What is a Memoir?
What do YOU think?
Are they
True Life Stories- Minus the Boring Parts!
A
memoir is a narrative written from the author's perspective about particular
facets of their own life. Nothing more complicated than that — so you can stop
reading now if you like. But if you stick around, we’ll dive a little deeper.
Read the full nitty-gritty on REEDSY
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Scroll Down to read these 4 articles.
1- The Pathway to Writing Success.
From Published Writers.
2- Online Query Letter Information.
3- Hard-Earned Writing Wisdom.
4- BEWARE!
Some Agents and Publishers are Scammers!
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The Pathway to Writing Success
Comments on how some writers found
their way to publication.
Comments on how some writers found
their way to publication.
*Jane Yolen - http://www.janeyolen.com
Some talent, a lot of perseverance, and a healthy dollop of luck.
Some talent, a lot of perseverance, and a healthy dollop of luck.
*NancyCoffelt -
I have taken classes, read books, visited websites and attended (and taught) my fair share of workshops. All of these things helped me be better informed but they weren't what made me a published author. Writing, writing often and writing about things that made me laugh, cry, and horribly irritable made me a published author. I didn't stick my big toe into the cold waters of the children's book world, I did a big old cannonball off the diving board.
I have taken classes, read books, visited websites and attended (and taught) my fair share of workshops. All of these things helped me be better informed but they weren't what made me a published author. Writing, writing often and writing about things that made me laugh, cry, and horribly irritable made me a published author. I didn't stick my big toe into the cold waters of the children's book world, I did a big old cannonball off the diving board.
The writing that I do is my commitment to myself. I know very well
that everything that flies off my fingertips is not going to be published.
Sometimes it's just practice but it is never a waste of time to spend energy
mastering what you love. My 7th and 8th books will be out in 2006. I just sold
another manuscript last week but I still receive rejection letters on a regular
basis. These letters don't get me down at all. They are simply reminders that I
am WORKING. Rejection isn't failure, quitting is. And that is the only no-no in
writing that I can think of.
Happy perseverance!
Happy perseverance!
*Cynthia
Leitich Smith -
http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/
plus http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/
My background in journalism and law, the support of my author/husband and writing community, my "national" mentor Jane Kurtz, and a week-long class taught by author Kathi Appelt were the ingredients that led to my success.
http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/
plus http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/
My background in journalism and law, the support of my author/husband and writing community, my "national" mentor Jane Kurtz, and a week-long class taught by author Kathi Appelt were the ingredients that led to my success.
I had always loved to write, but to me, "fiction writer"
seemed like the job of a rich dead white guy from England. So as a
first-generation college student, I majored in journalism, which taught me to
write every day. Law school followed, and it nurtured both my confidence and my
critical thinking skills. While these may have given me the necessary practical
preparation, writing is still 90+% psychological. So, it was Greg and my
writing buddies (locally, nationally, and online) who gave me constant
encouragement each step of the way. Author Jane Kurtz "adopted" me
early on, and introduced me to many more people, including a list serv of
professional writers on which I met my dedicated agent. But the one experience
I can set a finger on was a workshop led by Kathi Appelt at her father-in-law's
ranch in Texas. I don't know exactly what it was--juggling scarves, writing to
music, drinking margaritas on the back porch, but some time that week, I found
my voice and a vision for my work. I hope this helps!
*Jackie
Hosking - http://jackiehoskingblog.wordpress.com/
Even though I would not consider myself to be an established children's writer, I am published. And the elements that I would consider to be most vital in my publishing success are networking; I write a monthly column on the subject for Marg McAlisters's www.writing4successclub.com. I have also found that as a new writer I can trade my time for advice. A couple of years ago I offered my time to a very busy author. I helped her to research a project she was working on and in return, she helped me to cut through all the 'crap' (excuse the language)I cannot stress enough the importance of giving in order to receive. The more I gave, the more I received in return. New writers often think that they have nothing to offer. Not true. Market research is also extremely important and this is where networking is invaluable but again new writers cannot expect to be given such information for free. I think what separates a true professional from a hobbyist is their willingness to do the homework and to share what they learn with those who they hope will help them. The world of writing and publishing is enormous. We need to help each other. Networking and sharing are the key. I also edit a free online networking newsletter for Australian children's authors/illustrators. My mentor started it and I took it over when she became too busy. These are my thoughts on what helped me get published.
