Conference Prep, Editing, and One Sheets

Anyone prepping for conference?

Appointments with editors and agents are great opportunities to let your stories shine. One thing that calms my nerves in those appointments, is having top notch materials to share. An eye-catching one sheet and a stellar synopsis are the best ways to give "audition" to your story! Sometimes though, it can be overwhelming to gather everything you need, as well as getting yourself ready for conference in general.

 I want to suggest to you conference goers: Outsource! We would love to help you with your needs for conference season this year. Fellow AlleyCat Laurie Tomlinson and I have been to multiple conferences, and love helping with authors get ready for a stellar experience. Check out our services in the ads below.

What conference are you planning on going to this year?

Click here for more info

Click here to for more info

The Backpacker's Guide To A Writer's Conference

I've heard of a few writer conferences going on over the next few months so I thought I'd repost an oldie that might help you prepare for that special time. Can't wait to see some of you at ACFW in August!

###

Besides bringing a passion for your story and the writing craft, there are a few "musts" that you should tuck into your luggage...ahem, or backpack...before heading to that next conference.

1. Business cards-  These are such a great tool to have for networking. Not only do you want to exchange business cards with industry professionals, you want to exchange with new friends and colleagues. I have a pile of cards from over the years, and I love looking back through to be sure I connect with those I have met at the next conference. At ACFW, you get a spiffy lanyard with a name tag that will have a pocket to keep your cards in, as well as any that you collect. Be sure that you reload each night of conference so you'll be prepared to hand them out the next day!

What to think about:  

Brand/look: Think about brand--what impression do you want people to get about you at 

Last year's card

first glance?  I want my brand to be classic, approachable, and timeless. According to all the cards I have collected over the years, having a picture of yourself is always good. I would be sure to use one that is professional, or professional-looking. I think a card with a casual but professional pose, in a natural landscape helps portray my brand. The one I used last year is the same photo (or from the same sitting) as all of my profile pics across social media. It is important that you are recognizable, and using a similar picture will help... from hardcopies of your business card and one sheet to a blog,  a twitter account, and a Facebook profile when you are "looked up" post-conference.

Content: genre, tagline, blog/website, social media connections, agent. Don't crowd it too much with text. Actually, my card from last year might have too much on it. You can also consider using the back of the card for contest wins, or even the pitch of the book you are promoting. I would definitely suggest that less is more. 

Need a place to get professional business cards? I always use VistaPrint. And usually, I will download my own design. This year, along with one sheet designs, I have my first business card customer! I am going to design her cards so they are exactly what she hopes to convey about herself as an author. 

2. One Sheets- A one sheet is great to have in your appointments with editors and agents.
You can use it as a "cheat" sheet when pitching your novel to them if your nerves are crazy, but most of all, you can set the feel of your story with graphics, tagline, pitch, and a back cover copy. Also, your bio and that "profile" pic that makes you memorable.

What to think about:

Graphics vs. Text balance or flow:  You want to portray the feel of your novel, but not overwhelm the page and make it difficult to read the text. Click here for a past post about creating one sheets yourself.

Which ones to bring?  If you have one sheets from past novels you've written, but are pitching a different novel...BRING ALL OF THEM! During my second conference, I had a stellar one sheet for my current novel at the time--it was the first novel to actually place in a contest. Well, after getting the dreaded advice "this will never sell" that first day of conference, and after bawling my eyes out, I picked myself up, grabbed a different novel's one sheet, studied it quickly, then began to pitch it. And you know what, it drummed up interest. I am so thankful I had that one sheet with me!

Need a one sheet designer? I have been busy preparing one sheets for fellow ACFW'rs, and have a few slots left. Check out my blog here, to learn more about what I offer.

3. One Page Synopsis and Sample Chapters- Sometimes you won't need these, but many times you will. Especially if your story grabs the attention of an editor or agent. At all but one conference I have attended, an appointment included an editor or agent reading my one page synopsis, and even part of my first chapter. BRING THEM...POLISHED, just in case! I have even heard of professionals taking the chapters to read later in their own time during the actual conference. 

