Stella Cameron Writer's Workshop - Manuscript Preparation Part 2 04/19/01 at Writerspace

Stella Cameron Writer's Workshop - Manuscript Preparation Part 2 04/19/01

BarbH - she is cooking dinner
Brandy725 - Stella, once you have finished your novel and synopsis - if your novel has won literary awards, BUT NOT BEEN PUBLISHED, is there a benefit to include the awards received or is that too prideful and insulting to whomever you are submitting to? Did that make sense?
Theresa - That was my feeling too, Stella. But this question was for a friend who is absolutely determined to go by the RULES. She's been asked by three publishers to submit, but none of them want SS. Nobody was sure if three chapters were even considered a submission. Or if only the entire manuscript was considered a submission.
StellaC - Brandy, I see no harm at all in mentioning awards. Just list them, i.e. DETERMINED TO PLEASE YOU has won the following: That's it. Yes, use it.
Brandy725 - Catchy title. Can I have it?
StellaC - If the publisher didn't state 3 chaps, then send entire manuscript.
bry'sapoodle - logged on - 4/19 at 9:36pm EST
StellaC - It's all yours, Brandy
Cissy - hi bry Welcome to tonight's Writers' Workshop with Stella Cameron. Tonight we'll be focusing on manuscript preparation (query letters, synopses, etc.). If you have a question for Stella, type ? and I'll call on you in turn.
Theresa - Okay, thanks Stella
bry'sapoodle - Hi everyone, sorry to interrupt half way through
StellaC - ga
Danie - ?
StellaC - welcome, poodle.
Cissy - LauraLeigh has the next question (kamy, Danie, ElizaJane in line)
Cissy - you want in line with a 2nd question, Danie?
LauraLeigh - well,i was jsut wondering oaubt the different between query and synopsis.
LauraLeigh - and....Can you write a query, hopnig that they'll ASK for three chapters adn a synopsis?
StellaC - Laura: A query is a "Please may I send you something" letter, whereas the synopsis is an overview/outline of entire story. The query should be no more than
Danie - yes please
StellaC - two pages long and written with an eye on catching attention. Everything we do should be written like that.
StellaC - The query states what type of book you've written, where you think it would fit in the publisher's lineup, who your audience is (i.e., readers of Daniel Steele will enjoy because.....)
StellaC - Then you use an overview resembling a back page blurb to give the flavor of the story and ask if you may send your synopsis and manuscript along. Okay?
LauraLeigh - got it Thanks.
StellaC - BTW, way back Sara caught me when I wrote cut instead of cute, as in, don't be cute--that always stands BG
StellaC - ga
kamy - You mentioned 6 pages ...is that common? Is it more like an abridged version of the book focusing on the hightlights? Is it double spaced? Do you reveal the mystery, hook and ending?
LauraLeigh - Now, i have another?...Sara, can i get in line again, Please?
Cissy - kamy has the next question (Danie, ElizaJane, Danie in line)
AprilE - what does BG and ga mean?
elizajane - ?
Cissy - ga=go ahead
StellaC - Kamy: With the exception of cover and query letters, everything to submit is double-spaced. Yes, the synopsis focuses on high and lowlights and
Brandy725 - ?
StellaC - If you try to write an abridgement of the book, your synopsis will be a hundred pages long, though? Practice thinking short, short, short.
StellaC - ga
Cissy - Danie has the next question (ElizaJane, Danie, LauraLeigh, ElizaJane, Brandy in line)
Danie - Do you have to add any zest to the query letter
Danie - ga
StellaC - Laura, type a ? and they'll notice
jeff has timed out.
kamy - ?
kamy - ?
kamy - oops...that's one please
StellaC - Cripes, I almost didn't see your question, Danie.
LauraLeigh - they are on it Stella. Thanks.
StellaC - Absolutely, add zest to that query.
StellaC - Make 'em _have_ to ask you for the synopsis and manuscript.
StellaC - ga
Sara - oh, geez!! zest??? that is so HARD!! *whining in dallas*
StellaC - Sara! Straighten up!!!
StellaC - Think how boring a letter is if it's flat.
StellaC - ga
Cissy - ElizaJane has the next question (Danie, LauraLeigh, ElizaJane,Kamy in line)
kamy - ...hehehe don't mess with Stella this evening...she's fiesty!
elizajane - I know that you write romance but I was wondering about how you find a market (publisher) for your books? I've got a story book for children but picture books won't take it because it is a military story and miltary won't take it because it isn't a war.
StellaC - Who, me?