Even though I would not consider myself to be an established children's writer, I am published. And the elements that I would consider to be most vital in my publishing success are networking; I write a monthly column on the subject for Marg McAlisters's www.writing4successclub.com. I have also found that as a new writer I can trade my time for advice. A couple of years ago I offered my time to a very busy author. I helped her to research a project she was working on and in return, she helped me to cut through all the 'crap' (excuse the language)I cannot stress enough the importance of giving in order to receive. The more I gave, the more I received in return. New writers often think that they have nothing to offer. Not true. Market research is also extremely important and this is where networking is invaluable but again new writers cannot expect to be given such information for free. I think what separates a true professional from a hobbyist is their willingness to do the homework and to share what they learn with those who they hope will help them. The world of writing and publishing is enormous. We need to help each other. Networking and sharing are the key. I also edit a free online networking newsletter for Australian children's authors/illustrators. My mentor started it and I took it over when she became too busy. These are my thoughts on what helped me get published.
*Ann Herric - http://annherrickauthor.com/ In writing, the number one rule for me has
been perseverance. It takes perseverance to sit at a desk and write on a
regular schedule until one day, lo and behold, there's a complete manuscript.
It takes perseverance to rewrite and rewrite until that manuscript is polished
to as close to perfection as possible. It takes perserverance to search for the
right publisher. Too many writers, with good manuscripts, give up after
submitting their work once or twice. Scour Writer's Market. Read The Writer and
Writer's Digest for marketing news.
I sold my first two books to publishers who listed their current
needs in the marketing news in Writer's Digest. I sold my next two books to a
market I read about in a newsletter for writers of young adult books. I've
joined several writing lists on the internet to keep in touch with current
market needs. Currently, I have an editor interested in a manuscript. I'll keep
my fingers crossed that she'll want to buy it, but meanwhile I will write and network
and do market research. I will continue to persevere.
*Linda Singleton - http://www.lindajoysingleton.com/ My first sale was the result of hearing an
author speak at a local writing workshop about her small publisher who was
seeking light-hearted fiction. It took many submissions to this publisher and
rewriting per editorial requests to make that sale. Nearly three years later I
held my first book in my hands.
Selling that first book is hard. Continuing to sell can be harder.
The key to staying published when editors changes, publishers fold and books go
out of print is perseverance. Also, networking with other authors, joining
writing groups and reading many books. Through tears, through smiles, you just keep
trying. Never give up.
*Elizabeth O. Dulemba - http://dulemba.com/ It takes an unbudgeable determination
to become a successful published writer. Motivational speakers say, "You
have to believe in your dreams." It never occurred to me that some people
don't, or that if I worked hard enough, I still might not succeed. I don't know
how you achieve this mind-set, the mentality of a dog with a sock, but it is
essential. For me, writing well is incredibly hard. Sure, I have lots of ideas,
which I write down and then declare, "I have hung the moon!" But when
it comes to prose others want to read, I have to knead, shape, and cut my words
- my precious babies. It's a game. I take my idea, imagine it as a Rubix cube,
turning it every which way until it comes out right. If you were as horrible as
I was at Rubix cubes, you can relate to my frustration while making my words
work. My husband has also been invaluable. He is not only supportive, but has
the brain of an editor - a bonus discovered after I said, "I do."
He, above all else, has helped make my writing readable. My determination makes me take his advice, rework and revise, rather than quit.
He, above all else, has helped make my writing readable. My determination makes me take his advice, rework and revise, rather than quit.
*Susanna Reich - I was always a good writer but it took
many years of just living my life before I felt I had something to say. I had
two careers and a marriage and a child before I started to write. At first, I
wrote to promote my business, but gradually I became more interested in writing
for its own sake. I didn't care so much what I wrote--fiction or nonfiction,
for adults or children--as long as I was writing. I joined SCBWI and started
going to conferences and networking. I asked my local children's librarian what
kind of books she needed. She said "biographies of women," so I wrote
Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso. It sold within a year or two.
When I started working on my second book, a biography of the
dancer and choreographer Jose Limon, I joined Margaret (Bunny) Gable's workshop
at the New School in New York. For six years I went to that class every week
and heard people's work read aloud. I found out what worked and what didn't
work. I learned to listen for clarity of meaning, the right choice of words,
strong characters, narrative tension. That's where I honed my craft.
Success is a tricky word. So many people define success as getting
published. Getting published is thrilling, but more important is your
commitment to writing. You have to see yourself as a professional. I sit down
at my desk every morning and I stay there, whether I feel like it or not.
*Lea Wait - http://www.leawait.com
By far the most important preparation I did for writing for children was focusing myself on what I wanted to do. First, I read books aimed at the level (middle readers) I wanted to write for. I read every Newbery winner, and a large assortment of other praised and valued books. Hundreds of books. I read books now considered classics; I read books that the Horn Book or Bank Street College's Children's Book Committee gave starred reviews. I found my own personal role models among those writers.
