Catching an Agent with Your Hook

What is a story hook, and is it possible to craft one in a way that captures a literary agent's attention? 

In my guest post on Story Ember's blog, I discuss the answer to this question and provide a check-list that can help you craft the perfect hook for your book. 

{Check out the post by clicking here!}

Achieving the “It Factor” in Publishing

You may have heard the term “it factor” used to describe people in industries such as sports or entertainment. On reality singing competition shows, such as The Voice, judges will occasionally comment about a certain contestant having this “it factor.” In this case, the judge may describe the singer as having certain stamina and charisma—as well as a standout voice—that is admired in the music industry. The singer may also have a good feel for who he/she is as an artist, as well as a natural stage presence.

All of these components play into the term “it factor” in the music industry. I would assume this helps industry professionals weed out the highly competitive market and only sign with those who have it. 

In the publishing industry, however, authors don’t exactly need charisma or a stage presence in order to stand out amongst their competition. (Or a singing voice—thank God!) However, there are still other components that separate the “pros” from the amateurs.

{Continue reading on AlmostAnAuthor.com!}

5 Questions to Ask Before Submitting to an Agent or Editor

Are you tired of not receiving a response from an agent and/or editor? Although I personally never give an automatic rejection to a submission (only because I like to give everyone a chance), the truth is, many agents/editors will delete a submission--even before they have a chance to evaluate it entirely. 

Why, though? Isn't it rude for an agent/editor to delete a submission before even giving it a chance? 

Sure, it might sound that way. But think about it the other side: Editors and agents receive multiple submissions per week. If a writer does not adhere to specific guidelines, then, well--that's an easy way for the agent/editor to separate the pros from the amateurs. And even though it's harsh, many of these agents/editors will give an automatic no ... even without telling this to the writer. It's actually considered "rude" for writers to avoid these guidelines that they've set in place.

So what can you do, as an aspiring author, to ensure that you do not receive this automatic "no"? 

Here are 5 questions you can ask yourself before hitting "submit": 


1. Did I spell the agent or editor's name correctly? 

Remember: This is likely the first impression you'll make (after the subject line, of course). You'd be surprised how many emails I receive that are addressed to "Emily" rather than "Tessa" ... lol! 

2. Am I submitting to the right person? 

Check the site. Ensure that the agent or editor accepts your genre and would make a good match for your works. 

3. Did I follow the specific guidelines? 

There are some writers who think they're better than the rules. But the guidelines are there for a reason! Don't be lazy--unless, of course, that's the impression you'd like to make. I doubt it is, though. You're hoping to work with this agent or editor, so make sure it's obvious that you're a professional. And professionals don't carry an egotistical attitude. 

Remember that agents and editors have different guidelines for submissions. For example, some agents request only the query and first three chapters of the writer's manuscript in the body of the email, while other agents request the query and full proposal attached to the email. There are sometimes guidelines for the subject as well. (For example, the agent/editor may request the title, genre, and word count in the subject line.) This guideline is there for a reason, as it helps us to keep our emails organized. 


4. Have I edited my submission--the query letter, book proposal, and sample chapters? 

Don't rush this process. Search for typos. You are a writer, after all. And even though writers aren't always perfect in the arena of grammar and punctuation, your submission will look sloppy if it isn't clean. (I personally recommend having others read over the proposal/submission to double-check, as we're often blind to our own faults.)

5. Did I submit the right file and adhere to the standard format? 

Again, you'll want to read the guidelines carefully to make sure that you've hit every mark. The .doc or .docx file is typically preferred for a standard book proposal/manuscript--unless, of course, another type is requested. You'll also want to make sure that your submission has been adjusted to the standard font as well, which is Times New Romans, 12 pt font. 



For those of you who are unfamiliar with this process, you might think agents and editors are asking too much of writers--as if they're requesting you to jump through unnecessary hoops. But trust me when I say that these guidelines are set for a reason. Not to frustrate the author, but because it helps the agents in their evaluation process. Plus, it does help us to get an idea as to who is a pro and who is an amateur. Do what you can to come across as a pro!

