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Inklings Issue 2.05
===============================================================
i n k l i n g s
Newsletter for Writers on the Net
Issue 2.5 March 30, 1996
===============================================================
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0205.html>
Feature Articles:
----------------
WRITING THE QUERY LETTER AND THE ART OF SEDUCTION
by Emilie Jane Conroy
MAGAZINE WRITING THAT SELLS
by Dorothea Helms
Columns:
--------
FRESH INK What's new for writers, best of the Web
MARKET Market information
ASK THE EXPERTS Get your questions answered by a book
doctor, agent, and children's
book author!
WORKSHOP Cyberjournalist Basics - by D. Roberts
Inklings is pleased to announce it has been invited to be part of
the
National Library of Canada's electronic collection. You can find
out
more about the National Library of Canada's Electronic
Publications
Pilot Project at: http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/eppp/e3pe.htm.
Also, many thanks to Kathy Henderson for mentioning INKSPOT and
Resources
For Young Writers in her 5th Edition of "Market Resources For
Young
Writers" (Writer's Digest books).
=================================================================
=======
This issue sponsored in part by:
* Samurai Consulting * http://www.samurai.com/
Services include internet consulting, WWW page design,
electronic newsletters (like INKLINGS!), mailing lists,
FTP
sites, system maintenance, and training. Contact Bryan
Fullerton at bryanf@samurai.com for more info.
=================================================================
=======
Copyright 1996 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end of issue for more
copyright
details, and info on how to subscribe and unsubscribe. Send
questions
and comments to ohi@inkspot.com.
=================================================================
=======
Ask The Experts
---------------
Please send your questions to the appropriate people. Because of
volume
of mail they may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will
answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
ASK THE AGENT: Susan Graham at slgraham@atl.mindspring.com
ASK THE BOOK DOCTOR: Carol Henson at UBKX12C@Prodigy.com
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR: Lee Wardlaw at Katknip2@aol.com
ASK THE SF/FANTASY AUTHOR: Michelle Sagara at
mms@turing.toronto.edu
=================================================================
=======
FRESH INK
=========
New column: Ask The SF/Fantasy Author
-------------------------------------
Michelle Sagara is the author of The Sundered series: Into The
Dark
Lands, Children of the Blood, Lady of Mercy, Chains of Darkness,
Chains of Light (Del Rey), many short stories, and the Hunter
series:
Hunter's Oath, Hunter's Death (June '96)(Daw), the latter written
under her married name, Michelle West. The column is copyrighted
by the
author. Send questions to mms@turing.toronto.edu with "inklings
question" in the subject header.
Reporters Network Media Directory
---------------------------------
E-mail directory of reporters, editors, freelance writers and
other
news professionals. List yourself or search for media people by
keyword.
http://www.reporters.net
23rd Annual Port Townsend Writers' Conference
---------------------------------------------
July 11 - 21, 1996. Offers workshops in Writing for Children,
Fiction,
Nonfiction, Poetry, and Journal Writing. Fees: Manuscript
Workshops
$425, Open Enrollment $300. Every participant signing up in
advance
must send $100 deposit, check or money order preferred. The
Centrum
office (Centrum, P.O. Box 1158, Port Townsend, WA 98368,
(360) 385-3102) will send you a brochure on request--the
application
form is included.
Resources for Young Writers
---------------------------
If you are interested in volunteering an article or a writer's
tip to
this web resource for young people, please email ohi@inkspot.com.
http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/inkspot/young.html
Motivational newsletter for writers
-----------------------------------
Victory Crayne has a new email address. To get two free issues of
"Victory's Motivational Newsletter", send email to
victory@crayne.com with "subscribe motivation yourname
youremailaddress" in the body of your message. You can see two
free sample issues, as well as articles on writing, at her
website:
http:///www.crayne.com/victory/
Repetitive Strain Injuries: The Hidden Cost of Computing
--------------------------------------------------------
Symptoms, treatment, prevention information. Includes list of
related
links. http://www.webreference.com/rsi.html
Misktakes in Writing
--------------------
"The Standard Deviations In Writing" by author Roger MacBride
Allen.
