R is for Rachelle Gardner

 

So … you want to be a writer? Where do you start? How do you get there? No worries. This month I’ll be sharing my A to Z list of writer’s resources: books, blogs, and beyond! Check back each day to find helpful resources for improving your writing and navigating your way through the publishing industry.


R is for Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent

Rachelle is an active blogger, providing great information regarding writing and the publishing industry: RachelleGardner, Literary Agent

What agents do you follow online because they provide great information?

A to Z Challenge

Well, here we go again. It's another year, another April, which means one thing:

another A to Z Challenge!

 

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2014.html

 

What is it you ask?

"The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out, the A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behavior.) And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter “A.” April 2 is “B,” April 3 is “C,” and so on. You can use a theme for the month or go random – just as long as it matches the letter of the alphabet for the day."

 Click here for complete details!

 

 

So for the entire month of April, I will be focusing on a specific topic of information to share with you ... about writing! (surprise, surprise, surprise!)

 

 

So … you want to be a writer? Where do you start? How do you get there? No worries. This month I’ll be sharing my A to Z list of writer’s resources: books, blogs, and beyond! Check back each day to find helpful resources for improving your writing and navigating your way through the publishing industry.

 

The letter A is for AGENTS

If you're pursuing the traditional path of publishing, you may be looking for an agent, but do you want just any agent? How do you know that he or she will be reliable, honest, and ethical? 

 

Start here:

Association of Authors’ Representatives http://www.aaronline.org/

 

The AAR is a professional organization of hundreds of agents that work with book authors and playwrights. They hold their members to the highest standards of ethics. The website offers a wealth of information and insight into the industry.

 

...

I'll see YOU back here tomorrow for the letter B.

...

 

In the meantime, are you participating in the A to Z Challenge? If so, do you have a theme for your posts this month?

 

 

Brianne Johnson is a Rock Star ... Just Sayin'

What's better than getting an envelope in the mail from your agent?

Well ... getting an envelope with a mustache sticker and smiley face ... of course!

 

 

I'm telling you ... Brianne Johnson is a rock star.

 

................

 

 

And today is:

 

 

My advice for today? Hang in there. Keep writing. Keep editing. Keep plugging along toward your goals. Because the mustachioed envelope makes it all worthwhile. ;)

 

That is all.

 

Go write something good today (or write something bad and then edit it tomorrow).

 

Worthwhile Blog Posts

I've been blog hopping, and I thought I'd share some really great posts with you. :) Be sure to click on the link for the full article. I've included a tiny snippet below to catch your interest.

A great post about making money as a writer (self-publish or traditional or hybrid?):
"For authors deciding how to publish their work, the key question is this: Is there some set of practices that any author might adopt to improve chances of gaining readers and income from self-publishing, or are there advantages related to being a traditionally published author that might remain out of reach for the vast majority of self-published authors?"


An interesting post about the role of literary agents:
"... the agenting world has changed dramatically, a reaction to the emerging digital reading marketplace and the changing acquisition strategies of publishers are a result of ownership changes at the biggest publishing houses."


A GREAT post about query letter problems:
"... they are something that gives us pause and makes us rethink whether or not this is something we’re willing to take on, because all of these things do give us a more difficult job going into the relationship.  And yes, we have said No to projects in the end because of the above reasons."

AND ... here are two great blogs that I'm excited to be a part of:
OneFour KidLit
Darkly Delicious YA


Have you found any great blogs post recently?
Share your favorite! (Please.)

A Killer Title

I have read (and own) quite a few books on the craft of writing, but very few tackle the topic of creating a great title.

SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder dedicates a page and a half to the topic, which is more than the other books. ;)

Snyder writes, "to come up with one that nails the concept, without being so on the nose that it's stupid, is an art unto itself" (page 9).

Right ... we know that ... but how do we come up with that great title that nails the concept?

I dunno.

