How to use this Page

Dear editors & agents del mundo,

As a writer, I've worn a self-made button to writing conferences that reads: "Willing to work for serendipitous editor or agent." I inevitably get comments and once got an agent to ask me what I was pitching. He didn't take me on as a client, but the button did its job, one time.

In that spirit La Bloga provides this feature column with the message: Hechate un vistazo, which means take a peak. Here we're letting editors and agents, and all Bloga readers, get a peak at book-length stories hungry for an audience, and patron.

These will only be never-published works--novels, novellas, poetry collection, novelettes, screenplays, other collections, memoirs, children's books, anthologies--written by our contributors, complete and just itching to lock in your interest.

Consider this a service to our contributors as well as to publishing magnates out there. In the future we may give La Bloga readers a chance to feature their MSS here, so if you have one, send a 150-word pitch of your obra and a 25-word publishing history, as well as a way for people to contact you. Include the word count, genre, a photo and at least a working title for the story. If you want to include the opening 3 sentences of the story, we'll include that, too. Send to r.ch.garcia (ala) cybox.com. BEWARE: yes, your idea may be stolen because nothing is sacred nor secure in the Internet world.

Even if you're not an agent or editor, you may know one who one day writes you a big fat finder's fee for bringing one of these works to their attention. At least, we can imagine so.

Two MSS lead off today's parade. Who knows? Maybe this will do the job as well as my button and one day an editor/agent will call. BTW, if anyone should luck out, you MUST let us know.
____________________

Nine Days Dead a novel
by Lisa Alvarado

Florinda Cienfuegos, daughter of Oya and owner of a Chicago botánica, has dreams about criminals getting murdered and visions of a man flashing a detective's shield. Last night, she finally sees a name on the badge--David Ortiz, and tries to tell the police what she knows. When she's laughed out of the local precinct, she's overheard by Det. Naftali Gonzales. Gonzalez doesn't think it's a laughing matter. He had the same disturbing dreams; David Ortiz was his partner, killed in the line of duty nine days ago. What happens against a backdrop of Chicago's Puerto Rican and Mexican neighborhoods is a tale of the supernatural, crime/noir and two people drawn together to find out who or what has pierced the veil to exact justice.

Publishing bio: Lisa Alvarado is an educator, poet, novelist, and journalist. She is founder of La Onda Negra Press, and author of Reclamo and The Housekeeper’s Diary, originally a book of poetry and now a one-woman performance. Her first novel, Sister Chicas (written with Ann Hagman Cardinal and Jane Alberdeston) was bought by Penguin/NAL, and released in April '06. Sister Chicas is a coming of age story concerning the lives of three young Latinas living in Chicago and won 2nd place Best First Novel in English (Latino Literacy Nov. '07). Her book of poetry, Raw Silk Suture, is a recent release by Floricanto Press, and was reviewed by

Hello again, apologises for no blogs recently but I've had some personal things to deal with. Anyway here's a great short story competition from the Writers' and Artists' 2010 Yearbook for writers both published and unpublished.
Your story must be up to 2,000 words long and be about the theme of 'Unity or Union' it must also be aimed at adults. The winner will receive £500 in cash and a place on the Arvon Foundation residential writing course.

I was longlisted for the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook centenary novel writing competition so it's definitely worth having a go at entering!
The winning story will also be published on the W & A's website, no purchase is necessary although every budding writer will probably want an up-to-date Yearbook, and the competition is open to all ages and nationalities.
To enter you must first register on the publishers website at http://www.acblack.com/registration/, then email your story to [email protected] with 'WAYB10 competition' as the subject line by February 14th, 2010. One entry only per person.
For more details including full terms and conditions visit www.writersandartists.co.uk

Hello again, apologises for no blogs recently but I've had some personal things to deal with. Anyway here's a great short story competition from the Writers' and Artists' 2010 Yearbook for writers both published and unpublished.
Your story must be up to 2,000 words long and be about the theme of 'Unity or Union' it must also be aimed at adults. The winner will receive £500 in cash and a place on the Arvon Foundation residential writing course.

I was longlisted for the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook centenary novel writing competition so it's definitely worth having a go at entering!
The winning story will also be published on the W & A's website, no purchase is necessary although every budding writer will probably want an up-to-date Yearbook, and the competition is open to all ages and nationalities.
To enter you must first register on the publishers website at http://www.acblack.com/registration/, then email your story to [email protected] with 'WAYB10 competition' as the subject line by February 14th, 2010. One entry only per person.
For more details including full terms and conditions visit www.writersandartists.co.uk

Marketing Muse

Promote your book signings!!!!! Do not expect the libraries and bookstores or your publicist to do it. If they do - great you are ahead of the game. If you want people, they will not come unless you tell them about it ahead of time! There will always be some kind of marketing you can do to get the word out. But you have to plan ahead. Newsletters, local newspapers, email distribution, blog announcements, signs, etc

Why you DON'T want to get published!

