Everyday NetWorking- It's Who You Know

I don't know about you, but the thought of networking used to make me want to cry myself to sleep at night. What would I do when I was published? How would I know how to go about it? When that golden contract landed in my lap and I had to go hustle endorsements, WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO?????

Now, first I want to make it plain, that I am not published. I don't have a contract and I don't have an agent, but what I do have are friends and my own personality. So take it with a grain of salt and hopefully the realizations I have learned lately will be an encouragement for you. : )

First of all what is networking? It is surrounding yourself with a group of contacts in your area of expertise that can help and support you and give you a boost up that ever growing ladder of publication we all long to climb. They are the ones that help get your foot in the door, the ones that endorse, the ones that do battle with editors and agents to get you rolling.

But how do you get them? Or you might even be asking yourself, "Oh, publication is so far away, I don't need to do that!"

But I don't think there is never a better time than the present. And that frankly is what used to scare me so much. No longer.

I am very much a people person and love to make friends. I love to surround myself with godly people and get to know each and every one.

Whenever I win a book I always try to get a thank you back to the author. Out of those contacts based purely on my love for their fiction, have grown some wonderful friendships. We have grown familiar of each other through our blogs and emails. Familiar enough that I would be comfortable emailing these wonderful ladies and maybe someday asking them to endorse my book.

Now, before you get me wrong, I DO NOT email authors with motives of someday getting something in return. I do it because I want to see the authors supported and let them know just how much I value them. And in the process I have been blessed with some pretty incredible correspondence.

So networking tip #1: spend some time getting to know your favorite authors. Even if NOTHING comes of it than a chance to support them, you are building a relationship that you may someday look back on as a starting point for your own writing. Generally speaking if you read an author's work, you would like to write like them, to a certain extent.

Another tip: while you have the time and energy, blog. Blog often and continuously. Blogging has become so popular today and it is one of my favorite pastimes. When I blog, I am not only developing relationships with my faithful readers, I am also developing a readership. Of the 138 followers on Writing for Christ If God willing I get a book published someday, they will be the first people I will present my book to. And many of my review friends will get a book to review.

So networking tip #2: develop a readership with blogging. You can do that by blogging a lot and on subjects dear to your heart and readers. Readers will see your passion on the screen and will most likely return for more.

Final tip #3: attend writer's workshops. I recently attended a class with author Susan May Warren and leading literary agent, Chip MacGregor. Wow, what an experience. I really loved every minute I got to spend with Susie and Chip and the rest of the attendees. And while nothing came of that class, like signing with MacGregor Literary agency, : ), I got to meet both a big name author face to face AND a big name agent and spend time with them. I even ate breakfast with Chip and his wife. And no, I didn't pitch my book, I was too petrified of being cut to ribbons in the execution (not that Chip would have you understand).

But Chip and Susie now both associate my name and my face and my writing abilities (oh scary thought). I have met Chip, spoken with him and in doing that I have gotten my foot wedged a tiny bit in the door. Because one of their requirements at MacGregor Literay Agency is before they even think about representing you, they want to have met you personally or have been recommended.

So, networking tip #3: meet agents and editors just for the sake of meeting them. Shake their hand, talk, visit, eat breakfast with them : ), but generally be friendly and yourself. It's not hard and it doesn't hardly take any energy.

When this blog was started, Pepper was the one to email me. She was so much braver than I to just email a complete stranger out of the blue (well, okay I knew she would email after chatting on her blog) but she was networking, getting to know other writers and gaining friends on this journey of learning. I have been blessed by her stepping out in faith and blessed abundantly with four lovely ladies who also write here that are willing to put up with me. : )

All of these things you can do right now without even thinking about it. I didn't set out in writing authors to gain friends, but I have (love you guys!!) and maybe someday they will be willing to help me out. If not, that's okay, because I have been blessed by their friendship. Their determination to write has fueled my own. Their stories of struggling and perseverance have pushed me to continue trying my hardest.

When I started blogging, I had no idea that in less than a year, God would bless me with 138 followers! But they are getting to know me, I them, and in the end that could prove so very useful. If not, the journey has been fantastic anyway!

That class in April was so very helpful, and maybe someday will prove profitable too. When I finally have a completed novel, I might be able to walk up to Chip and go, "will you read this?" or "can I tell you about this story?" and he might be more willing to sit down and visit than if I were a complete stranger. If not, you know what, it was pretty neat to meet one of the top guns in the industry. : )

So, go forth and network! Don't be petrified, it's really a lot easier than it sounds!

