tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post8241867709599768162..comments2024-01-12T00:48:48.031-06:00Comments on Go Teen Writers: How to Get Your Novel PublishedStephanie Morrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-65194812849915883502012-10-11T14:20:44.946-05:002012-10-11T14:20:44.946-05:00With persistence and a dedication to growing as a ...With persistence and a dedication to growing as a writer, absolutely you can get published. But it takes a long time for money to come in, and even after it does, it's not very consistent. So it's a good idea to have a back up plan.Stephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-57823696046604483482012-10-11T13:13:09.496-05:002012-10-11T13:13:09.496-05:00I have always wanted to become an Author (don'...I have always wanted to become an Author (don't laugh i know it will probably always just be a dream) I'm a teenager (still at secondary school) and i wanted to know if there is any point in pursuing writing as a career, this is because mostly all i here from people is 'hardly anyone gets published' 'there's one in a million chances you'll even get yours read'so im wondering if its all a waste because i know the writing industries probably huge. So my question is,<br /><br />Im a teenager at school and its coming up to that time where you are advised to choose your career paths, is there a point in trying to persue a writing career or not? Im not sure if i'm good enough 1) because of my age and 2)just in genral<br /><br />i need some advice please help me it would be great ? :-) xEmmanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-13169083004591324232012-09-27T12:43:38.567-05:002012-09-27T12:43:38.567-05:00Stephanie, yay! This is just grand.Stephanie, yay! This is just grand.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06150136011032761640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-20742556076576032352012-09-27T12:42:55.047-05:002012-09-27T12:42:55.047-05:00Awesome way to put it. :)Awesome way to put it. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06150136011032761640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-44158020009623914612012-09-25T10:27:23.413-05:002012-09-25T10:27:23.413-05:00So much to learn. I wish I can do things you sugge...So much to learn. I wish I can do things you suggest. Thanks for enlighten me.Bung Dwijayahttp://artikelnyadipo.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-45202013496535558282012-09-17T21:57:10.759-05:002012-09-17T21:57:10.759-05:00How important do you think it is to get a literary...How important do you think it is to get a literary agent in your OWN country?? Obviously I have writing quirks and tendancies that would appeal to my country more than America (but, as I've researched, there are a lot more opportunties in the USA). I'm kind of drawing near to the time when I want to test the waters and explore the publishing world myself. Should I hit my country first? Or just take whatever opportunties present themselves?<br /><br />Loved the post! Very helpful. CG @ Paper Furyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14954615708675952085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-70041844179646331582012-09-17T21:48:51.554-05:002012-09-17T21:48:51.554-05:00This is really helpful! Thanks Stephanie!This is really helpful! Thanks Stephanie!Emily Dakinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-78714904938220910282012-09-17T20:51:06.494-05:002012-09-17T20:51:06.494-05:00Hi, Sarah! Absolutely. That can feel so intimidati...Hi, Sarah! Absolutely. That can feel so intimidating! When I talk in depth about proposals, I'll mention this again, but Jill Williamson posted one of her sample proposals in this post:<br /><br />http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2012/07/10-reasons-to-write-fiction-book.htmlStephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-77982103160006243032012-09-17T20:49:22.427-05:002012-09-17T20:49:22.427-05:00Mandi Lynn, I don't know if you have any agent...Mandi Lynn, I don't know if you have any agents or editors who you're particularly interested in (I don't think I would have early on, anyway) but a lot of them post their schedules on their blogs or something so you can see what conferences they're going to be at. Conferences certainly have value outside of agent/editor appointments, but if that's one of the main reasons you're going, it's good to make sure there's going to be someone there you're interested in seeing.<br /><br />Conferences can be pretty pricey. (I've had writers tell me they're conference junkies, and it always makes me think, "How on earth do you AFFORD it???") I'm going to one this weekend, and it'll probably cost about 1,000 once you add up registration, hotel, air, and a couple other costs. <br /><br />Let me see if I can hunt up a list of good conferences...Stephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-7789368865427163782012-09-17T20:44:25.890-05:002012-09-17T20:44:25.890-05:00I'll just ditto everything Roseanna said :) An...I'll just ditto everything Roseanna said :) And I'll be sure to cover that when we talk book proposals in a few days. Thanks, Mandi Lynn!Stephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-84223787601941922472012-09-17T20:43:38.625-05:002012-09-17T20:43:38.625-05:00I'm so glad, Anna!I'm so glad, Anna! Stephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-79436693786483738652012-09-17T20:41:15.286-05:002012-09-17T20:41:15.286-05:00Hey Stephanie! I am so excited to learn about how ...Hey Stephanie! I am so excited to learn about how to publish, very great to know! I have a question; Could you please do a post on proposal formatting? Or is there a link to where I can see a good book proposal? Thanks!Sarah Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04030796815317222866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-66162387163896774572012-09-17T16:58:58.346-05:002012-09-17T16:58:58.346-05:00This