4. A nifty organizer for all your materials...to stick in your "backpack"...or in the ACFW bag they give you at the beginning of conference (and, usually you get a notepad and a pen too!). Here is the one I use. It's spiral bound, and has several dividers for my different novels' one sheets and materials. I print out my elevator pitch and stick it outside the divider pocket so I can practice.

I am sure there are several other things that people fill their bags with that week of conference. I even know one amazing gal who brings a whole container of homemade chocolate chip cookies...to share. Yes, I will trade "backpacks" with her any time!

Are you a first-time attendee? Do you have any questions? Have you been to a writer's conference before? Do you have any suggestions?

Hope to see you in a few weeks!

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

Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken
Pinterest: pinterest.com/agdicken

More than Words: SPECIAL on One Sheets

You've spent months, perhaps years, pouring your heart into your story. The picture has been painted in your mind, but others can only "see it" by reading a finished product. You know every detail of the main character's face, the way the setting's landscape rolls and dips, and the emotions that glaze the story with a certain feel unique to your writing alone.

But it has to be read, first. And you believe in it so much that you are going to share it at a writer's conference, and you are going to sit face to face with an industry professional, perhaps your only shot, and spill the goodness of your story in a 15 minute session. 

Wouldn't it be great if you could offer a gateway to your story world with a burst of flavor and a sprinkle of anticipation before the professional even reads the first page? How about hooking them before you even speak a word past your own introduction?  Your story could blossom in the mind of that one person who will eventually take it into their care and put the story on the shelves of every God-ordained reader out there. And it might just start with that perfect one sheet.

A one sheet isn't just a "cheat sheet" for your editor/agent appointment. It's the visual representation of your book. Just as writing craft gurus insist that all the senses are described within your storytelling, your appointment with an editor/agent isn't just about the speaking, hearing, and reading...it's about the seeing, too. Be sure you have a one sheet that secures a long-lasting impression of that story that they just can't get out of their head.

Need a one sheet design that's professional and custom to your special story? I am here to help and work hard to produce the perfect visual that fits your story. I have a special going on right now! $25 off til July 15th! Click on the link to learn more and contact me soon!

 

One Sheets by Angie Dicken

Want to learn more about how to create one sheets?  Here's a link to my one sheet design tips:  Design and Conquer


Any specific design questions? I'd love to chat graphics today!!

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

Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/agdicken/

One Sheet Ready?

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...CONFERENCE PREP AND GETTING YOUR ONE SHEETS READY!

Whether you're planning a wedding, a kid's birthday party, or a lunch with friends, the special event always requires thought to setting the mood. Do you want a shabby chic wedding at a country chapel? Or a Super Hero bash for your four year old? How about a garden tea for a few of your closest girlfriends? All these events bring about a vision in our heads, a trigger for our senses.

Your fifteen minute agent/editor appointment at a writer's conference does not fall short as a "special event" for your writing career. The spotlight shines bright and brief in those few moments, so why not be sure you are prepared to not only sell your novel with a bang, but set the mood of your writing, and leave the professional with an experience they can't forget?

Besides stellar writing and a snazzy premise, it's best to tap into more than the agent/editor's sense of hearing as you speak, and impress an image that will stir the appropriate emotions for your particular book. The one sheet is the most effective way to tap into the professional's senses during your “special event”. It is your décor and mood lighting all in one. It can also be another hook to grab their interest and dig deeper with conversation. And it is my ABSOLUTE favorite thing to create besides the actual story.

Here are some examples of establishing the tone of the book through graphics and layout using my own designs (I tend to write more character-driven books so I include a profile or face in my own one-sheets):

A historical set deep in the Amazon jungle (Winner of the Mile High Scribes 2011 One Sheet Contest):

A coming of age story set post-Dust Bowl in cotton country of Texas (Finalist of the Mile High Scribes 2013 One Sheet Contest):

A historical romance set in a coal town in the Utah mountains (prejudice is a theme, so I went with the starkness of black and white):

For more info on creating these yourself, click here.

This conference season, I am excited to, once again, offer one sheet designs to any CBA writer. Go to my blog www.angiedicken.blogspot.com click on my CBA One Sheet Design page for more details! 

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

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.

