For Authors
This week: Edited by: Vivian More Newsletters By This Editor
1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions
I was working on an editorial for the June 27, when an SOS went out, "Needed For Authors Newsletter for this week." Since I had one in the works, I just needed to finish it and submit. Therefore I'm your guest editor for this week's issue.
Viv
Next week's editor is supposed to be phil1861
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Using Story Boards
The conference I attended the first of May gave me several topics to use for my newsletters. One session explained the use of story boards to keep plots, sub-plots, and characters consistent and organized. In the May issue of The Writer, T.J. MacGregor covers using story boards to keep a multiple-POV novel on track.
I had never thought of using a story board as the speakers at the conference suggested or as shown in the magazine article. I do use note cards to keep characters under control, writing details about each character on a different card. However, I'm going to try the story board idea in the future.
Start by having a card for each character, major and minor. Give the name, physical description, job, likes, dislikes, relationships to other characters, etc. on a card for each.
Have colored note cards for each plot and sub-plot, another color for each point of view used (maybe the same color for that character's card). If you run out of usable colors, then write vertical for one type item and horizontal for another. Just remember to keep the colors and placements consistent.
On a cork board, bulletin board, or a blank wall to use for organizing the note cards. Divide the sections into chapters. Once cards in place, check to be sure each chapter includes all the information needed to make it interesting, complete, and cover all the components necessary to that point in the plot and make the story move forward.
These few paragraphs are just a start about using note cards and story boards. I'll cover more in the June 27th issue.
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Words from our Readers
Since my last For Authors Newsletter was last week, I'll use some of the feedback I received about conferences being a good place to meet agents or editors, as well as get good advice.
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Inksword
Why is it that authors must get published by a small publishing company first? Isn't it possible and better if a bigger one publishes your book?
I guess you missed my editorial about the small number of actual big publishing houses. There are only six major corporations that own/control almost all the other imprints (publishing entities) in the world, only two in the US, two in Germany, one in France, and one in the UK. IF a major company should pick up a title, after six weeks it is pulled off the shelves, never to be see again - usually. What chance do you think you might have to get a book chosen by a "bigger" publishing house?
Of course it does happen, don't get me wrong. However, getting a major house to chose a book is about once out of every 500,000 or more books.
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Midnight Cobra
This is helpful, at some point I will have to visit a conference, I just need to get a good piece polished and ready to be looked at. I won't give up at trying to get published.
Good for you. Anyone who wants to be published has to keep trying.
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Pen Name
Dear Vivian,
I am working on first drafts of two novels. It is going well, so my mind naturally is also on what next. I was happy to see you covered just what I had mentioned last night to my husband: the need to get an agent.
My question is, I have had my poetry published and received awards. Would individual poetry awards/publication count if I tried to market a novel? How about a book of my poetry?
Sincerely,
Lotusneko
Any writings and awards should be listed in your clips, or list of writing accomplishments. I have put together a media kit, part of which is a writing resume covering my degrees, training, and all items published.
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Thank you for joining me for another issue of For Authors Newsletter.
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