Monday, March 11, 2013

LTUE Conference Notes: First Time Author's Panel



 
My friend and critique group member, Heather Ostler, author of The Shapeshifter's Secret, was on this panel and she did an awesome job. Go Heather! You rock.

The authors were asked to tell the one thing they thought was most important about pitching their story. Here are some of their answers:

1. Concept is a big one. Narrow it down to one sentence.
2. Make sure your manuscript is clean.
3. Do your research. Look up guidelines and look at your pitch as a business pitch. Market your book as If selling a product.
4. Revise a lot. Have a critique partner read through it and give suggestions.
5. Be sure the pacing is good, that the story moves and flows.
6. Set realistic goals. Organize yourself. Meet deadlines.
7. Don’t’ take things personally (rejections, critiques, reviews)
8. Make sure your work is perfect before you send it out. Be wary of putting out your first novel.

4 comments:

  1. So cool to have her for your critique partner!! And those are great tips. What are you working on nowadays, Alice? Miss you!

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  2. Jewel, so nice of you to visit. I miss you too! Right now I'm finishing up revisions on two books. One is for contemporary adventure romance for an editor at Shadow Mountain who is interested and suggested some changes. The other is a contemporary paranormal/fairytale retelling that I plan to start sending to agents as soon as I'm done with this revision. How about you? What are you working on?

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  3. Thanks so much, Alice! I loved this and I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your support. Hooray for great writing friends like you! :)

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  4. You're welcome. I enjoy attending your panels and book signings and am glad I know you and get to have you in our critique group.

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