Top 15 Tips for Your Path to Publication

 

Congratulations on pursuing your writing and publishing dreams. Let’s go!

 

1.             READ READ READ! Read A LOT of books in the genre in which you want to be published, and make sure you read a lot of current books. When you find a book you love, spend extra time trying to identify: 

• two “tricks” the author used to get you (the reader) to root for the protagonist and the protagonist’s goals, 
• and and notice when and how the theme gets set up..

2.             Keep a running list of comp titles: *Publishing is a business, and publishers will want something to compare potential revenue to. Stay aware of your genre and note what books might be comparable titles to your story so you can be ready when it’s time to pitch. 

3.             Follow the hashtag #MSWS which stands for Manuscript Wish List. That’s where agents list the type of manuscripts they’d like to read. Watch social media for pitch events and mentorship opportunities.

4.             Learn about PAY. #PublishingPaidMe was created on Twitter by L.L. McKinney and spearheaded by McKinney and Tochi Onyebuchi. You can find and view the public, anonymous spreadsheet link on Melanin in YA’s blogsite or here, brought to you by The Transparency Project.

5.             Join or form a critique group with writers who write and read in your same genre (e.g., if you write YA fantasy, critique with fellow YA fantasy writers).

6.             Join  SCBWI aka Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. It’s an organization of authors and illustrators who help other authors and illustrators. You will learn so much about craft and professionalism by participating in SCBWI events.

7.             ENGAGE Attend a conference or webinar. It will close the learning gap quickly. If you do, make sure you sign up for a one-on-one critique.

8.            Hold yourself accountable: Join 12x12 which was formed by Julie Hedlund. What is it: "12 x 12 is an inclusive and supportive learning community of picture book authors and illustrators at all experience levels. You’ll get accountability, encouragement, and resources to support you in achieving your goal of writing one new picture book draft each month (or at least writing more than you would on your own)."

9.             If you want to write picture books, read Ann Whiteford Paul's revised and expanded edition Writing Picture Books. If you are writing a novel, check out books on structure like Save the Cat Writes the Novel by Jessica Brody.

10.         BIC: Get your “Butt In Chair” and write every day. Have a goal of how many words a day you plan to write—and by the way, word count is the lingo of the writing world. It's not about page count, but instead word count.   

11.          Keep a Collections Journal of ideas, words, names, smells, phrases, etc.

12.          Connect/Community : See if someone in your area hosts a writer connect (a writer get-together)—a free event with a monthly topic. Topics can be anything from novel structure, character development, etc. You’ll find this easily if you join SCBWI.

13.         READ BLOGS: My blog is PACKED with advice on things like making a revision checklists, how to write a query letter, how to use back matter, etc. Scroll on through to read my tips (aka Three Parts of a Query Letter).

14.         Get Social: I stay busy with Instagram. However, many kid-lit authors now use Blue Sky (I haven’t checked it out yet).

15.         Be a good Literary Citizen: See what’s happening in Writer's Digest. If you’re advanced in the writing and query process, you might even subscribe to Publishers Marketplace. There, you’ll be able to see which agent represents xyz book and which publisher bought it and for around how much money. Check out The Horn Book magazine. Read School Library Journal if you have time.

BONUS! Take one of my classes at UCLA Extensions or wherever I might be speaking!

Other posts you might want to click on:

3 Parts of a Query Letter and 5 Parts of the Hook Paragraph - Your Guide to Connect with a Literary Agent

The Ultimate Editing and Revising Checklist! (53 points!)

5 Pro-Tips About Back Matter

The Mistake to Avoid When Writing Your Story

11 Mistakes to Avoid When Querying a Literary Agent

7 Quick and Easy Tips for Writing Dialogue Tags

What's a HIGH CONCEPT hook?

 

 

Publishing 101 

3 Steps to Demystify How to Write a Query Letter and Attract a Literary Agent

 

Congratulations! You've finished writing your manuscript. Now, you're ready to query an agent or editor.

Let's go! 

