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Post by rahmuss on Jun 25, 2012 15:22:39 GMT -5
Had a great 10 year anniversary in Boise. Relaxed, ate good food, didn't have five children running around destroying things. T. Lynn, When can I get your book?
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Post by Gary McCallister on Jun 25, 2012 20:27:32 GMT -5
Sorry to have been gone so much. We got back tonight from Kentucky. It was a blast. And i have some great ideas for writing from the trip, even though it was a music trip. I'll try to catch you up in the next couple of days.
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Post by paulwest on Jun 25, 2012 22:06:00 GMT -5
Gary, your trip to Kentucky sounds better than my trip to California, as much as I love California. I took my daughter there to find a home for her and her family in Rocklin, CA, and came away empty. Now they are going to have to live on the AF base until they can find a home in Rocklin.
Glad to hear your trip was more successful.
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Post by paulwest on Jun 26, 2012 13:09:42 GMT -5
Hi gang. Anybody care to give me a critique of my latest query letter version? I'm trying to write this after the advice given by Noah Lukman in his book "How To Write A Great Query Letter." I figure it's worth a try since I'm not getting anywhere on my own. -------------------------------- Dear Agent: I am writing to you because you represented ? BRIDGE TO DESTINY is an 82,000-word young adult novel that begins on Christmas Eve 1964 when a young man watches his family die in a fiery automobile crash on the fogbound Carquinez Bridge in California. Recovering from his injuries, he vows to get even. When he discovers evidence implicating the school bully, his next move could be the biggest mistake of his life. In the San Francisco Bay Area, where this novel is set, dense ocean fog often envelops the Carquinez Bridge contributing to horrifying accidents – many times with tragic losses of life. Having grown up there, I witnessed the flashing emergency lights, heard the sirens as the paramedics and fire trucks rushed to the scene, then read about the tragedies in the next day’s local newspaper. I often wondered about the survivors; what agony they must have felt when friends and family members died. BRIDGE TO DESTINY is about one young man’s agony. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, ----------------------------- Thanks, Paul
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Post by Gary McCallister on Jun 27, 2012 7:32:57 GMT -5
Hey, Paul! I have never had a book accepted for publication so I am certainly no expert on query letters. However, a couple of things strike me. Your letter addresses your reason and ability to write your book, but not any reason why the editor should publish your book. What is there about your book that will compel people to read it? Why will it make the publisher money. I think we writers get lost in the creation, and forget that the purpose, as far as publishers are concerned is to make a profit.
The part about flashing lights and victims is interest grabbing. But the exact location is irrelevant since you want people to read this everywhere.
Interestingly, from my long hiatus from writing the last few weeks I think I have mapped out a new course for myself. And I am seriously looking into e-publishing. I know there are problems with marketing and such, but the number of books selling in e-format has risen by a staggering amount in just a few short year (like 5). Further, for the non-fiction I am trying to write I think it may be a far better approach for me. I haven't had time to investigate all the details and issues, but I am looking into that.
One thing I want to do is package my columns into an educational book. While there is a lot of silliness in it, there is always a kernel of science also. In addition I am thinking of creating some unique science learning packages that will sell inexpensively to teachers and home schoolers.
BY the way, Kentucky Music Week was a blast. All of us (wife, daughter, two granddaughters) were able to access five hours a day of fun filled learning. I took classes on the banjo, ukulele, mandolin and dulcimer. My wife painted with water colors, wove baskets, learned to play the penny whistle, and quilted. Other took guitar, fiddle, sacred harp singing, and I can't remember everything. It was as much fun as Education week with the bonus that you got to DO something, and you don't have to walk 12 miles a day.
So what's everyone up to?
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Post by charlie on Jun 27, 2012 11:21:05 GMT -5
I also think e-publishing is gaining ground. Per unit it may not make as much money and yes, you do have to promote more aggressively. But traditional publisher (unless it is a large New York house) is also asking the author to do much of the promotion.
I have 15 short stories on Amazon Kindle that while not great sellers do better than the book I have traditionally published. Granted my book was published several years ago. My new book coming out in August will be available both in paperback and e-book so it will be interesting to see which does better.