is definitely something where you have to loo...This is definitely something where you have to look at who you're pitching to. As a rule, no--most just want to see a 2-4 page synopsis. I know of one publisher who required chapter outlines, but they recently merged into another line, and I'm not sure if the requirements for that have changed...but definitely check the specific guidelines of each agent or publishing house. If they want chapter-by-chapter, it'll state it clearly. Otherwise, assume not. ;-)<br /><br />As for marketing--I know Stephanie has blogged about your ideal reader before. When you have an ideal reader in mind, then it helps you come up with your marketing section. If you reader is 17, a senior in high school, and living at home, you're going to market differently than if your target reader is 65, retired, and thinks Kindle is something you do to the logs in the fireplace. How do you reach YOUR reader? That's what the marketing section is about. Do you do high school visits? Church ladies' group visits? All online? Do you have magazines in mind that you could try to write articles for? Are you from a small town where the newspaper will highlight you? Local TV? All that stuff goes in there.<br /><br />Enough babbling from me now, I think. ;-)Roseanna Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02245767775900250399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-77494801651206838802012-09-17T16:10:19.730-05:002012-09-17T16:10:19.730-05:00It's called Montrose Christian Writers confere...It's called Montrose Christian Writers conference. Tonyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14500897912581589616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-6789893450175900342012-09-17T16:03:29.152-05:002012-09-17T16:03:29.152-05:00It's depends on a lot of things, Mandi. If yo...It's depends on a lot of things, Mandi. If you want to go to a Christian conferance the most comprehensive listing is Sally Stuart's writers market guide. <br />I haven't found a full listing for secular conferences you'll just have to google "writers conferences 2013" or something.<br />Price can vary depending on size and location.<br />I don't know where you are in MA but if you're willing to travel there is a Christian conference in Montroe Pa. It is on the border of upstate Ny/ Pa. I used to live near there & it'd take 3 hours to get to MA<br />It's a smaller conference but still has good <br />teachers & some agents. It's a lot less expensive than ACFW Tonyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14500897912581589616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-9847210370898849402012-09-17T15:42:59.947-05:002012-09-17T15:42:59.947-05:00Another thing, I'm coming to the end of the pr...Another thing, I'm coming to the end of the process of writing my novel. I've been through 7 drafts and draft 8 is going to come once I get feedback from someone reviewing the manuscript. The point is that I think I've learned enough now to move onto pitching in person. I've done something like this before in front of a crowd of near 100 at a writer's intensive when I asked a question and the non-fiction publisher wanted to know what my book was about because I was only 16 (sadly I write fiction). But I did't fault when I went over the plot of my book and I think I'm ready for a Writer's Conference because I think seeing a 16 year old pitch in person would "sell" better. <br /><br />Here's the question: how do you find a writer's conference? The closest one I can find is in NYC and I live in MA. We just spent a few hundred to travel to the writer's intensive and the conference I'm looking at is $600 not counting the hotel fee to stay over night for four days. What are the average prices for a conference?Mandi Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16716064522650278048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-50608249518086723442012-09-17T15:18:20.181-05:002012-09-17T15:18:20.181-05:00When it comes to the marketing portion of the book...When it comes to the marketing portion of the book proposal I always get lost. Also, if it is fiction do you need a chapter outline? I've had some people tell me yes and some say no. I think each agent has different preferences for book proposals? Mandi Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16716064522650278048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-88271063358860953012012-09-17T14:18:33.447-05:002012-09-17T14:18:33.447-05:00Whoa! Thankyou so much for such a detailed explana...Whoa! Thankyou so much for such a detailed explanation! It was helpful. <br /><br />One of the hardest things in writing is that there isn't a clear path. Especially when the market changes so often. <br />I have a feeling ill struggle with self promotion bc it isn't my thing, lol!Tonyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14500897912581589616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-53881507621537715942012-09-17T14:14:25.434-05:002012-09-17T14:14:25.434-05:00Okay. This is cool. AND it's exactly what I ne...Okay. This is cool. AND it's exactly what I need! Exactly. How do you time these things so perfectly?? ;) Your answers to Tonya's questions were really helpful, too. Thanks, Stephanie!Anna Schaefferhttp://www.annaschaeffer.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-51759059787469670122012-09-17T13:43:27.303-05:002012-09-17T13:43:27.303-05:00Great points, all Stephanie! Thanks for sharing!Great points, all Stephanie! Thanks for sharing!Rachel Heffingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08383034249438542111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-12987329742689068832012-09-17T12:54:18.749-05:002012-09-17T12:54:18.749-05:00These are great questions, Tonya, and I didn't...These are great questions, Tonya, and I didn't roll my eyes at all :)<br /><br />I'll do my best to answer them.