While I was going the self-publishing route, I skipped over some very important pieces that I couldn't have otherwise. Now that I am going the traditional publishing route, and I have 24 years of writing under my belt, I have to follow the rules and requirements and produce report like stuff. There are no short-cuts or crying while shopping your product. Learn what's being asked and grow a thick skin! The first example that you have done both is the electronic query letter.
The entire thing in between 200-400 words and that includes your pitch, hook, and closing. I currently have two drafts and both are around 225-255 words. I've learned to release my previous works and focus on re-entering as a virgin novelist. Just say I've been born again. In coming at this process as a newbie, I've learned a thing or two or three. 1) Restraint is your friend. You don't need to tell the entire novel in 300 words. To believe that you do is a ball faced lie. Here's the trick; imagine that you are talking to someone who doesn't understand what you're talking about. For instance a four year old. Say what you have to say simple enough for him. Being that I write metaphysics I need to bring it down a lot and when I do, I lose so many words that I'm often left wondering what the big resistance to my giving in to an inquiry in the first place. 2) Temper, Temper Don't take this serious. Have fun with it. Know that all they can tell you is no and move on. Taking this serious as a heart attack may in fact cause one. Don't try to sell ice-cream to an penguin or a polar bear (although the bear might take you up on your offer, I don't the bird will.) To avoid getting over heated: Keep It Simple Silly! 3) Memorization Will Come The best way to know how you sound is to read it aloud. The process of constantly having to do so will engrave it into you mind; and while you're shopping for agents you will hear yourself aligning what you've written in a half page with their pitch. Remember they need us as much as we need them. At least these three things seem to be working for me. I'll keep you updated with the results one way or another. Thanks for Listening! Sabrina Louise Andielle
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AuthorOne of those writer folk telling stories, reviewing the writer's adventure, and presenting the hero's journey. All wrapped in Spirit, the Kingdom of God, the Sanatana Dharma, the Tao, the Way, or the Absolute. Archives
February 2020
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