submissions

Query Letter Do’s and Don’ts

This is special Fightin' Bookworm-only bonus content from Jane's article Get Your Foot in the Door with a Strong Query Letter

DO write a short synopsis (a few sentences for a picture book or easy reader, a paragraph for a chapter book, 1-2 paragraphs for middle grade and young

6 Steps to Fewer Rejection Letters

Most writers have weathered rejections. I know I have. For every acceptance I receive, I can count five to ten rejections. I’ve learned to live with this. (Mostly.) However, there are ways of minimizing rejections.

“I can’t control whether an editor likes my story,” an inexperienced writer may object.

Not

VIDEO – How to Get the Attention of an Author, Agent or Editor

Looking to reach out to a well-known author, editor or agent for some advice and assistance? It can be done, but you need to go about it the write way. Jon’s here with some tips!

Take Chances To Get Published

In an editorial several years ago, I described a tree house in the backyard of a local restaurant. I wrote, “The entire structure has been pieced together from recycled lumber, much of which still bears the paint, logos or posters of the original walls from whence it came. The generous

The Smart Writer’s Guide to Publishing Contracts

You’ve done it. You’ve sold your book and or a short story. Hooray! You’ve accomplished something that most people only dream of.

Now comes the fun part—signing the contract. Before you place your John—or Jane—Hancock on the dotted line, however, take a look at the language of the contract.

How to Write a Plot Synopsis

There is no way around it— if you plan to submit your manuscript to publishers, you're going to have to write a plot synopsis. But many authors, even those who write long novels, cringe at the thought of summing up their plots in a few sentences. Here are some tips

Inside the Mind of a Children’s Book Editor

To get published, it pays to understand the way editors think. Here’s a primer…

How to Decode a Rejection Letter

You know you’re a writer when you get your first rejection letter. It’s an inevitable part of the process. And it stinks. After you yell, or cry, or curse out the editor who clearly doesn’t know a good thing when he sees it, it’s time to decipher exactly what that rejection letter means.

Create a Plan for Dealing With Rejection

Start a list of where your manuscript’s been submitted and what the response has been. Keep track of the number of form rejections and/or any personal comments from editors. Devise a strategy now for how to handle revisions when you’ve hit your personal limit on rejections. This may

What Happens After You Sell Your Manuscript

When I sold my first book, I thought my work was done. Obviously the editor loved it and would not change a single word. Then came the revision letter. The editor wanted me to cut ten pages, change some matters regarding character motivation, and a host of other things.

Taming the Synopsis

by Jane Choate

Editor’s note: This article explains how to write a longer synopsis for a novel that would accompany the query letter. This synopsis would be up to two pages long, typed single-spaced.

If I ever started a business of writing bumper stickers, my first slogan would be “I Hate Synopses.”

How to Write a Great Query Letter

In an ideal world, you’d be able to pitch your manuscript to an editor over a leisurely cup of coffee. But we’re forced to inhabit the real world, where you’ve got about 10 seconds to hook an editor before she decides to continue reading or reach for her form rejection

Assembling the Perfect Submissions Packet

You’re now at an exciting time in the submissions process. You've polished your manuscript, researched appropriate publishers and studied their submission guidelines. Now you're finally going to send your manuscript out into the world to be read by editors.

Publishers will specify on their guidelines exactly

Where To Find Free Lists of Children’s Book Publishers

The key information you need to locate and target a children’s publisher for your manuscript is a click away. Here’s where to find it…..

How To Analyze a Publisher’s Catalog

Before submitting your work, it’s essential that you study publishers’ lists to find the best fit for your manuscript. Your first stop is Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market published by Writer’s Digest Books. Note which publishers do the type of book you’ve written, and are also accepting submissions from new

submissions

Query Letter Do’s and Don’ts

6 Steps to Fewer Rejection Letters

VIDEO – How to Get the Attention of an Author, Agent or Editor

Take Chances To Get Published

The Smart Writer’s Guide to Publishing Contracts

How to Write a Plot Synopsis

Inside the Mind of a Children’s Book Editor

How to Decode a Rejection Letter

Create a Plan for Dealing With Rejection

What Happens After You Sell Your Manuscript

Taming the Synopsis

How to Write a Great Query Letter

Assembling the Perfect Submissions Packet

Where To Find Free Lists of Children’s Book Publishers

How To Analyze a Publisher’s Catalog

When Submitting Your Work, Be Sure to Market Smart

Get Ready to Submit!

VIDEO: Submitting to Children’s Book Publishers: 3 Steps to Avoiding Rejection Letters

Video: How Do I Pitch an Agent or Editor at a Writing Conference?

VIDEO – Simultaneous Submissions vs. Single Submissions? Laura Explains!

VIDEO: How to Find the Right Publisher for Your Manuscript

Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Published

VIDEO – A Crash Course in Submitting Your Manuscript to a Publisher

7 Things Editors Wish You Knew

VIDEO – How Do I Find a Publisher?

Step-by-Step: Writing a Perfect Query Letter