A friend pointed out this petition on Change.org aimed at Amazon over the randomness and vagueness of their review removals. I'm not sure it will do any good whatsoever, but signing made me feel a little better.
Find it here.
So far no more of my reviews of vanished. Grudging is up to six. It should have been closer to ten. It's so hard to get reviews that any number disappearing is like a blow. I wrote about how discouraged I felt here. But I appreciate all the support I've gotten, and knowing this has happened to many more authors makes me feel less alone. Hang in there everyone!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Friday, December 4, 2015
Cover Reveal for FACSIMILE
She's one classy lady and she's helped me out many times. I'm so happy to be part of the cover reveal for Facsimile and Vicki Weavil.
Title: FACSIMILE
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Publisher: Month9Books
Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Format: Paperback and E-book.
Preorder on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Facsimile-Vicki-L-Weavil/dp/194266446X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449082288&sr=1-2&keywords=weavil
Goodreads Listing: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18249272-facsimile?from_search=true&search_version=service
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For a ticket to Earth, seventeen-year-old Anna-Maria “Ann” Solano is willing to jettison her birth planet, best friend, and the boy who loves her. Especially since all she’s required to do is escort Dace Keeling, a young naturalist, through the wilderness of the partially terraformed planet Eco. Ann‘s determination to escape the limitations of her small, frontier colony never falters, until Dace’s expeditions uncover three secrets. One offers riches, one shatters Ann’s perceptions of herself, and one reveals that the humans stranded on Eco are not its only inhabitants.
Ann’s willing to sacrifice friendship and love for a new life on Earth. But when an entire species is placed in jeopardy by her actions, she must make a choice – fulfill the dream that’s always sustained her, or save the planet she’s never considered home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Vicki L. Weavil turned her early obsession with reading into a career as a librarian. After obtaining a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Virginia, she continued her education by receiving a Masters in Library Science and a M.A. in Liberal Studies. She is currently the Library Director for a performing and visual arts university. She is the author of the YA Fantasy, CROWN OF ICE, published by Month9Books in 2014.
An avid reader who appreciates good writing in all genres, Vicki has been known to read seven books in as many days. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, listening to music, gardening, or traveling. Vicki is a member of SCWBI and is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
Website/blog: http://vickilempweavil.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiLWeavil
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/VickiLempWeavil?ref=hl
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091425.Vicki_L_Weavil
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickilweavil/
Title: FACSIMILE
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Publisher: Month9Books
Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Format: Paperback and E-book.
Preorder on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Facsimile-Vicki-L-Weavil/dp/194266446X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449082288&sr=1-2&keywords=weavil
Goodreads Listing: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18249272-facsimile?from_search=true&search_version=service
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For a ticket to Earth, seventeen-year-old Anna-Maria “Ann” Solano is willing to jettison her birth planet, best friend, and the boy who loves her. Especially since all she’s required to do is escort Dace Keeling, a young naturalist, through the wilderness of the partially terraformed planet Eco. Ann‘s determination to escape the limitations of her small, frontier colony never falters, until Dace’s expeditions uncover three secrets. One offers riches, one shatters Ann’s perceptions of herself, and one reveals that the humans stranded on Eco are not its only inhabitants.
Ann’s willing to sacrifice friendship and love for a new life on Earth. But when an entire species is placed in jeopardy by her actions, she must make a choice – fulfill the dream that’s always sustained her, or save the planet she’s never considered home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An avid reader who appreciates good writing in all genres, Vicki has been known to read seven books in as many days. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, listening to music, gardening, or traveling. Vicki is a member of SCWBI and is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
Website/blog: http://vickilempweavil.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiLWeavil
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/VickiLempWeavil?ref=hl
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091425.Vicki_L_Weavil
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickilweavil/
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Cover Reveal for GOLDENFIRE
Today is the official cover reveal for Goldenfire, the second book in the Darkhaven series. It will be released by Harper Voyager on 14 January, but if you want to read it sooner, you can enter the giveaway below for your chance to win an advance ebook copy!
I'm always happy to support another HV writer!
In Darkhaven, peace doesn’t last long.