Evidence: My debut novel was originally titled THE EDUCATION OF THIA. After several agents used the phrase "too didactic" in their rejection letters, I reconsidered the title and changed it to BUT HE LOVES ME. With that change alone (I left the content of the query letter the same) I received quite a few requests for the full manuscript. So was it a winning title? Not really. After signing with an awesome agent, we worked and worked and worked to come up with a better title. We decided on SAFE. A winner? Not sure. The editor who made an offer on the manuscript said we had to change the title. Okay. Back to the drawing board.

Snyder also writes, "Title and logline are, in fact, the one-two punch, and a good combo never fails to knock me out. Like the irony in a good logline, a great title must have irony and tell the tale. One of the best titles of recent memory, and one I still marvel at, is Legally Blonde. ... It says what it is! ... If it doesn't pass the Say What It Is Test, you don't have your title. And you don't have the one-two punch" (pages 9-10).

So here is the logline my agent used to sell my manuscript:
Margo Kelly’s debut SAFE is a modern take on “the call is coming from inside the house” old urban legend, in which a young girl falls in love with a guy online who comes for her.

And here's the new title my editor and I came up with:
WHO RU REALLY?

Does it pass the Say What It Is Test? Or is it so "on the nose that its stupid?"

Actually, don't answer the second question.

Naming a book is like naming a child. Inevitably someone is going to hate the name, and you can't possibly please everyone.

*sigh*

BUT the good news is, I have a KILLER TITLE for my next book. ;)

Agents, Coaches, and Monsters

I've found some interesting blog posts lately ... which is not convenient when I'm trying to finish revisions on WIP.

So ... I'm sharing:

Interesting look at the ever changing roles of agents in the publishing industry:
http://publishingperspectives.com/2013/07/agent-assisted-publishing-an-interrupted-debate/


Can Agent-Author relationships still be of value in today's publishing world:
http://publishingperspectives.com/2013/07/how-close-can-todays-agent-author-relationships-be/


Coaches make a huge difference - this one relates to running:
http://www.denverpost.com/styleheadlines/ci_23664823/running-coach-makes-difference-making-miles-happen


Monsters in YA books:
http://authorericprice.com/2013/07/17/guest-post-joshua-david-bellin-the-ya-guy-and-monsters/


Writer Platforms:
http://project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogspot.com/2013/07/create-your-writer-platform-by-chuck.html?spref=tw


How about you? Have you found some great blog posts recently worth sharing? Let me know in the comments! :)

Originality

Originality ... is there really such a thing? I mean, how many times can someone create a fresh original plot featuring fresh original characters? Hasn't it all been done by now?

According to Agent Donald Maass: "Originality comes not from your genre, setting, plot, characters, voice or any other element on which we can work. It cannot. It isn’t possible. Originality can come only from what you bring of yourself to your story. In other words, originality is not a function of your novel; it is a quality in you" ( Writer Unboxed post ).

Okay. But what does that mean?

Agent Kimberly Shumate wrote: "Out of the 50+ submissions I receive each week, there will be five projects that catch my eye mostly for their originality. Out of those five, maybe one will survive the scrutiny and editorial changes I suggest. ... If the author is willing to work with me to make their book the best it can be, this usually results with an offer of a contract, but it’s about one out of 100 submissions that are signed. Originality is what I look for first" ( Guide to Literary Agents post ).

Okay. But what is orginality?

And Agent Laney Katz Becker wrote regarding a query letter she'd received: "After reading the pitch, I’m loving this because it all sounds so fresh. You can literally go through each sentence and not come up with another novel that features the same thing. For instance, can you name
another book where the protagonist is a medical illustrator? How about a story where a young girl and an adult woman (who aren’t related) form some special bond? And a celebrity chef?! It all just sounds like a story I haven’t read before—and I really like that" ( Guide to Literary Agents post ).

Okay ...

Merriam Webster, don't leave me hanging here ...

Definition of ORIGINALITY

1: the quality or state of being original

2: freshness of aspect, design, or style

3: the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

( Merriam Webster )

Okay.