Common mistakes made in writing. Easily navigable format.
http://www.greyware.com/authors/Roger.Allen/mistakes.htm
History Buff's home page
------------------------
Excellent resource for those needing to do any kind of historical
research. This site has got to be seen to be believed.
http://www.serve.com/ephemera/historybuff.html
Writer's and Illustrator's Conference in Children's Multimedia
--------------------------------------------------------------
May 4-5 -- Marina Beach Marriott Hotel, Marina Del Rey, CA USA
Topics include writing, producing and publishing CD ROM's,
protecting
and exploiting multimedia rights, developing interactive
programming
for children, interactive fiction, the current marketplace,
making the
presentation, and the future. In addition, several exhibitors
will
demonstrate and discuss their publishing programs. Information
and
applications can be requested by sending an email message to
scbwiAB@aol.com. Include your name and postal address in the body
of
the message.
EFF: Electronic Frontier Foundation
-----------------------------------
A non-profit civil liberties organization working in the public
interest to protect privacy, free expression, and access to
online
resources and information.
http://www.eff.org/
Corporate information service
-----------------------------
Offers info about any of the more than 9300 companies listed. A
corporate profile on selected companies is also available for a
fee.
Other business info including list of business book bestsellers.
http://www.hoovers.com/
Four11 White Page Directory
---------------------------
Claims to be the Internet's largest white page directory with
over 5
million listings. Useful when searching for someone's e-mail
address.
Register for Free Upgrade to expanded services.
http://www.four11.com/
Artist and Author Showcase
--------------------------
Cedar Bay Press is pleased to offer, for a limited time and space
available, free listing in the Artist & Author Showcase.
The Artist & Author Showcase allows talented authors to deal
direct
with literary agents and publishers via our multimedia On-Line
service. You can see samples of the authors work plus read the
authors
biography, look at the author's personal photo and find "how-to"
information on how to contact the author, the rights available
and
other useful information.
The Artist & Author Showcase provides a fast and efficient
international market opportunity for those who have a product to
sell.
For more information on how you can join the Artist & Author
Showcase
please download:
(FTP://ftp.teleport.com/vendors/cedarbay/a&a.zip;)
Web-Concepts offers free webspace to children's authors &
illustrators
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Barbara Taylor is the curator of "WebTime Stories with Webster
the
Spider", a site whose mission is to "teach children in a fun
way". She
is developing a new section called "Authors and Illustrators".
Each author and illustrator is given free space to display
information
about his or her self (IE: small auto-biography, a list and
description of
their works, ordering information, sneak previews, samples of
their work,
etc.) as well as a directory (ie:
http://www.web-concepts.com/yourname).
If an author or illustrator already has a web site, they would
simply
be given a link from this central menu page.
"This site is a gift to the children. There is no cost to access
or
contribute to the site. If you would like to contribute to our
project, please contact me via private E-mail (mark it high
priority).
Participation is open to BOTH published and unpublished
children's /
YA's authors and illustrators. If you're interested, don't be
shy."
WebTime Stories with Webster the Spider
http://www.web-concepts.com/wts.htm
Authors and Illustrators
http://www.websterdig.com/authors.htm
For more information, please contact Barbara Taylor at
barb@websterdig.com
Phone 315-626-6991, Fax 315-626-3165
=================================================================
========
MARKET INFORMATION
==================
Please note: Inklings does its best to print only accurate market
info. However, it cannot be held responsible for lost postage,
time,
etc. that you may incur due to inaccuracies. Do not send
submissions
by email before inquiring first.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING MARKET SOURCES:
Scavengers's Newsletter
-----------------------
Excellent monthly market info letter for
sf/fantasy/horror/mystery
writers and artists with an interest in the small press. Sample
copy
$2. SUBSCRIPTION INFO -- Bulk: $15.50/yr, First Class: $19.50/yr,
Canada: $18.50/yr, Overseas: $24.50/yr air mail, $15.50 surface.
All
orders in U.S. funds, MO, or mint US stamps. Contact: Janet Fox,
519
Ellinwood, Osage City, KS USA 66523-1329.
Writer & Client Newsletter
--------------------------
Newsletter by and for writers and business professionals. $12
(US) by
e-mail, $36 (US) WP 6.0 Hardcopy Edition. Mail subscription
request,
with check or money order to: Essential Communications, Post
Office
Box 5652 Glendale, Arizona (USA) 85312-5652 or contact
essncom@primenet.com for more information.
