tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post4382617786669868833..comments2023-10-27T11:41:01.596-05:00Comments on SORMAG's Blog: PANEL: Debut WritersLaShaundahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-82997137862677121002007-08-27T18:52:00.000-05:002007-08-27T18:52:00.000-05:00Thank you most sincerely, Roxanne!Thank you most sincerely, Roxanne!Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06194057797297228126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-76256098168693145662007-08-26T21:44:00.000-05:002007-08-26T21:44:00.000-05:00I think Jill's idea about blogs is great. I'd lov...I think Jill's idea about blogs is great. I'd love to get started with one somewhere, because having a group means less stress on just one person trying to keep up, and would draw more people, too. Great idea. I've been to her site, and it's marvelous!<BR/><BR/>Roxanne Rustand<BR/>www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustandRoxanneRustandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17054984173473651196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-87154352359013904182007-08-26T20:58:00.000-05:002007-08-26T20:58:00.000-05:00One thing you can do to get your name out there co...One thing you can do to get your name out there consistently, besides write articles for periodicals, is hook up with a popular blog site as a regular blogger. Saturdays I blog for the Christian authors network marketing blog. http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing/<BR/><BR/>Not only do I get to share marketing tips on a site that gets a lot of traffic, I raise my on-line visibility to the various search engines. BTW, that's a marketing tip in itself.<BR/><BR/>For those of you debut authors who are interested in a wealth of marketing information, check out this blog. Published authors share their experiences every day but Sunday.<BR/><BR/>Jill<BR/>http://www.jillelizabethnelson.comJillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06194057797297228126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-90990175890279848372007-08-26T20:42:00.000-05:002007-08-26T20:42:00.000-05:00Carmen, I'll (Margo) chime in on writing for other...Carmen, I'll (Margo) chime in on writing for other markets. I haven't gone out of my way to try to freelance again, but wouldn't turn down work if it came my way. <BR/><BR/>What I do know, from writing for magazines and websites before I turned to fiction, is that editors will pick up the phone and pitch a story to a writer they trust. They want to work with someone reliable and who can deliver the piece they want. It's all a matter of building relationships. <BR/><BR/>I sometimes contribute first person essays here and there and its a nice break to write something just for fun. And it keeps your skills sharp. My editor would love if I could get something in Glamour Magazine. Maybe someday. <BR/><BR/>Margo<BR/>www.margocandela.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-39082907103675482032007-08-26T20:05:00.000-05:002007-08-26T20:05:00.000-05:00I have some questions I think is important to ask ...I have some questions I think is important to ask and down the road I'll chime in with responses. I have to run to rehearsal now. <BR/><BR/>1. How important is it to write articles when you know you want to write books?<BR/><BR/>2. Should novelists also write articles? Why?<BR/><BR/>3. What, if any, benefits to your long term writing career are articles?<BR/><BR/>Carmen Leal<BR/>http://www.carmenleal.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-32282044571454946682007-08-26T19:44:00.000-05:002007-08-26T19:44:00.000-05:00Sorry I'm joining so late but a family emergency w...Sorry I'm joining so late but a family emergency with travel plans and household upheaval altered my participation, but here I am.<BR/> I was so thrilled to be invited by SorMag to participate in this event that I started researching and doing preparation immediately. I am indeed a debut writing in every true sense of the definition. Although I have been writing and giving speeches as well as pursuing a Bachelor’s in English Arts I have never actually attempted to publish anything. However when I finally wrote a cohesive novel I was in the right place at the right time and was sought out.<BR/> Come With Me is about an African-American woman raised to work and make her own way. She faces the dilemma of being black and female in the white male dominated upper business echelon. Jesse Bishop is all at once hit with dating a wonderfully, trophy man with no substance, having her business infiltrated by a new ‘white’ partner and having life incidents chink her tough armor.<BR/> She lands in the beautiful wilds of North Carolina and she is ready to deal with the love of the native Cherokee chief Michael ‘Majestic’ Cloud Walker. Readers love him and have dubbed him Cloud although Jesse is still at odds with knowing herself and understanding love magic happens.<BR/><BR/>---What did it feel like to finally see your book at the bookstore?