Brandy725 - You forgot me Cissy. I'm after ElizaJane's second q
StellaC - I am thinking here, elizajane!
Cissy - ElizaJane has the next question (Danie, LauraLeigh, ElizaJane,Brandy Kamy in line)
StellaC - Children's books have always been difficult to market.
elizajane - sorry about the question, figured you'd be a good source to ask
StellaC - An agent is a really good idea if you can get one. Writers House is an excellent firm for kids stuff, so is Curtis Brown.
Brandy725 - Thank you Cissy.
StellaC - The thing is that you have to fit what the publisher wants, not vice versa.
elizajane - Thank you.
StellaC - I've worked for a lot of publishers and I think I get along well because I don't have any "My way or the highway" attitude. The more
StellaC - you study the children's books on the shelves now, the closer you'll get to possible publishers to try.
Cissy - Danie has the next question (LauraLeigh, ElizaJane, Brandy, Kamy in line) the queue is closed
StellaC - See who is writing and publishing the type of book you have.
StellaC - ga
Danie - after sending the query letter and three chapters what comes afterwards?
StellaC - I've written a children's books but haven't submitted it yet.
darkone - logged on - 4/19 at 9:54pm EST
StellaC - Danie--you wait for responses. That's plural because you will have sent it to several publishers, right?
Theresa has timed out.
T - logged on - 4/19 at 9:54pm EST
StellaC - And you work on the next book. Throw yourself into it and get excited about the new story.
StellaC - Never stand still in this business.
StellaC - ga
T - ?
Cissy - LauraLeigh has the next question (ElizaJane, Brandy, Kamy, darkone in line) the queue is closed
Cissy - T, the queue is closed -- we'll be going over as it is
T - okay--thanks, I got kicked off and didn't see the notice.
LauraLeigh - K, how long form the time you send a query letter, do you get a respnse? Also, if they want the three chapters and a synopsis, how long is the turn around before theyt ask to see the whole thing, or send you a "We're sorry, but thank you", letter?
LauraLeigh - generally speaking that is.
StellaC - A response to a query doesn't usually take long. Two to six weeks, maybe less sometimes.
Danie - Night everyone !
Danie - - 4/19 at 9:58pm EST
StellaC - As for the time after they get the chapters and synopsis--that can be a long time--months. That's why you don't send out just one copy.
LauraLeigh - night Danie.
StellaC - You should also think about how long you wait before sending a polite note to ask about status. I wouldn't wait longer than six months.
StellaC - ga
elizajane - does it cost to have an agent? I'm an ordinary SAHM and hubby is in the military type income. What's your take on them?
Cissy - ElizaJane has the next question (Brandy, Kamy, darkone in line) the queue is closed
LauraLeigh - so, will could you STILL get rejected after they ask to see the whole manuscript? Afgter reading your three and a synpopsis that is.
LauraLeigh - Ack! Sorry.
elizajane - oops sorry about that
StellaC - Agents charge a commission on what they sell, Elizajane.
StellaC - That's right, Laura--unfortunately.
StellaC - Elizajane
AprilE - How crushing....
LauraLeigh - Thanks Stella, Sorry i threw that in there.
StellaC - The usual commission rate is 10--15% of whatever you're offered.
elizajane - what if it doesn't sell? do you still pay them
StellaC - Do not pay an agent a reading fee.
StellaC - Don't pay anything unless they sell something. And try to avoid signing agency contracts.
elizajane - thank you.
StellaC - No, if they don't make a sale, you don't pay anything.
StellaC - ga
TheOwl - logged on - 4/19 at 10:02pm EST
Cissy - Brandy has the next question (Kamy, darkone in line) the queue is closed
Brandy725 - How many simultaneous submissions should I submit? As many as I can afford to send out at a time or should I max out at a specific number? And what happens if more than one place accepts? Not that I could get that lucky, but what do you do if that happens?
LauraLeigh - - 4/19 at 10:03pm EST
Morgan - - 4/19 at 10:03pm EST
tmtdino30 - logged on - 4/19 at 10:03pm EST
StellaC - Why not settle for three or four at a time. You're right, it's an expensive process.
Morgan - smoothing my clothes. There! I feel better.
StellaC - And if more than one publisher makes an offer--take the best one!!!!
Brandy725 - Thanks, I was thinking on a much grander scale.
Cissy - Kamy has the next question ( darkone in line) the queue is closed
StellaC - The best is not always the most money--how you will be published is more important.
kamy - this is a comment, not a question: After last months workshop, I found a very helpful book, and one that follows what Stella has outlined here. It's called "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" it's by Jack & Glenda Neff, Don Prues. It's more like a workbook and instructional outline. Includes poety, children's books...etc.