OK - So I read this post and it is hilarious! But I betcha it is true.

Made me feel better about not already being on the shelves. Whew! takes off some of the pressure. (Yeah right!)

For those of you sick of this entire publishing process - because let's face it, it is not easy - this one's for you!

Why You DON'T Want to Get published - From a publishing intern.

Enjoy!

http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faeriality?alt=rss

Elizabeth Dulemba - Illustrator/Author

Marvelous Marketers: Krista Marino, Senior Editor
Delacorte Press (Random House Kids)

Hi Krista! Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to be with us today. Before we get into your marketing advice, can you tell me a little about yourself and publishing house.

I am a Senior Editor at Delacorte Press—an imprint of Random House Children’s Books. Delacorte publishes middle grade and young adult fiction, so I’m only looking to acquire books that fall into those categories. The genres I work on are far-ranging, though. Lately I’ve been acquiring darker projects. I think it’s a reflection on where our world is today. Teenagers just aren’t really looking to read light, happy books--and I guess I’m not, either. One of my upcoming books perfectly encapsulates this world anxiety. THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH by Carrie Ryan is a story about hope set in a post-apocalyptic world.

In your opinion, how important is social networking? Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, GoodReads etc.

At Random House we’ve found that this is a HUGE part of an author’s success. You can quietly build a solid fan base by keeping (and maintaining regularly) a blog and website. And the more authors you connect with, the better your networking tools become. You can follow Random House . Facebook seems to be the social networking site of choice these days, but a personal blog could be even more useful in creating a feeling of intimacy with your readership.

How important is technology to an author’s marketing plan?

Because teens are on the internet more and more, we’ve really turned our marketing focus toward this venue. I think it’s very important you are out there—that you have a presence—on the internet.

First Thing First
Huge thanks to Elizabeth Bird at School Library Journal Fuse 8 for the special
"shout out" to my blog. :) Check out her blog for other book business recommendations.

Marketing Tip for the Day
Some of the best Internet marketers in the world are hosting a series of free teleconferences where you can learn a ton of great tips for marketing your books via the Internet.
Upcoming: Wednesday evening: John Di Lemme; Thursday evening: Bob Burg
More speakers next week as well.
You can find out about the entire free teleconference series by visiting:
http://jvAlertLive.com/webcast/default.aspx?id=1889

Mouth-Off! Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM)
Word-of-mouth marketing spreads from one person to another outside of a formalized setting, without push from any advertisers.

A recommendation from someone familiar and trust-worthy is the easiest path to a sale, link or new subscriber. Why? Because recommendations are generally perceived as incentive-free, there is no obvious motivation.

Here are a few Easy WOMM strategies from Marketing Profs:

1.Target Talkers. Focus on Industry Influencers. I said target not stalk. You want to really build a relationship with them with the hopes of marketing through their existing sphere of social influence. Examples of influencers include celebrities, power users on social websites like Digg and popular webmasters or bloggers with many loyal supporters. I am a true believer that when you build relationships, it begins on "what YOU can do for them" not "what can you do for me" attitude.

2. Topic. Find discuss topics that are interesting to your talkers. Think about ways to create a positive response by enhancing your audiences experience in unexpected ways. Make your readers feel like an insider to an unique situation that encourages them to share or recommend your book. This could be to get them talking about special offers, freebies, information.

3. Tools/Technology - Use social networks to spread the word . This can be existing networks you already have (alumni, sorority, clubs or organizations) or joining large online communities. The existing ones you are already a part of are a quick hit. There is already a connection. Joining new ones takes a while to build so its not something that is as easy.

4. Take Part - Join in on message board or blog conversations. Again, contribute to discussions because you want to and because you care. Don't just contribute to use the board for advertising. It will have a negative effect. Also be sure to respond to phone calls, emails and comments on your blog.

5. Track - Keep up to date on what works for you and what doesn't. You only have time to focus on a few great things so don't waste your time with the things that don't work for you. Let them go and move on to something that does work.

Tips:

• More often than not, you will need to kick start some promotional method to initialize word of mouth buzz.

• WOMM can include written testimonials, reviews, resource links, asked for expert advice


• Focus on producing an excellent product -this will greatly facilitate the word-of-mouth process.


• Honest word of mouth marketers live by earning the respect of their customers


• Talk powerfully and naturally about what you do


• Appreciate and acknowledge those who talk about you.


• Treat everyone with respect.


• Anything that breaks trust will backfire.


• Negative word-of-mouth especially on you as a professional or as an author can hurt just as much as positive word of mouth can help.