Ayla Nightshade has ruled Darkhaven for three years. With the help of Tomas Caraway, her Captain of the Helm, she has overcome her father's legacy to find new confidence in herself and her unusual shapeshifting abilities.
Yet three years ago, a discovery was made that could have profound consequences for the Nightshade line: a weapon exists that can harm even the powerful creatures they turn into. And now, that knowledge has fallen into the wrong hands.
An assassin is coming for Ayla, and will stop at nothing to see her dead.
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| Enter the giveaway: |
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Discouraged By Amazon's Cull of Reviews
Some of you might have seen me mention on twitter that Amazon took down all the reviews for Grudging. There weren't that many, but it still hurts. Apparently, this was done because the people who left the reviews follow me on social media or maybe because they are also writers and more suspect. I didn't give the reviewers copies of the book. I didn't trade a review for a review with them. Heaven forbid, I didn't pay them. I've never met them in person. They aren't family members.
It seems that followers of an author on social media can't leave reviews because they might benefit financially in some way. It's unlikely that I'll benefit financially in any way other than to take my family out for ice cream. Grudging is digital first. It's not going up in bookstores. The publisher hasn't done any marketing to get it noticed. I don't expect to make more than a pittance from sales. How could I manage to benefit other people?
I worked extremely hard to get the word out for Grudging's release. It was all I did for over two weeks and was very stressful to boot. I used social media and the contacts I've struggled for years to create. We are told to make friends because not only is it good to have friends, it will help your writing career. I did interviews. I arranged a book release tour, which I didn't pay for--all reviews from it should be allowed (but one of those was taken down also). I emailed dozens and dozens of book bloggers, telling them about Grudging and how they can get a review copy from the publisher, not from me. I followed in the footsteps and advice of other writers whose books have come out and did the same sort of marketing.
But in the big picture, because of the lack of marketing from the publisher, the only people likely to know about my book are the people who know me from social media--thus rendering all possible reviews ineligible and tainted to Amazon.
To say I'm discouraged is an understatement. It's hard to feel penalized because you have social media contacts.
It's a proven fact that reviews help sell a book. They make people more confident to buy a book. Having more than X (supposedly 10 or maybe 50) number of reviews means Amazon will help promote you by putting your book in their advertising. I worked my tail off trying to find book bloggers who might be interesting in reading Grudging. (Post to come.) I didn't ask for anything other than honesty in their review. (If they don't like it, I hope they say so and why.) In return, many of those very nice people followed me on twitter. I don't think any of the reviews given to me by them will be allowed to stay.
At this point, I feel like throwing in the towel.
I know it's not personal. It just happens that I have a lot of friends from social media, and they are writers. It's a good thing that Amazon weeds out fake or paid reviews. They want things to be fair. I agree that it should be. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me feel much better. Doing promotion for myself instead of my contests makes me uncomfortable to begin with. It's hard to talk about your books all the time. Reviews do that for an author so we don't have to.
I don't know what to say. I don't have a solution. But if you wanted or planned to post an honest review of your thoughts of Grudging to also please copy that review to Goodreads in case the other gets erased. Maybe those will get seen. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and your generosity. It means a lot.
Thanks to everyone that has gotten a copy of Grudging and who plan to review--or already have. You don't know how helpful that is to a writer.
Obviously writers do this because they love it, not because of the money. But it's hard when someone enjoys your story and their opinions are not allowed to be seen.
I certainly don't regret any friends I've made from social media. I'd rather have you than all the reviews in the world! But it would be nice to have both. :-)
It seems that followers of an author on social media can't leave reviews because they might benefit financially in some way. It's unlikely that I'll benefit financially in any way other than to take my family out for ice cream. Grudging is digital first. It's not going up in bookstores. The publisher hasn't done any marketing to get it noticed. I don't expect to make more than a pittance from sales. How could I manage to benefit other people?
I worked extremely hard to get the word out for Grudging's release. It was all I did for over two weeks and was very stressful to boot. I used social media and the contacts I've struggled for years to create. We are told to make friends because not only is it good to have friends, it will help your writing career. I did interviews. I arranged a book release tour, which I didn't pay for--all reviews from it should be allowed (but one of those was taken down also). I emailed dozens and dozens of book bloggers, telling them about Grudging and how they can get a review copy from the publisher, not from me. I followed in the footsteps and advice of other writers whose books have come out and did the same sort of marketing.
