Sometimes you have to improvise with your art.
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Your Publishing History: Tell Me Everything
When I review proposals, one element often missing is publishing history. How do I know this? I own a computer. With a Keyboard. And a Search Engine. Guess What? So do All The Editors. Granted, not every proposal piques my interest enough for me to do a search. But when I get that far, I must search your name to see your publishing history whether you have offered it or not. Because believe me, if …
When It’s One of THOSE Days…
I won’t ask if you’ve ever had “one of those days.” You’re in publishing. Of course you have. Probably on a far too regular basis. I totally understand. In fact, my most recent “one of those days” is today. You know what it’s like. You have your little “To Do” list all laid out, and you’re up early, equipped with coffee and ready to dive in, when it happens. Life. And suddenly your plans are out …
Wanted: Authors (Apply Within)
A book proposal sent to an agent is like applying for a job as an author. Comparing how applying for a job and pitching an agent for your book proposal are similar is my task today. I think some authors believe that pitching an agent is a mysterious process involving passwords, magical keys or some sort of ceremonial sacrificial offering. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Sometimes a …
Bidding Completed for Bankrupt Family Christian Stores
This past week a complex and long auction process was completed and a winning bid has been chosen to purchase the bankrupt Family Christian Stores (FCS). If this final bid is approved by the court the FCS will emerge from bankruptcy and resume business as usual. If you have been following this ordeal (our blog #1 and blog #2) you know how complicated it had become. The end game is no less …
Fun Fridays – May 29, 2015
Palindromes: A word or phrase that reads the same backward or forward. Like “we panic in a pew” … perfect for a Sunday sermon! Weird Al, singing like Bob Dylan, did an entire song where the lyrics are totally made of palindromes. It is one of those videos that you want to stop watching but can’t. Creative is one word. Strange is another. But it is all about word …
Colorado Conference Report
This past week, for the first time, I attended the The Write His Answer Christian Writers Conference Conference, in Colorado, where I was honored to be on faculty. Marlene Bagnull, conference director, is a wonderful woman with a heart for God who really cares about writers. Her staff was always cheerful and helpful. The conference as a whole reflected her spirit and was, as a result, a joyous …
Wordsmith Tools
Thanks so much for all the great comments last week. I had such fun reading your thoughts and your must-edit words. It’s always so comforting to know we’re not alone in our struggles, isn’t it? So, now that we’ve confessed together, let’s take a look at some tools that can not only help you in the area of unique and effective word choices, but can actually increase your ability to portray …
The Great Slot Mystery
Every traditional publishing company has a personality or focus that defines them and their product. Usually that personality or focus is determined by past success. They also know how many books they can effectively publish during a year. Combining focus and capacity, you have the beginnings of a publishing strategy. No publisher (or for that matter any company) will succeed for long unless they …
Memorial Day Thoughts
Today, the United States sets aside a time to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. I suspect many of you have deep family connections that are brought to mind on this day. It has caused me to think of my Father who passed away two and a half years ago (9/15/2012). He served in the Army in World War II and for a large part of his tour he was stationed in Alaska. …