Have any other ideas for me? I would love to chat more with you in the comment section. : )

Elegant Words: Proposals Publishers Admire

By Mary Vee


I received an invitation in the mail for a ceremony honoring my father-in-law. The linen stationery and raised silver letters warned me this would be a formal event. Sad to say, I’m a blue jean, plain-Jane kind of girl with limited funds. What could I wear?

My mother-in-law insisted she’d take me shopping. What a relief! My newlywed income barely paid the bills. I discovered, much later, her goal was to insure I had an appropriate dress that would meet the occasion, (she had me figured out!).

My shrewd mother-in-law researched the organization hosting the ceremony, their purpose, location, and invited guests to determine suitable attire not only for her, but also for me.


What would have happened if she hadn’t rescued me? Disaster. Embarrassment. I recall watching a movie scene where this very thing happened. Two brothers visited a friend at his palatial house for a couple of days. He told them dinner was served at 7:00 pm. The brothers spent an hour grooming and preening tuxes before strutting down the staircase. As the French doors opened to the dining hall, their host greeted them in a sports jacket and dress pants! Awkward.

Cute story, but what does this have to do with manuscripts?

Dressy Shirt Manuscripts

Spending hours, weeks, and sometimes years to complete a manuscript might produce a work suitable for publication. But, like the inappropriate tux, a manuscript will collect dust on your desk unless you’ve fully research publishing houses and their requirements for submission.

A Proper Introduction

Publishers dedicate precious time communicating what they feel is the proper way to introduce a manuscripts. Authors/Writers are expected to first send a book proposal prior to receiving permission to send their manuscript.

This reminds me of Pride and Prejudice in which proper etiquette was a must when two strangers met. Mr. Darcy simply did not speak to any lady at the party until someone he knew introduced him. There were rules. Specific rules.


How to Find the Rules

Publishing houses list exactly what they want online in a proposal. I had the privilege of speaking with two editors at the Write To Publish Conference two years ago, each from a different house. I prepared book proposals based on research from their individual web sites. One expected a lengthy proposal and preferred it bound with an easy-to-open spiral. His face lit up when I handed him my proposal. He browsed my work then asked if he could keep it to use as a model. The other editor preferred a concise, to-the-point book proposal containing only specific information stated on the website.

Invest time

Preparing a book proposal is likened to spending quality time dressing for a formal event. My perfect attire can be ruined in a flash if I neglect to groom myself, add appropriate accessories, and walk out the door on time.

Resources such as Sally Steward’s Christian Writer’s Market Guide provide timesaving, valuable information. In these books, publishing houses are categorized by genre, target reader’s age, themes, and other helpful information. I found a list of publishing houses for my teen Christian fantasy manuscript in seconds!

As I investigated the writer’s guide, I found information including a publisher’s current needs, web address, tips, royalty paid, and etc. Their web site let me browse the publishers’ catalogs and information about the organization. My research gave me a clue whether my manuscript would “fit in” with other books published by that house.

Once I narrowed my search to three publishers, I prepared a book proposal tailored to the specific guidelines stated on the site. Usual information included: the first three chapters, marketing analysis, chapter synopsis, and author information, to name a few.

Last Thoughts:

Spend time perfecting your proposal. Is it ready for a gala presentation?

Add only the “accessories” requested on the publishing site.

Include a SASE and a stamped postcard allowing the house to notify receipt of the proposal.


You’ve done your research. Your proposal is properly groomed and ready to be introduced to a publisher. With sealed stamped envelope in hand—before you drop it in the mail box--take a deep breath, and thank God for the opportunity to submit your work--no matter the outcome.

I've only skimmed the top of this topic. Some of you have mastered the book proposal category. What can you share from your experiences? Perhaps you are a fledgling and have questions about book proposals. Let us at The Writers Alley help. Ask away!!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

Celebration Station Down The Alley!

Oh yes, there's a party going on down here! Put your party shoes on, bring your confetti, and get ready to do some Happy Dancin'! Because.....

Krista and I have finaled in the Touched By Love Contest!!!!

Oh yes! And we are floating high in the sky. I might be floating a tad bit higher than Krista, but that is only because she is with child...water weight, ya know. ;) (I only tease people I really, really love!)

All the finalist were notified by email on Sunday. By Sunday night, we had received our scoresheets and comments. And I am happy to say that both Krista and I got scores that made us smile. Now we start with a clean slate and five published authors will judge the finalists.

The hard part about this is going to be the wait. The results will be announced at the RWA Conference in Florida sometime in July. That's like two whole months! Oh Lord, keep me busy so that I forget about it! Oh wait, I didn't really mean that during my summer off from work! What was I thinking?

