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If you have looked at the editor/publisher/agent Twitter accounts, one thing becomes abundantly clear, many folks will be away for the holidays. It’s quite normal during this time of the year, to which it can drive some writers crazy, especially during the query process. Here are my tips and suggestions for handling the holiday season in our publishing “world.”
1. There is no need to worry about queries being answered during this timespan. If you get a response, fantastic! If you don’t, please try not to take it personally. Wait at least until the first full, non-holiday week in January to touch base with us, as answering two weeks worth of email requires some time.
2. Take the time to edit/read over/tweak your query and/or book proposals. How about waiting until January instead? Much like a souffle, a little extra “baking” time may strengthen the book idea, as well as one’s chance of a positive response
3. Read some good books during this waiting time. Do you have a particular agent or editor in mind? Finding a few of his/her books to read will determine if you should initiate a query.
4. Piggy-backing on Pt. #3, do some additional research! I can’t iterate enough the benefit of researching the editors/agents who will BEST match your book idea. Time and postage will be saved due to this research. Plus, liibraries and bookstores dont’ take holidays necessarily, to which they already have the necessary reference books that provide this information.
Any questions? Drop me a note. 
One of the best ways to navigate the publishing world is to approach the process as a “team sport.” For any person who has participated (or participates) in team sports, there is a delicate balance of raw talent, the ability to learn its intricacies, good sportsmanship (i.e. a positive attitude), and a teamwork mentality. This example easily translates into the publishing world.
1. Raw Talent – Writing a book is a challenging experience. Putting words together successfully, so that they flow perfectly, while maintaining good grammar and the reader’s engagement, is a major accomplishment. In order to succeed in the publishing world, the writer needs to already have a natural ability for this process. Good writing cannot be forced. Yet, good writing writing can result from one already knowing how words work together, and the wonderful ways stories can be told on paper with these words.
2. The Intricacies - The next step in writing is evaluating and learning the methods by how book ideas come together. Even going so far as to learning how to develop a book plot, an outline, character development, and more. As children, we all learned words, eventually sentences, moving onto paragraphs, then chapters, and finally full books. It was a process, and it took practice and education on our teachers/parents parts. Taking classes, reading how-to books on the writing process, and having one’s writing critiqued, results in a better understanding of all the small details of the writing experience.
3. Good sportsmanship – Once again, I cannot emphasize enough the need to not take the publishing experience too personally. Rejections will happen, yet what can you do to learn from them? It’s not just seeing the silver lining of the “just business” approach that is sometimes hard on writers; good writership requires that a person looks at the bigger picture, and that much like any team sport, one needs to persevere. Whether one is on a winning or losing team, there is always the comfort that one learned the rules, put his/her heart into the game, and the willingness to see the game through to the very end. The same steps should be taken when aspiring to be published.
4. A Teamwork Mentality – Don’t enter the agent/editor search alone. While writing a book is very solitary, a successful writer networks with fellow writers and folks who work in publishing. Go to writers’ conferences, have fellow writers critique your writing, and become comfortable with Twitter/Facebook/Yelp/etc. Not only will this make the entire experience more satisfactory, but a strong support network will be established.
It’s that time of the year to remember charitable organizations. While some folks put their efforts into charities year-round, it’s also worth nothing that the majority of fundraising happens during the holiday season. It’s tax-deductible, a good way to ensure particular organizations are able to start the new year on good footing, and should be easy to do (esp. if we’re all spending extra money on dinners, drinks, gifts, and more).
Granted if one can’t afford a monetary donation, which is totally understandable in this very challenging economy, there’s always the opportunity to put some figurative elbow grease toward a charity – i.e. volunteering one’s time (extremely valuable), as no price tag can be put on that time and support.
Here are some literary/book organizations worthy of one’s time and donations;
1. First Book – Giving the gift of reading to those in need is extremely valuable. As Dr. Seuss wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” I have lived by this belief, and have shared it with the kids I’ve mentored over the years– through books and them gaining a love of reading.
2. Your local public library – There is always the local Friends of a Library organization, which works hard to raise funds and awareness of one’s public library. In addition, there is the opportunity to volunteer or donate charitable funds toward special programs. Here in Minnesota, I’ve been an active volunteer for the Read With Me program since 2002. It’s for younger children who face literacy challenges. Between the little girl I have mentored for 2.5 years, and the (now) teenager I still see every week (whom I continued to work with after he go too old for RWM), my life has been undeniably changed and fulfilling. I wouldn’t be able to do this if it wasn’t for the donations & grants (donated to the library) that make this possible.