But in the big picture, because of the lack of marketing from the publisher, the only people likely to know about my book are the people who know me from social media--thus rendering all possible reviews ineligible and tainted to Amazon.
To say I'm discouraged is an understatement. It's hard to feel penalized because you have social media contacts.
It's a proven fact that reviews help sell a book. They make people more confident to buy a book. Having more than X (supposedly 10 or maybe 50) number of reviews means Amazon will help promote you by putting your book in their advertising. I worked my tail off trying to find book bloggers who might be interesting in reading Grudging. (Post to come.) I didn't ask for anything other than honesty in their review. (If they don't like it, I hope they say so and why.) In return, many of those very nice people followed me on twitter. I don't think any of the reviews given to me by them will be allowed to stay.
At this point, I feel like throwing in the towel.
I know it's not personal. It just happens that I have a lot of friends from social media, and they are writers. It's a good thing that Amazon weeds out fake or paid reviews. They want things to be fair. I agree that it should be. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me feel much better. Doing promotion for myself instead of my contests makes me uncomfortable to begin with. It's hard to talk about your books all the time. Reviews do that for an author so we don't have to.
I don't know what to say. I don't have a solution. But if you wanted or planned to post an honest review of your thoughts of Grudging to also please copy that review to Goodreads in case the other gets erased. Maybe those will get seen. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and your generosity. It means a lot.
Thanks to everyone that has gotten a copy of Grudging and who plan to review--or already have. You don't know how helpful that is to a writer.
Obviously writers do this because they love it, not because of the money. But it's hard when someone enjoys your story and their opinions are not allowed to be seen.
I certainly don't regret any friends I've made from social media. I'd rather have you than all the reviews in the world! But it would be nice to have both. :-)
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Scavenger Hunt Starts Now
Here we go! Your opportunity to follow the trail of clues and become one of my slush readers for Sun versus Snow in January. You'll get to see the behind the scenes action of a big contest, read slush, and be the one to shout out vague, taunting hints on twitter.
Some of the clues in the scavenger hunt will be quite easy and some are harder. Each leads to another piece of the riddle.
Most clues will lead to a person somehow related to my contests and a part of their social media to see the next clue. In addition to following the clues, you'll need to ask each person (8) on twitter for their "code" word. Follow them so they can DM you the secret code. When you have all eight code words and reach the end of the trail, unscramble the code words to form a sentence. First one to give me the correct sentence will be my slush reader. The two runners up will receive a paperback version of Grudging when it becomes available December 22nd.
In the event that the trail goes cold and everyone is stumped, I will give out hints on twitter.
Note: I don't have a code word.
Hint: I mentioned most of the people involved on Thanksgiving over on twitter.
Note: I don't have a code word.
Hint: I mentioned most of the people involved on Thanksgiving over on twitter.
The scavenger hunt will last from Saturday until Tuesday. Many clues won't become available until their appointed day, giving latecomers a chance to catch up.
Here's the first clue:
My baby is fresh into the world. Head to the place where
book lists are kept and find what I have to say about my newborn.
If you're having trouble with a certain clue, you can apply to me for hints.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Book Blitz for DIVIDED
I'm always happy to help out a fellow author, especially when they are also a Pitchwars mentor like myself. Happy Book Blitz to Sharon Johnson!
DIVIDED: AN OPEN HEART NOVEL
Sharon M. Johnston
Publication Date: November 24 2015
New Adult Science Fiction Romance.
A new heart should mean new life, instead it’s a living nightmare.
Mishca Richardson’s life is at an all-time high after her heart transplant. With new boyfriend, Ryder, she has the perfect summer romance. Even the nightmares plaguing her sleep since her operation can’t dull her new dream world. Yet, life starts to unravel when Mishca develops superhuman abilities. She does her best to hide them so as not to end up a science experiment in a lab, but she can’t ignore the strange instant attraction she experiences when she meets her university professor, Colin Reed. Torn between love and the obsession, Mishca must decide between the two men. But as the organization responsible for her weird powers moves in, she’ll have a lot more to worry about than romance.