>>---------------------------------------------<<
Capital Growth Mid-Atlantic
---------------------------
Journal of record for emerging growth financing and private
equity and
debt investing in the Mid-Atlantic region. "I am looking for good
writers to research and write articles for us. We would like to
obtain
writers in various locations throughout our territory and
beyond."
Average length of article: 1000 words or less. Pay: Ranging from
$100-500 per assignment depending on research involved and length
of
article. Must be able to communicate via email. An understanding
or
interest in financial matters and business development and
technology
is a plus. Looking for writers immediately.
Please call Valerie at 410-727-2103 and send, fax or email a
resume:
Capital Growth Mid-Atlantic, 713 St. Paul St. Suite D, Baltimore,
MD
21202 ph: 410-727-2103 fax: 410-727-1766
email: vgaydos@capitalgrowth.com
http://www.capitalgrowth.com
Baen Books
----------
Science fiction & fantasy publisher. 80,000 - 110,000 words.
Prefers
to see complete manuscripts accompanied by a synopsis. No
simultaneous
submissions Reporting time: usually within 3 to 6 Months. No
electronic submissions.
Guidelines: http://www.baen.com/submit.html
ping.Interactive
----------------
Mid-Atlantic free tabloid Internet magazine with a readership of
10,000 (soon to be 20,000) seeks Internet and technology-related
stories and features. Basic, how-to articles are needed (the
proper
use of Netscape, secrets of Eudora, how to choose an ISP, etc),
along
with features on new and emerging technologies.
Query with specific article ideas or send in a manuscript. "We
pay on
average 5 cents (US) per word for articles of 250-2000 words.
Features of 2500-3500 run around $200 (US) flat fee unless the 5
cents
rate is higher, in which case we'll pay that." Please check
website
before inquiring to get an idea of the kind of articles they're
seeking.
email: ping@pingzine.com, URL: www.pingzine.com
Front Street
------------
New small press seeking literary manuscripts for picture books
(include manuscript, dummy and sample reproduction of artwork if
author is also an illustrator); fiction (complete manuscript if
under
100 pages, summary and 2 chapters for longer works); poetry (no
more
than 25 poems); anthologies by various authors (send detailed
proposal
and permissions budget); non-fiction for all ages (detailed
proposal
and sample chapter). Publisher prefers exclusive submissions;
will
respond within two weeks. Send with SASE to Stephen Roxburgh,
Publisher, Front Street, PO Box 280, Arden, NC 28704. (Source:
Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers.
See http://www.mindspring.com/~cbi).
Sinister
--------
Quarterly publication, seeking horror fiction. "Looking for
horror
fiction that induces one of the following 1) terror 2) awe 3)
vomiting. (Note, we don't want to vomit on the cheap stuff.
Spring for
the good junk and give it to us good!) No holds barred. We want
stories that grab us by our shirt collars from the very first
sentence
and drag us kicking and screaming right to the inevitable (and
yet not
predictable) end."
Originals only, no reprints. Pays 3-7c/word. Payment on
publication
with contributor's copies given in addition to cash payment.
Response
time: 1 month or less. "...A warning: we don't usually critique
mss.
We're editors, not mentors. Our goal is to put out a magazine,
not
nurture careers. Our rejections are checklist forms. Don't expect
more
than that and you won't be disappointed."
Sinister, Primordial Sin, Editor, Night Grins Publications, 816
Elm
St. #227, Machester NH 03101-2101. (Source: Scavenger's
Newsletter,
see info at top of section for more info).
The Cosmic Unicorn
------------------
Tricia Packard, Editor. Silver Creation Press, 451 Hibiscus Tree
Dr.,
Lantana FL 33462-5109. Submissions may be sent to
t.packard@genie.geis.com. (You should still include a cover
letter,
your full name, address, etc.) SF/F/Science Fantasy. Twice/yr.
Fiction
100-10k wds. Non-fiction: query first. Pays 1/4 - 1/2 cent/word
for
fiction and non-fiction. Poetry to 60 lines (unless queried
beforehand), pays $3/poem. Payment on publication. Response Time:
2
months for mss, 1 month for queries. Submissions accepted May 1 -
Aug
31 only (any received at other times returned unread). Sample
$7.50
payable to Tricia Packard. (Source: Scavenger's Newsletter, see
info
at top of section for more info).