I was so excited about the 500 unique visitors (now 600)- I did not do my weekly Marketing Post this week.

Today, I'm going to talk about creating a solid Media Kit, also called a Press kit.

You don't have to be published to start this. Pre-Published authors can get ahead of the game! You never know. A media kit on your web site may even help you sell your book if an agent or editor comes across it.

In Guerrilla Marketing, it says the key to approaching the media, is to have the right materials in place to make it easy for placement. Books, web site, and media kit.

Tips on Creating Your Media Kit

• Your media kit should be accessible online. That way you can mail it out or email a link. You need to have everything easily available for editors or reviewers in case they don't want or need to contact you personally. All this information will convince them to interview you.
• This is the first impression they have of you so make it good, professional, and of high quality. It is better to do a few things great than alot of things mediocre. It can make the difference!
• Keep your information current
• Color is always better than B/W - except in your photo (that is just preference)

1. A 5x7 photo
2. Your bio
3. Any links to articles or reviews or other interviews (pdfs would be better b/c links to other sites can change)
4. A one page press release - update this quarterly with recent news - maybe including new reviews, sales, printing releases, milestones (Go to prnews.com for some samples)
5. List of basic interview questions and questions (FAQs) (next week I will focus on how to write a good press release!)
6. Link to Tour dates/signings/speaking engagements
7. Contact information
8. a brochure with a book summary and some other key facts
9. Pdf of book cover

Nice To Haves (Especially in this age of technology)

1. Video, audio, even a VLOG of you talking at signing or in interview - optional but I think in this day and age any technology is ideal
2. Links to networking pages - Facebook, MySpace etc
3. Book Trailers
4. Podcasts

Mail-out Media

1. Try to use special folders. Glossy is preferred. Double pocket with biz card window. yellow, white or grey manila folders are not ok
2. Cover letter - be professional - include project pitch, bio, and how you can benefit them (like a longer query letter)
3. Business cards - do NOT print off your own. Make them nice.
4. Order stickers for front - maybe book cover or other art. You can get folders and labels customized at VistaPrint.
5. Be sure everything is branded to be in alignment with your book/genre/author persona For example: use the same colors as your book, use images from your book) If you book is about a princes, use a tiara as a symbol. If your book is about going green, use a leaf or a green color scheme.)
6. You can add in cdsdvd's of book trailers or videos. Also include any pdfs of covers and head shots
7. Any copies of newspapers, articles, interviews etc
8. Always do your research, make a few calls to be sure you get your kit to the right person if you are mailing it out.

Great Media Examples from our very own:

• Alan Gratz - author of Samari Shortstop/Something Rotten
• Elizabeth Dulemba - illustrator (The Prince's Diary/Glotter Girl and The Crazy Cheese)

Our Little Secret

If anyone needs ever feels like they need or want help with marketing or PR, I will happily honor the Southern Breeze SCBWI discount I give on all of my services to any published or pre-published author. Go to my biz web site for detailed prices and packages.

Gleeful Review

Who saw gLee last night? Was it not hilarious? I love those shows where you miss something as you are laughing. Thanks goodness for TIVO.

Favorite lines? (Most are from Sue :) and I laughed just writing these.

• Sue: That was the most offensive thing I've seen in 20 years of teaching and that includes an elementary school production of Hair.
• Sue: I took the liberty of highlighting some special ed classes. I'm sure you can find some recruits.
• Mr Shu: Come up liven up - this is Disco!
• Sue: You need 12 kids to qualify for Regionals. You have 5.5 including the cripple."
• Sue - Hey buddy. I was just blasting my hammies. You want an iron tablet, it keeps your energy up while you're menstruating.
• Principal Figgins: The toilets are broken again and they are being fixed. Let me warn you. We have zero tolerance for anyone soiling on school grounds.
• Principal Figgins: I have not seen the student body this excited since Tiffany performed at the North Hills Mall!
• Principal Figgins - I have provided a list of family friendly songs that reflect our community's values. Besides Jesus and balloons, there are also songs about the cirrus.
• Principal Figgins: The dry cleaners here are just as good as the ones in Europe.
• Sue: You remind me of a younger Sue Sylvester. Though you don't really have my bone structure.

• Look for any place that you can reach kids or their parents. Bookstores, libraries, clubs, churches, chamber of commerce, schools, colleges, PTAs, writers clubs, workshops, seminars, conferences, book fairs, festivals, conventions, .
• No matter what, provide an experience. Think about ways to get your audiences attention. For example: Christopher Paolini toured middle schools across the country dressed in medieval garbs as his character Eragon.
• The More the merrier - Invite your customers or audience to your speaking engagements. Post them on your web site.
• Do interviews on radio, TV, newspapers, and magazines.

