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Workshop: Writers Boot Camp
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Dancing Word Writers Workshopwith DiAnn MillsDecember 15, 2006
Hosted by: Anne McDonald Dancing Word Publisher/Editor *This chat has been edited for clarity. Anne McDonald: I'll open up in prayer, go over protocol and then introduce our guest. Lord, thank You so much for keeping us safe through that horrific storm last night. Thank You for Your everyday touches of care and for the little surprises you tuck into every day. Please be with us tonight as we learn from our seasoned guest. Please also be with those who cannot come tonight. Bless DiAnn for giving so much of herself to encourage other writers. n Jesus' name, Amen.
Protocol reminder: When the floor is open to questions, please type ? for questions, ! for comments, and ga when you are through. For those new to the chat room "ga" mean go ahead and keeps us from stepping on each other's toes.
Tonight I am honored to introduce a woman who has some incredible experiences as a writer and is generous in passing on her wisdom and expertise to other writers. She recently returned from a trip to Africa. Please give a warm welcome to DiAnn Mills.
DiAnn Mills: I'm thrilled to be with you tonight.
Anne McDonald: Please give us a brief glimpse into your recent trip.
DiAnn Mills: I am writing a fiction novel set in Sudan. Moody Publishers offered me a grant if I want to go. Yeah! I went by myself to Kenya and on into Sudan. It was truly an experience that changed me forever. I saw hard things and encouraging things - but the country is struggling. 25% Christian! guess I'd better quiet down about the trip or I could talk all night about it!
Anne McDonald: I'll have to set up an interview with you so that we can cover the trip. If you are ready, I'll turn the floor over to you for boot camp.
DiAnn Mills: I do want to hit the basics tonight. Even for those seasoned writers who have sent out proposals for a long time. Review is good - and we're going to touch on those qualiities that make your proposal stand out - as in attention:)
We are going to talk about the basics of getting you published. Before you touch a finger to the first letter of the first word of your writing, you need to know the fundamentals for creating the look that will grab the editor’s attention and move him/her to contact you immediately for your manuscript. Their desks are overflowing with queries and proposals, and unless you have yours perfected, it will end up in the rejection pile.
Before we continue any further, let me give you the basics for a query.
1. If you want to wow the editor then make sure you have done the research on what that house is publishing. This means studying the market, reading their publications, and adhering to their guidelines.
2. Make your hook short and sweet. Throw out the line and reel them in. a. Include why the readers would want to read it
3. Why are you the one to write this idea?
4. If you don’t have any publishing credentials, be creative. Play up what you know.
5. Close it with an “Enclosed is a SASE for your reply, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.”
Exception to the SASE is an e-mail submission
A proposal is a sample of your work to an editor who has indicated interest in your manuscript or the guidelines state for you to send a proposal rather than a query. This is accompanied by the article or a book proposal, three chapters and a synopsis. The thrust of our seminar is based on a quality proposal. I want your books on the retailer shelf. The Prize Winning Proposal contains three P’s:
Particulars, Purpose, and Packaging
the particulars:
Okay, let’s begin. Editors and Publishers do have a common format. They want a readable font, preferably Times New Roman or New Courier at 12 pitches per inch and double-spaced. Fancy fonts simply reveal the fact we haven’t done our homework. Use one inch paragraph indentions.
The title page is easy, but here are the instructions:
Every manuscript needs a title page. In the top left-hand corner, type in your name, address, phone number, and email address. In the top right-hand corner, type approximate word count. Do not type in your social security number or copyright on the title page. Your work is copyrighted the moment you begin working on it.
Count down 20 spaces and in all caps, type the name of the manuscript. In regular type on the next line, type the word “by”, and on the next line your name. I have seen a variance of this, but this is what has been recommended to me.
Agents and editors vary - so find out their guidelines. I'm going to quickly paste in the directions for setting up your format. It is essential to set up your document so that you have 25 lines of writing per page or approximately 250 words per page. Most editors calculate the approximate word count of your manuscript according to the number of pages in your document.