I don't know about Krista, but I am going to finish editing my manuscript. I am thinking her manuscript is the one she edited during Christmas...while we raced to be the first to finish editing. Obviously, she won! So I am going to get it done and be ready for...well, whatever happens. (And I will be able to say I can edit a book!)

One of the most exciting things about the whole thing has been finaling with a friend. There is something about Krista sharing it with me that makes my heart smile. Of course, all the wonderful, encouraging words from fellow writers has been amazing! What a great support network! Thank you so much for slipping on your dancing shoes and cutting a rug with us!

So you writers out there, have you entered contests? Have you finaled? Won? How did you feel? How did you handle the wait? Inquiring minds want to know...

Did I miss anything, Krista?

One Pagers? One Sheets? Pitch Sheets? Are You Serious?

Have you been involved in one of those icebreakers where the host/hostess asked a question like this: “If you could describe yourself with one word what would it be?”


How good are you at picking just that perfect word that says so much about you? That sums up the entire personality of YOU?

If hard-pressed, I might refer to myself as ‘friendly’, but then that doesn’t really encompass all that is ME. There’s more complexity to it.

A One-Pager/One-Sheet & Pitch Sheet are kind of like describing yourself in one word – except your describing an entire novel with one page. Some can be very plain – just the information, and others can be colorful. I prefer the more colorful, animated kind (no surprise).

So let’s define them. What is the difference between a Pitch Sheet & a One-Pager/One-Sheet/Projects Sheet (lots of names is a bad sign ;-)

A Pitch Sheet is related to ONE novel. You’re highlighting one story.

It usually includes:

- a short synopsis of your book (very short – like a few paragraphs)

- novel stats, such as is the manuscript completed (or projected completion), estimated wordcount, sequel options, maybe some marketing ideas, etc.

- author bio with contact information

- agent bio (if applicable)

If I can figure out how to get the one-sheets posted, I'll put up a few examples. If I can't, you can follow Kaye Dacus' link at the bottom of the post for some good examples. Pitch sheet: http://kayedacus.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/hei-pitch-sheet.pdf


Now, for the One-Pager or One-Sheet.

This document can also be called a ‘projects sheet’ because it is a page that boasts all of your writing projects, both completed and in-progress.

Many of the same requirements should be with this sheet, except your synopsis isn’t about one novel. You are giving a few sentences about each SERIES/project.

Author bio and agent info are still important, but the point of this sheet is to give the viewer, at one glance, all the many things you’re working on.
http://kayedacus.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/one-sheet09.pdf


I hope this info helped a little bit.

I didn’t know anything about them six months ago, but here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

1. Succinct – you only have ONE page.

2. HOOK them with the story, not the message

3. the pitch sheet needs to show your voice. Make it YOU. Each person will pitch their story differently, choose different pictures, write differently. Your sheet should be uniquely YOU.

Here is a site about one-pagers that might give you more information.

http://awaywithwordswriting.wordpress.com/?s=one+sheet

Kaye Dacus had a WONDERFUL series on her blog called Manuscript 101. You can learn more about one-sheets here from her post: http://kayedacus.com/2007/08/28/beyond-the-first-draft%e2%80%94the-pitch-sheet-and-one-sheet/

So, have you ever written a one-sheet or pitch sheet? If so, what did you enjoy about it, or what did you find difficult?

If not, did this help you get a better idea about them?


Can you describe yourself in ONE word? 

What's Up the Street for This Week?

The party is STILL going on from Friday’s big celebration here at The Writers Alley. I tell ya what – the entire street is a mess of balloons, food wrappers, root BEARS ;-) – had to throw that in there, Casey- just for you!!

But - on that note - we'll just let bears be the theme for today, because we all have had at least one burden to bear this week, one struggle, one trial, and it's nice to know we're not alone. Thankfully for us, we have a Savior who is willing to bear our burdens and who calls us to cast our cares on Him because he cares for us.
Or...
'We're called to bear one anothers' burdens.' We're never alone.

Now - back to the crazy partying and the mess:

I’m calling up the cleaning crew so we can get ready for another big party. Who knows what we’ll have to celebrate next. Life is full of surprises! Just check out the picture of the 'bare bear'. What is that about?

In the aftermath of the parties, knitting, and comfy flannel, what’s happening at the Writers Alley this coming week?

Monday – One-Pagers? Are you serious? – Pepper defines those little promotional tools to get your story ‘out there’ with the fewest amount of words possible. How do you write one? What needs to be included? And who in their right mind invented them? – No one has taken credit for them, btw.

Tuesday – Stop by and check out what Sherrinda has to say for us today. It's a surprise, but as usual, it will be worth your time.