Intermix
--------
INTERMIX LTD seeks original works of short genre fiction, poetry,
and
editorial commentary for its publication, the INTERMIX SF/Fantasy
Online. Produced simultaneously as both an e-zine (delivered via
e-mail to subscribers) and a web-zine (posted openly on the World
Wide
Web for public viewing), the publication pays contributors within
30
days of publication. "We particularly enjoy receiving submissions
from
new writers and try to go the extra mile to offer constructive
feedback even on those submissions which we decline."
For more information, including a sample issue and writer's
guidelines, please e-mail to: <intermix@interaccess.com>.
(Source:
Writer & Client Newsletter, see info at top of section for more
info).
PAYS IN CONTRIBUTOR COPIES:
Moonletters Press seeks poetry for anthology
------------------------------------------
Want ballads or poetry that tell a story. Reprints okay if
informed.
Poets receive two contributor's copies. For detailed guidelines,
write to ShaunaSkye@aol.com.
=================================================================
========
WRITING THE QUERY LETTER AND THE ART OF SEDUCTION
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Emilie Jane Conroy
(conroy@lcopt.physics.fsu.edu)
As a novelist aspiring to be published, you have become an
enraptured
lover, wooing the most fickle of paramours. The success of your
courtship depends upon a work of writing which, if you do it
correctly, will not exceed one page in length. You need to tell
just
enough and hold back tantalizing detail, you must inform without
being
gratuitous. Yet this short piece must thoroughly engage the
paramour,
while manifesting your own worthiness, ability, and creativity.
Your query letter is your attempt to woo an editor's favor. It is
your
effort to seduce the editor into wanting to read more of your
writing.
The courtship, if one is to exist, will blossom from the editor's
interest, which in turn is either caught or lost in the query
letter.
The query letter is a bizarre and unique entity in that it must
be
business at the same time it needs to convey reading pleasure.
You
will need to master both dimensions for your query to be
successful
This is best done by keeping two concepts in mind: the hook and
the
pitch.
The hook is not a new idea. It is a journalistic keystone, and a
recommended technique for all writing. However, many writers
forget
this trick when they sit down to write their query letters. Here
is a
paraphrased example of one writer's opening line.
"Salutations. I would like to submit my manuscript, "Roses Going
Wild", for consideration in Buyme Books' line, Stupefying
Fantasy."
Yes, this is information you will want to communicate in the
query,
but it does not make for a seductive opening line. The info on
the
line to which you are submitting, etc. can wait until you've hit
the
editor in the solar plexus with a stimulating, seductive opening
paragraph. Simply, a boring opening hints at an uninteresting
manuscript.
Imagine yourself an advertising consultant, a salesman, or even
the
artist who designs album covers. Your primary objective is to
win
attention by making a quality, potent first impression. That
might
well be the only chance you get to make.
Keep in mind the purpose of the opening--you must grab the
editor's
complete attention. The ways in which this is possible are only
as
limited as your imagination.
Once you have perfected the punch of your opening, you need to
work on
pitching your manuscript. Although contrary to the art of
writing,
this sales pitch is your business proposition to the editor.
Your
objective in the query is not to convey your entire story in
limited
space, but rather offer some highlights in a persuasive manner.
You
need to convince the editor of your manuscript's marketability.
You might want to consider the following to turn the query into
an
effective sales tool:
1) Think of your manuscript as a commodity. Why should the
editor be
interested in it? Why would it sell? Who will buy it, and what
is
its audience? You will need to research your local bookstores,
read
trade magazines, and essentially tap any resource you can find to
answer these questions. Presenting such information tactfully in
your
query letter is a wonderful asset.
2) What makes your manuscript special? What makes it unique?
What
are you writing that hasn't been written before, or for a long
while,
or not quite as well?
3) How well do you know the genre in which you are writing? Are
you
well-read? Make note of this expertise.
The query letter is also where you show your industry savvy and
knowledge of professional etiquette. You will either
successfully
disguise your amateur status or leave it painfully obvious.
Sending a
query letter is the mark of a courteous writing professional.