MICROSOFT WORD Click on the Format on your task bar, then on Paragraph. In the box that says Line Spacing, click At Least then type in 25 pt. Now click Line and Page Breaks. A window will appear with several boxes. Make sure the Widows and Orphans box is not checked. I uncheck them all. OK all of that. Click on File on your task bar, then Page Set Up. Set your margins at 1 inch all around with a .5 inch header and no footer or footer or gutter. Use a 1 line Header.
WORD PERFECT Set your Top margins at .25 inch. Right and Left margins at 1.25 inch. Bottom at 1 inch. Use a l line Header and leave a distance of .5 inch before beginning your text.
Now for the header. I call this all the "boring" stuff before we go on to other things. This needs to start on the first page of your manuscript. Every page of your text–except the title page–should have a one-line header. This is an automatic format and you set this up before you begin your text. From the task bar select View, click on Header and Footer. Make sure the font type for you header and footer is the same as your manuscript. On the left hand side of the box provided for your header, type in the name of the manuscript, on the right hand side – your last name and a dash. From the Task Bar select Format Page Number and type in 1. From the Task Bar, select Page set-up and click Different First Page. From the Task Bar, select Insert Page Number and it will automatically number each page. keep a copy of all this above. It will come in handy
Anne McDonald: Why do you not want footers on your manuscript?
DiAnn Mills: You don't simply because that is not what the editors want. Sorry that is so simple, but they are who we are trying to please. Also when looking at a manuscript, the eyes follow across the top, not the bottom
The proposal: The Purpose of a proposal is to give the editor a synopsis of your story, sample writing, a list of your credentials, and a marketing plan. The marketing plan can be tough, so let me give you a list of what is needed. Feel free to step in with questions or comments. Here are a few at a time:
1. Title of manuscript, your name and contact information
2.What is the goal of your writing this manuscript
3. Description of book or article
4. Target audience. You are wise to have many audiences
5. Hook sentence describing your manuscript
6. What inspired you to write this manuscript
7. What is your strategy/plan on marketing this. List ten items if you can. Include promotional items.
8. What are your sales and media angles: talking points. In other words why will people want to buy your book
9. Author Bio
10. A list of published titles that is similar to yours. How is yours different, compare these.
11. A list of those who have indicated a willingness to endorse your manuscript or help market it.
12. Your past experience in media work
13. Sales Leads
Lera: what is media work?
DiAnn Mills: any TV, Radio, Magazine work/connections
jane: why is it important to note media?
DiAnn Mills: publicity and promotion - the marketing team at the publishing house wants to know that you are partnering with them to sell books. any media contacts that you have further enhances your book selling power
Elf: Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but as a fiction writer, I don't necessarily start with a goal for writing a MS or even inspiration--my inspiration is usually pretty vague or hard to describe. So, how do I state these? I know this is confusing, but how do I define this for an editor?
DiAnn Mills: This is a common question. You have a reason for wanting to tell a story - a goal met or something obtained. It may be that you will have to write the entire book before you understand your inspiration. but here are a few ideas: my mother suffered with bipolar and that experience moved you to write a fiction story about that illness
Laura: does it need to be in this order? And does--say Love Inspired -- require promotional items? What if you have no connections in media?
DiAnn Mills: I'm glad you asked that. I was getting ready to say that there is not a particular order given, but incorporate the list I've given you to the best of your ability. Your publisher may have their own list. Did you ask me if Love Inspired requires promotional items?
DiAnn Mills: All publishers want you to have simple items like book marks, a data base of names. if you have no connections in media, then take a deep breath and start calling radio, TV, and newspapers about your exciting new book. develop a pitch and show your passion for your project. You will sell you with your enthusiasm
KC: What if you hate selling anything much less yourself or your ideas and the idea of marketing sends cold shivers across your body? Can we pay someone to do this for us, lol?