3. Literacy Councils – Just do a search on Google, there seems to be a literacy council within every state. They provide opportunities to bring books and a love of reading to children and adults, through literacy programs and teacher education.
It’s evident people who work in publishing love books, and the process by which they come to bookstore shelves. Yet, it’s easy to forget HOW our publishing population came to love reading and books. Let’s ensure we work our hardest to bring more people the satisfaction and joy of reading. Donate today!
This morning, while dealing with the wintry precipitation on my sidewalks and driveway, an illustration of shovelling snow and the process of planning one’s publishing/writing career came to mind. Yes, even while pushing snow around, publishing still is at the forefront of my mind.
1. Look at the bigger picture – determine where your book will fit within a particular category, and within the larger publishing industry.
Wintery illustration: If one is shovelling snow in 40 mph winds, it’s a good idea to hit the spots that are absolutely necessary. Why would one shovel the lawn when only the sidewalks and driveway are necessary?
Take this approach with publishing. Why would a writer be too broad with a book idea? It’s much better to narrow down the topic/approach, so that one’s writing voice is truly effective.
2. Choose a path – One needs to determine the initial marketing plan (i.e. writing platform) hand-in-hand with developing one’s book idea.
Wintery illustration: To use the snow blower or the shovel? Using the shovel means it’ll take longer to remove the snow. Using the snow blower will obviously hasten the process. However using the snow blower in 40 mph winds may result in more work, i.e. the snow blowing back at the snow remover. Yet, using the shovel, and choosing the perfect starting point and methodically removing the snow to a designated stopping point = less work, and less need to “redo” it.
There’s nothing more discouraging than seeing a wonderful book idea for a first-time writer, only to realize that the person has no writing platform. It’s evident the writer has put his/her heart into the process of writing the book, but sadly didn’t develop a marketing plan to go along with it. I always look at the book idea and the writer’s “platform,” as most editors will want to see strength in both of these areas. If it seems the author can take care of the “platform,” there’s still a chance I’ll work with him/her. It just means that the writer will need to work on this area before we can move forward with the submission proccess to the publishers.
My advice? Think about how to promote yourself, use social networks, join organizations that advocate and support writing, and more. Meanwhile develop one’s writing voice simlutaneously. It’ll save time, patience, and bring a sense of fulfillment to the writing experience.
3. Be prepared - Put on your figurative armor. Do the best you can do, and don’t take the rejections too personally.
Wintery illustration: One thing that is necessary is good bundling for the shovelling process. A good coat, scarf, mittens, and clothes layering is absolutely necessary. Assume it will be cold, so prepare accordingly. Hence the 40 mph winds will not make the shoveller cold; thereby the shoveller is able to “weather” the experience.
Everyone knows that getting published requires thick skin, as any editor can only take on a limited # of projects. With the high rejection rates (from both agents & editors), the best thing any writer can do is be prepared. In addition to having a marketing plan in working progress, any author should put on his/her figurative armor. Instead of getting overly emotional due to rejections, remember the armor you are wearing-that this is a normal process.
4. Alter your plan as needed – If one’s marketing plan and/or writing voice isn’t working, take the time to edit/tweak the weak spots. It will be to one’s advantage.
Wintery illustration: Let’s say that despite Point A (starting point) and Point B (the end point) having been pre-determined, they aren’t resulting in the best (or most efficient) shovelling “path.” The back is hurting, the snow is deeper than initially expected, and it’s hard to keep a positive attitude. Reevaluate where to start & end again, and move on with the new plan.
No writer should finish a book, only to realize later that the entire book needs to be re-written. Talk about frustrating! Taking the time to have others critique one’s writing (during the writing process) is a good thing. Not only will it strengthen the book and one’s chance of getting published, but one will be able to determine if the storyline is on track. Ultimately if the book isn’t working, a new path can be determined before completion.
Any questions? Let me know.
One of the many reasons the Twin-Cities seems to have become a permanent home (still hard to admit after 10 years, as I love so many other cities too) is the wonderful creativity that abounds here. Between the music scene, the extensive literary crowd, and the many theatres/shows, as well as the sometimes odd, but regularly scheduled & ecclectic activities (no idea where to start here); I realized that the reason for such a long “visit” in MN is this–my constant love affair with this wonderful region. Honestly there is so much to do, that I am never bored. Plus, the folks who live and work here make this city great. Yes, the Twin-Cities will probably still see my big hair even at retirement age.
