Comments on: A Bit More On One-Sheets

By: Daan Van der Merwe

Daan Van der Merwe — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:09:40 +0000

Thank you very much Randy. Especially your last paragraph is most inspiring.

By: Camille

Camille — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:15:57 +0000

Scary, Meredith. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you read my recent blog post. Ahem. I didn’t steal your stuff, honest.

http://www.camillecannon.blogspot.com/2008/07/permission-to-be-here-for-now.html

Thank you, Meredith & Randy - Excellent reminder about confidence for those of us who totally forget the parts of our writing that might show promise and instead obsess about what stinks. BUT—that obsession with transforming the stink into stellar, for some of us, continually gnaws at us to keep aiming for perfect.

By: Andra M.

Andra M. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:32:37 +0000

Thanks Meridith and Randy for answering my question. You definitely hit it for me! I need to convince myself that I write well, and confidence and arrogance are not the same thing.

I’m with Daan. Most inspiring indeed.

By: Richard Mabry

Richard Mabry — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:18:45 +0000

As always, thanks for information that is both helpful and practical. I may save the pep talk and read it after the next rejection comes.

By: Bonnie Grove

Bonnie Grove — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:43:40 +0000

I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s insightful comments.

I’d like to point out one thing I haven’t seen touched on yet. This is my perspective, based on my experience - everyone has a different experience, right?

The way I see it, publishing is about relationships. Going to a conference, pitching your work is absolutely important (and brave!).

But. . .

For me, I found my way to being published through relationships. I got close to other writers, worked with them, communicated with them, etc. And it was these relationships with established authors that helped me in so many ways - I got my agent because someone who is well known and respected in the industry sent a query letter on my behalf to a fantastic agent (mind you, she still had to read my ms and love it before she would take it on - she did, and not only sold that book, but the publisher asked for a sequel. I’m writing that book now).

I have three books contracted and not one of them required a query letter. Why? Because I’m super-duper special? No, not at all. It’s only because, by God’s grace, I was able to understand that publishing had a great deal to do with mutual relationships.

Underline “mutual”.

And I agree wholly with Randy’s comments about confidence. Be confident in your calling, in your work, in your pitch - the confidence that comes with knowing God is in control and in charge of your work. There’s a lot of peace in knowing that.

Great blog!

By: Melissa Stroh

Melissa Stroh — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:34:14 +0000

Thanks Randy and Meredith,

It’s always good to receive that kind of encouragment. And far too easy for us writers to get down on ourselves and our work. It’s a constant struggle.

P.S. Thanks for always being personable! It’s not every day that I get to listen to people who actually strive to be on the level.

By: Aly

Aly — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:59:10 +0000

Meredith and Randy, thank you so much for your encouraging words, especially the charge to never give up on yourself. I’ve been battling both outside rejection and self-rejection, and lately gathering enough confidence just to keep going has been a tremendous struggle for me. Randy, I teared up while reading your last paragraph. Thank you, both of you, for taking the time to help aspiring writers hang onto their dreams. Your words have given me the courage to try again.

By: Amy VR

Amy VR — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:56:03 +0000

I had a long, drawn out, 300+ word comment here and after it was written thought I should edit it down a bit. I cut out a few words and ended up with just two…

Thank you.

By: Lois Hudson

Lois Hudson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:10:42 +0000

Way to go Amy!
I know that, as a writer, I often feel I have to comment on everything. I’m learning it isn’t necessary.

Thank you, Amy!
And thank you, Randy and Meridith!

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:27:32 +0000

When pitching to an agent or editor and what you’re selling is a series not a stand alone novel, what should you pitch the first book and just mention it is part of the series or the series and a little bit of the first book, or a balance of both?

By: Pam Halter

Pam Halter — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:51:37 +0000

Bonnie is right when she says it’s about relationships. It really is. But still, we must dredge up some self-confidence and promote ourselves if we’re going to sell our work. I try and think of it as a job interview. Nerve racking to be sure, but how bad do I want the job? I put my best foot forward, smile and be friendly and most of all, believe in my project. If I’ve done my research correctly, any editor who accepts what I write will most likely take a look.

And isn’t that all we want? A fair chance?

By: Kristi Holl

Kristi Holl — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:11:56 +0000

Randy said: “The editor knows how to dance. What I mean by that is that even if you don’t know how to pitch your novel, the editor knows how to ask the right questions to put you at your ease and find out about your book. With VERY few exceptions, editors and agents are Xtremely nice people.” This is so true–and I’m glad it is! And I found that if I’m passionate about the SUBJECT of my book, it’s easier to talk about that than how great the manuscript is. And in the end, the writing has to speak for itself anyway.