As for your query letter, Paul, I am also not good with them, but I agree with Gary. Make it sound more appealing to your intended audience. What will it do to them? Scare them? How will they connect with the main character? Anyway, best of luck.
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Post by sachiko on Jun 27, 2012 12:03:39 GMT -5
What a great idea! I am first in line for both books.
I have had the same thoughts about e-publishing, especially with how much tradition houses have placed the burden of promotion on writers.
We just got some interesting news; it looks like I may have another kid around January 2013. ;D
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Post by charlie on Jun 27, 2012 13:03:09 GMT -5
That is wonderful news. My daughter-in-law is due July 17 by C-section. So I will be grandpa again. Best wishes to you for good health and a save delivery of a healthy baby.
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Post by paulwest on Jun 27, 2012 14:09:11 GMT -5
Congrats, Sachiko. Great news for you and your family.
Thanks Charlie and Gary for your insights into my query. I'll have to ponder your advice for a while.
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tlynn
New Member
Posts: 12
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Post by tlynn on Jun 28, 2012 21:03:03 GMT -5
Hey guys, sorry to be MIA for so long---work has swamped me to such an extent I'm really sweating my next deadline for my third book. However, my second book, The Lost Curse, IS NOW AVAILABLE. And here is a link to the very first review of my book... mkmcclintock.blogspot.com/2012/06/lost-curse-by-t-lynn-adams-and-readers.htmlDon't know how to make links appear here so you may have to copy and paste... T. Lynn
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Post by sachiko on Jun 30, 2012 4:10:59 GMT -5
yay t lynn!!!!!!!
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Post by paulwest on Jun 30, 2012 16:39:24 GMT -5
Hey, TLynn. Congrats with the publication of your second novel. The link works just fine. A great review. I loved your first novel and now I can't wait to get a copy of this one.
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Post by Gary McCallister on Jul 2, 2012 8:45:43 GMT -5
Sachiko, Congratulations! How is your little daughter doing these days. I think about her and you often. OK, TLynn, is it in stores or do we order it. Oh never mind, I just went to Amazon and ordered it. Glad to hear of your success. Congratulations. The women seem more creative around here. There are several reasons I am thinking about e-publishing. One is I am tired of chasing editors who are increasingly distant from me. Almost of the companies that publish much science or non-fiction now require agents. Further, I have this popular and somewhat unique science column, but it doesn't fit into existing pigeon holes so they don't think it will sell. Thirdly, I just had a report come across my desk at school that graphed the growth in electronic sales in the past eight years (that's about the entire history of e-publishing). Holy Cow! The graph is impressive! Then there is percentage of return for each sale. There is also the part about being an independent business. I am thinking and praying about this seriously. Specifically, while driving across Kansas I crafted an idea to write a short booklet about a science subject and how to learn about it. Then I am thinking of putting it out as an e-book, setting up a web page and seeing what the response is. If i am encouraged I can put out sequels, including my column collection. If I am discouraged, I will not have invested more than a few days work and a web site. Sort of an scientific experiment. I was able to spend almost two full days on a gravity topic booklet. I am calling it "Hanging Out With Gravity" for now. Anyway, that is the first writing I have done in over a month. I hope to stay home and be more consistent for awhile now.
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Post by sachiko on Jul 2, 2012 16:33:05 GMT -5
I love that idea, Gary! Cora Dove has learned how to scoot around--she can't crawl yet, but scoots on her rear unbelievably fast. She's tiny and cute, but has no instinct for self-preservation. She was such a tiny, weak, quiet little baby and now she's a total pistol. And she's not even a toddler yet. Holy cow. She turns 1 on Wednesday My husband bought a used roll-up keyboard from someone at work, and is going to buy a used netbook too, so I can write upstairs while taking care of the kids. I may actually get something done, you know, someday.
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Post by Gary McCallister on Jul 2, 2012 19:40:36 GMT -5
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, they say. (You know, "they".)
Glad to hear a good report.
Wrote my column. Wrote more on the gravity book. Hope to have a rough draft by the end of the week. Right now it is 25 pages, but with lots of figures, cartoons, text boxes etc.
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