Instead
of mindlessly flinging six hundred pages of unsolicited
manuscript to
an unknown editor, you show respect for the editor's time and a
knowledge of business operations by submitting a query.
All in all, writing a query letter is no easy task. It is, in
fact,
the bane of many writing careers. Writers need to keep in mind
that
they're not trying to tell their stories in the query letter so
much
as pitch them. This involves turning the query letter into an
all-out
attempt to seduce the editor. Teach yourself to pack depth and
emotion
into just a little writing, and your query letters will serve you
well.
=---------------------------------=
Emilie Jane Conroy is a WWW consultant with two Web sites of
interest
to writers:
Castle Aphrodesia (for Medieval romance enthusiasts)
http://lcopt.physics.fsu.edu/Local/thad/conroy/aphrodesia.html
The Query Review Service Homepage
http://lcopt.physics.fsu.edu/Local/thad/conroy/queryreview.html
Copyright (c) 1996 Emilie Jane Conroy. All rights reserved.
=================================================================
========
MAGAZINE WRITING THAT SELLS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Dorothea Helms
<helms@enterprise.ca>
1.IS SUITED TO THE READERSHIP FOR WHICH IT IS INTENDED - remember
that
you have to sell the Editor on your work, but the Editor knows
his/her
readership. You can adapt your pieces to a magazine's preferred
editorial style by reading back issues of the publication and
researching sources such as Writer's Market and Writer's Digest
Magazine.
2.IS SUBMITTED IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER - editors are busy
people, and
they don't have time to deal with poorly-prepared manuscripts.
Use
black type on white paper and follow the accepted guideline
submission
format. No matter how great you think you are at spelling, run
spell-check; we all make typos. The less editing a piece needs,
the
more likely it will be accepted for publication.
3.IS APPROPRIATE TO A PUBLISHING SCHEDULE - timing has to be the
main
reason why manuscripts are rejected. Magazines do not publish
pieces
on the same or similar topics from month to month, or even year
to
year. Study the table of contents in back issues to make sure
your
subject matter is fresh, or that you've covered a unique angle.
Remember that seasonal material should be submitted from 6 months
to 1
year in advance.
4.IS WRITTEN EFFICIENTLY - many magazine articles are rejected
because
they're simply too long or the content rambles. Don't fall in
love
with your words; edit, cut, edit, cut. Most rough drafts could be
cut
by 1/3 to 1/2 and not only retain their essence, but also express
it
more effectively.
5.IS TIMELY - don't sit on a hot idea for a year and then decide
to
pursue it; chances are someone will beat you to it. On the other
hand,
don't create a piece that will be old news by the time any
magazine
can get it into print. Try to make your articles appropriate to
any
time frame, and you'll have more chance of selling.
6.IS WELL-RESEARCHED - Nothing can replace good old hard work
when it
comes to writing an article. The more information you start with,
even
for a short piece, the more dynamic your article will be.
Remember
that as unreliable as statistics can be, people are impressed to
know
that at least you attempted to make points that are substantiated
by
more than just theory on your part.
7.ALWAYS BEGINS WITH A STRONG LEAD - grab 'em right away, or
chances
are, they'll get off the hook pretty quickly. People are busy
today,
and they have to have a reason to spend time reading your
article.
Your first paragraph or two should give them that reason.
8.MAKES A POINT - even if you do a humor column, the topic has to
relate to the reader somehow. You may think it's cute that your
kid
threw spaghetti on the repairman, but what does that have to do
with
anyone else? Personal accounts that go nowhere are boring (unless
you're skydiving naked in Calgary in February).
What makes a magazine article salable? More tips
------------------------------------------------
1.APPROPRIATENESS. Magazines aren't going to change their
editorial
styles, calendars or policies for one writer's work. Get Writer's
Market and find out how they like to be queried, what lengths
they
prefer and who their audience is. Look at copies of the magazine
and
get a feel for the type of items they print.
2.PROFESSIONALISM. There's nothing wrong with being creative in
approach, but manuscript format HAS to be easy for the Editor to
work
with, otherwise it goes into the trash (right or wrong, it's
reality).
Double spacing, generous margins and no staples (paper clip
manuscripts together) are the beginnings of a good submission. No
fancy paper or fonts. Name, address and approximate word count on
1st
page; title/name/page number at the top of each succeeding page.
