Nox asks: Hi. I'm about to submit my manuscript to editors. But before that dreadful waiting moment, a Query Letter must be submitted first, and so I'm confused about the AUTHOR BIO part; some sources says I should write in third person (e.g. Nox is very afraid of you reading this query right now, and so he'd ask help from the lovely folks at NovelTalk...), and others write like this: I'm Nox, and I have been saving up my courage to approach you about my story of a hag, a turtle, and a neurotic cat... PLEASE HELP

Answered by Cindy Keen Reynders
author of Paws-itively Guilty
on 7/26/2010

My suggestion is to get a copy of Writers Market, and I see the 2011 edition is available. It is about $20, and worth every penny. That's what I've always used to research markets to sell my work in. Additionally, the book has copies of successful query letters and tips on writing these that can guide you. Their website is http://www.writersmarket.com/, and it's an excellent resource. Good Luck!

Answered by Kimberly Van Meter
author of Trusting the Bodyguard, Harlequin Superromance
on 7/24/2010

IMO, a query letter written in the third person is odd. When I wrote my query, I kept the personal information to a minimum, with the pertinent information as it pertained to publishing in the lead paragraph. For example, since you're writing about animals, perhaps something that would give your story credibility, such as your profession as a veterinarian, or biologist, or whatever. Find something that matters. The editors really don't care what your hobbies are unless they pertain to the writing. Hope that helps.

Answered by Liz Talley
author of Vegas Two Step
on 7/23/2010

Pam - I wrote my bio in first person. It sounded more natural to me (rather than a book cover blurb) I think this works best for fiction. I would include information about any writing accomplishments, organizations you belong to, and any recognition (contest finals, etc) you've recieved in that capacity. I included my bio at the end of my query. I started the query with the sell (pitch). Also make sure you include genre and length (they want that info right up front) Good Luck!

Answered by Shirl Henke
author of Love Lessons at Midnight
on 7/23/2010

Hi Nox, A hag, a turtle and a neurotic cat, huh? I think your sense of humor gives you a leg up in the query department already . I would write the query in first person--it is your letter, after all. Just lay out your credentials, give a brief bio and a grabber, high concept idea for your manuscript. Above all, you have to catch an editor's or agent's attention with the marketability of your work. Oh, and remember to keep the query on one page, if at all possible. In an era of overworked editors with huge piles of material to read, you have to be able to grab them quickly. Nothing turns an editor off faster than a multiple page query. Polish that one page until it shines and don't be afraid to ask for help from anyone with good creds in English. Best of luck to you!

Answered by Maggie Shayne
author of KILL ME AGAIN on sale Tuesday!
on 7/23/2010

I don't get in here to answer questions often enough, and I'll try to be better about that. For you, Nox, a query letter is just a letter. It's from you to the editor and should be written that way. No third person. I'm Nox, and I've been writing for X years. I've published several articles and two short stories in major magazines, (name magazines) and have finaled in 3 writing contests this year; (name contests.) I also have a very active blog at www.myblog.com. My story is a (sub-genre/genre) (paranormal romantic suspense, for example) about a (descriptive name for heroine--an innocent, a harridan) and a (descriptive term for hero--a jock, a geek) who (nutshell of the conflict.) It's set in (place) in the (time period.) I choose to submit it to (line, publisher) because it's written in the style of (another author they publish) melded with (some other author they publish) and I think it's a good fit for you. The manuscript is complete and the length is about (number of) words. I'd love to send you a proposal. Thanks! Nox That's it. The "bio" isn't a separate part, just a line or two within the letter itself. Good luck! Maggie

Answered by Phoebe Conn
author of Defy the World Tomates, 11/2010
on 7/23/2010

Hi Nox, Your bio should reflect your credentials for writing your book and be in the first person: I'm an attorney and have prosecuted/defended numerous cases involving art theft. I've combined my experiences with a lot of colorful imagination to write ART THIEF. Or, I work in security at the Broadstreet Museum and used my first hand knowledge of the world of art theft and forgery to create ART THIEF. Give your college degree, your work experience, or your personal experience, to impress the editor you are an expert in your subject. If you have no personal experience, emphasize your love of the subject and research. Convince the editor you know your subject and reading your work will be a worthwhile use of her time. Good luck! Phoebe

Answered by Parker Blue
author of Try Me
on 7/23/2010

If it's in the query letter, I think Nox should write it in first person. If Nox is submitting the bio as a separate attachment (not necessary), he can write either way. Good luck, Nox. Sounds like you have a great voice.

Alexandra asks: How does one go about developing an interesting and original plot? That is, how does one begin to imagine what readers would find original, interesting...Also, if there is little real-life material for a writer to draw from, where else can he/she get ideas for a good story? Thanks.

Answered by Cindy Keen Reynders
author of Paws-itively Guilty
on 7/12/2010

It's always good to write what you like to read.