I open my eyes and stare upward, hoping the white fluffy clouds splotched against the blue sky will distract me from my imaginings of people dying. I guess I’m not as used to the idea of getting someone else’s heart as I thought. The harsh Australian sun makes me squint.
I swing my legs around and hoist myself upright on the stadium bleacher, looking over the sports field. Readjusting my tank top strap that had slipped off my shoulder, I try to conjure up happier thoughts. At least I won’t be responsible for the person who dies, even if I get a new heart out of the mess.
Yeah, happier thoughts.
You could win:
[gallery ids="1845,1847,1846,1844" type="slideshow" orderby="rand"]
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DIVIDED: AN OPEN HEART NOVEL
Sharon M. Johnston
Publication Date: November 24 2015
New Adult Science Fiction Romance.
A new heart should mean new life, instead it’s a living nightmare.
Mishca Richardson’s life is at an all-time high after her heart transplant. With new boyfriend, Ryder, she has the perfect summer romance. Even the nightmares plaguing her sleep since her operation can’t dull her new dream world. Yet, life starts to unravel when Mishca develops superhuman abilities. She does her best to hide them so as not to end up a science experiment in a lab, but she can’t ignore the strange instant attraction she experiences when she meets her university professor, Colin Reed. Torn between love and the obsession, Mishca must decide between the two men. But as the organization responsible for her weird powers moves in, she’ll have a lot more to worry about than romance.
FIND DIVIDED ON GOODREADS
BUY DIVIDED: AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE // KOBO // iBOOKS // CITY OWL PRESS WEBSITE
EXCERPTS:
SOMEONE MUST DIE so I can live. I’ve come to terms with that. Before it turned my stomach, thinking about my donor’s death, but now I’m used to it. Most likely, it’ll be a car accident or a drunken fall. It won’t come from illness or any other natural causes that corrupt human organs and make the deceased ineligible to be a donor. A violent, painful death will be my savior. It’s the only way I’ll ever get my new heart.I open my eyes and stare upward, hoping the white fluffy clouds splotched against the blue sky will distract me from my imaginings of people dying. I guess I’m not as used to the idea of getting someone else’s heart as I thought. The harsh Australian sun makes me squint.
I swing my legs around and hoist myself upright on the stadium bleacher, looking over the sports field. Readjusting my tank top strap that had slipped off my shoulder, I try to conjure up happier thoughts. At least I won’t be responsible for the person who dies, even if I get a new heart out of the mess.
Yeah, happier thoughts.
Giveaway
I've got one BIG prize bundle as part of the celebrations!You could win:
- Heart Marcasite Earrings
- $10 Amazon Gift Voucher
- Owl Christmas Decorations
- Dinosaur Christmas Decorations
- Owl Pen
- Heart Pen
[gallery ids="1845,1847,1846,1844" type="slideshow" orderby="rand"]
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author
Author Bio:
SHARON JOHNSTON is a New Adult author from sunny Queensland, Australia. She specializes in intriguing stories and soulful contemporaries across category boundaries. Working as a PR specialist by day, in her spare time she writes, blogs for YAtopia and Aussie Owned & Read, spends time with her fur babies, and plays computer games with her family. She’s also been trailed by women wanting to know where she buys her shoes.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Scavenger Hunt
You know I'm all for having some fun. I wanted to do a different sort of contest. The prize will be a spot as my slush reader for Sun versus Snow at the end of January, where you'll get all the behind the scenes action of a big contest. You don't need to have an agent or be published to win. Anyone is welcome to try. If you also wanted to enter Sun versus Snow, have no fear--Your entry would still be available to Amy for her Team Sun.
I'll post the first clue on Saturday, November 28th and the scavenger hunt will last a few days.
You'll collect the code words to unscramble and spell out a sentence to report to me. First one done wins. Runners up will win copies of Grudging.
Start buffing up on my friends and associates and my recent activities. The clues will lead in their direction.
I'll post the first clue on Saturday, November 28th and the scavenger hunt will last a few days.
You'll collect the code words to unscramble and spell out a sentence to report to me. First one done wins. Runners up will win copies of Grudging.