3.UNIQUE ANGLE. A writer's work must come at a topic from some
unique
or unusual angle, otherwise why print it? Be sure to point out in
the
query letter what that angle is, and why the readers will relate
to
it.
4.HUMOR, when appropriate. Humor sells. Interspersed throughout a
piece, it can even make a serious topic more relatable.
5.PHOTOGRAPHS. If you can offer photos that are magazine quality,
you
will often have the edge over another article on the same topic.
Be
sure to state in the query if you do have access to photos.
6.YOUR QUERY. In the case of humor articles, you send the entire
manuscript with a brief cover letter. For all others, you usually
query the Editor first. This letter is critical, and it should be
written in a similar voice or style to the article itself. Start
out
with a dynamic statement to get the Editor's attention.
7.QUALITY OF WRITING. Spell checkers and grammar programs on
computers
don't replace knowing how to write. Writer's Digest is a valuable
tool, in addition to books such as Elements of Style and Elements
of
Grammar. Every writer needs a good dictionary and should use it
regularly.
If you want to write for magazines, read them! And be persistent;
if
an Editor writes any sort of note by hand on your rejection or
indicates that further work would be looked at seriously, FOLLOW
UP
with another suitable piece. The most published writers have
thick
rejection files and don't consider them failures. They're
feedback,
and they're tangible proof that you're trying. Learn something
from
each one, and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
=----------------------------------=
Dorothea Helms is an internationally published writer and
experienced
editor specializing in magazine feature writing, marketing
materials,
seminars and humour.
Write Stuff Writing Services, RR #1, Sunderland, Ontario L0C 1H0
Telephone/Fax (905) 852-9294 or by email: helms@enterprise.ca
http://www.enterprise.ca/~helms/index.html
=================================================================
========
ASK THE AGENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Susan Graham of Graham Literary Agency
<slgraham@atl.mindspring.com>
Q:
How much can a writer hope to make on a novel or short story?
I'm a full time
engineer and I've been toying with a novel for the last 7 years.
So far I
wrote about 100,000 words (400 pages double spaced) and I'm about
half-way.
I don't know if I'll ever get published (sigh!), but I'm curious
by nature.
A:
A writer can make anywhere from nothing on a novel (at 100,000
words and
counting, it's *definitely* a novel!), to millions of dollars.
It's almost
like getting a lottery ticket! That's one of the many reasons
writers keep
trying to get published.
It sounds like what you need is to figure out where you're
heading with this
book, and then sit down on a daily basis to write it with the
intent of
finishing it by the end of the year. Get a book named "Theme and
Strategy"
by Ronald B. Tobias, Writers Digest Books, and one entitled
"Getting The
Words Right" by Theodore Cheney, Writers Digest Books, to see
first how to
plan your book, then how to edit it efficiently *after* you have
finished it.
Remember, finishing it should be your primary goal. Then editing
it should
be your next goal. Try to keep the final version under 100,000
words (or
130,000 absolute maximum). Yes, that means you will have to cut
half of
what you have already written, if you are indeed halfway
finished. But
don't worry about that at first. Concentrate instead on your
focus for the
book, and getting it completed.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Susan L. Graham owns Graham Literary Agency, Inc. She represents
genre
fiction as well as commercial fiction and nonfiction. Her unique
Website (http://www.mindspring.com/~slgraham/) helps to promote
her
authors and the agency.
Readers are invited to send questions to
slgraham@atl.mindspring.com
with the words "inklings agent question" in the subject header.
Copyright (c) 1996, Graham Literary Agency, Inc. All rights
reserved.
=================================================================
========
ASK THE BOOK DOCTOR
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Carol Henson
<UBKX12C@Prodigy.com>
[Editor's note: Apologies to Carol for accidentally printing an
older
column last issue.]
Q:
I have written a children's picture book. Everyone who has read
it
tells me that I should publish it. Others have said it would be
an
illustrator's dream. I suppose, unfortunately, it has talking
animals.
Name: Timothy, the Checkerboard Tiger. It has been to one agent
who
said that it is well written, but she does not feel that it is
marketable. Since then I have read that talking animals make
publishers ill these days. I don't feel that kids or their
parents
feel that way. In your opinion, am I beating a dead horse (see,
another animal) here? I do have it out to more publishers.