Preparing for Conference Season

While most of the country is reaching for lemonade and ice cream in these super hot temperatures (welcome to summer in Florida, by the way-bleh!) fall is around the corner. I promise. And that not only means cute sweaters and pumpkins, but also conference season! Huzzah!

If you're planning to attend the ACFW conference this year, did you realize it is almost exactly two months away? Is it just me, or is that really hard to believe?

So today I wanted to put together a list of some things you can do now to start preparing for the conference, and to keep you the dreaded panic that comes from waiting until the last minute.

• Research, research, research. Sometimes people spend a lot of money to attend conferences but not much time preparing. If you are going to meet with an editor or an agent, please take the time to find out what that person represents. If you write historical, you don't want to wind up pitching to someone who's only looking for YA, or vice versa. Many publishing houses have a very specific vibe that they specialize in. Take time to read books by prospective publishing houses, and see who's publishing work like yours. Then target those people. Impress editors and agents by being able to converse about their current authors. You'd be surprised by how few people do this, and it will give you the edge up.

• Start working on that one sheet. Don't wait until the last minute to get your materials ready. The sooner you get started, the more time you'll have to tweak. Your one sheet should give your title, your hook, a blurb about your story that leaves the editor/agent wanting to see more, and a bio about yourself. Our own Alley Cat Angie Dicken is offering an amazing deal on one sheet designs (only $40 per one sheet!) if you haven't already heard. You can see some examples of her work at this link: http://supamomthoughts.blogspot.com/p/cba-one-sheet-design-service.html

• Get that book ready! To pitch a project, it needs to be at least mostly done. With two months to go, you still have plenty of time to get it ready, but time's a 'ticken, so be sure you get serious about putting in that consistent word count so your project is pitch-worthy.

• Pray, pray, pray. Pray for God's favor, His appointments, His vision, and for Him to use you to minister to others. Pray for the editors and the agents and the publishing houses and the future of CBA. We 

We so desperately need to stand up as the body of Christ--and especially as Christian writers--to pray for the future of Christian fiction. If we, who are already so passionate about this field, fail to seek God's council and favor, who will? God wants to do incredible things through all of us, and I have personally seen and experienced His presence in a deep way at the ACFW conference. 

Think of it this way. Imagine if you had a relative or friend who wanted to give you something valuable, but they were waiting until you were ready, and until they could give it to you in person. They needed to know you were engaged, and that the moment was right. What if you never spoke to that person? What if you knew that gift was yours, and yet you never claimed it?

I wonder how often God is holding the gift-wrapped box out to us, hands outstretched, and waiting. How often His heart must be grieved when we close our fists and turn away.

Don't turn away. Believe He has great things for you, and seek His face until you find them.

• Leave your nerves behind. When we begin to prepare for something big in our lives, it's natural to start getting more and more nervous as the excitement builds. Everyone feels a little scared to get on that plane and take the next step. Don't let anxiety keep you from your dreams. Keep in nerves your check by reminding yourself of the vision God has cast in your life and your writing. And at the ACFW Conference in particular, people are so friendly. You'll feel like you belong there the moment you put on that ACFW lanyard and the front desk workers ask if you're a writer.

• Get those first three chapters polished! You may have a few people ask to see a writing sample if they like your story, so be sure your first three chapters are sparkling and ready to go. No time like the present to start passing those around to critique partners, moms, and best friends. Make them as good as they can be! You want to put forward the best possible reflection of yourself.

Hope this list gives you a good idea of ways you can start preparing for conference season. Are you attending any conferences this year? Do you have any tips to add to the list?

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

Ashley Clark writes romantic comedy with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. 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, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. She is represented by Karen Solem.

Countdown to ACFW: Prep Reminders Part 1

September is upon us, and I have baby brain. My novels are my babies and I am obsessing! I have endured the edits, designed my one sheets, and made lists upon lists of pitches and blurbs. It is time to make a game plan for ACFW conference, because as we know, a plan helps us to feel prepared. I am also looking forward to all the people I hope to see...agents and editors, favorite authors,writing friends, and new friends...oh my!
Today I will talk about the materials to bring, and then on the Monday before conference, I will give you some last minute suggestions on how to organize all your friend dates and appointments, assigned and for fun.