Start buffing up on my friends and associates and my recent activities. The clues will lead in their direction.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Release Day for ACNE, ASTHMA, AND OTHER SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE HALF DRAGON
This great book was in one of my contests and now it's out into the world! So exciting!
TITLE: Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon
Pub. Date: November 23, 2015
Publisher: Curiosity Quills
Format: eBook and paperback
Find it: Amazon | Barnes and Nobles | Goodreads
About Acne, Asthma And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon:
Allyson fights acne, not trolls. As an inhaler-carrying member of the asthma society, she just wants to meet the father who turned her mother into a paranoid, move-across-the-nation freak. Now she’s trying to fit in at yet another school, but for the first time in her life, she has a best friend, Beth. When Allyson accidentally spits fire at kidnappers in the mall, she realizes why her father isn’t in the picture: she’s half dragon. Her acne? Emerging scales. Her asthma? The side effects of her dragon’s fire breath. Instead of freaking out, unflappable Beth reveals her own troll heritage and explains how things work with the supernatural creatures hiding within the modern world of smartphones and skyscrapers.
When trolls kidnap a unicorn, Beth gets blamed. Allyson is determined to prove Beth’s innocence and keep her friend off the unicorn chopping block. When they start looking for the kidnappers, they get a call from the last person they expect: Allyson’s father. He tries to warn them off, but he’s been put under a spell by the kidnappers to keep the victims from escaping. Nothing short of death can stop him. Now Allyson must choose between killing the father she’s always dreamed of, or letting her best friend die for a crime she didn’t commit.
About the Author:
Be sure to stop by the release party on Facebook and win some fun prizes to help along your reading fun, and maybe even a gift card or two!
TITLE: Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon
Pub. Date: November 23, 2015
Publisher: Curiosity Quills
Format: eBook and paperback
Find it: Amazon | Barnes and Nobles | Goodreads
About Acne, Asthma And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon:
Allyson fights acne, not trolls. As an inhaler-carrying member of the asthma society, she just wants to meet the father who turned her mother into a paranoid, move-across-the-nation freak. Now she’s trying to fit in at yet another school, but for the first time in her life, she has a best friend, Beth. When Allyson accidentally spits fire at kidnappers in the mall, she realizes why her father isn’t in the picture: she’s half dragon. Her acne? Emerging scales. Her asthma? The side effects of her dragon’s fire breath. Instead of freaking out, unflappable Beth reveals her own troll heritage and explains how things work with the supernatural creatures hiding within the modern world of smartphones and skyscrapers.
When trolls kidnap a unicorn, Beth gets blamed. Allyson is determined to prove Beth’s innocence and keep her friend off the unicorn chopping block. When they start looking for the kidnappers, they get a call from the last person they expect: Allyson’s father. He tries to warn them off, but he’s been put under a spell by the kidnappers to keep the victims from escaping. Nothing short of death can stop him. Now Allyson must choose between killing the father she’s always dreamed of, or letting her best friend die for a crime she didn’t commit.
About the Author:
Living as a muggle has brought Rena some levels of success
such as completing her master’s degree, but always the stories returned,
calling her to the keyboard in the dark of night. Now, having built armies from
words, Rena has set her sights on world domination, one book at a time.
From her secret base in the wine country, Rena has enlisted
the help of her cats, her loyal dogs, and her family―who can be relied upon to
hide the launch codes at a moment’s notice. You can find Rena at her blog,
follow her on Twitter, Goodreads, or
find her on Facebook. Her
debut novel, Acne, Asthma, and Other Signs You Might Be
Half Dragon comes
out November 23rd, 2015.
Be sure to stop by the release party on Facebook and win some fun prizes to help along your reading fun, and maybe even a gift card or two!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Giveaway of Dragon Heart
Books! Books! Books!
One of the best things I ever did was sign up to be an advanced reader for Tor. Every once in a while, there's a box on my porch and I get to do a happy dance!
The last box brought me the Wheel of Time Companion! Squeal! Just look at my bookshelf. The entire shelf is nothing but Wheel of Time. I have every single book, including a first edition trade paperback of The Eye of the World from 1990. It's like they knew it's my favorite.
