Proposal Writing Tips from Chip MacGregor (Part 1)

A few weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to attend The Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference which takes place at the Ridgecrest Conference Center near Black Mountain, NC. It’s a different setting, and therefore atmosphere, than ACFW, but a great place to gain the high quality teaching and remarkable fellowship you're used to at ACFW but with a more relaxed 'retreat' feel.

Anyway, I took a proposal writing course by “Agent Extraordinaire” Chip MacGregor (who represents our very own Amy Leigh Simpson). Known for his excellent track record in publishing, his fantastic wit, and his occasional appearance in a kilt, Chip brings a wealth of knowledge to the proposal writing process.

There were 11 components to Chip’s Chat on Novel Proposal Writing, so I’m going to present Part 1 now and Part 2 next time (June 23).

Chip started with a ‘big picture’ view by getting us to think about the proposal this way:

-          What is the overarching purpose of the proposal?

-          Think in terms of “resume”

-          A proposal is seen by a small (and very select) audience

www.freedigitalphotos.net

So what are the bare-bones components of a proposal? (I’ve included examples from one of my proposals to help with definitions)

We’ll discuss the first 4 components today.

1.      Title (don’t get attached to it ;-) Of course, it's what you call your book (instead of 'that thing' or 'my baby')

2.      Hook – a summary of your story in one-two sentences (a summary which shows why your story is meaningful)

EXAMPLE:

Does true love have an accent?

A speech-language pathologist determined to move up the academic ladder and out of rural Appalachia makes a deal with her arrogant supervisor to change a thick-accented and big-hearted cattle farmer into corporate world material by Thanksgiving. An Appalachian twist to My Fair Lady                                             

3.      Overview – this short description introduces your main characters and gives the basics of your ‘core story’.

a.      9 sentences or less

b.      Can be seen as the ‘back cover blurb’ or even the elevator pitch (I’ll do another post about this as conference time draws nearer)

 

EXAMPLE:

Dr. Adelina Roseland feels confident she can correct anyone’s speech. Accent reduction is her specialty and she’s worked ten years in research with it to attain her dream job: Professor at the University of Virginia. Her dreams come to a full stop when she is sent to a tiny town in Appalachia to begin a new program for UVA’s satellite university there. Determined to prove herself, Adelina makes a daring wager with her arrogant supervisor: If she can pass Appalachian cow farmer, Reese Mitchell, off as a Harvard grad and help him with a job interview for a corporation in Chicago, then she can present her research at the National, launching her career to further heights and moving her as far away from Appalachia as possible.

But Adelina didn’t plan for the faith and friction of single-dad Reese Mitchell or his chaotic family. Drawn into a culture she’d been trying to forget for the past fifteen years, Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away at the deep wounds of her past. But when Reese discovers that he’s been a mere pawn in her step up the corporate ladder, will he be able to forgive her deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives. Will some good old-fashioned Appalachian grit from a meddling mother rescue this culturally-diverse couple in this modern day My Fair Lady story with an Appalachian Twist?

4.      Synopsis – more detailed (BUT STILL BRIEF) description of your story, without the ‘teasers’.

a.      Motivations of your main characters

b.      Story and character arcs

c.       Main plot points

d.      Answers the main questions posed in the beginning of your story through the end.

e.      About 2-2 ½ pages

f.        Present tense

g.      Single-spaced

h.      Plain font

i.        Clarity is key

j.        Shorter paragraphs than in your prose writing

To save on space, I won’t include an entire synopsis here – but perhaps we can write a post about it on the alley as conference season comes into full swing ;-)

So, of these first four what component of proposal writing do you find most daunting?

Proposing Motivation After A Writing Break

I settled into my chair on Saturday, excited to jump back into writing after a long writing break. As I got restless in the break, I took some time to consider what I would write, and that I would start soon. It seemed a bit daunting at first, since the last writing I had done was extensive proposal writing, which, for a fiction author, isn't an easy task. But the exercise of proposal writing might have just helped with ending my writing break by giving me the motivation I needed. And in hindsight, I took some very similar measures in setting up a proposal to say "farewell" to my writing break.

There are many elements that go with proposals, but for today's example, I will expand on three objectives of a proposal. Proposals reveal your story and what it's about to the agent or editor, giving them a thorough glimpse at what's in store (and hopefully excitement!). Proposals also give you a chance to outright state the take away value of your story, the very essence of why you wrote it in the first place. And with great importance, the proposal should prove your ability to write, and the passion for telling this specific, unique story of yours. As I began to plunge into writing again, the same three objectives of a proposal seemed to help stir up motivation for ending my writing break:

1. Reveal the Story: Or in this instance, REFRESH myself to the story in my heart. While a proposal gives the reader a thorough look at the story, an author beginning up again after a break will need to look at their story with fresh eyes. I read all the chapters I had written, went through the synopses (and the proposal), and reminded myself of what it all looked like in my daydreaming.:)
2. Take Away Value: We've heard it stated time and again: "Why did you write it? What's the take-away value? What will a reader gain from reading this story?" And that is important to hash out in a proposal. An author ending a writing break, needs to define their purpose for writing what's on their heart. This is essential to motivation after a writing break. It takes that passion driving you to "pick up the pen" once again, and tunnels it through with purpose. And once I have a reason, I can't help but race toward the goal!
3. Prove your Ability: How you write in a proposal should convey that you can write in the first place. And we all know, authenticity goes a long way with today's reader. To write, you must be connected to your own heart, and for us Christian writers, to God's spirit to write with excellence. The best way to begin to do this after a writing break is to journal or write blog posts. Pour your heart out on paper or on your blog to get connected again with passionate prose. This doesn't mean that your rustiness won't show through a bit when you actually get back to your story, but it will give you ample foundation to start...and a little bit of assurance that you have what it takes!