Answered by Liz Talley
author of Vegas Two Step
on 7/11/2010

I'll take a stab at this one, though I have to admit, it is hard work developing sustainable conflict that is real enough to be plausible but not too everyday so that it's boring. So, yeah, it's not easy. But, I do take my ideas from things that happen around me. My debut book's idea came from seeing someone wearing knee-high hosiery with sandals. I thought, "She needs a makeover" and then my whole story idea came from the thought of a dowdy, single gal deciding to give herself a chance at love with a makeover. For my other books, the story evolved from secondary characters...characters I wanted to find out more about. So I wondered, "Why does she act like that?" "What makes her so protective?" etc. I would suggest thinking about your favorite stories or movies. What makes you like them so well? For example, I love Notting Hill. I love the idea of a famous actress falling in love with a run-of-the-mill bookseller. How can I do something that gives the same feeling? Same for Bridget Jones. I like that one because she thinks she knows something, but she's been misinformed. Love that conflict. And then after you get an idea, brainstorm it with friends. You don't have to use writing friends. My best plotter is my sister-in-law. And remember, it doesn't have to be wholly unique, but it must be done in a fresh way so that you can tell a story that's been told before in an interesting way. Good luck

Answered by JoAnn Ross
author of The Homecoming
on 7/11/2010

Hi Alexandria -- Every writer's different, but every story begins for me with the characters. I usually have a bunch in my head for several months, possibly years before I'm ready to write. (One book took five years of thinking before I wrote a word. I wrote other stories in the meantime, but I kept pondering on that one until I figured out how to tell the characters' story.) Then I start thinking of "What If" situations that will present a challenge for the characters to overcome.

As for real-life material, despite the advice people often give regarding writing about what you know, I've always believed writers are better off writing about something they want to know about. That way their enthusiasm for the subject will show through to the reader. These days, along with magazines and newspapers, there's also the internet to find details needed to fill in the gaps. While I was writing my military romantic suspense High Risk stories, I read a lot of blogs written by deployed troops, some who were willing to answer my questions, which was hugely helpful.

Nox asks: Hi Everyone, I have this minor problem regarding comma use. Example: I have seen authors write in this form: Chefs, Thieves[,] and Merchants. But I'm also seeing Chefs, Thieves[w/o the comma] and Merchants. I'm about to print my manuscript (after a grueling 3 month revision; nosebleed), and I need to know what's the CORRECT form regarding with the examples I have given. Please do Help, and a million thanks!

Answered by Shirl Henke
author of Chosen Woman
on 4/7/2010

Whether to use serial commas or not depends on which style manual your publisher prefers. Most use The Chicago Manual of Style, which wants the extra comma at the end. Basically, as long as you are consistant in your style and careful about punctuation (you cetainly appear to be), you should not have a problem. Good luck with your submission! Shirl

Answered by Julie Miller
author of TAKEDOWN
on 4/5/2010

The difference is probably due to publishing house standards--different publishers often have different accepted usage practices. While the English teacher in me says to leave out the comma before the 'and' (unless you're connecting two complete sentences--but there are better ways to do that, too), I suggest going by a book published by the house you're targeting. If they use the comma, you should, too--otherwise, not.

Good luck with the submission!

Answered by Cindy Keen Reynders
author of Paws-itively Guilty
on 4/5/2010

With a list of items, I typically leave the comma out before the word "and" since that's how I've been edited. Also, that is the rule I've learned according to college grammar courses I've taken and that's how my grammer reference materials say to do it. What I've been taught is that having the word "and" automatically causes the reader to pause, thus no comma is needed in that instance.

Answered by Teri Thackston
author of Deadly Climb
on 4/5/2010

Hi, Nox, Using that last comma is now common in nonfiction writing like articles. Leaving it off is the proper way to write in fiction. Hope that helps! Teri

Answered by Rebecca York
author of Powerhouse, Harlequin Intrigue
on 4/5/2010

Both are technically correct. Most publishers prefer the third comma, because it makes the sentence less confusing. Harlequin style is to omit the third comma, which is probably why you're confused.

Answered by Sarah Mayberry
author of April Super Romance Her Best Friend
on 4/5/2010

The comma you're referring to is known as the "series comma" or "listing comma". Both examples as shown above are correct. There are writers and journalists who will argue for or against including the comma before the and, some claiming it makes things clearer, others that it's redundant given there's an "and" there doing the same job, and yet still others claiming it can lead to ambiguity. House style at Harlequin is to leave the comma out when listing things, which would make your second example the correct one for them. Good luck!!

Kate asks: I think all authors have experienced what i'm experiencing right now; I got so sick of revising that I couldn't seem to finish it to start Book II. Any tips to revising novels? Thanks very much :-)

Answered by Phoebe Conn
author of DAWN OF DESIRE 5/2008
on 1/19/2010

Have you ever done any watercolor painting? If you have, you'll know it requires a delicate hand and a knowledge of when to stop, otherwise, all your colors will run together in a muddy brown. Writing shares the same danger. If you're tired of revising, put your ms aside. Go and do something else entirely. Clean closets, take long walks, dabble in art. Then when you take anothing look at your ms, you'll probably be shocked at how good it is! Then begin submitting and plan book 2. Good luck with your writing.

margie tomlin asks: How will I know if my ideal of conflict in my manuscript is really conflict for my hero? The thing my hero fears the most is he will be deceived by a woman like his brother. Would this be enough conflict to sustain my story?

