Showing posts with label online resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online resources. Show all posts
Thursday, January 4, 2018
100+ Tips on Book Marketing (website list)
I've been doing some research on self publishing and self marketing. I figure at some point I'll need to know ALL. THE. THINGS. I'd like to share them with you, too!
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
#FicFest Fables #4 - Common Issues In Contest Entries
I need to apologize to those on my "give feedback" list who still haven't heard from me. Some health issues have clogged up life since #ficfest finalists were announced. My mentees have been patient with my delayed responses and I'm grateful for that. I will still be sending that feedback as soon as I'm able.
It truly surprised me how many of the same issues popped up in the #FicFest entries that didn't make it into my favorites list, and some of those issues existed in my favorites, too. Here's a brief list. I hope that this can help those who walked away from FicFest disappointed recapture not only their love for their story, but also with their future projects.
It truly surprised me how many of the same issues popped up in the #FicFest entries that didn't make it into my favorites list, and some of those issues existed in my favorites, too. Here's a brief list. I hope that this can help those who walked away from FicFest disappointed recapture not only their love for their story, but also with their future projects.
Passive Voice - I said it multiple times on Twitter as I read the slush, as did other mentors. Picture books only have so many words. Don't waste them on passive verbs (is, am, are, was, were) when you can use active, fun, meaningful verbs to entertain your readers. There are so many out there. Check out these great blog posts and resources to help you:
Incorrect rhyming - This was my biggest pet peeve and also the most frustrating of the common issues for me. SO many great premises got buried under horribly written rhymes. Meter and rhythm help make rhyme work, and a children's book can rhyme but it needs to be creative and interesting, not just rhyming for the sake of rhyming. I could easily pick out a dozen stories that had rhymes that could have been written better without it. Also, there are dozens of literary devices besides rhyme that could make your story fun to read. Repetition of word, refrain, or structure, alliteration, hyperbole to name a few.
High Word Count - This is a debated issues among mentors and mentees alike. A few years ago, the picture book word count sweet spot was 250-350 words, with a maximum of around 600. There are always exceptions to these rules, but at that time attention span seemed to rule the industry. However, in the last twelve months, some longer length amazing picture books have reset this way of thinking, bringing longer, more lyrical manuscripts back into vogue. Of course, word count will depend on your audience and your writing style.
Unfortunately, in the Ficfest slush, many books were way to long and it was obvious they could be reworked into a shorter, more focused and interesting manuscript to read. (My FicFest query contest winner was one of these!) Again, if you're going to write a long piece, every word needs to have a purpose to drive the story problem and paint a tight, interesting picture for your audience. Removing passive verbs, redundant phrases, and expressive, unnecessary words can help. A note: a few entries were also too low in word count, needing to give the reader just a little more to paint the full picture.)
Query Not Ready - Despite the thousands of query workshops and resources on the internet about how to write a query letter, it is still a highly personal endeavor that is difficult for most authors. By and far, it seemed almost every entry's query needed a little help. I'm going to throw out a few tips using the made up query I used for the query mentorship contest.
- Simple salutation
- Don't focus on the story's inspiration
- Don't give the story's ending away in the query. Instead, give them a stakes sentence to entice them to read it to find out the ending.
- Always give a little bit of info on yourself, even if you have no literary experience.
- Other PB manuscripts can and should be mentioned in picture book queries. Agents of PB want to make sure you aren't a one hit wonder. Offering up info on at least 2 other COMPLETED manuscripts is advised by several of the FicFest mentors. (I actually didn't know this, as my getting-an-agent journey focused on my entire age spectrum of children's works.)
- Always end with "Thank you for your time and consideration," NOT "I look forward to hearing from you" or "I can be reached by phone or email". Leave that ball in their court and expect nothing from them, at least in your letter.
Example:
Dear agent name;
A better story query paragraph:
BOOM, BANG, CRASH! As John and Mattie play hide and seek, the storm outside takes out the lights. The darkness makes finding each other hard and the once-familiar angles and hiding places of their house scary. Now, they must find each other by mimicking the sounds of the storm and decide whether to keep playing their improved game or find their way to Mom. Either way, they soon realize it will be more fun if they do it together.
illustrations anyways.