Next,
would you be so kind as to explain the term: " Mainstream genre"
to
me. Would a children's or juvenile book fit this term?
A:
Keep sending that thing out! Sounds like you believe in it and
you've
gotten good feedback, too. Don't let anybody stop you. Okay?
One
thing I would suggest is making sure you are sending it to
publishers
or agents that handle your kind of book. Look at other books
like it
in the stores and see who publishes them. Even if they aren't
talking
animal books, look for ones that you admire or are close to your
own
book in style and substance. If you do that, you may just get a
good
nibble. Most of all, be prepared to wait. Just keep on sending
it
out. Make sure the manuscript is in top form and keep it out
there. I
hate to admit this but I'm not entirely sure what mainstream
genre is
in relationship to juvenile or children's books. I would think
it
refers to what's popular right now, middle of the road, but don't
quote
me on it. <g> Maybe someone out there knows will email me
with a
better answer. I'll note it next issue, okay? Remember, trust
yourself.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Carol Henson is a Book Doctor/editor/author and is happy to
respond to
your questions about Book Doctors, editing, writing, etc. Her
web page is
located at: http://pages.prodigy.com/MI/ubkx12c/bookdoc.html.
Send your questions to Carol Henson at UBKX12C@Prodigy.com with
the
subject header: "Book doctor question". Carol will answer
selected
questions in future issues.
=================================================================
========
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Lee Wardlaw
<Katknip2@aol.com>
Rhyme or No Rhyme?
------------------
Q:
I've written a picture book in rhyme which I'd like to submit for
publication. Is verse still a no-no in the children's publishing
world? I'm
proud of my story, but I don't want to see the manuscript
rejected simply
because it was written in verse.
A:
Most editors are wary of rhyming manuscripts, mainly because
they've read
hundreds upon hundreds of bad-to-horrible ones. The most common
complaints
are that the stories are trivial, the rhyming awkward, and the
rhythm
monotonous or sing-songy.
However, many editors find rhyming picture books a delight - - if
they're
done right. (Sorry about the bad poetry there!) Playful,
expressive poetry
is fun for children and adults to read aloud. Plus, the
repetition of sounds
effectively helps children to build their vocabulary and other
reading
skills.
Before submitting your manuscript, ask yourself the following
questions:
1. Is the publishing house I've chosen receptive to rhyming
picture books?
(Check each publisher's guidelines in the "Children's Writer's
and
Illustrator's Market". Also, visit your favorite bookstore to
see what
companies have published rhyming stories within the last few
years.)
2. Is my rhyming style fresh? Or have I simply mimicked other
authors?
(Many editors complain that too many beginning writers are
trying to be "the
next Dr. Seuss.")
3. Is the rhyming simple, yet lively and descriptive? (The
language should
be vivid and filled with sensory appeal.)
4. Does the rhyme enhance and enrich the story? Or is it the
only reason I
wrote the story? (Make sure you know why your story is best told
in rhyme.)
5. Have I sacrificed story to make the rhymes fit?
6. Are any of the rhymes awkward or humdrum?
7. Does my manuscript provide possibilities for at least 13
varied and
lively illustrations? (Remember: this is a picture book, not
just a poem,
so illustrations will carry half the story.)
8. Will a child ask to have this story re-read again and again?
Will an
adult enjoy re-reading this story to a child? (Author/illustrator
Rosemary
Wells says that a picture book must be able to stand up to at
least 500
readings aloud!)
If you can answer "yes" to each of these questions, you may just
have a
salable, rhyming picture book on your hands! -L.W.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Lee Wardlaw is the author of 16 books for young readers, ranging
from
picture books to young adult novels. Titles include THE TALES OF
GRANDPA CAT (illustrated by Ronald Searle) and SEVENTH-GRADE
WEIRDO.
101 WAYS TO BUG YOUR PARENTS (middle grade novel), THE GHOUL
BROTHERS
(first chapter book).
If you'd like to submit a question to Lee, please send your
e-mail
to Katknip2@aol.com. Although Lee is unable to answer each letter
personally, she will answer selected questions in future issues
of Inklings. Put "inklings question" in the subject header.
Lee's web page is at
http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/inkspot/a-lee.html
Copyright (c) 1996 Lee Wardlaw. All rights reserved.
