly.
BC
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Searching for...
Just received a really great resource from friend/former teacher Marilyn Ludwig. She is a published author and you can find her most recent book here.
The article she sent me was a list of the Top 20 Publishers for New Authors. As I stated before, I want this blog to be an open conversation about issues concerning writers, and I am curious to hear if any of you out there have experiences with the publishers listed. I know I will be sending queries to a handful of them in my next round. Here's the link:
TOP 20!
Thanks, Marilyn!
BC
The article she sent me was a list of the Top 20 Publishers for New Authors. As I stated before, I want this blog to be an open conversation about issues concerning writers, and I am curious to hear if any of you out there have experiences with the publishers listed. I know I will be sending queries to a handful of them in my next round. Here's the link:
TOP 20!
Thanks, Marilyn!
BC
Bienvenue!
Hello...and welcome to Bonne Chance Books!
My name is Katie Jaros and I am an author based out of Seattle, WA. I work mainly in supernatural/paranormal fiction, but really I'll write about anything that peaks my fancy. If you are reading this, you are witnessing the birth of a new venture. Bonne Chance Books, (BCB from here on in), was created as an outlet for my own work...braving the waters of self-publishing. While currently BCB is mainly serving as my own personal soap box, I do have previous experience as an editor, and have dreams of representing other authors and their work in the future.
I've just finished work on my first novel, Lost Souls. After a year and a half of writing and rewriting, it's now at the proof stage and I am hoping it will be ready for the public very soon. I'm in the process of wooing literary agents and small publishing houses right now; but as anyone who's gone through that dance can tell you, it's tough...and somewhat demoralizing. Bonne Chance means 'good luck' in French; something you need a lot of in this business! I believe in my work and I want it to be accessible to as many readers as possible, so the waiting and rejection is worth it if there's a chance it can be 'formally' published. I'm going to give that space another couple months to see if anything shakes out; and if it doesn't- then I'll go it alone. I love my book and I want to share it-- and if that means I carve my own path...than that's what I'll do. It's empowering, scary, and exhilarating....this whole thing has been one wild ride.
In the meantime, I aim for this blog to be place where I can talk about my thoughts regarding the writing and creative process, adventures in publishing, posting short stories, and previews/access to my longer works. If you're a fellow writer and looking for a space to express yourself, give me a buzz! I would love to have guest posts/stories/essays....let's all be heard! Because that's the best thing about the Internet....amidst the snark and goofy cat vines, it ultimately gives voice to the voiceless. Let's make something cool.
Thanks for reading and more to come... Bonne Chance!
My name is Katie Jaros and I am an author based out of Seattle, WA. I work mainly in supernatural/paranormal fiction, but really I'll write about anything that peaks my fancy. If you are reading this, you are witnessing the birth of a new venture. Bonne Chance Books, (BCB from here on in), was created as an outlet for my own work...braving the waters of self-publishing. While currently BCB is mainly serving as my own personal soap box, I do have previous experience as an editor, and have dreams of representing other authors and their work in the future.
I've just finished work on my first novel, Lost Souls. After a year and a half of writing and rewriting, it's now at the proof stage and I am hoping it will be ready for the public very soon. I'm in the process of wooing literary agents and small publishing houses right now; but as anyone who's gone through that dance can tell you, it's tough...and somewhat demoralizing. Bonne Chance means 'good luck' in French; something you need a lot of in this business! I believe in my work and I want it to be accessible to as many readers as possible, so the waiting and rejection is worth it if there's a chance it can be 'formally' published. I'm going to give that space another couple months to see if anything shakes out; and if it doesn't- then I'll go it alone. I love my book and I want to share it-- and if that means I carve my own path...than that's what I'll do. It's empowering, scary, and exhilarating....this whole thing has been one wild ride.
In the meantime, I aim for this blog to be place where I can talk about my thoughts regarding the writing and creative process, adventures in publishing, posting short stories, and previews/access to my longer works. If you're a fellow writer and looking for a space to express yourself, give me a buzz! I would love to have guest posts/stories/essays....let's all be heard! Because that's the best thing about the Internet....amidst the snark and goofy cat vines, it ultimately gives voice to the voiceless. Let's make something cool.
Thanks for reading and more to come... Bonne Chance!
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