So ... does your writing have ORIGINALITY (aka the state of being original)??

How I Got My Agent!!

I'm a believer in writing short blog posts. If you're a believer in reading short posts, then simply read the next sentence, skip down to the bottom, and leave a comment; that will work out fine. :)

Short story:
I wrote a query letter, and she liked it.

or ... check out the ...

Long story:

2009, January: I decided I wanted to change careers and pursue a long forgotten dream of becoming a published author (sound familiar?). I purchased Janet Evanovich's HOW I WRITE and Writer's Digest's GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS, and I began my research into the industry.

2009, July: I finished my first manuscript, MANIFESTED, and I started sending out query letters.

2009, August: Rejections started flooding in. I thought I had a pretty tough skin. I knew rejections were part of the process, but one in particular really bothered me. The agency's website had listed SO MANY specifics of what needed to go into a query for them to consider your project; it was a lot of work to tailor my query letter to meet their exact specifications, but I did it. So ... when I received back (via snail mail) a form rejection that was crookedly photocopied and addressed Dear Author ... for some reason that one rejection sent me over the edge. I lit it on fire. Literally. I went outside with a match and sent the piece of paper up in flames. I found it quite liberating. And, then I went back to work and sent out more query letters.

2009, Fall: In the meantime, I knew (based on my industry research) that the most important thing I could do after finishing my first manuscript was to start the next one. And, that's what I did. But, I also, bought more books on the craft of writing, subscribed to magazines and journals that would help me better my skills, and wrote flash fiction to tighten my story telling. And, I hooked up with some great critique partners that I met through the Writer's Digest Community online.

source: http://simplenda.com/tag/winter-rocks

2010, April: Even though I'd received requests for partials and fulls, I came to the harsh realization that my first manuscript, MANIFESTED kinda-blew-chunks-even-though-my-kids-thought-it-was-great (aka was-not-so-good) in the writing department. I shelved it and stopped sending out query letters for it. I focused my time and effort on learning the craft of writing and finishing my next manuscript.

source: http://jessica.mumstudent.com/2011/02/12/slow-down-embrace-the-spring-for-rest/

2010, August: I finished my second manuscript, THE EDUCATION OF THIA, and started sending out query letters.

2010, September: I received a very different response from agents regarding this ms vs the first one. I received quite a few requests for partials and fulls right away, and I just KNEW this was going to be "it!" I was so excited!! When rejections came back from the full requests, I paid attention to the feedback received from the agents. But it was tricky, because while one said, "The main character is too naive" another said, "The main character sounds too adult." Okay. Revisions, none-the-less.

2010, October: With a bright and shiny revised version of THE EDUCATION OF THIA, I headed off to my first ever writer's conference. I met up with my first critique partner, Melissa, who'd I'd met through the WD Community, and we had an absolute blast at the conference. Furthermore, I left the conference with two agents requesting the full ms, and they were very excited about the pitch I'd given them. I just KNEW this was IT!! One of these fantabulous agents was going to offer me a contract. Yes-sir-ee!! Let's celebrate! I went home too excited to work on any writing. I was waiting to hear from the agents. I stopped sending out queries, because I knew one of these agents was gonna be THE ONE!! Wahoo!!

2010, November: I sent very polite follow-up emails to the agents who'd requested fulls at the conference. Both responded right away explaining how busy they were (of course, I get that, I want them to take care of their current clients first, that makes sense). But I was extremely demoralized. I couldn't seem to start a new ms. So, I pulled out MANIFESTED and dusted it off. I figured I could work on rewriting it and improving it until I found my writing mojo again.

2010, December: I started sending out new query letters for THE EDUCATION OF THIA. I changed the title, twice, and changed the query letter many times. I stopped getting requests for partials or fulls for it. Just rejections, or worse yet, no responses at all.

source: http://www.winterwanderland.com/

2011, February: Received email from one conference agent (who had been SO EXCITED about my pitch) telling me that she had decided to shelve my ms, unread. She was no longer looking for new clients, but when she was ready to look again, she'd read the ms then.