<br /><br />In my experience, the way you find out if you're ready or not is by submitting stuff. Either submitting to contests or sending out query letters to agents or something. It can be a rather painful way of finding out if you're ready, but it's really the clearest way. Critique groups are great and valuable, but usually you're working with authors who are about the same level as you are. I was told, "No, not good enough," quite often before I wound up with an agent, and it was almost surreal when she called and was like, "I love this!" (Wait ... you do? I'm finally good enough?)<br /><br />Yes, I think agents and editors can tell who has potential and who doesn't. Or even authors who mentor and teach. It's not always those with the most talent or the most creative ideas. It's the people, I've found, who want it bad enough to work for it.<br /><br />I think a business plan is always a good idea ... though you honestly just don't know which way the market is going to turn. Chick lit was huge, then it died. Historicals were huge, no one wanted contemporaries. Everyone wanted dystopian, now no one wants to see a dystopian. You can't chase the market trends, but you need to be mindful of them when pitching. So what I'm trying to say is when you write a book you love, go ahead and try to sell it, and just be aware that the genre you publish in might be one where you need to be comfortable for a bit.<br /><br />There's a difference between self-promotion and book promotion, I think. What that writer is doing sounds super annoying to me, though since it's beaten into all of us that we need to promote, promote, promote and build our audience, I get where she's coming from. But nobody wants to be THAT person.<br /><br />I'm no expert on marketing, but promotion gets a lot easier when you're doing something you believe in. Yes, I need to promote my books ... but I believe my books can be a valuable experience for readers, so I don't mind promoting them in an organic kind of way. Same with Go Teen Writers. There are a lot of things I do that technically promote the blog ... but I believe Go Teen Writers is a valuable resource so if I'm talking to a teen and I find out they write, I have no qualms about saying, "I have a site that you might find really helpful."<br /><br />Do you see the difference?Stephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-58137577620288302092012-09-17T12:36:43.719-05:002012-09-17T12:36:43.719-05:00Thanks, Sarah!Thanks, Sarah!Stephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-13109083662004179122012-09-17T12:36:31.233-05:002012-09-17T12:36:31.233-05:00I love that too!I love that too!Stephanie Morrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-83375400110887277912012-09-17T11:40:43.527-05:002012-09-17T11:40:43.527-05:00Reply ISnt working for me but I wanted to clarify ...Reply ISnt working for me but I wanted to clarify my first two question<br />1. Example, I'm writing a book now, I dont have strong sense that it has potential, However, I realized I have a few solid premises-in-waiting. I feel like I'm a squirrel gathering nuts. I feel like these premises & ideas have potential but they need proper time & care. If written correctly they could be published (I think) and I want to give them their due. So I'm just storing every little spark I can. I keep working on the more flimsy in the mean time. <br /><br />2. After all the planning/agent blah I typed what I'm really asking is - can you plan a career or is the bottom line that it's a gamble no matter what?Tonyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14500897912581589616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-89273854391724265962012-09-17T11:34:13.997-05:002012-09-17T11:34:13.997-05:00Gosh, I have so many thoughts and questions with t...Gosh, I have so many thoughts and questions with this one and Stephanie im probably gonna make you roll your eyes so get ready (if I can even remember them :). But I have a feeling that there's no concrete answer to some of them so don't worry if you don't know,<br /><br />I've heard a lot that writers submit too early but how do you know when you are ready and when you aren't? We are all driven by wanting to be published and just reading this weekends 500 free write entries shows me how un-ready I am but how do you know when it crosses over? <br /><br />*side note* analogy w/the med students. Having spent a lot of time with med students & residents I can tell you that you can also spot ones that are really gonna "make it" and ones that aren't. I bet that's true of agents & editors, huh?<br /><br />Some ppl just want to be published, some of us are silly enough to want it to be our career, I'm going from agents blogs I've read & none of them have the time to answer this question. There's a lot that goes into planning a career and do you think you are better off holding back, writing a number of books and have a solid plan (almost like a business model small businesses have) of achieving a career than if you go in with one MS and try to get it published? I dont know if I worded that right? Like, i know publishing is hard and do you think the ones that are much more calculated in preparation and presentation have a better chance of succeeding OR is it still all based in a gamble?<br /><br />And if you do write a book and get an agent how far do you take self promotion? When does it become boastful? I actually know someone who had an agent & from the outside it appears she doing more telling people she's going to be published than anything else. It makes me wonder if her agent telling her to do these things or is she jumping the gun? Tonyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14500897912581589616noreply@blogger.com