This weekend, the No. Coast Craft-O-Rama kicked off the holidays in its usual 5-star tradition. Between the many booths showing off everyones’ creative talent, including clothes, handmade books & stationary, jewelry, art (all types), children’s toys, clothes accessories, crafty supplies, organic beauty products, and more. . . I was also able to spend time with my dear friend, Lizzy, who is one of the founders of Stitches4Bitches; where Lizzy makes and sells artsy, but fully usable dog beds and clothes, as well as handmade winter knit caps for any pooches who go outdoors (in cold weather).
Across the aisle from Lizzy was one of the former contestants of Project Runway, Chris Straub, who seemed to be quite the friendly, outgoing quasi-celebrity at this year’s event. Finally, I still had some holiday shopping to do,ultimately finding a wonderful set of handmade stone coasters that my own father would even like, as he is unusually hard to shop for. 
Once there was an opportunity to sit down and think about today’s crafty outing, a few things came to mind in regard to writing & publishing:
1. If you are going to write a book, go all out. This means one puts his/her heart into the ENTIRE author experience; including the writing, the marketing, the promotion, and the general act of getting readers on board with one’s book/writing. Any of the folks who were at the Craft-O-Rama brought this mentality to their art, as the only way to succeed in such a DIY event is to embrace the entire experience 110%.
2. Get to know your peers. One thing that stood out was the networking happening between all the crafters. The sharing of ideas, of possible future shared projects, and cheering one another on throughout the weekend; just a few of the observations from today. In regard to writing and publishing, it is to the writers’ benefit to know other writers and individuals in the publishing industry. Ideas can be expanded upon through discussion, fellow writers can critique one’s writing (therefore increasing one’s chances of getting published), and more.
3. Find your niche. Just don’t write ANY book. Write the book that will be YOU, reflecting your unique personality and perspective. Write a book that will appeal to a larger public, but also fill a possible “hole” on bookshelves. Writing the same book as everyone else isn’t going to advance one’s career any faster. Yet, taking a risk on a new idea, ultimately working on becoming the “expert” in regard to that new book idea, is to any writer’s advantage. Look at the Worst-Case Scenario book series, how did it become an instant hit? Nothing else like that series was published at the time, and the general reading public loved it.
Now go be your crafty self!
Being an agency located in one of the coldest, more snowier areas of the country, there’s something to be appreciated when the winter returns. Warm fires, new winter gloves, playing in the snow, and the general beauty of a snow-covered landscape. Even the cities look beautiful after a fresh layer of snow.
It’s also very much agreed that the Twin-Cities is an extremely literate city, where many well-known writers thrive (and have thrived). I attribute this to the weather. When the outside temperature is colder than one’s freezer, it’s easy to turn a day of outside activities into a day of writing (and/or reading) books.
This week our winter finally kicked into high gear, and I’m already loving it. My “to read” pile of books is huge now, yet very manageable. In my agent brain, this means that wonderful books & book proposals will be written by any folks also living in a cold region(s). Knowing that a motherload of new ideas will be hitting the inbox/mailbox once the ground has officially thawed.
I just can’t board that figurative train. I imagine many of you have read about the backlash of Rick Moody twittering a novel, in Twitter-size bites, every 10 minutes; and the result of each “bite” being re-twittered by multiple sources. Sadly, many folks who already “subscribe” to the same feeds as Rick Moody were not happy, with the final result being overkill of Rick’s tweets (and creativing writing adventure).
If anyone knows me well, they know Red Sofa Literary is all about fun tech gadgets and all-things-internet. I blame this on the early days of telnet and the lack of a graphic interface. It was addictive and thereby changed my own career path. In addition, if there’s anything I love about my job, it’s the accessbility to information.
However, there’s fine line between using a social network (like Twitter) and an e-book. A “tweet” is much like using one’s cell phone to communicate with friends and family- the messages need to be succinct and engaging. Anything beyond the limited # of characters should be discussed in a different medium, i.e. a real live phone call, an essay, a book, a blog, and face-to-face conversations.
I’m already reworking my own personal focus on working with e-book publishers one-on-one, as this is a wonderful window of opportunity for any writer looking to expand his/her platform (and publishing experience). Yet, I would not want my own client list tweeting their books. A tweet does not thereby equal a book. A tweet is a tweet, not a full, outright written & edited book.
I am still a fan of Rick Moody, but hope folks will see his great experiment as an example of how to better market one’s writing and public platform. Using Twitter to market one’s self is truly a silver lining to Rick’s experience, something to definitely build upon.
Wall Street Journal – Are Tweets Literature? Rick Moody Thinks They Can Be