So if you want to avoid those automatic rejections, do your research ahead of time--even if it requires hours upon hours of prep work. Keep in mind that almost every successful traditionally-published author has gone through this process as well. 


Then, when you're ready--and only then--should you send your work into the publishing world. But not without going over this check-list first, of course! 


Tweetable:

5 Questions to Ask Before Submitting to an Agent or Publisher #publishing #askanagent @TessaEmilyHall https://bit.ly/2DTj4eH

Is Your Publishing Dream Worth the Rejections?

Publishing can be a rewarding field to work in—especially when it involves helping other authors achieve their dreams. There’s nothing like the feeling that comes from offering a writer a contract. 


But when I first took on my two roles in publishing, I didn’t quite take into account the fact that I would have to say “no” more often than I said “yes.” As an author myself, I understand the determination writers have toward reaching their dreams. I can relate with the emotional roller coaster that writers often find themselves on throughout this crazy journey.

And I know what it’s like to work so hard and have your hopes set on a specific publisher or agent, only to have yet another door shut in your face. A door that you thought for sure could be the one to lead you toward your dream.

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So trust me when I say that it’s painful for me to write rejections as well. Since I’m passionate about motiving writers to achieve their dreams, it’s hard for me to realize that my rejection letter could accomplish the exact opposite. These letters could be a source of discouragement rather than encouragement.

Of course, I always try to come across as encouraging, even in the rejections. But it could still hurt the writer who is on the receiving end. The simple fact that they reached yet another closed door could tempt them to give up.  

The hard truth is, rejections are part of the journey. It’s inevitable. Yet even though us writers might know this, it still doesn’t take away the sting. You might be prepared to receive these letters, but it still doesn’t take away the discouragement. After a while, you might begin to wonder if the journey is even worth the effort. Besides, how is an aspiring author supposed to reach the land of publishing if every route she’s tried seems blocked—as if it leads to a dead end?

When we reach the point when the rejections seem endless, I think it’s important to take a pause. A breather. Remind yourself of why you’ve decided to set out on this voyage to begin with. Allow yourself to dream again.

Then, the next time you receive a rejection, remind yourself of the following truths…

1 – It’s all about perspective.

A rejection doesn’t mean you’re not a good writer, nor does it mean you won’t be published someday. It simply means that your project is not right for the agent or editor at this time. However, it might also mean that your book still needs some work.

Did you set out on the voyage toward your dreams prematurely? Should you go back to the starting line and spend more time honing your craft?

Remember: This is a journey, not a race.

2 – There are still other options.

The great thing about today’s publishing world is that there are multiple options for aspiring authors. There will always be another agent. Multiple smaller houses are providing aspiring authors with the chance to reach their publishing dreams as well. Self-published authors are beginning to earn more respect in the industry. Plus, you could always put the manuscript you’re shopping in your drawer for now and try to pitch another project instead.

The point is, there are always options. A rejection isn’t the end of the road. You simply need to decide which step to take next.

3 – You’re trying to find the perfect editor or agent for your project. Rejections mean that person was not the right fit. (For now, at least.)

Can I remind you of this genius quote by Thomas Edison?

“I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

If you receive another rejection, remind yourself that you didn’t fail. You just found yet another person who isn’t right for your project. But that doesn’t mean the right person won't come along at the right time. (Why is this starting to sound like a post on relationship advice? Haha)  

4 – Every successful writer has dealt with rejection at some point.

Again, rejection is simply part of the journey toward publication.

“J.K. Rowling’s first ‘Harry Potter’ was rejection 12 times. Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’ was rejected 38 times. I was immensely proud to have beaten them all.” 

– Ashwin Sanghi

5 – The dream will never come to pass if you don’t keep striving toward it.

Wouldn’t you rather try and be rejected rather than live with the regret of not trying at all?

“It is impossible to live without failing at something … unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.” 