Once you get going on that story, remember to take a first draft mentality...don't worry about it not pouring out right away, and don't edit! Just let your juices flow again. Risk bad writing for excellent writing as you go! Just keep writing!

Have you ever struggled to start up again after a writing break? What helps motivate you?

***************************************************************************

Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous, mothering days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across historical cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

A TV Guide Approach to Hooking Your Reader

Ever read those little TV Guide blurbs? When I was little, I used to love flipping the television to the TV Guide channel and watching all the shows scroll past. I think it’s because I’ve always liked to know all my options. :)

Some of those blurbs have made me wonder, “Who wrote this and what in the world were they thinking?” Ever had that moment? Last week I saw a Boy Meets World episode that had recovered on my DVR (yes, I still watch Boy Meets World) and the caption was, “Corey and Eric find lingerie in their mother’s bowling bag.” Seriously? First off, who came up with the idea to make a whole episode out of this? Secondly, please tell me there’s something else going on in the episode! And perhaps most embarrassing of all, I actually remember this episode from when it first aired! So clearly something about it was worth remembering.

A well-crafted blurb will make you tune in to something you would’ve never otherwise considered watching or reading. A cupcake baking marathon under water with only Reese’s pieces, butter and squash as the ingredients? What channel is that on? A reunion of the old ABC Family Night casts? Sign me up! Don’t laugh—you know this has happened to you too!

So how do we use this power of interest to our advantage when it comes to catching the attention of agents, editors, and even, eventually, readers? I’m glad you asked. To help with this question, I’ve made a list of things to ask your book. These should apply to all hooks you might need to craft, whether they be pitches, query letters, or even proposals.

1) What do my characters have to lose? What are they most afraid of? If we’re only reading/hearing one or two sentences, we need a reason to worry about your characters. “A baker is robbed at gunpoint while icing sugar cookies” is a lot more interesting than “a woman pursues her dream of becoming a baker.” Because we all want to know . . . what happened to the cookies?

2) What rhythm, voice, and tone do I want to achieve? One of my favorite examples of this point is Kristin Billerbeck’s Spa Girls Series: “Three Friends. One Spa. And an infinite amount of oversharing.” See how she gets straight to the point with only a few words and how her voice really sparkles? If you’re working on a pitch, query, or proposal, you have a very limited amount of space to show off your unique writing voice. Use every little bit of that space to your advantage! You want to pick words, tones, and rhythms that are “you,” because you’re selling your voice every bit as much as you’re selling your plot.

3) What are the most important elements of my story? Often, editors get a bad rep for being grouchy, but let’s face it—you’d probably be cynical yourself if you were getting thousands of e-mails a day with queries like, “Sandra struggles with a broken ankle on her twenty-third birthday, but when her cousin twice-removed challenges her to a hockey match anyway, she runs into the cute cashier she saw at the grocery store three days before, and sparks fly as he helps her redo her bandage.” When you walk into a library, a book has to prove to you that it’s worth reading, right? Think of your own work in the same way. Pull out only the most important and interesting details. There will be time for all that other stuff later.

What do you think? Do you have any hooks you’re working on that you’d like to share with the group for feedback? Can you come up with some examples of hooks—television or literary—that work well? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

*Bird photo from http://davidpowersking.blogspot.com/2011/03/aspiring-advice-pay-attention-to.html

********************************************************************************

Ashley Clark writes romantic comedy with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story time. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature courses at her local university. She's an active member of ACFW and runs their newcomer's loop. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns. You can find Ashley on her personal blog and her Tumblr. She's also on Facebook and Twitter. She is represented by Karen Solem.

After You Hit SEND

Recently, I sent off a proposal. It was a big feat for me, since I had just come off of a writing break. While I worked on getting the proposal together, things came into place—I am scared of proposal writing, so when I stepped back and realized I had completed all the elements of my proposal (with a huge help from my crit partner!) I was thrilled! I read through it several times, thanked God for each error I found and corrected, then took the plunge and pressed SEND. AAAAHHHHHH!

Now, I am facing pressing SEND for Genesis, and I am sure many of you are too. Over the past year of querying and sending, I have learned a few things about what to do after you SEND:

1.Don't Look Back-- Remember how I said I read through my proposal several times before hitting send?? Well, when I went back and read through it again, I cringed at some minor, but obvious typos that decided to hide themselves from my eyes before. I can't do anything about them, just pray, pray, pray. The only thing looking back did for me is chip away at my confidence. Sure, if you use the same proposal or entry for another agent or contest, DO look back...but just like when you're climbing a ladder you shouldn't look down, don't look back to find mistakes that you can't fix.