There are three parts of a query letter: 

the hook, 

the book, 

and the cook. 

All parts should fit on one page.

Paragraph One (the hook):

Include the following in  “The Hook” paragraph:

• WHY - Why you chose the agent (e.g., I enjoyed your presentation at the 12x12 webinar)

• HOOK - Include a sentence with the logline/hook: a “hook” is a single sentence that fast-forwards a readers' understanding of your story, and it can include comp titles (e.g., SEE SHELL is a friendship and perspective story that's like Carson Ellis's DU IZ TAK meets Brenden Wetzel's THEY ALL SAW A CAT but set at the bottom of the sea). 

• Title (in all caps, e.g., SEE SHELL)

• Genre

• Word count

Links to an external site. title, genre and the word count of your book. Julie Fogliano had a sale post this week in Publishers Marketplace, so I’ll use the posted logline as an example (want to see more examples, subscribe to Publishers Lunch). If Julie had been querying this story, her hook++ lines might sound like this: 

FIRST LINE of the paragraph: Your first line should tell the agent why you carefully considered and queried them: Thank you for speaking at SCBWI New York or I enjoyed your webinar at blah blah blah or I enjoyed your interview on such-and-such blog and …your #MSWL…

SECOND and THIRD and FORTH LINE  (or so) for this paragraph: Your hook, TITLE, and word count. Agents might have a particular order in which they’d like to see your first paragraph. I've made this executive choice on the order for the sake of this example. I'll also refer to Julie Fogliano's sale that was announced this month in Publishers Marketplace.  If Julie had been querying this story, her hook++ lines might've sounded like this: 

EXAMPLE: Please consider my 464-word picture book manuscript, BECAUSE OF A SHOE, the story of a tantrum, and how even in the middle of NOT putting on a shoe, parent and child are still their unconditionally loveable selves.

EXAMPLE - a novelist might write: Please consider my 70,000-word YA sci-fi manuscript, THE UNACCOUNTED. It's teenage Jason Bourne meets The Prisoner of Zenda.

PRO TIP: want to see more examples of loglines, subscribe to Publishers Lunch). 

Paragraph Two (the book):

Write a paragraph about your manuscript that reads like jacket flap copy. Present an exciting glimpse of the story, and make us care without giving up the ending.

If you wrote a hero's journey story (rather than a concept book or something else) consider showcasing:

• The protagonist
• The inciting incident
• The stakes (why we care)

Look through your favorite books that fall in the same genre as your manuscript to understand the cadence for how a jacket flap sounds (you'll leave off the “about the creative team” portion). Imagine that you only have mere seconds to capture the reader's attention. A good jacket flap describes the story in such a gripping way that bookstore browsers are ready to slap down their hard-earned cash to buy the book. Agents may use this copy to help present your manuscript to a publishing house, so create a compelling and tight paragraph. Make it easy for the acquisition team to say yes! 

PRO TIP: Once you’ve created your tight paragraph, notice if your copy sounds like a bunch of stuff happening to the protagonist (uh-oh, that won’t be good), or if your protagonist sounds like a character in action (huzzah!).

Paragraph Three (the cook):

Links to an external site.

This is your biography. Make sure you include only relevant information—memberships (e.g., SCBWI), high-caliber writing courses, your MFA, publications, publishing awards, work as a librarian or work in schools. If you've written a STEM book about a scientist and you are a scientist, include that information - that would be an example of relevant information. Nobody explains the “how’s” of writing a biography better than Chuck Sambuchino in Writers Unboxed , so please visit the blog post. He includes an important list of dos and don’ts (e.g., don't say it is copyrighted, don't say how many drafts you went through, don't say your neighbor's children loved it, etc.).

You've got this! Congratulations on arriving at this step. Query letters take a lot of time and research. It's worth the effort!

Good luck!

Cheers,

Kim
P.S. SUBJECT LINE: A subject line will typically include the TITLE + GENRE. However, it might also include the word "Query". Please carefully read submission guidelines/instructions for each agent or editor you query. They will have these guidelines listed on their website. Don't assume any two will be alike.