--- <BR/><BR/>I wish someone had warned me that it was a waiting game. You wait to hear back about submissions then (I was blessed it was a short wait) you wait to hear back from a specific editor and then you wait for the publisher and then wait for the actual contract. You wait for your advance check and then wait for copy edits and then wait for advance copies and wait for the actual book to be on the shelf. (Sometimes a month after your release.) Truth be told others told me my book was on the shelves I've only seen it when I'm doing signings. But my publisher is mass market, amazon, etc. and it seems to be all over including Walmart, Barnes & Noble, CVS, gas stations, military bases, airports. Shoot my book is like giveaways from my publisher but it has gotten me noteriety. That's how people started reaching out to me for signings and appearances. As for me the thrill is in forgetting I'm a published writer as I'm going about my 'regular' life and then mentioning it in passing and the reaction I get. And I do career days, author chats, free community events, my own contests, workshops, panels, discussions and booksignings. Right now it's all local because I'm between nannies but soon I hope to travel. I have shown up at events with my own books and been allowed to sell and sign. <BR/><BR/>---How hard was it to find a agent or publishing company to take on your first book?---<BR/> <BR/> I was lucky my editor, who became my friend who was initially a friend of a friend was also my mentor after signing me. She also prodded a couple of agents to take interest in me until one did.<BR/><BR/>---I also want to know, what's the pressure like to perform for book #2? Is it worse than book #1?<BR/><BR/> I think one was harder for me only because I didn't know anything and was at their beck and call this time I'm familiar with procedures, deadlines, and personalities to help the process. Book two was in six months from conception. Four is twenty chapters in, five is three in, six is almost done, and I have about seven more in development with three chapters, outlines and synopsis. My preference is to have the completed manuscript. I don't always do deadlines well and have to lie and set up my deadline three months in advance of the real date.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-88059938087483547622007-08-26T19:21:00.000-05:002007-08-26T19:21:00.000-05:00Good comments, Carmen. As to the agent question, w...Good comments, Carmen. <BR/><BR/>As to the agent question, when my first agent stopped agenting, I was without an agent for all of about three days. Why? Because I had been steadily developing personal ties within the writing community. A dear crit bud recommended me to her agent who is with a highly reputable agency in the Christian publishing world, and voila!, I was once again agented. <BR/><BR/>So, yes, an existing client's recommendation can open awesome doors. That wasn't the only factor in her decision to represent me, but it was a big one.<BR/><BR/>So how does one form these contacts, you ask? Writers groups (on and off line), conferences, and crit groups. Steadily, steadily, here a little, there a little. And whatever you do, be sincere in your desire to learn, to grow, and to help others do the same. Character is gold, just as much as talent!Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06194057797297228126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-84252470431382716172007-08-26T19:07:00.000-05:002007-08-26T19:07:00.000-05:00Roxanne Asked: And if an agent is reading this, ho...Roxanne Asked: And if an agent is reading this, how much value do you put on a published author's recommendation.<BR/><BR/>I am not an agent but I do believe an established author's stamp of approval does make a huge difference. That said, you don't really go out and ask people to help you. I have referred maybe 10 authors to my agent and she has signed just about all of them. Why? Well, they were all non-fiction books which is what I write. She knows I go to a lot of conferences and meet a lot of writers. She also knows that I have a good mind for marketing and that when I refer her to someone it's usually an idea that pops, a writers with personality plus willing to work hard to market, wrapped in excellent writing. I believe you need all of the above.<BR/><BR/>I also know that there is no way you can out give God. So as you are mentoring others, going to critique groups, answer questions on writing loops, and in many ways supporting others, God will bring people into your life to help you. <BR/><BR/>I think blurbs and reviews I've written have help at the publisher stage, but again, it has to be something for which I am known. As the author of books on caregiving I might be a good one to ask to comment on a caregiver, health focused, or grief book. A book on parenting toddlers? Maybe not so much. So match your work with the right author. <BR/><BR/>Carmen Leal<BR/>http://www.carmenleal.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6157393822374571942007-08-26T18:59:00.000-05:002007-08-26T18:59:00.000-05:00Someone asked: How hard was it to find an agent or...Someone asked: How hard was it to find an agent or publishing company to take on your first book? <BR/><BR/>I was incredibly blessed when it came time to finding my first publisher. I had self-published 2 books and they both had strong numbers for the type of genre and audience. I also had published articles with some name publications. In other words, I already had established myself as being a hard worker with willingness to market my work.<BR/><BR/>I realized that many authors didn't know much about the Internet and I pitched a book idea to WaterBrook since they published Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide. Based on a solid book proposal and a strong web presence I was offered a contract. I had not pitched it to anyone else nor did I have an agent.