I am a writer and have been for about five years. My family says this is a perfect and fun book that any child would love to read. The agent won’t care what non-industry professionals think about it. If you have any questions, please feel free to calll me at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Don’t ever provide a phone number unless the agent asks for it. Even then, reconsider. I just know you’ll love it since I read on your personal website that you love thunder storms. While its good to do research, only mention things they like in their professional capacities, or things they’ve asked for on manuscript wish lists or in the contest you’re entering. Also, include a couple other PB manuscripts pitches that you have ready to go here. It's better to submit when you have at least three completed, ready-for-an-agent manuscripts.
Emily Moore
The #QueryHelper learned almost everything she knows from reading EVERY. SINGLE. EXAMPLE of query letters and the critiques on Query Shark, as well as reading blogs with great examples like Nathan Branford's blog. This is one place you don't want to short cut. The query can make or break your submission.
The #QueryHelper learned almost everything she knows from reading EVERY. SINGLE. EXAMPLE of query letters and the critiques on Query Shark, as well as reading blogs with great examples like Nathan Branford's blog. This is one place you don't want to short cut. The query can make or break your submission.
Monday, February 15, 2016
14 Online Blogs & Websites I Love + Giveaway!
In honor of that amorous holiday we just celebrated (or avoided) yesterday, I thought it only fitting to share some of my favorite writerly blogs and vlogs with all of my readers. Each and every one of these have helped me on my writing journey.
I'm also having a post-Valentine's Day giveaway! Show any of these blogs love by checking them out, subscribing to their content, or connecting on social media, and you'll get an entry into my giveaway below. Prizes include a $14 Amazon Gift Card, a Contest Entry Edits critique ($30 value!), and a Query Helper Critique just in time for the start of online writing contest season!
#1: Writability/ Bookish Pixie
Ava Jae has been an encouraging and informative speaker (vlog) and writer (blog) on a variety of topics related to fictional writing. She's made me laugh numerous times and has been where I've been, making me feel less alone on this journey we call writing. Plus, her posts are usually fairly short, making them a quick read or listen amid my busy lifestyle.
#2: Kidlit411
If you write for children like I do, then Kidlit411 is a must for you! Between fun author interviews, book giveaways, and market information you need to become a frequent reader like I am. It's always entertaining and they have lots of tips and tricks that can greatly affect your writing for all children book age categories.
#3: YAtopia
I may be a bit bias of this one, seeing as I'm the blog assistant. But the group of writers that contribute are a wonderful group of peeps at all different levels of writing with insightful and funny posts. Seriously, just subscribe!
#4: Literary Rambles
Literary Rambles is one of the main places I've won ebooks! In addition to the freebies, I love reading their reader interviews. First hand accounts of what young readers love about the books they read help me figure out trends and encourage me in my writing. Plus, there is almost nothing cuter than middle graders (they're my favorite!) talking about books and ending their excitement with all those exclamation points.
http://www.literaryrambles.com
#5: Kidliterati
This super fun kid lit review blog often helps me add to my ever-lengthening to-read list. What's great about it is that many of these books aren't the heavily marketed ones so I get a wonderful variety and lessor known authors get exposure too.
#6: Sub It Club
Due to the fact that they don't post often, I don't get on this blog often. But when I have questions about anything related to submissions, when I was researching agents, or just need an encouraging interview of a successful author, I occasionally get on here.
#7: Denise Vega Market News You Can Use
Okay, okay, technically this isn't a blog per say, but I love when I get this one in my inbox. I took one of Denise's picture book workshops at an SCBWI conference in Colorado a few years ago. She is an amazing writer, has some serious knowledge about the industry, and is just a genuinely sweet person. I've enjoyed interacting with her and her eNewsletters are not only respectful of my time, but also full of fun and informative topics.
#8: Jami Gold, Paranormal Author
I love the thought provoking posts on Jami's blog, and how well they often correlate to what I need help with in the moment. Plus, her books are fantastic. Fair warning, you start reading, you won't stop.
#9: Michelle 4 Laughs - It's in the Details
I may be a bit bias since Michelle is my favorite -and only- writing mentor ever! She fell in love with one of my manuscripts and took me under her wing. As well as she can encourage, Michelle can inspire and impress. Her blog plays witness to this with interviews, book releases, and as host to several online manuscript contests each year. Her novel KINDAR'S CURE was magical and the end twist was well delivered.