By far the most important preparation I did for writing for children was focusing myself on what I wanted to do. First, I read books aimed at the level (middle readers) I wanted to write for. I read every Newbery winner, and a large assortment of other praised and valued books. Hundreds of books. I read books now considered classics; I read books that the Horn Book or Bank Street College's Children's Book Committee gave starred reviews. I found my own personal role models among those writers.
And then I wrote. And wrote again. And again. I edited on the
computer and
on hard copies. I read chapters aloud -- many times. I thought back to the
books I'd most admired and asked what it was that made them special. I asked
the same of my own books. And then I shared my work with a small but professional critique group. Everyone else in my critique group wrote for adults; not children. But I firmly believe that the best writing for children can be enjoyed by adults,
too. My critique group helped. (And my books are now used in schools ...
and in adult literacy classes!) Basically, I studied and I analyzed, and I wrote until I'd found my own voice. And my 4th historical middle reader will be published by Margaret K.McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster) next year.
on hard copies. I read chapters aloud -- many times. I thought back to the
books I'd most admired and asked what it was that made them special. I asked
the same of my own books. And then I shared my work with a small but professional critique group. Everyone else in my critique group wrote for adults; not children. But I firmly believe that the best writing for children can be enjoyed by adults,
too. My critique group helped. (And my books are now used in schools ...
and in adult literacy classes!) Basically, I studied and I analyzed, and I wrote until I'd found my own voice. And my 4th historical middle reader will be published by Margaret K.McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster) next year.
*Max Elliot Anderson - I didn't start out wanting to be a
children's author. In fact, I fought hard not to. I had grown up as a reluctant
reader, had a famous author father, and a number of other reasons not to try.
Then some serious business reverses, due to 9/11 and its effect on my clients,
made it clear that I had to do something. That was when I decided to do a little research into why I didn't like to read.
I found some striking reasons. Then, in a sort of - find a need in the market
and fill it - response, I began writing for other reluctant readers. I tried
for several months to interest publishers but received mounds of rejections.
Then two men, with twenty-five years of publishing experience between them,
approached me. As a result, they formed a company specifically for the purpose
of publishing my books.
But no matter how the process happens for each of us, there is no denying the importance of hard work, persistence, and turning out the best-finished product you possibly can. Even with all the rejections, I continued turning out manuscripts. Now, with 32 completed manuscripts, and 7 published books (in 18 months), the "real" work is in marketing, publicity, and getting the word out.
But no matter how the process happens for each of us, there is no denying the importance of hard work, persistence, and turning out the best-finished product you possibly can. Even with all the rejections, I continued turning out manuscripts. Now, with 32 completed manuscripts, and 7 published books (in 18 months), the "real" work is in marketing, publicity, and getting the word out.
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Query Letter Information
WRITING for Children's Book Fiction - "Musings" Archive for April 2003, by Margot
Finke. Offers sample letter, great advice, plus links to other query
information.
DOS and DON'TS: How to Write the Perfect Query Letter, by Gail
Eastwood. A short list, succinct and to the point.
Writers Write - "Writing a Query Letter That
Sells," by Alex Keegan. Lots of pre and post query advice and
personal thoughts. Also, a great sample query letter.
Charlotte Dillon's Author Page. This writer offers fine query insights, an
excellent query sample, PLUS many links to sites and articles where you can
learn more about the "Art of the Query Letter."
Great Books on Queries:
Bev Cooke recommends Stephen King's "On
Writing" - it has a dynamite agent letter in the craft section of
the book.
Galina recommends 1-"The Publishing Game: Find an Agent in 30 Days" by
Fern Reiss (website is http://www.publishinggames.com ) 2 -"How to Write Irresistible Query Letters" by Lisa Collier Cool
Galina recommends 1-"The Publishing Game: Find an Agent in 30 Days" by
Fern Reiss (website is http://www.publishinggames.com ) 2 -"How to Write Irresistible Query Letters" by Lisa Collier Cool
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Hard-Earned
Writing WISDOM
If a company is
restricting what the author charges, then that author has picked a bad company
and is giving up his right to decide on what he charges."
Also, POD means Print On Demand. It does NOT mean self-publishing. Education is needed for this growing industry. A self-published book might or might not be POD. Many authors go the self-publishing route with a small to medium print run of about 100 to 15,000 - yes, you got those numbers, one hundred to fifteen thousand. They can also do a short run of 20 or a large run of 30,000.
