Persistence and Imagination are the Keys to Success..Odyssey from Unknown to Published and the Reward Beyond!
Martha Hamlett of Lynchburg, Virginia Author of Bats in the Air, Bats in My Hair www.batsintheair.com martha@webovations.net Fun and vivid rhyming story about Sally s overnight adventure at her Grandmother s house where she encounters some very silly and mischievous bats. Great for the Kindergarten to 2 nd or 3 rd grade level.
Persistence and Imagination are the Keys to Success You Have Aspirations to Publish a Book. You Have a Finished Manuscript in Your Hands, But One, Large Looming Question Prevails. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Seminar Overview Finalizing the Manuscript Useful Resources How to Submit to Publishers Writing the Query Letter Developing a Marketing Plan Avenues to Publish
Tips for Finalizing Your Manuscript First Answer the question, Why are you doing this? (what is your motivation because it is an uphill climb). Decide the age group it best fits. Make sure your word usage fits your audience (you may have to adjust up or down depending on the words you used).
Tips for Finalizing Your Manuscript Have a friend read it for grammatical errors. Better yet, have a freelance editor look at it (they usually charge a fee). If it is a children s book, read it to the particular audience you are trying to reach (classrooms/friends/etc.). Get a critique from a writer s group.
Tips for Finalizing Your Manuscript Use a standard, easily readable typeface. Chapter stories should be doubled spaced. Children s book manuscripts should not indicate page breaks. Poems can be single spaced/double between verses.
Useful Resources Children s Writer s & Illustrator s Market Lists Book/Magazine Publishers Shows you how to set up query letters/gives tips from published authors The Children s Writer s Reference (by Berthe Amoss & Eric Suben) Examples of Plots & Settings Formats & Word Selections Age Groups Suggestions Examples of How to Think Visually
Useful Resources Children s Writer s Word Book (by Alijandra Mogilner) Suggestions of Words for Grade Levels SCBWI (Society of Children s Books Writers & Illustrators) Group you can join.offers information about Publishers, monthly newsletters, workshop opportunities.www.scbwi.org
Useful Resources Internet Resources (there are many helpful resources online) i.e. - Write4kids.com - Underdown.org - CBC (Children s Book Council) - Writers Digest - VerlaKay.com - BethanyRoberts.com - The AuthorsShow.com (marketing tool) - AuthorsDen.com (marketing tool)
How to Submit to Publishers Refer to Children s Writer s & Illustrator s Market for Publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts and their individual submission guidelines. (i.e.) # of words per type of book Whether they want complete manuscripts or just a query letter and a chapter or two Send ONE manuscript at a time to a Publisher. Unless you are the Author and Illustrator, you don t need to send pictures. You can also go to the Publisher s website for submission guidelines.
How to Submit to Publishers Most do not accept email submissions. Most require a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) be included or they will not even read your submission. Try to look at current catalogs to see if your work fits with that Publishing House. SUBMIT --- You can t get accepted if you don t at least try. BE Prepared for Rejection (it takes time). BE PERSISTENT!!!!
Writing the Query Letter (Cover Letter) The Most Important Piece of the Process - Must be professional - Must follow the Protocols of the publishing business (not following the rules will spell Amateur and your work will end up in the no read pile) - Simple is best - Develop a good hook line
Query Letter Basics There are firewalls in place that will weed you out: type of stamp used (use a business stamp), stationary used (plain), type of envelope you mail your manuscript in (no padded envelopes used bubble instead) Never Longer Than One Page Address to Specific Editor (if possible) if not known use Submissions Editor
Query Letter Basics Remember your cover is a Sales Pitch * The Hook should be your novel/stories distinguishing features such as something imaginative in the plot. * Not About YOU keep the pleasantries to a minimum immediate task is to get them interested in reading your story not to tell them what a wonderful person you are don t draw attention to your inexperience.
Query Letter Basics 1 st Paragraph Your Hook 2 nd Paragraph Your Pitch 3 rd Paragraph Your Brief Bio 4 th Paragraph Conclusion thank them for their time and how you are looking forward to their response and that you have included the SASE.
Query Letter Example (To an Agent) Dear Ms. Rittenberg, THE CLEARING is a supernatural love story told from the point of view of a young woman who has been dead 130 years. She s haunting a high school English teacher when one of the boys in his class sees her. When the two of them fall in love, the fact that he is in a body and she is not presents the first of their problems. (HOOK) I am seeking representation for this 180 page novel geared to the adult audience. (Pitch) (If you do not have experience, leave out the bio part) Please let me know if you would be interested in reading part or all of THE CLEARING. I have enclosed a SASE for your convenience. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you. (CONCLUSION)
Routes to Publication Agency Representation The Independent Press (www.ibpaonline.org) Co-Op Publishing (POD Publishing) Electronic Publishing (E-Book) Self-Publishing (Own Label) Traditional (Regular Book Publishers)
Self-Publishing An Alternative to Publishing with Traditional Publishers is to Use a Co-op Publisher. i.e., AuthorHouse, LuLu, IPublish - You assume some /all cost - They will help with layout and cover design - They can help provide illustrations if needed - They will give assistance with marketing (you will ultimately be responsible for marketing your work --- this would be the case if going traditional or independent - You retain all rights to your work (this is a plus) - You can choose your Illustrator (this is a plus) - Have your work in-hand faster **Always do your research before selecting a co-op or other
Self-Publishing You are: (all aspects) * Writer * Editor * Designer/Artist * Typesetter/Compositor * Marketing * Shipper * Business Manager
Marketing Marketing Your Work is Challenging ------ You Have to be Willing to Talk to People and Try Different Things. HAVE IMAGINATION & BE PROACTIVE. Develop a Step-By-Step Plan Read Books such as The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing - Arrange Book Signings with Your Local Bookstores - Enter Contests - Get Your Local Paper(s) to Do a Story - Hand Out Marketing Materials Such as Bookmarks or Business Cards - Post Information to Internet Sites Such as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook (social networking can be a useful tool) - Create a Distinguishing Website - Market Yourself!!! Get Your Name in Front of People!
Rewards Personal Accomplishment Bringing Enjoyment to Your Audience Potential Monetary Reward If we did all of the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. ---Thomas Edison
BE PERSISTENT. Writing for Children (or Any Age) Involves: + Passion.for your story you want to publish + Determination.believing it is achievable + Self-Discipline.stay on the path in pursuit of your goal + Belief and Trust.even when setbacks occur, keep pushing forward
Author Info Page. http://batbuzz.webovations.net www./batsintheair.com