– J.K. Rowling

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So this year, as you continue to trek along your path toward publication, remind yourself that progress is better than being stagnant. Reaching a closed door is better than to never have knocked on the door in the first place. Besides, the simple fact that you wrote a book and you’re attempting to navigate the waters of publishing should be something to be proud of! You’re already farther ahead than several writers who only dream about writing a book.

The writing journey is simply that—a journey.

A journey that’s often filled with setbacks, failures, and mistakes.

Yet there are bright moments along the journey as well. Moments when you reach milestones that are worth celebrating. Moments when you learn to take constructive criticism and use that to catapult you further in your craft. Times when you hear back from readers who tell you that they couldn’t put your story down. Times when you might win contests or finally sign with your dream agent.

Those are the moments that will make this journey—and yes, even the rejections—worthwhile in the end.

“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.”  

– Sylvia Plath

~ ~ ~ 

How do you handle rejections? 

Let me know in the comments!

Tweetable:



Is Your Publishing Dream Worth the Rejections? https://bit.ly/2RHJ2Km #writingcommunity #writerslife @TessaEmilyHall

Navigating Platform as an Unpublished Author - Part 2: Creating a Newsletter

If you’re a published author, then you’re probably aware of how important it is to have an author newsletter. But what if you’re still an aspiring author? Can creating an email list still benefit those who do not yet have a book to promote?

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This is another question that was included in an email I received from a writer. She was recently told by a publisher that her platform numbers weren’t large enough, and she wanted to know how to grow newsletter subscribers even without a book contract. (See part 1 of this series if you missed it!)

The quick answer is, yes, you can still grow your newsletter -- even before your book is contracted. But first, you need to have a plan. How will you attract readers to sign up, and what should you include in the newsletter?

Here are 4 ways you can quickly find subscribers as an unpublished author ...

1 - Incentives.

What motivates you to sign up for newsletters? Most of the time, we’re lured into signing up because we want to receive something of value from it. A lot of writers -- both published and unpublished -- will send freebies to their subscribers, such as a free short story, novella, novel, chapters, etc. Some, including myself, hold a frequent giveaway of a gift card for subscribers.

What can you do that will appeal to the audience that you’re trying to attract? It might be a good idea to write a free short story in the genre you want to become published in; that way readers will have their appetite whet for more.  

2 - Giveaways & contests.

One of the best and quickest ways to gain subscribers is through holding a giveaway or contest. If you want to target potential readers of your future books, I’d suggest holding a giveaway of a book that’s published within your genre. Then those who are interested in that genre can subscribe to your newsletter in order to enter into the giveaway.

If you’re hosting this giveaway/contest on social media, don’t forget to utilize hashtags within the posts -- especially genre-specific hashtags!

For extra entries, readers can tag their friends in the comments of the posts. Doing this might help to spread word about your giveaway to those who don’t yet follow you.

3 - Join efforts with another writer -- published or unpublished.

Do you have friends who write in your genre -- published or unpublished? If so, consider reaching out to them and see if they’d be interested in a joint newsletter promo. The best way to do this is by hosting a joint giveaway. There’s no limit to how many writers can join you in the giveaway! Each writer can agree to send the giveaway winner his/her favorite book in the genre. Then, each participating writer can promote the giveaway on his/her social media. Readers can enter the giveaway by signing up for each writers’ newsletters and following each one on social media.

4 - Reach out to your friends and family!

This should probably be labeled as “step one” because it’s the most obvious. Once you’ve created a newsletter, I’d advise reaching out to your friends and family and asking if they would be interested in signing up. You can explain to them what subscribers will receive, how often you plan to send an email, and how this will aid you in platform-building efforts. Don't forget to reassure them that you will not spam or share their information.

Now that your email list is created, what should you include in your newsletter?

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you write your emails ...

1 - Reflect your brand and target your core readership.

Once these are defined, it will then be so much easier to know what to include in your newsletter. Be specific.

For example: If you intend want to write YA contemporary fiction that is humorous and inspirational, then allow your newsletters to reflect this. You’ll want to target readers between the ages of 13 and 18. The content you include in the newsletter should reflect your witty and conversational tone. You could also search for clean comedic YouTube videos that might appeal to this age group, then share one in each newsletter.