Wednesday – Make sure you have the proper attire for the write occasion with Mary's notes Dressy Shirt Manuscripts. You don't want to make the the wrong impression with your writing.

Thursday – Casey chats about Networking- It's All About Who You Know. Stop by to get a few tips about how to build your network before your published.

Friday – Need a little help accepting contest results? Come join Krista today as she writes about Digesting Contest and Critique Feedback. In this line of work, we all need help with that thick-skinned requirement.

Saturday – Our Guest Next Door is Cathy Bryant, who will fill us in on all the ups and downs of self-publishing.

SIDEWALK TALK

May 29th – It’s a visit from award winning author, Deb Raney. That’s right. Make sure you stop by and see what words of wisdom she’ll impart.
June 5th – Heartsong and Abingdon Press Author, as well as Seeker-extraordinairre, Myra Johnson visits us at The Writers Alley to discuss the difference between a short novel and trade paperback.

June 12th – Edgy fiction author, Michelle Sutton, stops in to define ‘edgy’ and explain why she loves writing it.

June 19th – Things get a little suspenseful around here as Margaret Daley discusses the key elements of a gripping suspense novel.

June 26th – Welcome author Lena Nelson Dooley takes us on a journey through her publishing experience, up to her newest release JUST LAST MONTH – Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

NEWSTAND

Casey has Mary "Sharp Shootin" Connealy on her Operation Encourage an Author all this week. Stop by and share some words of support for this fantastic author and person at http://encourageanauthor.blogspot.com/

Check out some cool book giveaways this week on Casey's blog at http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com/ or on Pepper's blog at http://www.pepperbasham.wordpress.com/

The Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Conference in Black Mountain, NC is going on this week starting today. Pepper will drop in to give some reports along the way – maybe pictures too. Keynote speaker is Jerry Jenkins! Other presenters include - Deb Raney, DiAnn Mills, Alton Gansky, Steven James, Yvonne Lehman, Ron Benrey, Janet Benrey, and Les Stobbe.

Special Guest Saturday: Christa Allan on Her First Sale

The Joy of Publication

by Christa Allan

So many times those seemingly random events in our lives are all part of God's plan. And following God's plan, at least for me, is like listening to that chick who guides me through my navigation system. Only, with God, it's just His voice, and no map for double checking. I have to trust I'm being led in the right place.

I actually started writing in high school. I couldn’t sing, dance, paint, play sports, or act, but I could wield a pen. That’s when I discovered that writing allowed me to explore in much the same way reading did. And it kept me company when I felt alone.

For so many years, I dreamed of walking past a bookstore and seeing my novel in the window. I dared not share that with anyone for fear of being labeled unrealistic or silly or naïve. Had I divulged that dream at the time I may have risked any one or all of those because, the truth is, I had absolutely no idea how it would happen. Well, except for that writing a book thing. Or make that finishing a book thing.

But, throughout my life, God was leaving bread-crumbs along the trail (I would have preferred M&Ms, but He didn’t ask). Over twenty years ago, I worked for a newspaper writing feature stories and a human interest column. It was years, though, before I allowed myself to peek at that faraway dream.

I suppose the journey officially kicked off when my husband surprised me with a laptop. Ever so romantically, he says, "Here, now go write something." And, being the ever- obedient wife, I did. Months later.

At the time, I had started reading Kristen Billerbeck and Lisa Samson because, (are you ready for this?), I liked their book covers. A voracious reader, I'd never picked up Christian fiction; I expected it to be, well, boring and preachy and unrealistic. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Then, because I didn't know any better, I actually had the chutzpah to email Kristen with these incredibly B-A-D one page notions (think giving someone three raw eggs and telling them it's an omelet) of a book. And Kristen, God bless her unselfish soul, responded. Instead of recommending I repeatedly pound myself on the head with my laptop, she offered gentle suggestions. A writer who had absolutely no idea who I was had emailed me. Amazing.

The internet became my information highway to writers both published and unpublished; I searched and researched, zooming by agent and publisher websites and blogs. Making pit stops as often as possible to learn about and enter writing contests, to refuel with the success of those traveling with me.

Three years, a hurricane, and an ACFW conference later, my tenth graders strolled into my classroom and found me, their teacher, staring at my computer monitor. In tears. I had just read an email from Rachelle Gardner of WordServe Literary. She wanted to talk. To me.

Ten months, several passes by publishers, and another ACFW conference later, my new tenth graders strolled into my classroom and found me, their teacher, snapping my cell phone closed. In tears.

Rachelle called to tell me Abingdon Press had just bought my novel.