2) The Write Way

• Write an article for a group newsletter.
• Write emails and letters to the media, bookstores, anyone who may be interested, about your book.
• Create your own newsletter and send to people you meet (be sure to get permission and their emails!)
• Write a series. Get a following.
• Blog

3) You can't do it alone

• Work with locals- they are generally happy to work with local authors. Especially libraries and independent bookstores. Personal connections always works.
• Become a joiner. Join and be an active member in the appropriate trade and social associations. Help others.
• Form alliances. Create a buddy system with another writer especially in different locations. Hook up for signings, tours. You can also promise to promote each other's work. For example, when you to a bookstore - you make sure your book and their book is in stock.
• Do it for Charity - partner up with a charity you love and offer X% of profits in exchange for advertising, speaking engagements etc.
• Be a teacher - teach a class at a college. teach a class to kids. Find a way to teach others about your subject.
• Join groups like myspace, facebook, twitter where you can reach a lot of people fast.

4) And the winner is...

• Submit your book to the appropriate contests for awards or honors.
• Awards are listed in the Literary Marketplace and a book called The Writers Resource Handbook.
• Nominations or honorable mentions are just as good as winning.
• Run your own contests. Give away books to the winners.

5) Make it newsworthy

• Get reviews. Not just from from major national book reviewers. Look for local or special interest media that do reviews. Free magazines in Atlanta can get up to 20,000 issues out.
• Use galleys and any copies you buy in A SMART WAY.
• Do not send out books or galleys until you have personally contacted the person and they are expecting it.
• Have a press/media kit ready to send.

6) Repeat!

• Make 5 contacts a day - mail a letter, make a call, send out a press release,
• The rule of 7 - Did you know the average seller has to touch a consumer 7 times in 18months to get a sale. This means your buyer sees an ad, reads an interview, sees a review etc. Those are all touches.

To me, as a marketing professional, if your book is published and has not sold, you are either not marketing it right or not marketing it at all.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faeriality?alt=rss

A while back, my friend, Lindsey Leavitt (Princess for Hire 2010) recommended a great book to me: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.

I finished reading it and found it very helpful, not just for editing, but for writing in general.

Thought I would share my notes and a few "nuggets" I took away from this book (though you should still buy it!)

1) Show vs Tell

• in long strings of dialogue - intersperse "beats" - little pieces of action.
• don't tell feelings - she felt depressed, she was anxious. Rewrite in action.
• use narrative scene strategically - when you purposely want to give the reader a break or when it pushes the story forward.

2) Characterization

• Definition: process of giving character information through words, actions, and thoughts.
• show personality traits through action (if your character is shy, show it in the action. don't say - she is shy).
• do not summarize character up front - work it into the scene.
• be sure you give enough description throughout to help reader picture physical traits.

3) Exposition

• definition -inform, explain or describe plots elements in description, flashback, or narrative.
• give only enough background as needed to the story (not entire background).
• bring these pieces out naturally.
• convert long narratives that describe a process into an action scene.
• look for places where dialogue is really exposition in disguise

4) Point of View

• First person - most intimate POV; cannot write about anything your character cant know.
• Omniscience - when you gain perspective but you lose intimacy.
• 3rd - a continuum in between the first 2 POVs.
• 1st person lets you write with narrative intimacy that sometimes you can convey emotions that even the character is not quite aware of.
• Sometimes it is more effective to stick with one POV and show other characters emotions through dialogue and actions again describing only what main POV could know.
• establish POV in very beginning/first scene if possible.

5) Proportion

• misjudgement - writer undermines readers with blow-by-blow. focus on major points of scene. don't need to fill in every detail, leave some to the reader.
• too much detail - if you are writing about a hobby or interest of your character - be sure you balance what readers want to know with what you want to share.
• cutting - don't cut too much. difference between those that harmonize with story and those that drag down story.
• focus on what is important to story.
• read the first 50 pages - what do you spend most of your time on?
• if you have plot element that is supposed to be a surprise - don't focus on it.
• makes sure most of your materials advances character or plot.

6) Dialogue

• do not explain dialogue - "what are you talking about?" she said in astonishment. put astonishment in the action or inflection or wording.
• look for adverbs - slowly, softly.
• when clarifying speaker attributions, stick to said (not offered, inquired, asked). others interrupt dialogue.
• don't need adverbs with said.
• don't open paragraph with He said. put said at first natural break in sentence.
• put name in front of said. David said. NOT said David.
• decide how you are going to call character and stick with same thing for the entire scene. Hughie for scene. Next scene can be Hugh. Don't mix them up it is distracting to reader.
• replace a said with "beats" - pieces of action, especially if more than 2 people are in the scene. (use discreetly).
• uses dashes - (interruption) and ellipses ... (trailing off).
• New paragraph for each new speaker.

I''ll do the rest tomorrow.

Happy writing!