DiAnn Mills: Well you can hire a publicist, but you still need to promote yourself. Let me tell you a secret about me. When I started writing, I thought I could do anything but speak to anyone, talk about my book, etc. And then I take a trip to Africa - Sudan - by myself to research a novel. So God will give you the strength to accomplish His purpose. (That's my sermon)
KC: no, really, I don't even like to call people–I'd much rather travel
DiAnn I'll remember that when I go again. 5 days without a shower. I'd like to say one more thing about promotion. All of you have been given a wonderful gift - one of writing - don't be afraid to tell others about your talent. We all have to learn. We all make mistakes. But Woo Hoo! We just get better. I'm going to move onto a synopsis. For most fiction works: This is not a chapter-by-chapter accounting of your book, but a brief overview of what your story is about. It’s a sound bite. It shows the editor: Show the editor that you know how to create characters, form a plot and subplots, and carry a project through to completion. Give the length of the novel. The synopsis should be a max of 3 pages and can be single-spaced. Please note that a few publishers ask for a detailed synopsis of more than 3 pages, but this is rare. Always check the guidelines. Do not include statements that leave the editor hanging. They have to know where the plot is going and how you intend to bring it to a climax and resolution. Before we go a step further, are all of you clear on what guidelines mean? Guidelines are what the editors want in submitting a manuscript
MAKE CERTAIN YOU HAVE A COPY OF SALLY STUART’S CHRISTIAN WRITER’S MARKET GUIDE OR WRITER’S DIGEST MARKET GUIDE
Both of those publications will give each publishing house's guidelines so you know what they want and expect from a submission
Let's move on to packaging
1. Print on good quality paper, preferably 20 lb weight.
2. Cover Letter. I’ve included the cover letter as part of the packaging, because it’s brevity and conciseness is essential to the looks of your proposal. This is one page only.
a. Make sure you have the correct editor and the correct spelling of his/her name. This may require a phone call
b. Who is this book/article/short story for? Your audience
c. Why have you chosen this publishing house?
d. If this is a non-fiction book or a magazine article, take the time to find out what this and the other publishing houses are publishing in comparison to your manuscript.
e. Why is your book or article unique?
f. What makes you qualified to write this piece, especially if it is a non-fiction.
g. State your credentials with a brief bio
h. Hook the editor in two sentences by pulling them into the story.
i.The length should be no more than one page, single spaced
I know this seems like a tall order for one page, but remember to pack every word with a punch. Think of each word like a lighted piece of dynamite
Take your cover letter, synopsis, three chapters, and a SASE for their response to you and package them into a twin pocket portfolio with a business card insertion.
I like the bright colored twin pocket portfolios. These will be sure to catch an editor’s attention.
On the left hand side, insert the cover letter, under that the synopsis, and the SASE. On the right hand side stick in the three chapters.
Wait 3 months and write a letter. Wait until the 4th month and call.
Remember to keep a hard copy and disk of your work
e. Do not bind your material with staples, clips, or attach anything to keep it together. Rubber bands are permissible, but not necessary when placing the manuscript in a twin folder.
If you absolutely must have the proposal back, send a SASE and sufficient postage to have it returned.
Not necessary
THE DIFFERENCE IN THE ABOVE GUIDELINES IS IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING ONLINE
As you can see, writing is not for wimps but strong courageous people who want to write more than anything in this world. Writers have a message and a deep desire to communicate through the written word. Writers are you. that's why you are here and not out Christmas shopping and drinking Starbucks. But that does sound nice. :) If you take nothing away from this evening but a burning desire to keep learning, then I will be shouting from the roof tops with Santa!
Anne McDonald:This is great info!
DiAnn Mills: Ok, so why are we rejected?
jane: I agree with Annie
DiAnn Mills: Oh, you are sweet. On with rejections or should I say redirections!
1. Editor not interested in your plot, or in a non-fiction, not interested in subject matter 2.Writer did not do a market research on what is currently being published by the house 3. Manuscript is poorly written 4. The publishing house is planning a title similar to your proposal Again - Remember a rejection is of your material, and not a poor reflection upon you. Rejection letters are redirection letters and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. If you are lucky, an editor will take the time to explain to you why your manuscript did not fit their publishing needs. Most of the time you simply receive a computer generated letter. Writing is not for the weak. You’ve got to be strong and persevere. We all running short on time, but do I have time to give some writer tips? Anne McDonald: yes, DiAnn. Robert is taking charge jane: I'll stay for it Lacy Williams: I'm here! DiAnn Mills: It will only be brief, and you can copy them for your files. Lera: works for me! DiAnn Mills: I don’t know about you, but I am always searching for that special word. I subscribe to two daily word-a-day email posts. These are: MERRIAM-WEBSTER.COM Anne McDonald: (thanks so much DiAnn. I have to run, but robert is at the helm.) DiAnn Mills: Thank you! Merry Christmas - Am I to continue? Noelle: please do LisaBuffaloe: Yes, please jane: go for it DiAnn Mills: quote of the day http://www.quotationspage.com. If you are interested in magazine writing, I suggest you log onto www.writersmarket.com and discover what they are looking for. This is an excellent site and for $2.99 cents a month, you can access to a wealth of market information.
