How I Landed a Book Contract at 16-Years-Old

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It wasn’t my goal to become a “teenage author”; I simply had the desire to use my teen years wisely. I knew time was valuable, and if I could go ahead and begin to pursue my passion, then wouldn’t that mean I could have a head start by the time I graduated high school?

So, during the summer between my 8th grade and 9th grade year, I decided to take writing more seriously. I wanted to study the craft and devote hours into practicing it. I wanted to learn the ins and outs of the industry—how a book was published. Writing would no longer remain simply a hobby.  

I didn’t realize, however, that my efforts would result in a publishing contract…

{Continue reading at Teen Author's Journal}

How to Submit to an Agent: Do's and Don'ts

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The other day I stopped by one of my favorite writing blogs, The Write Conversation, and shared tips on how to submit to an agent. {Check it out by clicking here!}

Tips for Surviving the 6 Seasons of a Writer’s Life

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If you’ve been in the industry long enough then you probably know by now that the writer’s life is unpredictable, and your path will never look identical to that of another writer’s.

Writing is like no other profession. There doesn’t seem to be a typical day’s work because our daily work shifts as the seasons change.

Although there are surprises—both good and bad—along the path to publication, the writer’s life can be categorized into 6 seasons…

{Continue reading}

Exciting News! Contract with Bethany House

It's surreal to even type the title to this blog post! If you follow me on social media then you might already know ... my teen devotional, working title "Coffee Shop Chats", will be published by Bethany House! 

Sometimes God brings us unexpected surprises. Opens doors to dreams you thought were reserved for later down the road. This is one of those dreams. 

When I was a tween & teen, I dreamt of writing nonfiction books/devotionals for teens that could bring them closer to God. It was during my quiet times, while I read these kind of books, that I developed a relationship with Him. I knew someday I'd like to make the same impact on teens' lives through the written word. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to share everything on my heart with teen girls. =) 

Book updates -- including the cover reveal and release date -- will be sent to my mailing list readers first! You can sign up by clicking this link. 

Thanks to my amazing agent, Cyle Young, for making this possible!

 

How Early Should a Writer Attend a Writer's Conference? {+10 Christian Writing Conferences to Attend!}

I was sixteen when I told my parents that I wanted to attend a writing conference.
I knew writing was the career I wanted to pursue. I'd been writing since I could hold a pen at 3-years-old, and any time someone asked me that all-important question -- what do you want to be when you grow up? -- my answer was immediate: an author. There wasn't any doubt in my mind that it would happen, either. I don't know why, really -- I guess you can call it childlike faith. ;) I felt as though writing was woven into my being. I couldn't not pursue it.  


So, I decided to take it seriously when I was 15. Rather than only writing in my free time, I wanted to treat it as a priority. I took writing courses, read craft books, wrote the first version of Purple Moon, and began this blog. It's also during that time that I learned about writing conferences -- this magical place where writers could meet other writers, learn about the craft and industry, and pitch to professionals. I knew I had to find a way to attend one.

You can imagine my excited when I found a Christian writer's conference (BRMCWC) that was only an hour and a half drive from where I lived. =) Although my parents were (and still are) supportive of my writing, they weren't extremely convinced I should go, mainly because they didn't know anything about the industry at the time -- and, of course, conferences can be pretty pricey. But, to make a long story short, my mom's mind was changed during a sermon my pastor spoke one Sunday about seizing the moment. She felt a nudge. Needless to say, if it wasn't for that sermon, I wouldn't have attended that all-important first conference. (Thanks, Pastor Mark!)   

Now, I've heard other writers advise newbies to wait until they're mature in their writing before they attend a conference. I don't think this is an entirely bad idea. Again, conferences can get pricey, and you'll most likely receive more out of it when you have a project or two to pitch. 
But I am so very thankful my parents didn't hear that advice when I was 16. 
Every writer's journey is different. I know this. You may not have an opportunity to attend a conference any time soon. But please, at least consider it. Conferences are valuable -- not just to new writers either, but to writers who are on any stage of the writing journey. 
Since I attended that conference seven years ago (it feels like longer!), I've attended almost fifteen conference as a conferee. 

2010 -- Very first conference! With my special writer friend and fellow author, Katy Kauffman

2014 -- Award's banquet. Purple Moon was a Selah Award finalist in YA Fiction & Debut Novel! 

2015 -- At an appointment

2016 -- With my agent (and boss), Cyle Young, and my author friend, Caroline George.

2016 -- At the campus coffee shop, Clouds! 

Let's see how different my career would look if I hadn't invested in these conferences...

• My debut novel, PURPLE MOON, wouldn't have been published by LPC Books. 
• I wouldn't have signed with my agent. 
• I wouldn't be a Jr. Agent for Hartline Literary Agency. 
• I wouldn't be a YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA. 
• I wouldn't have several of the writer friends I have today. 
• I wouldn't know half as much about the craft/industry as I do now. 
• I wouldn't have the opportunity to be on faculty of 5 conferences this year.
• My blog wouldn't have placed 2nd in the blog category in the BRMCWC contest in 2013.
• I wouldn't be a columnist for Broken But Priceless Magazine.
• Most importantly, I wouldn't have the special conference memories that I've made over the years.