#10: The Writer's Nook, Tiffany Hofman
This is a recent favorite. I've come to know Tiffany on various social platforms and in some of my favorite Facebook groups. Early this year, she announced the creation of a new online contest and I volunteered to participate as a mentor. Since then, I've been scoping out all her content and I have to say I'm impressed.
#11: The Kindle Book Review
Can you say giveaways? Seriously, this blog has single-handedly doubled my book collection in 2015. It's a best kept secret I'm sharing with you right now.
#12: Better Novel Project
I'm a pantser, at least until I took on a YA Fantasy trilogy with too many moving parts. Then I needed help. The Better Novel Project breaks down these parts into chewable pieces and gives examples from three major novels: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Twilight. We're talking characters, plot points, sub plots, you name it. Plus, the blogger's voice is fun and entertaining as she teaches you her observations.
#13: Brenda Drake
She's been dubbed the online writers contests queen, and with good reason. As a host of some major ones and all the participation she has each year, its no wonder her blog now has an assistant. I always appreciated her interviews with authors from the contests and book cover reveals and release announcements. This blog was one of hope for me, a place to remember that I can do this crazy thing I'm attempting.
#14: Word Count Contributors - Yeah Write and #WritingChallenge
Both of these awesome site groups kept my word count climbing when I just didn't want to. The encouragement I needed was just a few clicks away, and even the likes on my posts got me itching to write whenever I let myself lag.
Twitter - hashtags include month abbreviation+ writingchallenge
(Currently #FebWritingChallenge)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1487625678147506
Now for that giveaway!
The Rafflecopter link below has over 20 ways to get your name in the hat for those awesome prizes I mentioned above...
>>>>>>> a Rafflecopter giveaway <<<<<<<
Now for that giveaway!
The Rafflecopter link below has over 20 ways to get your name in the hat for those awesome prizes I mentioned above...
>>>>>>> a Rafflecopter giveaway <<<<<<<
What are some of the blogs or sites that have helped you on your writing journey? Let's share them in the comments below!
Monday, September 21, 2015
Some of My Favorite [fiction writing craft] Things
It's been said that we are often the product of what we've
studied. Or something like that. I got to thinking about what this means for authors such as
myself that have an inclination toward writing but no formal education in it.
I've been actively writing for almost three years now, and I've noticed that
I'm strongest in the parts of writing and editing that I've read the most about
on blogs that I follow and books that I've read. The helpful answers to my
insistent questions from authors I've connected with have also shaped my
writing.
Tweet a snippet:
"It's been said that we are often the product of what we've studied. Or something like that." ~E.G. Moore (Click to Tweet)
I suppose the opposite is also true: what I haven't studied or read about are
my weaknesses. Perhaps some self evaluation or taking the advice of my awesome
critique partners and beta readers and finding tons of content to read on world building and grammer will
help me do better at both.
Oh, and there's the whole writing thing. Practicing helps, too.
Oh, and there's the whole writing thing. Practicing helps, too.
With all this in mind, I wanted to share some of my favorite
craft-and-industry related websites and resources with my readers. Some may be
more basic while others will be a novelty for the seasoned writer.
Passive Verbs/Voice Articles
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-examples-of-passive-voice/
https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/why-how-to-avoid-a-passive-voice/
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-examples-of-passive-voice/
https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/why-how-to-avoid-a-passive-voice/
Show, Don't Tell
KathyteMean.Wordpress.com
Janice Hardy's Blog
Interviews, craft, advice, publishing industry:
http://www.writersdigest.com
KathyteMean.Wordpress.com
Janice Hardy's Blog
Interviews, craft, advice, publishing industry:
http://www.writersdigest.com
Tons of great info on writing elements (voice, POV, sentence structure, etc...) on these sites:
Writability
www.kidlit411.com
Jami Gold's Blog
The Write Life
Query Examples/Critiques (This is where I learned to love them):
Query Shark
Another great article: 3 Ways to Build a Stronger Story
Author bio for query/signatures on blogs or articles: http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=cde4992358f2badd71896ea0b&id=bec21ebca3&e=0b01c9ca8b
Facebook Support Groups:
Have you used any of these to better your writing? Do you have other writing resources or blogs you love and want to share with others? Please tell us in the comments below!
Tweet a Snippet:
Check out E.G. Moore's mini-guide of writing-related online resources: http://ctt.ec/5sj0c+ (Click to Tweet)
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