Archive for May, 2010

re: Using Song Titles as Chapter Headers

posted 5/27/10

Dear Editor…

My middle grade novel’s protagonist is moved when she learns a new song, which is at the heart of the book. Can I use the titles of published well-known songs as chapter headings? Will a publisher think this is too much work to get permission rights? There’s 15 chapters.

Sincerely,

June

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re: Submitting Prologues – Pro or Con?

posted 5/25/10

Dear Editor…

When agents ask a writer to submit some of their manuscript in the query process, should the prologue be included with your submission?

Sincerely,

Kelly

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I Know It’s Synopsis Time…But Do I HAVE To?

posted 5/21/10

Dear Editor…

Okay, the book is done and now I want to sell it. Do agents/editors really want a synopsis? If so, what do they use it for? Should a synopsis be plot only or should it “come alive” with at least a sense of the mood/drama of the book while giving a plot summary? Lastly, how long should it be? Thanks!

Sincerely,

Bill

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re: Can She Think in 3rd Person?

posted 5/15/10

Dear Editor… I recently read in a self-editing book (fiction for adults) that when writing in 3rd person, the main character’s thoughts can also be written in 3rd person. Is this true for mg/ya or does it depend on the story? Sincerely, Sue

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re: Giving Editors Their (Line)Space

posted 5/9/10

Dear Editor…

I know the correct format for a novel is to begin Chapter One two-thirds down the page. Once, I read that other chapters should begin 1/3 down the page. This looks really weird to me, like I made a mistake in spacing. Do editors expect or desire to see manuscripts with successive chapters spaced 1/3 down the page?

Sincerely,

Carol

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re: “Rules” for Picture Book Word Counts?

posted 5/3/10

Dear Editor…
I’m having a hard time figuring out the “rules” of picture books. Word limits:  I’ve seen figures ranging from 1000 to 1500 to even higher.  Do you have any advice?

Sincerely,

Sharon

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