<BR/><BR/>The company sent my book to writer's conference directors and agents and I was invited to speak at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference where I met an agent who had just read and loved my book. She offered to represent me.<BR/><BR/>I realize that not everyone has these doors opened for him or her. But what I didn't show you was my back-story. It had been three years of full time work writing and speaking and developing relationships. I did reams of research and paid lots of dues.<BR/><BR/>Everyone has a different path to success. But everyone needs to write the best book proposal of their lives and work their tush off if they want to break into the market.<BR/><BR/>Carmen Leal<BR/>http://www.carmenleal.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-76713712049353629942007-08-26T18:41:00.000-05:002007-08-26T18:41:00.000-05:00Back from church and I have a couple of hours befo...Back from church and I have a couple of hours before I leave for Ensemble rehearsal. What a great way to have a conference.<BR/><BR/>How did I feel when I first saw my book on the shelf? Amazing.<BR/><BR/>Since my first book was self-published I had to do ALL the marketing. No matter whether you are self or royalty published you will personally have to do most of any marketing that is done, but in my case I had to do it all. This is where cheerleaders come in. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have friends and family and others know about and love you and your book.<BR/><BR/>I was speaking at a Huntington's disease conference in TN. Unbeknownst to me the organizer contacted a large independent store and had them order my books because there was a conference in town. Otherwise I doubt it would have happened.<BR/><BR/>On the way home from the first day of speaking she said she needed to pop into the store for something and would I mind. <BR/>I walked in and there was a table. On the table was a stack of MY books and MY photo! Now, the photo was only slightly better than a driver's license photo, but it was still me and next to all those lovely books. I was so excited. She had set up a book signing for the following day and was going to announce it at the meeting.<BR/><BR/>Amazingly I did an impromptu signing that day and sold 12 and then the following day did the real one and sold all the rest. What an amazing charge.<BR/><BR/>I've since had other book sightings around the country but none as exciting. I will never forget my friend for doing that I always make it a point to go to libraries and book stores and ask that they carry books authored by my friends. <BR/><BR/>Carmen Leal<BR/>http://www.carmenleal.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-70958955900015194602007-08-26T18:16:00.000-05:002007-08-26T18:16:00.000-05:00First I want to thank all the panel members who ha...First I want to thank all the panel members who have posted. Thank you for showing up.<BR/><BR/>The best part about the conference is you can do other things and catch up later. <BR/><BR/>I went to church this morning with four post at the conference and I come back with over a 100 posts. <BR/><BR/> YEAH!<BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for all your sharing. I've learned a lot and the best part, I can come back and re-read. Now you can't do that at a regular conference.<BR/><BR/>Again thank you for your posts. This day is open until 10pm, so feel free to make comments.LaShaundahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-41909357995336229322007-08-26T15:59:00.000-05:002007-08-26T15:59:00.000-05:00I like what Roxanne said about marketing yourself ...I like what Roxanne said about marketing yourself rather than a particular book. That's what I meant by my comment on "brand" above. Publishers have discovered that authors build their best followings when readers know what to expect from them. <BR/><BR/>Any book by me will have adventure, pathos, humor, and romance. That's the "flavor" of fiction I write, and why romantic suspense is a good fit for me.<BR/><BR/>Take a good, strong look at what flavor flows from you when you write. You are inevitably going to find that even across genres, you have a certain style or "voice." If you can identify it, you can work your "brand" into the market study portion of your proposal and have a serious leg up in the eyes of both agents and editors. <BR/><BR/>For example, multi-published, award-winning author Angela Hunt writes in more than one genre and even publishes books that are difficult to pigeon-hole, but she has a single consistent flavor, which is encapsulated in her "brand"--Expect the Unexpected!<BR/><BR/>The best way to get to know yourself as a writer is to write. A lot. The better you know yourself as a writer, the better you will present yourself to agents and editors. <BR/><BR/>And as far as getting one of the above, I believe an earlier comment hit the nail on the head--personal contact. Now, this does not have to be face to face, though that's excellent when you can get it. <BR/><BR/>Usually, the face-to-face opportunities are found at writers conferences. I can't recommend enough to new writers to attend conferences. I met both my first agent and my current editor at writers conferences. <BR/><BR/>However, conferences cost money. In comparison, joining on-line writers groups that have agents and editors as members is either relatively cheap or free. I belong to American Christian Fiction Writers and pay annual dues, but got my feet wet in a critique group and got to know my first agent before she was my agent in that group. I also belong to Christian Writers Group International, a free group. They gave me a full scholarship to attend my first writers conference in 2002 where, as I said above, I met both the person who later became my first agent (yes, I also knew her on-line) and the person who is now my editor.