2011, May: Received email from second conference agent (who had been SO EXCITED about my pitch) apologizing for the delay in reading my ms. She said the writing was great, but it just didn't excite her. *sigh*

2011, Summer: I went through ups and downs working on rewrites of MANIFESTED, sending query letters for BUT HE LOVES ME (aka The Education of Thia), and trying to rekindle my passion for writing. But, honestly, I was bummed! The "conference experience" had messed up my motivation and broken through my tough skin.

2011, September: I was diagnosed with a pineocytoma, or a cyst, or a tumorous module, or a lesion, or something (ah ... my love for the medical community really soared during this time period). I became distracted with that process and forgot about writing for awhile. But, when the doctors decided it was too dangerous to remove the 12mm thing in the middle of my brain, I had to decide if I was going to be happy or sad and move forward. I chose to be happy and get back to writing.

2011, Fall: I decided I would finish my rewrite of MANIFESTED, and I seriously got back to work. I wanted to achieve my goal. I had hit a tough spot in 2011, but I was finally ready to pick myself back up and get back to what I loved: writing.

Hold on to your seats, here comes the exciting part ...

 2011, November (aka 11-11-11): I sent out 11 queries for BUT HE LOVES ME. The eleventh agent (for reals!) I queried that day requested a partial the same day (it was a Friday). Monday, she requested the full. Wednesday, she requested a phone call. Thursday, we discussed ideas for revisions. I LOVED all of her ideas, and my MOJO exploded with excitement!! She said if I could accomplish these revisions, she'd offer me formal representation. So, I put my head down and got to work. I was on fire!!  I sent her the revised ms about a week and a half later (I know, I know, it's sounds like I rushed it, but I'm telling you: I was ON FIRE!!). She read it right away and requested more revisions. At first I was sad I'd missed the mark, but then I realized, she didn't reject me; she wanted to keep working with me!! So, I got right back to work on more revisions. YAY! I was still so excited about the process of writing and revising. And I was SO THRILLED to think that someone had caught the "vision" of my story. So, while I was busy working on more revisions. She surprised me and mailed me a contract!!! ACK!

2011, December (aka 12-12 (for reals!) 2011): Brianne Johnson of Writers House sent me a contract for representation. And, I haven't stopped smiling since. My husband got up in the middle of the night last night to go pee (I know, TMI), and it woke me up. I couldn't go back to sleep, because I was just so excited about the fact that I, Margo Kelly, have an agent!!! YAY!

So ... that's how I got my agent.

Simple formula for getting an agent = write a manuscript, research the industry, get a critique partner, listen to feedback, revise, revise, revise, write a query, revise it, send query, revise it, write another ms, research the industry, learn from the research, better your skills, revise your query, never give up, keep writing, send more query letters, find another critique partner, listen to feedback, write more, learn more, never give up, send more queries, revise, revise, revise, write more, research more, ... and eat chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate ... and then start the process all over again.

Oh wait ... maybe that's not a simple formula.

How about you?
Do you think there is a "simple formula" for getting an agent? If so, what is it? :0)

So ... You Have an Agent ... What Does That Mean?

haha

The one question I received more than any other this weekend (from non-writerly-people) was, "I heard you got an agent. Congrats. But, so, you have an agent ... what does that mean? Can't you just go onto Amazon and publish your stories without an agent?"

Well, I'd like to answer this way, "It means I get to jump around the house and dance all day."

haha

Right. I suppose I could have done that before signing a contract with an agent. But, it is simply so much more fun WITH one.

haha

Okay. Maybe I'm still a little too giddy with joy to write a realistic post about anything. :)

But, I'll try to answer the question.