2 - Offer value to your subscribers!

Why will your readers want to stay signed up for your newsletter? This can especially be hard for unpublished authors because your subscribers have not yet read your works (unless you’ve give them a free story). So what will compel them to stick around?

Value. Show them that you appreciate them.

What kind of value? Again, the answer will depend on your brand and target audience. If your target audience includes teen readers, for example, then maybe you could include a list of YA book discounts on the web. If you’ve incorporated coffee into your brand (like mine), then you could consider including coffee recipes in your newsletter (like I do). =) Doing this will compel your readers to open your newsletters because they’ll be excited to see what you’ve shared with them.

3 - Be consistent but not spammy.

When it comes to building platform, consistency is key. But coming across as spammy can result in the total opposite effect. So how can you find balance between the two?

I’d recommend starting with sending 1 - 2 emails per month. As readers build trust -- and even look forward to receiving your emails -- then perhaps you could increase that to 1 - 2 emails per week. Personally, 1 - 2 emails per month seems to be the sweet spot for me.

4 - Refrain from coming across as “salesy”; rather, be reader-focused.

No one likes to follow writers/authors who are all about themselves and their writing. Try to avoid coming across like this in your emails. Again, you can do this by focusing on the needs of your readers. As you prepare to write your email, ask yourself: What can I give to my subscribers in this email?

One of my favorite ways to avoid come across as salesy is by remaining conversational. Add conversation sparks and questions within your emails, then invite your readers to respond with their answers. You’ll be surprised by how many will actually do this!

5 - Invite your subscribers into your writing journey.

Treat your subscribers as if they're your friends. Remain personal and genuine. Offer them a behind-the-scenes look into your writing process -- sneak peeks that you don’t share with your followers on social media. This will make them feel special. Also, doing this will likely create more enthusiasm for your writing journey on their end. They’ll begin to view you as a friend rather than just another writer/author who wants to promote him/herself. Then, they’ll likely want to see you succeed and cheer you on as you hit various milestones.

The great thing about establishing a platform as an unpublished author is that people will follow you because they enjoy you, not your books. While that might sound like a drawback, it can actually be a good thing! The readership you build now will likely follow you throughout your journey simply because they like you as a person and want to see support your journey.

The process of building a platform might seem overwhelming at first; that’s why I advise you to take it one step at a time. It’s not going to happen overnight. Remember: Consistency is key! Even the small efforts made every day will eventually build and is better than nothing. And the best part? Doing this will likely increase your chances of publication in the long run.

Question for you …

If you’re an unpublished author, have you attempted to create a newsletter yet? If so, what’s worked for you? Let me know in the comments!

Tweetable:

Navigating Platform as an Unpublished Author - Part 2: Creating a Newsletter @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife #platform https://bit.ly/2Cl34BD

Quick Tips: 12 Ways to Increase Chances of Publication in Today's Industry

Several years ago, I witnessed someone who had returned from her first writing conference--and when she was asked how it went, she responded, "I basically learned that it's impossible to be published."  

Now, I've technically only been in the industry for eight years; however, I know it's not impossible to be published. And not just because I'm published myself. 

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Is the competition tougher today than it used to be? Absolutely. But we have an advantage today that writers of the past didn't have. And yet, I still come across writers who are discouraged at the state of the industry. Writers who are so busy focusing on the unlikelihood of publication that they fail to notice the opened doors and possibilities. 

No, publication doesn't have to be an impossible feat. It doesn't have to remain a far-off dream. In fact, the decision is yours. You have an opportunity to take steps that will cause your submission to rise to the top of a slush pile. Thanks to the recent changes in the publishing industry, you can now take steps that will help you be discovered. 

Is publication an overnight journey? Not exactly. It might take longer than you'd like. But it is possible--and the journey is worth it for those who are willing to go the extra mile. 

Here are 10 ways to increase chances of publication in today's industry...