Writers must do their homework:
Also, POD means Print On Demand. It does NOT mean self-publishing. Education is needed for this growing industry. A self-published book might or might not be POD. Many authors go the self-publishing route with a small to medium print run of about 100 to 15,000 - yes, you got those numbers, one hundred to fifteen thousand. They can also do a short run of 20 or a large run of 30,000.
Writers must do their homework:
#1 - Research how to
market.
#2 - Have your book
edited professionally (not all self-publishing companies have good editors,
though they might offer the service -- some do!).
#3 - Pay for a professional
cover and interior design (which is available through these companies) that
makes your book look great.
The bottom line: find the quality offers. There is dross in every field, but there are gems, too. In a developing industry like this one, it takes effort on your part.
The bottom line: find the quality offers. There is dross in every field, but there are gems, too. In a developing industry like this one, it takes effort on your part.
#3 - Pay for a
professional cover and interior design (which is available through these
companies) that makes your book look great.
The bottom line: find the quality offers. There is dross in every field, but there are gems, too. In a developing industry like this one, it takes effort on your part.
The bottom line: find the quality offers. There is dross in every field, but there are gems, too. In a developing industry like this one, it takes effort on your part.
****
BEWARE!
Some Agents and publishers are Scammers!
Some Publishers and Agents are Crooks!
* Remember, Publishers and Agents are Supposed to PAY YOU!
There are a lot of
so-called Literary Agents and Publishers out there panting to take your money.
Does this sound familiar? They love your book, but it needs some
editing, and they have just the editor for you - for an added fee. They
quote you a publishing fee that makes your credit card cringe - yet
every little thing they say your book needs adds on extra fees. They
promise to make your book available in bookstores, Amazon, and large stores
like K-Mart, etc - but no one can ever find them there.
When a publisher or an
agent wants to charge you reading fees, or sends you to an editor they
recommend, for a big-fee-edit, RED FLAG them. Do some serious research on the
publisher or agent. This could save you a bunch of grief - not to mention
money.
For Newcomers to Writing, it pays to understand that there is no fast and easy way to become a
published author. Like
any other profession, you have to spend time and effort in learning the craft of
writing. Once you've mastered the basics, and had lots of writing practice, a
little talent and luck can be helpful. The tools of the writing trade
are not bestowed by a higher power, they are earned over a period of time
by hard work. These scammers want you to think that they will publish
anything you write and get national book chains to sell it. They prey on the
dollar signs in a writers' eyes (false!), and their yearning to be published writers.
DON'T fall for these smooth and smarmy promotions. Be a smart and savvy writer. Take a writing class if your grammar is wobbly, or it's been a long time since you took Miss Writerly's English class. Join a critique group that supports and encourages your desire to become published. Rewrite those stories and polish them until they are perfect. Then, buy the latest edition of Children's Writers and Illustrator's Market (CWIM), and SAFELY pick and choose from the many legitimate children's publishers and agents they list.
DON'T fall for these smooth and smarmy promotions. Be a smart and savvy writer. Take a writing class if your grammar is wobbly, or it's been a long time since you took Miss Writerly's English class. Join a critique group that supports and encourages your desire to become published. Rewrite those stories and polish them until they are perfect. Then, buy the latest edition of Children's Writers and Illustrator's Market (CWIM), and SAFELY pick and choose from the many legitimate children's publishers and agents they list.
*PUBLISHERS: There
are many honest vanity publishers and subsidy presses out
there who will give you good value for your money. As long as you realize that
YOU have to promote and sell your book, Print on Demand (POD), and other self-publishing methods ( Vanity Presses and Subsidy Presses) can work well for some
people: but only if you do your homework, and choose honest and
legitimate companies.
*AGENTS: Many agents are
honest and dedicated to helping writers find good publishers. But an agent who
wants a reading or an editing fee should raise an immediate RED FLAG. However, it is often
difficult to tell the scam artists from the genuine thing. A fancy webpage,
full of smooth and encouraging words, is a scammer's way of conning you into
giving them your money. And don't let the words Christian Publisher fool
you. Their websites will say whatever it takes to make you think they will
publish your book, and live up to whatever is in the contract you signed. These
contracts are worded in a skillful manner, so they are legal - barely! However,
once you've handed over your money, you can whistle for their grand promises.
BELOW is a list of
websites that explain the difference between a traditional publisher,
a vanity press, POD, and a subsidy press. They
offer insights on how to spot a scam and red flag it.
Victoria Strauss runs Writer Beware - Check her site for publishers and agents who are not legitimate. Read her articles: they are an eye-opener!
Predators and Editors - Lists agents
and publishers with recommendations.
THIS LINK explains the difference between the
various types of publishers and how to spot the crooked ones.
Fiction Factor - Another article that tells a
tale. . .
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