Silver Membership in the Popular 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Event #KidLitForHaiti

Linda Silvestri,
 an extraordinarily talented illustrator

 

KID LIT FOR HAITI:  Julie is offering SILVER MEMBERSHIP for 2015 in the super-popular annual event--   12x12 picture book writing challenge (an $80 value).

What is 12 x 12

Picture book writers and illustrators become members of 12 x 12 to get access to all the benefits of a writer’s conference — learning from experts, craft advice and assistance, the fellowship of community and the opportunity to submit completed, polished manuscripts — without having to travel. In 12 x 12 you get the motivation and accountability you need to get those drafts finished, all with the support of the friendliest writing community on Earth. 12 x 12 is a global community, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here, you will be encouraged and supported as you attempt to write one picture book draft a month, AND to revise one and submit one manuscript as additional, optional goals. There will of course be more outstanding featured authors who help and who also give away fabulous prizes to help you in your craft. All members will be able to join the 12 x 12 Facebook page, which serves as a support network, a question and answer pool, and a place to share resources. PLUS we have a brand new online forum, upgraded from the 2013 version, where members can share information and critique each other’s work. 12 x 12 has three membership levels –JULIE IS GIVING SILVER MEMBERSHIP to the winner of this auction (all money from this auction goes to support the 501 c 3 charity called The Friends of Haiti Inc. so we can support students in Haiti).

The SILVER membership in the 2015 Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 year includes:

• Full access (view and post) to the Main 12 x 12 Forum and Critique Connect (where you can find critique partners)
• Access to the members-only 12 x 12 Facebook Group
• Ability to view the Events, Member Books, Videos/Trailers and Help An Author Out (HAAO) sections of the 12 x 12 Forum
• Opportunity to win craft-related prizes from the monthly featured authors

• Full (view and post) access to the Events and Video/Trailers sections of the Membership Forum
• FULL (view and post) access to these additional sections of the 12 x 12 Forum: Query Corner (get feedback on your query letters), Pitch Perfect (get feedback on loglines and pitches), and Manuscript Makeover (get feedback on the first 250 words of your ms)
• FULL (view and post) access to the BRAND NEW Marketing and Platform-Building sections of the Membership Forum. G

Who is Julie Hedlund:

Julie Hedlund is not only the founder and creator of the exciting 12x12, she is also a Children’s book author. She’s had two books published as interactive storybook apps for the iPad by Little Bahalia Publishing — A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS and A SHIVER OF SHARKS. A printversion of TROOP was released in fall 2013. 

Julie is the creator of JulieHedlund’s Template for Storybook App Proposals and the founder and host of the very popular 12 x12 picture book writing challenge, with more than 500 members. She is a monthly contributor on Katie Davis’ BrainBurps About Books children’s literature podcast, a PAL member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and a contributing editor on the subject of 21^st Century Publishing
for Children’s Book Insider (CBI). She has been a speaker at SCBWI, O’Reilly Tools of Change for Publishing, and other industry events.

How do I bid?

Place your bid in the comment section by increasing the previous bid. Please include information about how I may contact you if you are the winning bidder; you can ask me question at  ktomsic@gmail.com . 

When does this auction close?

**This Auction item will close on December 15, 2014**

Official UPDATE: Auction items close on their respective date at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST)

here's the math time for U.S. residents (you can simply Google the time comparison if you live somewhere else in the world) :

 Pacific Time is one hour behind mountain time; central time is one hour ahead of mountain time; eastern time is two hours ahead of mountain time so:

11:59 om MST = 10:59 pm Pacific Time or 12:59 am Central Standard Time or 1:59 am Eastern Time

What are other items on the Kid Lit for Hait (#KidLitForHaiti) Auction?


To Visit a full list of all the auction items featured on Kid Lit for Haiti: PLEASE CLICK HERE

What happens if I win this auction?