On to.......

 The stuff:

 Business Cards: 

Have you ordered your business cards yet? It's about time! You'll want to be sure to consider time for shipping. Things to include on those tickets for networking:

•  Name and contact info including blog addresses and facebook pages 

•  A picture of you – some choose not to do this, but it might be that one thing that jogs the memory of that agent or editor who has been introduced to a gazillion other writers like yourself. And it's like high school all over again when you get to swap your wallet pics with your friends!

   Tip: Make sure the design is balanced (if you don't use a template offered on sites like Vistaprint), and not cluttered.

   Optionals: Tagline (your brand) –
   Do you have a catchy phrase that describes what you write? Yet another thing to jog memories and make a lasting impression. I would suggest this is definitely optional though. I have chosen to not include a tagline on my card this year. I am un-agented, and would rather wait to get advice once a find an agent. Maybe you aren't crazy about what you've come up with? Don't sweat it, you can still dazzle them with your pitch without a brand. Pitch – some people include the pitch of their current novel on the back of their card. If you want to use your cards over and over, you can simply print your pitch on a mailing label, and stick it on several cards that you will pass out at conference.
              
                      Awards -- If you have space, or want to use the back, put your awards on there! Make yourself shine! 

One Sheets:

This tool was my confidence on-a-page last year. I sat down at my appointments and used my one sheet to spur the conversation. It took a lot of stress off of me to recite my pitch and blurb, and it appealed to more senses than just hearing me blab! What does it need to include?
 If you look at my one sheet, start at the top and go clockwise:

• The title (of course) 
• a tagline or one liner that gives the essence of your story
• a bio (mine is at the bottom) that highlights your credentials, awards, and gives a snippet of who you are, contact info and a picture of you (same reason for the business card)
• your blurb and pitch. The blurb is not a full synopsis of the story. It is more what you would see on the back cover of a book. Don't give your ending away, be sure to hook the reader so they want to request more (a full perhaps?)

    Graphics: I am certainly a visual person. Check out my post last year on designing one sheets. Be sure to include a graphic or two that relates to your story, and place them in an appealing way that works well with the rest of the layout.

 Writing Samples:
If you go to the ACFW appointments page and scroll through the agents and editors, you'll notice many of them ask for writing samples, usually your first chapter. Be sure to polish, polish, polish, and have it ready for them to look at it in that short 15 minute time slot. They DO read them, trust me from experience! Last year, two agents took the time to read part of my chapter right there in front of me. I got a request out of it, so don't think it's a waste of time or paper to bring that with you!

Organizing Your Stuff:

    Business cards: The name tag lanyard you receive at conference is awesome because it is a pouch with zipper pockets. You can use one area for your business cards, and the other for those you collect. Easy and accessible!
   One Sheets, writing samples, schedules, pitches: I used a multi pocketed folder last year, and it worked wonderfully! Each section was reserved for a specific novel with one side holding my one sheets and the other side holding my samples. On the front of each folder pocket, I taped a strip of paper with my pitch printed on it for quick reference.
You'll also want to reserve some pockets for other things like schedules, Editor and agent expectations and People you want to see, meet. I will talk about this in two weeks.

 Do you have any suggestions for getting ready for writer's conferences? How about any questions about the stuff you take with you?

Prepare for Conference Early

Yes, I know ACFW's Dallas conference is still three months away, but in the writing world, that's like ten minutes! Which means...it doesn't hurt to start preparing now.

I'm a big fan of lists and preparing so this was a dream post for me. Here's a short list of items you can work on early to be prepared for conference time.

One Sheets

Those one sheets are important. You'll need them for lunches and agent/editor meetings, and random run-ins with those wonderful agents and editors in the bathroom. They're important, so get to work! This also gives you time to have critique partners or writing friends take a look.

Shopping

Yes, I said shopping. I knew I'd catch your attention. You need business casual attire as well as a super duper glitzy number for the gala (okay, it doesn't have to sparkle but this is like adult Prom :D without songs by Milli Vanilli or Hansen or whoever was popular when you were younger), so now's the time to start looking.