Having a dream materialize out of the fog of hope and desire continues to be a “pinch-me so I’ll know this is real” experience. It’s exhilarating, fascinating, and humbling. I mean, really. Who am I? A high school teacher who lives in a town whose one traffic signal was replaced by a traffic circle. How could this happen to me?

With every step between the contract and the release of Walking on Broken Glass, I’d feel that ripple of joyful surprise. I continued to be amazed even as I held the Advanced Reader Copy, even as I clicked on Amazon to find the cover there, even as I scheduled book signings and blog tours.

What I’ve come to realize is that God’s navigation system never fails. Even when we take wrong turns, when we detour, when the roads of our lives are under construction. He uses people to redirect us, to encourage us when we’ve traveled for endless miles in the concrete wilderness, to comfort us when we’re sideswiped by unexpected challenges.

Holding my novel, seeing my name on the cover…still moments of wow-ness. Have I arrived? No. I’ve just paid the toll with undeserved grace. The road to other novels stretches out before me. I traveled here by the generosity, patience, and love of others. The difference now is that I’m only the vehicle. And God uses me to help move His people in His direction.

A true Southern woman who knows that any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, Christa Allan’s debut women’s fiction, Walking on Broken Glass, released in February. Her essays have been published in The Ultimate Teacher, Cup of Comfort, Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Divorced Soul. Christa is the mother of five, a grandmother of three, and a teacher of high school English. She and her husband Ken live in Abita Springs. You can contact Christa at: christa@unscriptedgrace.com

It's a BLOG PARTY!!!

Earlier this week, Pepper, Sherrinda, Mary, Casey and I all talked about the Genesis contest. Four of the five of us entered, and we thought it'd be fun to have a blog party to celebrate the finalists, with our fingers crossed that one of us would be on the list.

But, we'd also pre-agreed that we would celebrate regardless. Because we firmly believe that everyone is a winner. Oh, I know that sounds like something a hokey T-ball coach might say to a five-year-old little girl who can't hit a ball to save her life and spends way too much time playing in the dirt.

But in this case, it's true.

It takes a lot of guts to put your work out there in a contest. There's a good chance you won't final, and many people shy away from the thought of "losing" a contest.

As you might have guessed, none of us finaled. But ya know what? We tried. You will NEVER win if you don't try. That goes not only for contests, but for submitting to agents and editors as well. Heck, just writing in general. If you never took the leap and invested the time to write your first book, then what chance to you have to excel as a writer? Yep, you guessed it. Zero, zilch, nadda!

Today, we give a HUGE HURRAY!!! to those who finaled. You deserved it and our hats are tipped to you. I have a large pan of brownies with your names on it!

We also give a big pat on the back to all those who entered but didn't final. You are brave and courageous! Entering was a huge step, and not finaling is just one step on the road to publication. I have some cupcakes with pretend little pencils on top with sprinkles! Chocolate of course... with cream cheese icing (my favorite!)

By next Friday, many non-winners will have received their scores and feedback, still others will be waiting anxiously. Join us here to discuss a little bit on how to digest and use the feedback to get the most out of it.

But today...

How are YOU helping us "celebrate" virtually? Remember, this is on the web. As long as it's wholesome, there are no limits!

In fact, I think we should take this party outside... a cooler of Pepsi (caffeine free for me) and goodies are on the patio table. The pool is ready, and the music is tuned up! Conga line anyone?

**Finalist List**

CONTEMPORARY FICTION:
Cindy Hays
Lynnette P. Horner
Chris Kraft
Mark Lundgren
Christina S. Nelson

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
Jeannie Campbell
Sarah Forgrave
Janice LaQuiere
Rebecca Syme
Linda Yezak

HISTORICAL FICTION:
Laurie Benton
Brenda Jackson
Robert Kaku
Lisa Karon Richardson
Katie-Marie Stout

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
Susanne Dietze
Anne Greene
Pam Hillman
Lisa Karon Richardson
Ruth Trippy

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:
Rich Bullock
Barbara Early (double finalist with two entries)
Lynda Schab
Chawna Schroeder

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:
Valerie Goree
Mindy Obenhaus
Leslie Pfeil
Dianna Shuford
Teri Dawn Smith
Terri Weldon

SPECULATIVE FICTION:
Ben Erlichman
Suzanne Krein
Shelley Ledfors
Andra Marquardt
Holly Smit

WOMEN'S FICTION:
Lisa Buffaloe
Jennifer Fromke
Terri Haynes
Fay Lamb
Christina S. Nelson
Melissa Tagg
Michelle Ule

YOUNG ADULT:
Angela Bell
Lin Harris
Kasey Heinly
LoraLee Kodzo
Stefanie Morris