One word about rules–Do’s and don’ts that are intended to help you learn how to write. Make yourself aware of them, but do not let them stop you from writing. Again, I say, write everyday, whether you think you have mastered any of the fundamentals or not. Rules are guidelines, and from time to time they are broken so that your voice as a writer is clear. In other words, don’t get so involved with rules that you lose you lose your creativity and uniqueness.
A word about excuses. Sometimes it’s hard to get started. Oh, we want to write, but frankly we’re a bit afraid of the hard work, so we keep thinking about it–but never get it done. Give me a few excuses for not writing and let’s discuss them.
Time, organization, tools, and fear
Noelle: unclear desire?
Lera: someone else has already written what I want to say.
DiAnn Mills: This last tip is my favorite, and you will find it most useful. It allows you to use a Microsoft read-me program free of charge. The program will read your work back to you.
First you download and install from this page - http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/pc.asp - It's the Microsoft Reader for Windows application. May require reboot after install.
Then download and install this - http://www.microsoft.com/reader/developers/downloads/tts.asp - It's the Microsoft Reader Text-to-Speech application. Also may require a reboot after install.
Lastly download and install this - http://www.microsoft.com/reader/developers/downloads/rmr.asp - It's the add-in that permits you to create Word documents in Microsoft Reader format.
Here's another: a cliche finder http://www.cliches.biz/clichecleaner/index.html
Noelle: Thank you so much DiAnn :)... I hope I get some time to put thoughts into words soon.
DiAnn Mills: You are so welcome
LisaBuffaloe: As a new novelist, is our only hope an agent?
DiAnn Mills: I sold 26 books without an agent. Write the best book possible and attend writer's conferences
LisaBuffaloe: What's the next best one? Conference I mean
DiAnn Mills: I'd say: Jerry Jenkins Writing for the Soul and Mt. Hermon. Both are my favorites
Elf: The ACFW conference in Dallas is also excellent.
DiAnn Mills: back to the conferences. You learn what works best for you and yes ACFW is outstanding. I'm a founding board member. Duh, should have mentioned it
Elf: When submitting to an agent, how long should you typically expect to wait for a reply?
DiAnn Mills: 3 months then contact the person. If we're finished for tonight, I want to thank you for your kind attention. Please check out my website at www.diannmills.com. Let me hear from you
LisaBuffaloe: Thank you!
Lera: thank you DiAnn and Merry Christmas
Lacy Williams: Thanks for your time tonight!
DiAnn Mills: Thank you! Merry Christmas to all and lots of publishing in 2007!
robert: WE do still have the drawing....for ....uh oh forgot the name of the book...Lace and help me DiAnn
Lera: what's the drawing?
DiAnn Mills: Lanterns and Lace – Barbour. 3rd book in March Lightning and Lace :o)
robert: We award a book to one of the lucky participants and Noelle will tell us the WINNER is....
Noelle: drumroll please. . . Lera!!!!
Lera: what??? I won something?
DiAnn Mills: absolutely
Noelle: Congrats!
Lera: how cool is that? thank you
robert: congratulations Lera.
LisaBuffaloe: Congratulations!
Lera: wow, thank you
DiAnn Mills: woo hoo
robert: she will send you your NEW BOOK...Lanterns and Lace :)
DiAnn Mills: I'll look forward to hearing from you
Lera: wow, thank you
robert: THANK YOU EVERYONE, we will lift protocol and you can chat. Thank you all for your participation.
Dancing Word Author Chats Is A Production Of Dancing Word Writers Network |
DiAnn Mills
Congratulations to Valerie Thompson for winning an autographed copy of Lanterns and Lace
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