Study Editors and Agents

Whether you've signed up for appointments or not, if you plan on meeting with agents and editors, it's a good idea to know who you're talking to. Study these people like you'd study before sending a query. Know what they're looking for so you can be as prepared as possible.

Pitches

If you plan on meeting with editors or agents, or even chatting with them at lunches or in the elevator, having a pitch ready is smart. Working on it now gives you time to tweak and practice on unsuspecting victims in the grocery store. One thing I've also done is print my pitch (with the name of the story) on sticky labels and put them on the back of my business cards. That way you have something to refer to if you forget or if someone needs to remember you by your story.

Business Cards

Yes, you're a professional now. If you haven't already, I'd recommend getting some business cards. You can put them with your one sheets, you can hand them out to other professionals or new friends you meet. And you can give the leftovers to your kids to play with. All around good fun!

Those are all the things you can start now and keep working on. And as the conference gets closer, here's what I'd recommend as well. Get a folder. Yep, get a folder for all those things you've already started on, and then add to it. Here's what else you can put inside:

* A checklist of what you need to bring (including all the items above, your camera, extra money, etc.)
* Transportation information, for when you arrive in Dallas and need to get from one place to the next
* Phone numbers of your roommates or anyone else you plan on meeting there
* A few sets of the first scene or chapter of the book you're pitching (sometimes agents or editors will like to see these - yes, it's happened to me before!)
* Flight information

Yeah, there's more, but this is a great place to start. When the conference gets closer, you'll start to find more information on author sites and agent sites. You can also check our archives for old posts if you'd like specifics on one sheets, business cards, pitches, and more.

Are you already getting ready for conference? Can you think of anything else to start working on now?

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

Cindy is a Colorado native, living near the mountains with her husband and three beautiful daughters. She writes contemporary Christian romance, seeking to enrich lives with her stories of faith, love, and humor.

To learn more about Cindy, visit her at her personal site, www.cindyrwilson.com

Preparing to Meet Agents and Editors

One of the greatest things about conferences is the networking. It's your opportunity to connect with friends and other writers, as well as professionals in the publishing industry. However, this can also be intimidating, especially meeting with agents and editors who you're trying to make a good impression on.

With the ACFW conference coming up shortly, I thought I'd share a little on when you will have the opportunity to meet agents and editors as well as how you might want to prepare.

Where will I meet agents and editors?

Scheduled Meetings

When you register for the conference, you will have the chance to schedule a meeting with an agent or editor or both. These fifteen minute sessions give you the opportunity to sit down face to face with an agent or editor and talk to them about you and your work.

Late-night Panels

You can also schedule to sit in on a publisher's panel. This is where editors and others from a publishing house will talk about their house, sometimes what they are looking for, or the direction of publishing, etc. You may not have the chance to meet an editor one on one at these sessions, but usually there will be a time scheduled for questions and answers.

Lunches

During a couple of meals, you will have the chance to sit with certain agents or editors (first come first serve, of course, because there's limited seating at each table) and talk with them. Sometimes it's more casual and just general chatting and other times it's more specific. I sat with both an agent for one meal and an editor for another meal at the ACFW conference last year. The agent asked me about what I write, shared a little of what she was looking for with the entire table, and then I ended up spending several minutes chatting about mission trips and unusual food with her. A great example of how agents are people, too, and how it doesn't hurt to take a breather and just be yourself.

Random Meetings

These are the unscheduled kind where you run into an agent or editor because someone either suggested you seek them out or they just happen to be where you are or the other way around. I can't stress more that these kinds of meetings (such as the bathroom meeting) are not the kind of place you want to be pushing your pitch or your one sheets. BUT, if the agent or editor does ask to hear or see something, then you have an opening. (Trust me, it does happen. It met two authors in the bathroom and the conversation turned toward my writing and from that I got a recommendation to talk with an agent the next day. Also, a walk down to Starbucks with an agent turned into my chance to do a short pitch and hand over my one sheet.)

What do I need to bring with me or how else to I prepare?