1. Write the book to the best of your ability. Yes, this requires self-editing, having the manuscript reviewed by critique partners/beta readers, and perhaps hiring a self-editor. 
2. Know your market. Is your book going to sell? How does it fit in and still bring something new to the table? 
3. Stick by your genre standards and expectations. What do readers of your genre expect from your book? What do agents and publishers expect? What is the typical word count? All of the answers to these questions can be found by research. 
4. Enter your book into contests. By doing this, you might have your book evaluated by an agent/editor. And if you place in a contest then you could add this to your list of credentials.
5. Attend writing conferences. Pitch to editors and agents in person and glean from their expertise by taking their classes. Most of the clients I've signed at Hartline are writers I first met at a conference. 
6. Seek publication through other avenues. What magazines could you submit to? Not only does a published article look good on your list of credentials, but it may also help you expand your platform. 
7. Become a master at the writing craft. Study books on the craft and books within your genre (and outside of your genre). Soak up as much as possible. Apply techniques to your writing. Learn the rules, then know when to artistically break them. 
8. Establish a platform. This doesn't mean you should hold off on submitting to agents until you reach 5000 followers. Platforms are always going to be a work-in-progress. As an agent, I like to see writers who are actively working to engage with their target audience and making efforts toward growing their platform. What kind of online presence do you have, and are you consistent in providing content for your target audience? Do you have a mailing list?
9. Brand yourself, and stick with this brand on your website/blog and social media presence. What sets you apart from other writers in your genre? What can readers expect from your books? What kind of content can they expect from you on social media?
10. Follow submission rules and guidelines. Remain professional. Don't assume you're an exception to the rules.
11. Set up a website or blog. You don't have to create a fancy website; in fact, a free Wordpress or Blogger site is fine for now. When a writer doesn't have an established online homebase, it makes me wonder if they understand how to connect with today's readers. A website is a great place to establish your brand, introduce yourself to potential readers and agents/editors, and invite people to connect with you on social media and through your mailing list. 
12. Keep going. Keep writing more books. Keep reading. Keep building your platform. Keep learning. Keep growing. 

What tips would you add to this list? Which one on this list is the most difficult for you to apply and why? Let me know in the comments!


Tweetable:

Quick Tips: 12 Ways to Increase Chances of Publication in Today's Industry https://bit.ly/2yRw0RQ @TessaEmilyHall #pubtips #publishing

How to Become an Author in Today’s Publishing World: P.3 – Building a Career

Many people think, once they sign a publishing contract, that they’ve officially “made it” as an author. And I guess this can be true for some, depending on what their specific goal/vision is. But if you’re hoping to build a career as a novelist, then that first book contract? It’s not the finish line; it’s the starting point. In other words … your career is just beginning!

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In the previous posts in this series (Post 1 & Post 2), I discussed how to set a foundation that could pave the way to attaining publication. I then explained the steps you can take when you’re ready to move forward and seek representation/publication.


Once you’ve finally landed a publishing contract, are there still goals to be reached? And how can you sustain your novelist career, stand out in the publishing world, and sell your next book?


First, let’s discuss what an average traditionally-published author’s career might look like…

1. Author signs book deal and delivers manuscript.
2. Author is taken through rounds of edits with in-house editors.
3. As the six-month pre-release of the book approaches, author begins generating more buzz surrounding book release. They may work with publicists at this point to help strategize promo efforts and create a marketing plan.
4. Author might begin brainstorming a new project during this time.
5. Release day finally arrives! Hopefully the author has planned a launch party—either an in-person event, virtual party, or both.
6. Author continues participating in marketing efforts even after the book is released. If their editor approves of their new book proposal/idea, the author may sign a new contract and get to work writing this new book. (Unless, of course, the author has already signed a multiple-book deal with this publisher.)
7. Repeat.

Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t always what the publication process looks like for traditionally-published authors. There are those who might have no idea how to market a book, so their release comes and goes without hardly any publicity. If this happens, their publisher will be less likely to sign a new book deal with them. It’s also likely that the publisher might prefer to wait and see if this new author can earn out their advance before they offer another contract.