Here's what it means to have an agent:
1. Validation. Someone who works in the publishing industry thinks my manuscript is of worth. (yeah, yeah, I know ... I should reach deep within myself and find value with my own self-worth ... whatever.)
2. One Small Step (in the publishing industry) One Giant Leap (for the writer trying to break into traditional publishing) ... I'm one step (leap) closer to my goal of having my manuscript published and on the shelf in a book store.
3. Cheerleader. I have an agent on my side cheering me on and shouting to others about the story I've written.
4. A Ticket to the Party. An agent gives me access to editors and publishers that I didn't have prior.

A few of you have asked various questions in the comments of the previous post, and I will be thrilled to tell you more of the story. Check back for a more-down-to-earth-with-less-dancing post Wednesday. :) Well ... maybe I shouldn't make promises ... I'm kinda enjoying the writerly high I'm flying on ... haha!

What about you? Do you have an agent? Want an agent? Or do you think they're unnecessary?

I Have an Agent!! WAHOO!!

Guess what I did today?

Hey - don't judge me just because I look like a chipmunk! I was a little excited! Merry Christmas to ME!

I signed a contract with Brianne Johnson at Writer's House Literary Agency!!!
Look how awesome the agency is: CLICK HERE
Look how awesome Brianne is: CLICK HERE

I guess that wall-of-revisions (see post from a few days ago) really paid off!! But, maybe I should have put some make-up on before taking this picture. Sheesh! YAY ME!

Resources for Sending Query Letters

Are you ready to send out some query letters?

Here are some resources I've found very helpful in researching agents:

Literary Rambles (she lists detailed profiles on agents who rep YA)
Preditors & Editors (helpful listing, plus gives warnings & recommendations)
Guide to Literary Agents Blog (one of my all time favorite resources)
Query Tracker (helpful search engine)

Best of luck! :)

REJECTED: please send chocolate

Get out the red ink pad and stamp that manuscript: REJECTED! REJECTED! REJECTED!

(Can you tell I've gone two whole days with NO chocolate of any kind?)

Does one kind of rejection feel differently than another kind?

Yes.

I know, rejection is rejection. But, frankly, while receiving a rejection based solely off a query letter is disappointing ... it is no big deal compared to receiving a rejection based off a full manuscript request.

And, I promised myself from day one, that if I ever had a full ms rejected, I would pay attention to the feedback of the agent and make appropriate changes. And, I have done this. But, how do I know what to do with a response that says:

"...while I enjoyed what I read, in today's highly competitive marketplace I can only take on projects I am passionate about--and unfortunately, I just didn’t feel the level of engagement here that I would need in order to represent you..."

I know, I *should* think, "YAY! I'm getting so much closer to getting an agent!" But no. Instead I think (and understand this entire rant could possibly be due to lack of freaking chocolate), "I suck. This is taking forever. I'm so frustrated."

But, I will tell you ... the only thing more frustrating than this type of rejection is receiving NO RESPONSE at all. I would chose the disappointment of a rejection any day over no response at all.

So, a big thank you to all of the agents who take the time to actually respond to writers.

I will not quit. I will keep sending query letters. I will find the right agent for me.

I will. I will. I will.

Please send chocolate as soon as possible.

Win BIG MONEY in the Writing Lottery!

Have you ever wondered how much MONEY you can actually earn as a published author?

Here's a great post from agent Mandy Hubbard with the breakdown: SCRATCH HERE (to see if you win the million $$ writing lottery!)

First Two Pages

(repost)

The letter F is for the First Two Pages (of your manuscript).

In October 2010, I attended two of Suzie Townsend's (awesome literary agent) classes at a writers' conference, and I gained insight and ideas from each of them. Loved them.

First, she offered a Workshop Class on how to make your first two pages really stand out from the slush. Here are my notes:

As soon as possible:
1. Establish your character and voice
2. Establish the conflict and move the story forward
3. Establish the tone
4. Establish an indication of setting
5. Catch the reader off guard - to grab them and keep them reading

Goals of first two pages:
1. Create interest in the character and the plot
2. Create intrigue
3. Create investment

Anticipate the pauses when someone is reading and make these your paragraph breaks.