=================================================================
========
ONLINE SERVICE UPDATE: GENIE
============================
(The following information provided courtesy the Genie Writers'
Ink
Roundtable. All times listed as Eastern Time)
WEEKLY REAL-TIME CONFERENCES ON GENIE (Page 440;2)
--------------------------------------------------
SUNDAYS: 9:30 p.m. Writers' RoundTable Open House. Room 1.
First Sunday of each month -- TRIVIA CHALLENGE Topics for
other
Open Houses announced; unless a topic is announced, this
is an
informal gathering and writing talk is always welcome.
MONDAYS: 10:30 p.m. Screenwriters' Weekly Real-Time Conference.
Room 2.
TUESDAYS: 9 p.m. Poetry Gathering. Room 2.
WEDNESDAYS: First Wednesday of each month, 10 p.m. Room 4.
Children's and Young Adults' writers meet for discussion
of a
variety of subjects pertinent to the field.
THURSDAYS: 10:00 p.m. Writer's Corner RealTime Conference. Room
1.
Topics announced weekly.
SATURDAYS: 4:00 p.m. Barbara Paul's Hot Tub Party. Room 1.
Fun, relaxed, writing conversation always encouraged.
To find out more about Genie, contact Genie Client Services at:
1-800-638-9636.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&
gt;>>>>>>>>> Next issue: AOL
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<&
lt;<<<<<<<<<<<<
=================================================================
========
WORKSHOP
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
CYBERJOURNALIST BASICS by D. Roberts
As a World-Wide-Web or Internet newsletter journalist,
you need to
be persistent in your search for facts that will give the readers
information about events. In character, you have to have a
passion
for accuracy and a determination to dig out all aspects of the
story
that will provide interpretation and explanation.
The story is not where you are now, it's out there in
cyberspace or
in your local community. You have to go where the story is, ask
questions and observe details. The electronic news story you
write
should be organized to show the story and provide information
quickly
and efficiently. The news story you write must (A) meet the
general
editorial guidelines established by the cyberpublication and (B)
rewritten to meet an editor's detailed needs.
Cybernews stories are
1. accurate (verify all information, including e-mail
addresses and URLS)
2. properly attributed (name all sources)
3. balanced and fair
4. brief (story gets to the point quickly).
=------------------------------------------=
D. Roberts is a publishing industry consultant. He can be reached
at
editor@cedarbay.com.
=================================================================
=
WRITERS' MAGAZINE INDEX
=======================
April issue of Writer's Digest magazine
---------------------------------------
Avoiding the Perils of Picture Books, Writine and Illustrating
Children's
Picture Books, It's All In The Details, Writing 'Funny Bits' For
Kids,
What's Online For You? (comparison of online services), 12 Tips
For
The Taxpaying Writer.
Next issue: copyright, writers' conferences, interview with Anne
Lamott,
author of BIRD BY BIRD.
April issue of Byline magazine
------------------------------
(Thanks to Lisa Ramaglia <lisa.ramaglia@corpsoft.com> for
info.)
Rescue Your Book From Rejection-by Bonnie Hearn (Read this
before you give up on that manuscript you believe in!)
The Realities of Romance-by Jane Edwards
Breaking into Local Newsprint-by Robert Fischer
Photo Tips for Writers-by Casey Wilson
End Piece: Like Us, Poetry Is Always Changing-by Charles
Gillispie
The Final Draft-by Marcia Preston
Markets-by Barbara J. Petoskey
Cover It, Don't Smother It-by Kathryn Fanning
Make It Easy (to Read)-by Ivon Cecil
When Famous Writers Blunder-by Jessie Gunn Stephens
Fiction--Riding the Bullet-by C. L. Daniels
================================================================
EDITOR: Debbie Ridpath Ohi (ohi@inkspot.com)
COPY EDITOR: Cathy Rutland (cathyr@rom.on.ca)
Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint Inklings for
nonprofit
use as long as the appropriate credit is given and the ENTIRE
text of the
newsletter is included (including credits and information at the
end of
each issue). Others should contact me at ohi@inkspot.com. All
articles
copyrighted by their authors.
Inklings is a free newsletter for writers on the net and is
published every
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http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/ink/inklings.html. Back
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================================================================