Basically, here’s a brief overview of the hurdles this new author now faces:

• Marketing. Generating and sustaining book buzz. Building a solid readership—one that will help to sell their next book.
• Brainstorming a new book idea and selling it to their publisher (if they didn’t sign a multiple-book deal).
• Delivering the book idea.
• Receiving glowing reviews and ratings and attaining book awards—all in effort to build author credibility and bring more publicity to the book.

With this in mind, what can you to prepare for the road ahead?

1. Build your knowledge of book marketing. Take courses, workshops, listen to podcasts, and read books and blogs. Keep in mind, though, that it’s impossible to do everything. Stay focused by creating a marketing plan and only participating in efforts you’re comfortable with. It might also be a good idea to hire someone who can help spread the word about the book. Of course, don’t forget to continue building your platform during this time! Find where your audience is and strategize how you can connect with them (without necessarily “selling” to them.)
2. Know your brand. This can be a difficult feat, especially for the newly contracted author. Sometimes it’s not easy to establish a brand until you hear from readers and can tap into the reputation your books have within your genre. For now, do what you can to create a brand that suits your personality and differentiates your books from other authors within the genre. You can find out more about how to do this by seeing this post.
3. Stay updated on the industry and know what’s selling in your genre. I don’t, however, recommend that authors “chase the trend” per se. But it is wise to know what’s selling and know if your new book idea will have an audience. (Because if there is an audience for it, then the publisher will be more likely to sign another book deal.)
4. Keep going! Sure, there may be slow seasons in the author’s life. Several of them, actually. But a slow season shouldn’t necessarily be a stagnant season. If you’re actively working at growing a platform, marketing your book(s), interacting with readers, entering contests, staying updated on the industry, making connections, and, of course, writing—then your writer’s journey never has to come to an end.

Summary: The writer’s journey is filled with new milestones—not necessarily finish lines. Once you become an author, don’t take for granted the unfolding of your dream, but do continue working to ensure that your career is sustainable. And no, I don’t think it’s ever too early to prepare for life after publication!


~ ~ ~


What are you doing to prepare for publication? If you’re an author, do you have advice you’d like to add?


Tweetable:


How to Become an Author in Today’s Publishing World: P.3 – Building a Career #authorslife #publishing @TessaEmilyHall http://bit.ly/2G0vl0d

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 2 – Launching Forward

Once you’ve established the foundation of a writing career, how do you know when it’s time to launch forward and seek publication? What does the process even look like, and where should an aspiring author to begin?


Last week, we discussed how aspiring authors can set a foundation by writing a book, researching publishing, building a platform, gaining publishing credits, winning contests, etc. So what's the next stage? You guessed it—the submission process.

But wait … if you move ahead too soon, you could risk sending your book into the public pre-maturely. It could even cost you a publishing contract.


So how can you know when it’s time to submit?

• You’ve built a foundation (platform, writing credentials, understanding of the publishing industry, etc.)
• You’ve taken the time to write and polish a book that you’re proud of
• Critique partners/editor(s) have reviewed your manuscript
• You’ve prepared yourself—mentally and emotionally—to receive rejections

Where should you start? First, ask yourself these questions:

• What is my overall goal and vision as an author? (The answer to this will steer your publishing-related decisions.)
• Should I seek publication with a small/medium-sized publisher, which doesn’t typically require an agent? (See this post for a glimpse at pros/cons of publishing with a smaller press.)
• Would it be best to take the self-publishing route? (If you’ve reached this point, then you should know the pros and cons of self-publishing.)
• Or do I want a literary agent, someone who can bring me into traditional publishing and negotiate contracts on my behalf?

With your goals and vision in mind, it’s time to launch forward!