StellaC - ga
darkone - once established, do you think as a general rule a house is more likely to get behind your work if you stay with one house or do you think it matters
StellaC - Great information, Kamy. Write that one down everyone.
Brandy725 - Stella, what's that supposed to mean? That's greek to me.
StellaC - Hold on a mo everyone
Sara - excellent comment, Stella, and I think that should be one of your topics -- planning your career!!
kamy - includes very simple and basic information detailed and even shows samples of do's and don'ts
StellaC - Brandy. When looking at an offer, consider what the publisher says they will do to promote the book, support the book and get large numbers out there. That's what I mean by publishing well.
Morgan - igot one too. How to write a romance for the new markets...and Get Published. Our own Stella is quoted in it.
StellaC - darkone--Your question is good.
StellaC - I think committment pays off most of the time.
Brandy725 - Oh, I hand't even thought about that aspect.
darkone - thank you, I came specifically to ask you
kamy - oh good Morgan, thanks
StellaC - But a writer has to be vigilant. If you can stay with a house because you work well with them, they are good to you and put the required oomph behind your stuff, fine.
StellaC - If you note a lacklustre performance from them in this area--either from the start or in a gradual progression--get out.
Niteowl has timed out.
darkone - I wish you'd do a workshop about the required oomph, new writers can drown without all the information
StellaC - ga
StellaC - darkone--try not to overload with information at the outset
Cissy - That's our last question, Stella! We're done Do we want to decide next month's topic?
Morgan - But STell,a shoudl you tell them that you are unhappy? GIve them a chance to make it up to you?
StellaC - We can certainly do a workshop on the selling process/how agents work, promo, etc.
Brandy725 - Stella just needs to let US send HER our manuscripts and put in a good word for US.
StellaC - yes, Cissy--what's yer pleasure, m'dear?
Brandy725 - Yeah, I like that idea.
kamy - NO Brandy...takes time away from her writing...I'm selfish, I want the books to keep coming
Morgan - She's too busy writing Brandy, and i for one, am glad of that!
darkone - what to expect from publishing companies would be helpful too
Brandy725 - She pumps a new one out every three months. Let the woman have a break and read.
elizajane has timed out.
Cissy - that topic works for me
StellaC - So, Brandy--I'm to read everyone's manuscript and submit them?
darkone - thank you so much for your help, Stella
Sara - thank you, Stella!!
kamy - Stella, thank you for being so generous with your time. Hope your vocal confinement is lifted soon.
StellaC - I take about six months to write a book!
StellaC - You're all very welcome. Let's get a topic for next month.
Brandy725 - Six months? We're only in the fourth month of 2001 and y ou've already released two, right?
tmtdino30 has timed out.
darkone - and I was feeling slow there!
bry'sapoodle - I have to bolt Stella Gaston, The Apricot Attack Poodle waves a regal paw in greeting. Bye everyone
Morgan - Thanks Stella. ANd come chat with us...save your voice...But get better!
StellaC - Cissy, what do you think?
Brandy725 - Finding Ian and 7B
kamy - i think dealing with what comes after, sounds good...i.e. Agents..publishing houses
StellaC - Correct--this is another topic for discussion--how publishing works!
Cissy - Thanks, Stella, for a great workshop. -- so maybe "negotiating a sale" as a topic? The ins and outs of working with agents & publishers?
AprilE - Thanks Stella appreciate the help here and on your site...going to work on my synopsis....lol and hope my heart isnt ripped out...
AprilE - anyway gotta jet...thanks!!!!! your a peach
StellaC - Does that topic suit everyone?
kamy - yes, sounds great
Morgan - Oooh, Cissy. That sounds good....It'll help...*if* i ever get that far. //BG
darkone - I would greatly appreciate the help!
StellaC - You're welcome, April. Don't forget to enter the excerpt from Glass Houses contest everyone.
Cissy - new excerpts going up tomorrow!
Morgan - i entered!
darkone - I would greatly appreciate the help!
StellaC - Okay, Negotiating the Sale it'll be.
Cissy - great! Thanks again for all your help, Stella. You're an angel to do this
StellaC - Yes, Cissy, new excerpts tomorrow. We've got to work up the appetites before the paperback release in June.
kamy - thank you Stella
StellaC - I enjoy it, Cissy--even if I do arrive like a dervish sometimes.
AprilE - what contest? sorry was closing windows and just saw that
StellaC - Bless you all. I'm off

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