<BR/><BR/>It's so very true in this business as in any other that who you know is a key factor to producing success. In the case of this discussion, success would be that first book sale. Yes, your writing has to be up to snuff, but you are going to get looked at more quickly and more favorably by folks you know.<BR/><BR/>Okay, I've preached enough for the moment. Have I confused anyone? I'm open to questions. I'll be hanging around on-line for the next few hours.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06194057797297228126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-71501680459253117552007-08-26T15:37:00.000-05:002007-08-26T15:37:00.000-05:00Hi. Jill Elizabeth Nelson chiming in here, too. So...Hi. Jill Elizabeth Nelson chiming in here, too. So many excellent questions! But let me introduce myself quickly first.<BR/><BR/>I write romantic suspense for Waterbrook/Multnomah. The series is called To Catch a Thief, and each book features a musuem security expert and an FBI agent on the trail of ruthless art and antiquities thieves. Reluctant Burglar and Reluctant Runaway are already out. Reluctant Smuggler is due out in January. I spent all day yesterday and some of today on copy edits, which are due in a few days. <BR/><BR/>I have manuscripts in other genres than romantic suspense, but the rs series was my first sale. My agent urges that at this point in my career, I "brand" myself as a romantic suspense author, so we're shopping new proposals now that the TCAT series is nearly finished (for now--I'd like to revisit these characters at a later date, publisher willing)<BR/><BR/>Now I'll go to another post to start addressing questions.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06194057797297228126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-808238545020402542007-08-26T14:27:00.000-05:002007-08-26T14:27:00.000-05:00My first and most financially successful book was ...My first and most financially successful book was actually self-published. My husband had a rare neurological disease called Huntington's. There were no books written about the people dealing with this disease so I decided to write a book. I knew absolutely nothing about writing or publishing. I just knew we were all desperate.<BR/><BR/>I believe that God prepares each of us for the jobs he wants us to do. I had owned a marketing firm for ten years before David's diagnosis and so marketing the book didn't scare me in the least. To me it was just another product. I think as authors we see our books as our babies. And, to some degree that's true, but to me it was no different that marketing a retail store or a conference. <BR/><BR/>I write non-fiction so that's somewhat different that fiction, but no matter what you write you have to realize you are creating a product that will answer a question, solve a product, or fill a need. The first step to success in finding an agent, selling a manuscript or getting someone to spend hard earned cash is to do one or all of the above. In my case that was easier. Families dealing with Huntington's are looking for answers to one specific problem; How can I survive this nightmare? In Faces of Huntington's they got to read how sixty families were surviving. Of course they wanted it! So while they average royalty book sells less than 5,000 copies I sold 6,000 of my first book. Not bad for a first book. The cool thing is that I earned about $12.00 per book versus the dollar or so I get on my royalty books. Huge difference. <BR/><BR/>So, my suggestion to all authors is to determine what is the problem, the question, or the solution your book has to offer. That is the key to writing something relevant and to selling your book. Yes, even fiction.<BR/><BR/>Carmen Leal<BR/>http://www.carmenleal.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-71859708464486820082007-08-26T14:02:00.000-05:002007-08-26T14:02:00.000-05:00Good morning all you wonderful writers. I am in Ha...Good morning all you wonderful writers. I am in Hawaii so I'm always lagging behind everyone since I am six hours behind the East coast.<BR/><BR/>I write non-fiction and from the posts I've read there are more fiction writers here. Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, articles, or books, the thing to remember is that writing is hard work. It's also not rocket science. There are lots and lots of rules that go with our profession. Cover and query letters, formatting, SASEs, all sorts of things. So my first suggestion is to learn the rules of the game. You can learn them from books, from, other writers, conferences, online. <BR/><BR/>I have taught at dozens of conferences and I'd say that most people get rejected for two reasons; they don't follow the rules and their writing is not relevant to what the agent or publisher think their readers are interested in reading. So, bottom line no matter what you are writing is to make it relevant and follow the rules. <BR/><BR/>I will post several smaller posts here just in case they get lost in cyberspace. Feel free to ask questions directly. I tried to post last night but it is evidentially lost in cyberspace.<BR/><BR/>Carmen Leal http://www.carmenleal.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-32577311122881018742007-08-26T12:40:00.000-05:002007-08-26T12:40:00.000-05:00Hi Rudelle:Commenting on your question about follo...Hi Rudelle:<BR/><BR/>Commenting on your question about follow-up.