Answered by Julie Miller
author of Beauty and the Badge, Harlequin Intrigue
on 1/1/2010

In my writing experience (and what I prefer as a reader, as well), it takes a very personal conflict to sustain a story and build an engaging character arc. Unless there's something else going on that makes what happened to his brother personal--for example, he committed suicide when the woman he loved left him; or he turned to drugs/alcohol and was in a fatal or debilitating car accident; or he simply became a recluse and shunned the family--all of which personally impact the hero (iow, it becomes HIS loss as well)--then you'd have stronger internal conflict if the woman left your hero.

Seeing his brother hurt by a woman would naturally make your hero cautious about getting involved, especially if it was a similar type woman, but it's not a deep problem he has to resolve. Perhaps in a lighter or shorter story, the conflict once removed you describe could work. But generally, I find it takes a strong internal conflict--one that's very personal--to sustain a full-length novel.

Jack asks: Is it common or smart to get your manuscript copyrighted before sending it to a publisher or agent?

Answered by Shirl Henke
author of Chosen Woman
on 12/14/2009

Dear Jack, Actually, very few professional writers bother with copyrights for novels. The publisher takes care of it and the fear of someone in NY stealing your work is pretty well proven to be unfounded. I would query all the legitimate houses who publish work in your genre and go from there. Best of luck, Shirl

Rod asks: Hi to everyone, I am finished with my manuscript, and I was wondering what is the best font to use. This is not for submission purposes (i know that fonts like Century or Verdana is best used for editors). I plan to print my book (and bind it)just for pleasure reading, and I can't decide what Font to use. Thanks in Advance! Advise is much appreciated...

Briyona asks: do some publishers give you and up front estimated price of your books worth?

Answered by Parker Blue
author of Try Me
on 11/27/2009

If they want to buy your book, they'll offer you an advance, which is their estimate of how much you will earn on the book. If they don't want to buy it, they won't make an offer. To find out the normal range of advances in your genre, join a writing group in your genre. They normally have lots of information on that.

TIRA asks: JUST FINISHED A SHORT NSTORY ABOUT ME AND MY RABBIT HOW DO I GET EXPOSURE

Answered by Pam McCutcheon
author of Writing the Fiction Synopsis
on 11/27/2009

I'm not sure what you mean by exposure. If you want to publish it and get paid for it, then you need to submit it to short story magazines or online ezines that publish the type of story you write and hope they want to buy it. If you want to just show it to the world, you can put it on your own website.

Michelle asks: i am trying to find a good publisher. i have done everything i cant think of to find a good publisher. i write books full of short horror stories. mainly the stories are about vampires. i just can not find a publisher who should i use

Answered by Parker Blue
author of Try Me
on 11/27/2009

The problem is that most publishers don't want to buy books of short stories from an unknown. You would be better off trying to sell them individually. Look for magazines, print and online, that buy the type of stories you're writing, and send out your best story. It will also help you learn if your stories are publishable or if you need to work more on your craft.

rick asks: should an author ask a publishing company for an advance? how does it work? thank you.

Answered by Shirl Henke
author of Chosen Woman
on 9/15/2009

Dear Rick, Yes, most certainly you should expect an advance when you sell a book to a publisher. The most common pay out schedule is a part of the advance upon signing the contract, another upon delivery of the manuscript and the final amount upon acceptance of the edited ms. The amount you receive will vary widely from press to press and will also depend on how much the publisher wants to back the book. Now days, most writers, even those who have been published for years, are taking less money up front because of the economy. First book authors have to expect to start lower in most cases. But, high or low, be sure that you are being paid up front for your work. Don't go the vanity press route and pay someone to publish your work. It's a ripoff and a killer of careers. If you don't feel comfortable handling monetary negotiations but have an editor wanting to buy your book, it might be a good idea to find a reputable agent to do this for you. Good luck, Shirl

Answered by Kimberly Van Meter
author of A Man Worth Loving
on 9/15/2009

There is much debate regarding this particular issue. I can only answer from my own experience. I would not work for a company that doesn't offer an advance. The advance is what I live on until I receive royalties, which is a year later. Many epubs do not offer an advance but offer higher royalties. It's a decision that you have to make for yourself, weighing the pros and cons. I would make that decision carefully. Now, with that said, reputable traditional pubs should offer an advance without your asking for it.

Answered by Gail Barrett
author of His 7-Day Fiancée
on 9/15/2009

Rick - Traditional publishers give you an advance when you sign a contract (when they buy your book). You don't have to ask for it. You can negotiate the amount, though. E-publishers are different. Some give an advance, and some don't. That's something you can look into when you decide where to send your book.

Answered by JoAnn Ross
author of Breakpoint, a High Risk novel
on 9/14/2009

Typically, the author, or the author's agent, submits a proposal (a synopsis, or synopsis and sample chapters) or full manuscript to a publisher.

If interested in purchasing the book, the publisher (often through the acquiring editor) then makes an offer. Which may or may not include an advance. Then negotiations on all aspects of the contract (and mine tend to be fifteen - twenty legal pages of VERY small print with many clauses) begin from there.