One Sheets

A one sheet is a single page promoting your individual book. The one sheet includes a summary of the book, a bio of you as well as a picture if you have one (which hopefully you do for professional reasons), a single sentence hook if you can - basically a query letter in more attractive form. Angie posted on one sheets earlier this week if you need some good tips. (Also, bring these with you everywhere because you never know when you're going to have a chance to hand them out. I ended up handing out two over lunch, one at Starbucks, and three during scheduled meetings.)

Chapters

It's a good idea to bring the first chapter or scene of your book with you so if an agent or editor asks, you have something to show them. It's a chance for them to see your writing style and know if they're interested in seeing more. If nothing else, it's a chance to get feedback if they're willing.

Pitch

This is also called the elevator pitch, the very brief but hopefully intriguing summary of your book. It's a great idea to have this at the forefront of your memory, ready to tell an agent or editor what your book is about either at a meeting or somewhere else. I only had one agent and one editor meeting at the conference last year, but I ended up saying my pitch to three agents and two editors, as well as other writers and authors, in various places throughout the weekend. Check this post from Sarah about elevator pitches if you need some ideas.

Business Cards

These are handy to bring to appointments to attach to one sheets or chapters, although you should already have your contact information on the one sheets anyway. Otherwise, they're mostly just a tool to keep connected with other writers, authors, or friends you meet.

Relax and Be Yourself

There is such a thing as preparing yourself mentally or even spiritually beforehand and I'd highly recommend it. Last year, I had dreams about my first big conference, dozens of scenes in my head about the ways I'd mess up my pitch or what a poor impression I would make. Prepare yourself by telling yourself that you're not in this by yourself. You will be there with hundreds of other writers who are nervous or excited or even new just like you. And remember, agents and editors are people too and if you can relax with them you'll be able to really show them who you are and get as much from each meeting as you can.

What worries or concerns do you have about meeting agents or editors? Or, for those of you who are pros or excited about this one on one time, how do you plan on preparing for those meetings?

Design and Conquer: The One Sheet

I am an artist at heart. Graphics and design make me all giddy! When I first learned about one sheets, I was excited to play with this informative "art form".
The one sheet is a cheat sheet for you when you pitch, but it is also someone's only glimpse at your novel. These are so great to have at a conference.
Make it eye-catching, something an editor or agent is drawn too when they look through their stacks of one sheets. Use graphics that will stick in their mind when they think of your book. I'll give you my personal tips on creating a one sheet based purely on my graphic background... As I am unrepresented and unpublished, I will have to let you know how mine works at this year's conference! :)

Raison d'etre: Everything should have a reason to be... This is the anal architect in me. I cringe when I walk into a room and a picture is just “floating” on a wall when it could easily have been measured out and placed in a logical spot. Make sure you don't have graphics or text “floating” in space. Line text up with other text, center it with something, make sure your graphics or bio pic aren't just placed in a blank spot, but work with the rest of the sheet.

Tip: Photoshop has a grid that you can turn on while working on a design. This is a great way to “place” your elements.

Anchors Away: Use gradients, blocks of color, or "watermarked" graphics to anchor your sheet. The one sheet is just that, one overall composition to represent your novel. Be sure you don't just leave the eye “hanging” by keeping all your graphic work at the top or at the bottom. The graphics and text should flow to completion together.

Balance is everything. You don't have to have a ton of graphics, but if you have them, be sure they aren't sticking out amid a sea of text, that will only take away from your text.

Tip #2: How to put a picture behind the text: In a Microsoft program or Open Office, you can right click on an image and go to "order" or "alignment" and it should give you the option to send "to back" or send "behind the text". Be sure you change the opacity on the graphic so your text is still clear. In Photoshop or Gimp, you just make the graphic layer below the text layer.

Tip #3: DON'T RELY ON Photoshop and GIMP's text tools...make your one sheet background, then insert it into a Word file and use text boxes. The text in these programs (perhaps newest versions of Photoshop are different?) does not print out as crisp as Word.

Artistic License: It is easy to become overwhelmed with the many clipart images and photos you can choose from to represent your book. Don't settle. Only your mind's eye knows what you envision when you think of your story. Is it the vibrant colors of your humorous heroine's shoe collection? Or deep reds and velvety purples of kings and queens? Allow the graphics to support your novel in a way that the front cover of a book would. Be picky, take your time, and CREATE!