In an earlier box, I got a copy of Cecelia Holland's Dragon Heart. It's hard to part with a book (total book hoarder) but this copy I'm giving away!
America's most distinguished historical novelist steps fully into the realm of fantasy and makes it her own.
Where the Cape of the Winds juts into the endless sea, there is Castle Ocean, and therein dwells the royal family that has ruled it from time immemorial. But there is an Empire growing in the east, and its forces have reached the castle. King Reymarro is dead in battle, and by the new treaty, Queen Marioza must marry one of the Emperor’s brothers. She loathes the idea, and has already killed the first brother, but a second arrives, escorted by more soldiers. While Marioza delays, her youngest son, Jeon, goes on a journey in search of his mute twin, Tirza, who needs to be present for the wedding.
As Jeon and Tirza return by sea, their ship is attacked by a shocking and powerful dragon, red as blood and big as the ship. Thrown into the water, Tirza clings to the dragon, and after an underwater journey, finds herself alone with the creature in an inland sea pool. Surprisingly, she is able to talk to the beast, and understand it.
So begins a saga of violence, destruction, and death, of love and monsters, human and otherwise.
No fancy rafflecopters. Just comment with your favorite epic fantasy series and a twitter handle/email address. I'll pick one winner on October 25th.
And if you like fantasy, don't forget to take a look at my new book Grudging.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Query Critique Auction
I've donated a query critique + 2 revisions to the Friends of Fizzy Auction. The package also includes an ebook copy of Grudging.
The best part about being an author is the writing community and the way they care about and support each other. We jump when another writer is in a difficult situation. From the Go Fund Me campaign.
PTO mama, Humane society helper, rescuer of 7(!) cats with horrific survival sagas, and HILARIOUS novelist, Summer Heacock (aka Fizzygrrl) gives more than she gets, and makes people laugh in the process. Her fierce and funny family is her everything.
But right now, medical bills and monkey-wrenches are piling up in their world in an epic way, and something's gotta give. For the gritty and honest details, see Summer's post, here.
It is way too much for one little family, even a fierce one.
The topping on their woe, though, is that Summer is in dire need of multiple surgeries over the next few weeks and there can be no delay, despite the awful timing. Her wisdom teeth require immediate removal because they've punctured her sinuses, and the trauma is so bad she'll require bone-grafts to repair the damage. Unfortunatly, oral surgery must be paid for in advance, and their insurance won't cover it. And that's only the first operation.
This is where we come in.
If your query needs polishing before Sun versus Snow, jump in with a bid and help a good cause. Click here to go make a bid.
The best part about being an author is the writing community and the way they care about and support each other. We jump when another writer is in a difficult situation. From the Go Fund Me campaign.
PTO mama, Humane society helper, rescuer of 7(!) cats with horrific survival sagas, and HILARIOUS novelist, Summer Heacock (aka Fizzygrrl) gives more than she gets, and makes people laugh in the process. Her fierce and funny family is her everything.
But right now, medical bills and monkey-wrenches are piling up in their world in an epic way, and something's gotta give. For the gritty and honest details, see Summer's post, here.
It is way too much for one little family, even a fierce one.
The topping on their woe, though, is that Summer is in dire need of multiple surgeries over the next few weeks and there can be no delay, despite the awful timing. Her wisdom teeth require immediate removal because they've punctured her sinuses, and the trauma is so bad she'll require bone-grafts to repair the damage. Unfortunatly, oral surgery must be paid for in advance, and their insurance won't cover it. And that's only the first operation.
This is where we come in.
If your query needs polishing before Sun versus Snow, jump in with a bid and help a good cause. Click here to go make a bid.
Query Questions with Megan Close
Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!
If you have your own specific query question, please leave it in the comments and it might show up in future editions of Query Questions as I plan to rotate the questions.
We haven't heard much from non-fiction agents. I'm happy to remedy that with Megan Close of Keller Media.
First off, I’d like to say that we are an agency that specializes in non-fiction. While we do occasionally consider a fiction project, I will be answering most of these questions in connection with nonfiction projects.
Is there a better or worse time of year to query? No. Publishers are generally not buying projects during the last couple months of the year, so we are usually not pitching at that time, but we are still enthusiastically receiving queries and proposals.
Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query? No, but if the query has clearly not been read over or edited well, it does lessen my enthusiasm.
Do you look at sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong? Generally only if a query is strong.
Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them? We do have a query manager here that generally sifts through the queries that come in, but I review many myself.
Do you keep a maybe pile of queries and go back to them for a second look? Occasionally. If there is a query or proposal that I am not sure about, I may sit on it for a little while. But generally if we have rejected something I do not go back and reconsider (unless a major change has been made – increased platform, etc.).
If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages? That is fine.
How important are comp titles? Is it something you want to see in a query? In a nonfiction book proposal, they are hugely important. It shows that the author has done their market research and that this book would have a strong chance in the current marketplace.
Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested? If it is a book that is more to my boss’ liking, I will send it along to her. She does the same for me. I would do some research to see which projects the specific agent is seeking and query that agent over anyone else.
Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript? It does help to know WHY you are querying me or the agency, but I wouldn’t spend too much time on that. Knowing what you have to offer is the most important thing.
Most agents have said they don’t care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included? It is helpful to have it at the beginning, but if that information is mentioned elsewhere, it is not a dealbreaker.
Writers hear a lot about limiting the number of named characters in a query. Do you feel keeping named characters to a certain number makes for a clearer query? You should always err on the side of simplicity when writing queries.
Should writers sweat the title of their book (and character names) or is that something that is often changed by publishers? No – more often than not it is changed during the publishing process.
How many queries do you receive in a week? How many requests might you make out of those? Anywhere from 20-100, it really depends. I’d say we request additional information on 10%.
Many agents say they don't care if writers are active online. Could a twitter account or blog presence by a writer tip the scales in getting a request or offer? And do you require writers you sign to start one? Your platform is one of the most important areas that we look at. We don’t require writers to have a social media presence, but that is something they would likely need to have. Nonfiction authors need to show that there are a large number of people out there who will buy their book and prove it.
Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I’m sure it’s not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive? No, they are not offensive in an email signature. I would make sure to include those links in your book proposal.
If a writer makes changes to their manuscript due to feedback should they resend the query or only if material was requested? Only if it was requested.
What bio should an author with no publishing credits include? Related professional experience, anything that speak to your expertise on the subject matter.
What does ‘just not right mean for me’ mean to you? That the project is not in a genre we represent, that it is not something we feel we can sell, etc.
What themes are you sick of seeing? Memoirs about happiness, road trips or abusive parents. This is not to speak badly to people’s experiences – there is just rarely anything new to say about the topics. If a book offers that, we’re always excited to see that.
Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent? I do. I have an editorial background and working with writers is my favorite part of the job.
What’s the strangest/funniest thing you’ve seen in a query? My name being completely wrong, outlandish claims as to the platform or experience of the author, really extremist political/religious/social views.
What three things are at the top of your submission wish list? 1) Books that are fresh, interesting, contemporary takes on the following genres: Self-Help, Relationships, Pop Culture, Pop Psychology, Management, Career, Entrepreneurship; 2) Books that are geared toward millennials (as much as I hate that term); 3) Books that come with authors who have amazing platforms.
What are some of your favorite movies or books to give us an idea of your tastes? In my spare time I reading love mystery and suspense books and I love classic movies, but I also love reading authors like James Ellroy, Joan Didion, Jeanine Basinger, Tana French, Erik Larsen, Bill Bryson, John D. McDonald and Ross Macdonald, Pat Conroy, Ernest Hemingway, David Thomson, etc. etc. etc. – I could go on and on. As long as a book or movie entertains, inspires, or educates me, I love it.
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Megan Close is an associate agent at Keller Media. Her passion lies not only in getting great books published, but in working closely with the authors who write them. Nothing is more exciting than a great new idea or story! Prior to her agenting career, Megan read, reviewed, edited, rejected and selected thousands of book and script projects for agencies, film companies and publishing companies.
Megan represents projects in the following genres: Self-Help, Relationships, Pop Culture, Pop Psychology, Management, Career, Entrepreneurship and Literary Fiction (especially Mystery/Suspense).
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