I will contact the winning bidder (remember to provide your contact information!). You will make your donation at this donationlink and then you will email a copy of your receipt to me at ktomsic@gmail.com Then I will put you in touch with Julie so she can grant your Silver Membership access 

How do I know when new auction items are posted to this blog:

You can receive emails when new auction items are listed. Simply enter your email address in the upper left corner of this blog where it says "Follow by email". You will only receive an email when a new post is created on this blog.

How to Make Money as a Writer with Julie Hedlund-AND help Students in Haiti #KidLitForHaiti

 

KID LIT FOR HAITI:  Julie Hedlund is donating her course to one lucky auction winner. Course title: HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A WRITER
 (a $139 value!)

Here is what you will get in Julie Hedlund’s Course:
How to Make Money as a Writer:

Ten videos, over nine lessons to teach you everything you need to know to be an author entrepreneur, including tools and tactics. Each video is just 10-30 minutes long and accompanied by Full Transcripts and Slides, and hundres of links to additional resources. Video Titles:

1.      Getting started-why be an author-entrepreneur

2.      Real Estate-author websites

3.      Customers-building an email list

4.      Products & Services-Beyond the Book: Innovative ways to earn a living

5.      Platform & Promotion-setting the state

6.      Platform & Promotion-to blog or not to blog

7.      Platform & Promotion-Video and visual marketing (two part video)

8.      Platform & Promotion-Social Media

9.      Conclusion-Balancing writing time and bringing it all together

10.  You’ll also get a Bonus video tutorial on creating email templates and sending campaigns in Mailchimp, and also a bonus video recording on effective website design.

*You’ll also have access to the Private Facebook Group for the course where you can interact with Julie and fellow students; ask question; and share resources.

**As the course continues to grow Julie will be adding the following: Worksheets to spark ideas for each category; Checklists to access (and then fill) gaps in your business; Additional free resources on setting up author websites, email lists, and working with social media.

.

Need more info? Visit her FAQ Page.

Who is JulieHedlund:

Julie Hedlund is not only the founder and creator of the exciting 12x12, she is also a Children’s book author. She’s had two books published as interactive storybook apps for the iPad by Little Bahalia Publishing — A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS and A SHIVER OF SHARKS. A print version of TROOP was released in fall 2013. MY LOVE FOR YOU IS THE SUN (2014)

Julie is the creator of JulieHedlund’s Template for Storybook App Proposals and the founder and host of the very popular 12 x 12 picture book writing challenge, with more than 500 members. She is a monthly contributor on Katie Davis’ BrainBurps About Books children’s literature podcast, a PAL member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and a contributing editor on the subject of 21^st Century Publishing
for Children’sBook Insider (CBI). She has been a speaker at SCBWI, O’Reilly Tools of Change for Publishing, and other industry events.

This auction if for to Julie Hedlund’s course: HOW TO MAKE MONEYAS A WRITER

How do I bid?

Place your bid in the comment section by increasing the previous bid. Please include information about how I may contact you if you are the winning bidder; you can ask me question in the comment section or at  ktomsic@gmail.com .

When does this auction close?

**This Auction will close on December 15, 2014 at 11:59pm MST**

Official UPDATE: Auction items close on their respective date at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST)

here's the math time for U.S. residents (you can simply Google the time comparison if you live somewhere else in the world) :

 Pacific Time is one hour behind mountain time; central time is one hour ahead of mountain time; eastern time is two hours ahead of mountain time so:

11:59 om MST = 10:59 pm Pacific Time or 12:59 am Central Standard Time or 1:59 am Eastern Time

Whatare other items available on the Kid Lit for Haiti Auction?

Clickhere to discover the full list of auction items.

What happens if I win?

I will contact the winning bidder (remember to provide your contact information!). You will make your donation at this donation link and then you will email a copy of your receipt to me at ktomsic@gmail.com Then I will put you in touch with Julie so she can grant you access to HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A WRITER.

How do I know when new auction items are posted to this blog:

You can receive emails when new auction items are listed. Simply enter your email address in the upper left corner of this blog where it says "Follow by email". You will only receive an email when a new post is created on this blog.