2.Keep on Writing-- Sometimes the euphoria of hope in your submission catching an eye, or your entry moving to semi-finals, makes you puff out your writing feathers and strut around waiting for the phone call. Don't forget, writing is a journey! You don't want to hang out at the pit stop and munch on pork rinds and hot tamales thinking your “it” before you are. KEEP WRITING AND LEARNING. It's not etched in stone, it's not finished, you can always improve your game...hey, maybe I just negated point #1...but if you feel yourself getting this way, then do look back!

3. Remember Who You Are-- Yes, you are a writer, but before that, before any dream, you are a child of God. He cares for you regardless of the competition, regardless of the stellar agent signing you on. Nothing can change His love for you, and if you don't win or sign a contract, remember, everything happens for your good and His glory. You are right where He wants you to be, and if you're not, He's big enough to get you there!

I have struggled with these points, and it's been a lot of thinking and praying to get me to understand the importance of these tips. I'd like to share a song with you that every writer needs to hear after pressing SEND.

****************************************************************************
Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across cultures. She is an ACFW member and CEO of a family of six.

Short and Sweet: The One Page Synopsis

So you've got a wip, or a finished novel, and whether it is for a contest or a proposal, you are asked to write a synopsis of your 300 page book, in O-N-E P-A-G-E. Hm. Seriously?

Yes, yes, it sounds like torture, but if you step back and think about it, this is a GREAT exercise. A one page synopsis makes you sit down and hash out your story, understand your character arc, and weed out the unnecessaries. Actually, if you do the synopsis before you have completed your manuscript, you might just tighten your plot and find yourself able to write the rest of the story with clearer vision.

After a couple of years of struggling with these babies, I've had some awesome critiques and advice from fellow writers that I'd like to share.

Tip #1: Only include major plot points that move the main character(s)/plot line forward. Your plot may have some great twists and turns, and the use of secondary characters to move the plot forward, but be sure to only focus on the significant things that get your character from point A to point B.

Here's an example from my own synopsis (keep in mind that Yana and Andres are the main characters):

Before:

The chief's second wife, Shina, births a stillborn. Chief Vio shuns her because of this. Shina has a history of lusting after other men, so when Yana discovers Shina and Alvarez in intimate conversation, she tells Andres to warn Alvarez about Shina's shameful desires.

UGH!!

After:

When Yana discovers the commander in a heated embrace with her father's second wife, she warns Andres that the entire crew of Spaniards could be put to death.

NOTE: Think of the synopsis from the perspective of your main character, and what it does to move the plot forward in their perspective.


Tip #2: Cut out unnecessary words as much as possible. Who loves flowery speech?? I do! I do! But one page is the limit:

My example (although, as I write this, I see even more ways I can cut this down!):

Before:

When they come to a great river, Andres is anxious to board their crude vessel, but fears the savages they may face on their voyage.

To the point:

When his crew comes to a great river, Andres boards their vessel, fearful of the savages they might find.

Tip #3: Use an active voice. This is something I have struggled with in my writing also...it's so easy to slip into passive voice (the dreaded “tell vs. show”). If you use the active voice, you have a better chance at keeping your word count down also.

My example:

Passive:

From Andres's heart-filled journal entries, he embellishes on his constant reliance on God's provision in the face of wild creatures, and disease among their crew.

Active:

Andres is determined to rely on God's provision in the face of wild creatures and threatening disease.

Tip #4: Let your voice sing! What judge, agent, or editor wants to read a monotone play-by-play? Be sure to weave your voice in the presentation of your synopsis. Say it like you would write it in your book. Maybe even use some lines in your book if you can make them fit with the flow of the synopsis. Make it unique, make it YOURS!



What are your biggest concerns with a one-page synopsis? Do you have any tips you'd like to share?


Cami Tang offers her EXCELLENT professional advice on the one page synopsis! Check it out here.
****************************************************************************

 Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across cultures. She is an ACFW member and CEO of a family of six.

What's Up The Street For Next Week?

The Writer's Alley is taking you to the movies!

So many great plots, characters and dialogue can be found in a movie. So often in writer's classes you will hear movies referenced as a good example. So settle in with your popcorn and keep the remote (er mouse) close at hand, because we are going to be covering some of our favorite of all time films!

For your viewing pleasure...

Pepper takes us through the twists and turns of Indiana Jones on Monday.

Sherrinda on Tuesday will go through the moving film Return to Me. Such a great movie, sure to be a great post!

We watched it when we were young and now we watch it for character structure. Mary brings Beauty and the Beast to the blog on Wednesday


Casey takes a family favorite down from the shelves on Thursday: Loving Leah


Friday Krista swings by the Alley to talk about how writing movies are not like writing books. ;-)


NewsStand...

How to write a killer book proposal

Stop by Casey's blog to read DiAnn Mills "Cold Call" interview and enter to win her Christy award winning novel.

Sarah is giving away her monthly $10 Amazon gift card on Monday on her blog!

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