Revisions

I've heard from several small publishers who're interested in my romantic murder mystery - with revisions that range from minimal to extensive.  One publisher provided detailed line edits of the first three chapters from two readers, pointing out some descriptions that weren't clear and and ideas for rearranging material to improve flow.  Of course, the suggestions are to be applied to the entire manuscript.  These people know what they like and don't like!  This is a traditional publisher with a lot of books out there, including B&N stores.

Another publisher was less specific, suggesting more tension and more dialog by the main character and those ideas can be worked into the above revisions as I go.  This publisher has only been in business for a few months.  I don't know how to evaluate a business with only a couple books out.  Has anybody worked with a new publisher?

The third publisher wants a title change.  The book is set during a Christmas festival which appears in the title.  The publisher said the title limits sales to a short period during the holiday season.  That makes sense so I suggested, also, changing the festival to a more generic winter carnival.  A perfect title popped in my head last week - it focuses on the murders, not the season.  This is something to keep in mind when choosing a season and a title for your book.

I'm starting the editing process today and plan to see it through although I'd rather be writing on my new romantic suspense.  I'm sure I'll sneak back and work on it though!

  

Catching Up

After an absence from the blog while I planned and celebrated Christmas with my six children, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren, I'm back in the writing and blogging mode. I'm working on my first thriller and having fun with it. I didn't know if I could sustain suspense throughout a novel but I've made it to Chapter Five.

I've had several interesting responses from small publishers, several of whom have requested the full manuscript of my mystery. Also, I still hear from some of the agents I contacted months ago. I guess agents and publishers really do slog their way through all those submissions. I remain hopeful - a new year means a new start - this could be the year!

When I was in North Carolina in the Fall, I went to a writers' meeting with my writer friend, Nancy Sales Cash. One member of the group brought a publication called Flip Dictionary to share with us. It's something of a thesaurus but instead of just synonyms for words, you can find a single word synonym for a phrase. Think about the times when it takes several words to say what's in your head but you want to use just one perfect word. I ordered mine through Amazon for $6.89. Although I have my trusty Writer's Thesaurus, I use the new Flip Dictionary more often. Take a look at it - you may like it.

Happy New Year to everyone. I feel so optimistic about this year, especially the writing opportunities and possibilities!

Small Publishers

After more than a few people suggested I query small publishers, I finally gave it a try and received several positive responses, certainly a higher percentage than from literary agents. I listen more carefully now when writers talk about their success with small presses. My contacts seem to have a close working relationship with their editors and speak highly of their experiences. If you're tired of querying agents who don't respond, consider this route.

New Blog

I have a new blog, Single Life and Love After Fifty, and I hope you will let your friends know about it. Thanks for passing the link to anyone you think may be interested.

Submission Package Differences

I sent submission packages to eight publishers who did not require agent representation. All asked for a standard query letter but each publisher had specific requests as to other information they wanted. In most cases, rewriting the final paragraph satisfied their particular requirements. Aside from the usual request to specify genre, number of pages, and word count, one publisher asked for an exact statement to be included at the end of the query certifying that the work was mine and original. An interesting twist and one I had not encountered. Keep your old versions of queries and other submission materials. You never know when one of them will be exactly what an agent or publisher wants.