Then she read many pages from participants and critiqued them. Imagine American Idol. (But Suzie is SUPER NICE, unlike Simon.) That was very productive.


What tips do you have for making the first two pages fantastic?

Finishing the week with one more link!

What do you do when you come to the END of yourself?

Read this AWESOME post:
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2011/01/coming-to-end-of-ourselves.html

Query Letter Rejections

Rejection SUCKS makes us stronger.

Here's your link for the day: I love Mary Kole's blog. :)

In addition to the link above, you can click on the tag "rejection" on Mary's side bar and read a lot of great posts on the topic.

So, in theory, "personalized" rejections are a good sign. I get that. Intellectually. However, emotionally, those personalized rejections are agonizing because it feels like... oh... so close... but not quite...

I've been getting a lot of those personalized rejections lately. Which, don't get me wrong here, I am very grateful to be moving up the query ladder, and I am especially grateful for ANY response at all, but sitting on this precipice is making me dizzy.

How's your query process going for you? Are you getting more responses addressed "Dear Author" or are you getting some personalized responses?

Nathan Bransford Update

Great post here: http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/11/omg-did-you-hear-about-nathan.html

The post answers our questions about why Nathan left agenting. I know I was curious, and I was glad to read this additional information.

Break the Rules Intentionally, Not Accidentally

Another worthwhile class I attended at the SCWW was taught by agent Roseanne Wells, titled "Play by the (Grammar) Rules - and When Not to."

Roseanne was wonderful. I really enjoyed her no-nonsense approach to grammar rules. Of course, as writers, we *should* know the rules. eh... right... ??

If you're not confident with your base knowledge (wow, that sounded kinda smart), Roseanne suggests these books:

* ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White
* The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative by Vivian Gornick

Roseanne commented that there is no shame in not knowing, but it is your responsibility to find out! :)

Here are the grammar rules that always confuse ME, that she spoke about and I took notes on...

1. Whom is an objective pronoun - the receiver of an action
2. Who is a subjective pronoun - the subject of the sentence
3. Use a dash if a person interrupts their own dialogue
4. Use less elipses (did I spell that right?) you know... those three little dots...
5. A semicolon connects two complete sentences that are so very related, they should remain connected and not separated by a period
6. Don't start sentences with BUT
7. At least four words at the beginning of a sentence in a dependant clause before you use a comma
8. Break the rules intentionally, not accidentally

Mmm. Hmm.

What is your least favorite grammar rule? Pet peeves? Share...

Writers Conference: Dinners with Agents

One of the nice things about the SCWW was the opportunity to eat dinner with an agent. Each evening, the dinner tables were hosted by a "faculty" member, and you could choose where to sit.

I found this to be a study in human behavior as well as very informative. :)

One night I sat with Diana Fox. What a character. Totally loved her personality, open mindedness (is that a word?), and straight forward attitude. She shared tips on pitch sessions, body posture, and natural healing.

Another night I sat with Susan Hawk. What a pleasant person! She was so kind and engaged everyone in conversation. We talked about favorite children's books, the publishing industry, and kids.

What did I learn from these dinners?
1. Be calm
2. Be yourself
3. Be polite

My advice for you if you get this opportunity?
1. Don't dominate the conversation. There are other people at the table. :)
2. Ask questions... not just about the industry and not just about the agent
3. LISTEN! and Learn.

Oh... I also learned that maybe I need a hearing aid! Sheesh. Years ago, (at different time) both my ear drums burst. So, I KNOW I have hearing loss, but boy-oh-boy did I struggle at these dinners! There was SO MUCH background noise (all those other authors and agents talking at their tables) I really struggled to hear anything that was said. Bummer. But, hey at least I can read lips (not). ha.

What the best piece of advice you have to share regarding talking with agents?