<BR/><BR/>I'm still waiting to hear back from a publisher on the manuscript I finally sold. That was two years ago!! For some, it could take upwards of six months.<BR/><BR/>As for agents, I found the repsonse time to be much quicker. Usually 3-4 weeks for a snail mail query. For those agents who accept e-mail queries, the response time is within days.<BR/><BR/>I'd say review the publishers and agents you've submitted to and determine if they are the best fit for you. If so, a follow-up within ninety days is not a bad idea. Sometimes, things fall through the cracks.<BR/><BR/>Don't feel you're being pushy, either. The worst thing that can happen is that they don't respond.LaConniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00572896392461831029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-82407625895350142012007-08-26T12:34:00.000-05:002007-08-26T12:34:00.000-05:00Margo,Thanks, that is really helpful!Rudelle Thoma...Margo,<BR/><BR/>Thanks, that is really helpful!<BR/><BR/>Rudelle Thomas<BR/><A HREF="http://divineeloquence.bravehost.com" REL="nofollow">Divine Eloquence Magazine</A>Rudelle Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06701492959565677179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-12193294431277101722007-08-26T12:23:00.000-05:002007-08-26T12:23:00.000-05:00Thanks to all the authors on the panel. Romanne, I...Thanks to all the authors on the panel. Romanne, I have to tell you your comments on promotiona nd marketing were most helpful to me. I still struggle with this after 3 sales.The Paperback Divahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02805828920614861210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-3101732765647468712007-08-26T12:17:00.000-05:002007-08-26T12:17:00.000-05:00Rudelle,Margo here on your question on how long to...Rudelle,<BR/><BR/>Margo here on your question on how long to wait before you inquire about a query.<BR/><BR/>When I was looking for an agent I'd send out queries in batches but admit, I'd only follow up with the agents I was really interested in after a few weeks or so, three to four. I found that agents who accept email queries have a much faster turn around time, even if it's just letting you know they've received your query. <BR/><BR/>After my first agent left to become an editor, I got much quicker and positive responses to my queries even though I had nothing published under the first. When I had requests from these agents, I followed up at a couple of weeks because I had more requests for the manuscript. It's also when I had to deal with exclusives, agents who asked me not to send out my manuscript to anyone else for a period of time. My max was two weeks because I wasn't willing to take my manuscript out of circulation for too long. <BR/><BR/>I used a color coded spread sheet to keep track of all my queries and it was easy to see who I need to follow up with and who I should cross out.<BR/><BR/>Margo<BR/>www.margocandela.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-41493967955349157962007-08-26T12:09:00.000-05:002007-08-26T12:09:00.000-05:00Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. They...Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. They are very helpful and encouraging.<BR/><BR/>I am ready for the conference!!La-Tessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08658551442881738907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-69436790350992776082007-08-26T12:04:00.000-05:002007-08-26T12:04:00.000-05:00I'd like to respond to some of the questions poste...I'd like to respond to some of the questions posted. The agent or the publisher for one. I actually landed the contract first and then the agent. I too was rejected by too many agents to count. A friend of mind sent me an email saying Urban Books was starting a new Christian fiction imprint, I send a manuscript and the rest as they say was history. I queried one more agent and was accepted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-68568259948575447912007-08-26T12:01:00.000-05:002007-08-26T12:01:00.000-05:00Okay cool, I see a few more people.My name is Mich...Okay cool, I see a few more people.<BR/><BR/>My name is Michelle Larks and I've self-published four books, I have a book coming out on October 30th with Urban Christian Books titled Keeping Misery Company, and needless to say I'm very excited.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-15814723817423972042007-08-26T11:59:00.000-05:002007-08-26T11:59:00.000-05:00Hi and Thanks Roxanne,Are there still people posti...Hi and Thanks Roxanne,<BR/><BR/>Are there still people posting here? I'm trying to catch up and only see you and myself.<BR/><BR/>MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-78230284397425333092007-08-26T11:56:00.001-05:002007-08-26T11:56:00.001-05:00Michelle,Several people have been posting this mor...Michelle,<BR/><BR/>Several people have been posting this morning. I'm not sure when this discussion is over.<BR/><BR/>Roxanne<BR/>www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustandRoxanneRustandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17054984173473651196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-19435153735245617912007-08-26T11:56:00.000-05:002007-08-26T11:56:00.000-05:00Hi Michelle:We're here!!Hi Michelle:<BR/><BR/>We're here!!LaConniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00572896392461831029noreply@blogger.com