Tip: You can find a ton of free pictures using Flickr Be sure to check what each photo's copyright rules are...they will let you know how much you can manipulate it, and if you have to get the photographer's permission.

Go here to see examples and content tips on one sheets:
Rachelle Gardner's One Sheet Post
Dineen Miller One Sheets 

Are there any specific graphic-related questions you have as you create your one sheet?

What's Up The Street For Next Week?

Photo courtesy of allwelike.com

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

Starting in August, we will be doing a series on our favorite movies and what makes them work.

From character to plot to dialogue to motivation, be "watching" for more details on what movies we will be discussing!

Popcorn is oppotional. :-))

Up next week...

Angie will be posting with us on Monday on another segment from the Shelly Beach's workshop

Julia hosts guest Mary DeMuth here on Tuesday! Stop by to read Mary's thoughts on the industry and enter to win her latest book, Muir House.

Sarah continues her Self-Editing Check List on Wednesday

Image courtesy of Yolasite.com

Stop by on Thursday for Wendy's post on waiting in our writing.

Cindy is blogging on Friday about what it takes to be original in our stories and Following the Leader

News Stand:

The winner of Surrender the Dawn is... Lgm52!!

Read Casey's interview with Keli Gwyn and don't forget to leave a comment to win a book and bracelet! You have until Monday, July 25th to stop by.

Need some One Sheet help for the coming conference season?? Check out some of these examples Here, Here and Here

Rachelle Gardner has also been busy all week talking about pitches. Including the elevator pitch. Fabulous information!

One Sheets, An Introduction To Your Creation

Lots of talk has been going on about One-Sheets, so I wanted to give you a brief overview about them.


What is a one-sheet?

Well, it’s basically you + your story on one sheet of paper. A 3-4 paragraph summary of your novel, a small blurb about you, and the specs on your novel (wordcount, completed, series or not…etc)

It’s a quick reference.

Why create a one-sheet?

Personally, I like it because it helps me condense my story into a page and is a helpful tool during editor/agent meetings to keep me focused. It’s also a quick way to share your story with an editor without pulling out a first chapter or synopsis.

A few helpful hints.

- The one-sheet should reflect the novel and you.

- Lots of people try to make it color-coded with their website or blog.

- Some people write the ‘pitch’ at the top of the one-sheet to grab attention and then get into the heart of the story after that.

- If you can put wordcount on the one-sheet (or projected completion date), it’s a good idea. This gives the editors/agents a little better idea of how far along you are.

- Remember to put a picture of yourself on the sheet, along with your contact information.

- Get an idea of how to write a half page summary by checking out movie synopsis or read the blurb on the back of a book. It’s a good way to see how writers pick out what’s important to hook the reader’s/viewer’s attention.

- One-sheets are great to use when you need a little 'boost' with your pitch. I use mine as a 'cheat sheet' :-)

Here is an example of one that I'm working on:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/36274837/Twist-of-Faithonesheet-1

You can also check out some basic one-sheet info from these sites:

http://wannabepublished.blogspot.com/2008/04/crafting-fiction-one-sheets.html

http://www.tracyruckman.com/downloads/One%20Sheets.pdf

(I don’t use professional software for my one-sheets – as this website suggested, but I created a Word document and used various heights, widths, and locations for text boxes. You can color the boxes and reshape them, so I used text boxes to insert photos and novel specs)

http://kayedacus.com/2007/08/28/beyond-the-first-draft%e2%80%94the-pitch-sheet-and-one-sheet/

(Kaye Dacus’ website is FABULOUS for a wealth of information. After you follow this link, browse around her website. You won’t be disappointed.

FYI:
A one-pager is different. It’s an overview of all your projects on one sheet. It’s also called a projects-sheet. So, on my one-pager, I have a small balloon about my contemp romance, my historical, and my supernatural.

Here's the one I'm working on for ACFW:

http://www.scribd.com/full/36275457?access_key=key-m1gvt6mi0hzgt4l2oko

Are you working on a one-sheet? What is your greatest challenge? Success?