Conferences aren't just about contracts. 
They're also about divine connections. Making new writer friends.  Learning about the craft and industry.  New opportunities. Gaining education and experience. And receiving inspiration, encouragement, and motivation to continue the journey.

Conferences are the college for today's aspiring author, and that's why I recommend them to every aspiring author I meet. 
So if you're on the fence, struggling to decide whether or not to attend a conference this year -- take it from someone who has jumpstarted their writing career thanks to conferences: It's worth it. 
Of course, spend time in prayer before you make the move. But if you do feel peace about registering for one, here is a list of Christian writing conferences that take place throughout the US:

 

• Carolina Christian Writers Conference -- March 2017 -- SC
• Mid-South Christian Writer's Conference -- March 2017 -- TN
• Write 2 Ignite -- March 2017 -- SC (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference -- March 2017 -- AL
• Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference -- April 2017 -- CA
• Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference -- May 2017 -- NC (I'm on faculty this year!)
• St. David's Christian Writers' Conference -- June 2017 -- PA
• Southern Christian Writers Conference -- June 2017 -- AL (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Socal Christian Writers' Conference -- June 2017 -- CA (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference -- July 2017 -- PA (I'm on faculty this year!)

  

This is only a handful of Christian writing conferences; I recommend doing research to see if you can find one near your area. Remember: There are conferences on a larger scale (about 3 - 7 days), then there are smaller ones that can last for a day or two. 

For more posts on writing conferences, {click here}.

Here's to hoping that we'll have a chance to meet over coffee at a conference someday!

Question for you...
Have you attended a conference? If so, in what way(s) did it impact your writing career? If not, when do you hope to attend one?

Tweetable:

How Early Should a Writer Attend a Writer's Conference? {+10 Christian Writer's Conferences to Attend!} #writerslife http://bit.ly/2mj81ma

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Attn. aspiring authors: Literary agency searching for new clients!

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For the past year, I've been working at Hartline Literary Agency--first as an intern, and now as a Jr. Agent for Cyle Young. I love having the opportunity to work with other writers. Help them prepare their proposals, send it off to publishers, and potentially play a role in the unfolding of their writing dreams. 

We're now searching for new clients to add to our roster. Aspiring or established authors who have a completed manuscript, established platform/web presence, knowledge of the craft/industry, and understand what goes into marketing a book. I'd especially like to work with writers who understand their brand, vision as a writer, and have multiple ideas for future books.

Does that sound like you? If so, please review the below submission guidelines ...

What I'm searching for:

Genres across the spectrum -- YA, MG, NA, children's picture book (ABA market preferred), non-fiction, devotionals, Christian, romance, historical, fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative.  I am NOT searching for erotic or amish fiction.

I specialize in MG/YA fiction and would love to find fresh voices in these genres, especially projects that we could sell to the general market. Of course, being a young writer myself, I would love to find a teen or young adult who has a project that's ready to be sent to publishers. This means that it's well-written, edited, and polished. (You can check out my advice for teen/young writers by clicking here.) Submissions must be sent according to the guidelines posted on Hartline's website. 

How we work at Hartline:

• We make sure that your proposal and manuscript is in top shape before it's sent to publishers. This does not mean that we provide edits; however, we will walk you through a polished draft before the contract is signed. I will also provide feedback on your proposal/opening chapter that you can use to make sure your proposal is top quality before it's sent to publishers.
• I like to establish a relationship with the clients -- understand their brand, vision, and dream publishers before I send off the proposal.
• We give our current clients top priority. 
• We stay informed with the pulse of the publishing industry -- where it's been, where it's headed.
• We're innovative, hard-working, and use modern methods to help clients achieve their publishing dreams. We're focused on building your career as an author.
• If I choose to represent you, I will remain your main point of contact, whereas Cyle Young will be your agent of record.
• We do not charge a fee to our clients. 
• You're welcome to get in touch with me any time you have a specific need/question. 
• Clients have access to client-only portal which is where Cyle and I post resources such as workshop podcasts, video tutorials, sample proposals, and more. 

We like to work with clients who ...

• Have industry knowledge, especially in the market/genre they write in
• Are well-educated on the craft 
• Are professional
• Have a long-term vision for their writing career
• Have more than one book idea
• Actively work to build an online presence and platform
• Understand what it takes to market a book
• Understand that publishing moves at a turtle's pace
• Can accept constructive criticism

More info

• About Hartline
• FAQ
• Recent releases

How to submit

After following these proposal guidelines, please send your query and proposal to me: Tessa@HartlineLiterary.com. I look forward to hearing from you! =)

Clients I work with...

• Nichole Parks
• Dana Romanin
• Jennifer Froelich
• Shannon H. Sullivan
• Caroline George
• Melissa Ferguson
• Laura Zimmerman
• Diana Sharples
• J.M. Hackman

Question for you...

What are your short-term and long-term writing goals? What do you look for in a literary agent?

Tweetable:

Attn. aspiring authors: Literary agency searching for clients across all genres! http://bit.ly/2lQjmK1 #askanagent #publishing