Archive for February, 2011

re: What’s a Poor Vampire Writer to Do?

posted 2/25/11

Dear Editor…

It’s no secret that editors and agents are sick of werewolves, ghosts, and especially vampires. So is there really any point in writing a vampire novel right now? Don’t agents and editors just roll their eyes when they see the words “Vampire” and “Young Adult Paranormal” in a query letter?

Sincerely,

Megan

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re: Formatting IM Exchanges in a Manuscript

posted 2/22/11

Dear Editor…

I have a lot of text/IM conversations in my YA novel. Is there a way to distinguish this in my manuscript? How creative can I get?

Sincerely,
Anne

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re: Submitting on Your Own When You Have an Agent

posted 2/18/11

Dear Editor…

I have an agent who has submitted my novel to all her connections. I would like to pursue sending it out to some smaller publishers now.  Should I start sending it out on my own with a note to inform them I do have an agent? What do you think I should do about this?

Thanks for your help!

Amy

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re: Help with Hooks

posted 2/15/11

Dear Editor…

I am having trouble with query letters. Any tips on writing an awesome tagline or hook? I’ve recently started my second project and I already have that hook down. But my first eludes me, I think I may be too close to it. Please help!

Danielle

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Guest Editor Darcy Pattison re: Virtual Book Launches

posted 2/10/11

Dear Editor . . .

I’m looking for suggestions and ideas on how to pull off a successful virtual launch party for a self-published book.

Sincerely,
Michael

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re: Average Wait for Agent Response?

posted 2/7/11

Dear Editor…

I wonder what the current wait for a response to a pb submission is? I have waited five months, and sent a sase.

Thanks!

Lisa

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re: Verifying a (Novel) Novel Idea

posted 2/2/11

Dear Editor…

How do I tell if my novel’s basic premise is unique, and how can I research to see what other books have been published similar to my new idea? I’ve heard some editors do this for marketing purposes and in-house meeting proposals, so they must have SOME way of going about it!

Thanks!

Carol

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NEWSFLASH: The Free MG/YA Edit Giveaway Winner

posted 2/1/11

Dear Readers…

We have a winner for the YA Dummies Celebration giveaway for the FREE MG/YA EDIT. Read on for the winner….

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