Rejections can help if they’re specific, but what do you do if, as I did, you receive one that reads, “I both liked and didn’t like. . .” What can you do with that?

Melissa–can you tell us more about Lulu? I’m interested, because I know my novel is probably not “pc” enough to interest most publishers, but would appeal to many readers.

I am a Christian ghostwriter and the “cover author” of my books is a man.

The book proposal is actually a marketing piece…it has to be written in such a way that it will be VERY CLEAR how large the audience is for the book topic you are writing about.

Many authors write a book proposal with the goal of proving how interesting the book is. There are PLENTY of interesting books that will not sell!

As much as those of us who write would like to THINK that publishers are interested in excellent content and interesting book topics….the reality is that publishers want to make money from literary work…BOTTOM LINE. If the writing is mediocre but it is a huge seller, do they care??? Um….no….they do not.

Best wishes with your project!

Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa

Question #2 = Absolutely Nothing !!!

Part of it has to do with my laziness, and part of it has to do with my past history of successes with things just falling into my lap.

I always feel if something’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. Call it serendipity, or in your case, La Shawn…. God’s hand !!!

Actually, I believe there is a way to self-publish, but then you are on your own in terms of distribution and retail placement, I think.
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You are entirely correct. However, as an editor (who is mostly retired), I have had many fine works brought to my attention by authors of standing who are helping an acquaintance get his foot in the door.

My suggestion to LaShawn is based on the knowledge that she has published authors in her network of friends. Authors generally do not like to take the role of agent. Nor do editors like to waste their time on junk. Shopping a book idea is really rough and often demeaning work. The right agent or friendly author or tie with an editor can make all the difference. It is the “old boy network” at work.

Years ago, an author could write for Scribner’s, the American Mercury, Everybody, The Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s, Harper’s, etc and get recognized. Today, Barnes and Noble’s advance purchase agreement determines who will succeed. Hemingway, London, Tarkington, Wharton, Fitzgerald, etc. would not recognize the current publishing landscape.

You know some published authors who can help. They will be honest with you and help if they can. Use the foot you already have in the door.

I’ve published lots of article length pieces over the years, in newspapers and magazines. Then I took a novel-writing class seven years ago and challenged myself to give the craft a try.

Whoa!! Tremendous learning curve!

I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and attend the annual conference each year. 600-800 pubbed and aspiring novelists, most of them pitching projects to agents and editors. I’ve worked hard at networking with these folks and learning to write.

In February, a dear friend I met through this organization (multi-published) INSISTED that I send her my proposal and three chapters, which she wanted to forward to an agent friend of hers. The agent received the materials on a Friday afternoon. On SATURDAY, the agent emailed asking to set up a phone call during which she wanted to discuss representing me! By Tuesday, I had an agent!

Finishing some big edits to the novel before my agent begins sending it out, but the relationship has been so helpful and gratifying so far. I have to say the effort spent making friends in the publishing industry is well worth the time involved. They help you along, and then you are able to help others when the time comes. Very much a relationship business.

Oh, and you have to be a terrific writer, too–but methinks you’ve got that part down….

I think they probably read some of my more sarcastic pieces and did not want to be associated with my writing.

I did get a photo of my cat published though

My daughter inspires me to pick up the novels I dropped 19 years ago. Will the inspiration be enough? No, it will take that 99% perspiration that Thomas Edison is alleged to have spoken of. Oh, well. God willing and the creek don’t rise, it may happen yet.

But in the end, I’m not very good at Romance, so I gave that up. I sold a couple travel articles (with photos) to a start-up web-zine, but they changed their format to not include travel and removed the archives that had my articles.

I’m content with blogging now, though it doesn’t pay.

Some tips:
1.Find other writers and form a critique group. The feedback (eg, “You need to vary your sentence structure, so it doesn’t sound like a drumbeat.”) is priceless for helping get your work saleable.

2. Don’t be afraid to risk sending your work out. Be proud of that collection of rejection letters (Tyrian Purple, you rock!), because it means you’re braver and closer to publication than 95% of the writers out there.