If you’ve chosen to seek publication with a small/medium-sized publisher, it’s not necessary that you submit to an agent. (Although there are several benefits to having representation, and some smaller-sized publishing houses still require agented submissions.) To find publishers, you may want to purchase the Christian Writer’s Market Guide or Writer’s Market Guide. Make a list of potential publishers, then do research to make sure that your book would make a good fit. Study the house’s previous works, then submit your book proposal according to the submission guidelines. (Not doing this could result in an instant rejection!)


Tip: You can also meet with editors at smaller houses at writing conferences. This is how I sold my first book, PURPLE MOON, without an agent.


If you choose to self-publish your book, it’s vital that you know what you’re getting into and understand the risks involved. If you choose to self-publish, you’re no longer the author; you’re both the author and the publisher. This means it’s up to you to present a quality overall book to the market. You’re 100% in charge of publishing, sales, marketing, etc. I recommend that you do research beforehand and build a team (cover designer, editor, formatter, etc.) who can accompany you in this process.


Tip: Before diving into the unknown waters of self-publishing, you may want to first speak with authors who have successfully self-published their books. Writing conferences are a great place to make these connections.


If you choose to sign with an agent, you’ll want to begin by making a list of prospective agents who represent your genre. Where can you find a list of literary agents? Research. You may want to subscribe to Writer’s Digest. Oftentimes, authors will mention who it is they’re represented by on their website, social media, or in the acknowledgements section of their books. Once you’ve written an impressive query letter, it’s time to submit! I advise that writers submit to prospective agents in batches of about 5 – 10 emails at a time. That way, if you continue to receive rejections and constructive criticism, you can take their feedback and make necessary revisions to your manuscript. That way, you won’t burn several bridges at once.


Tip: You can also meet with agents at writing conferences. Meeting face-to-face is a great way to potentially rise to the top of their slush pile.


The timing of this process varies from writer to writer. Some writers see success instantly, but most writers have to wait months—if not years—before they finally receive a yes. The key is to keep going. While waiting to hear back from editors/agents, don’t waste any time; get started on your next book! Keep plugging away at your platform. Enter contests. Attend conferences/workshops. Gain publishing credits.


The writer’s journey is just that—a journey. Patience is a vital quality to possess, especially as you wait to hear back from editors and agents.


It’s only those who give up who are guaranteed to never see success.


Sure, that might sound cliché—but it’s true. I recently found a quote (source unknown) that says this: 

"The master has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried."

Why is this?


Because those who succeed are the ones who kept pressing forward. Closed doors are an inevitable part of the journey. When they receive rejections, they take whatever constructive criticism they need to hone their craft/career—then they try again, and again and again until a door has finally opened.


Eventually, you might just find yourself with a contract. And when that happens, it’s just the beginning! There’s still more to learn. More opportunities to grow. More waiting seasons that will stretch your patience. More criticism that will test your humility.


In the next post I’ll discuss how you can sustain momentum and build a career once you’ve stepped through that open door. (No, it’s never too early to plan ahead!)

 ~ ~ ~

Have you reached the submission process yet? If so, what do you think is the most difficult part of this stage?

Tweetable:

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 2 – Launching Forward @tessaemilyhall #writerslife #publishing http://bit.ly/2EW5w3X 

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 1 – Setting the Foundation

An author’s role in the publishing world has changed drastically from what it used to be. Decades ago, the average fiction author had almost zero contact with their readership—other than the fan letters they’d receive in the mail. Authors weren’t expected to understand marketing; their publishers handled it for them. In attempt to land a deal with a literary agent, it wasn’t required that the fiction author already have an established platform. That platform could come after the book was published.

Now, though, authors are expected to wear more than just the writing hat. Most publishers expect to see at least somewhat of an established platform for fiction authors. Oh, and let’s not forget about marketing! Aspiring authors should know what it takes to promote their book once it becomes a published product.


Other factors that play into the probability of landing an agent include: placing in contests, attending writing conferences, publishing articles, etc.


It’s no wonder so many aspiring authors are scared away from moving forward in their publication dreams!


However, it’s not impossible to break into the industry—even if you’re a writer with zero experience and zero platform. The process isn’t as intimidating as it seems. And yes, it can be tackled when it’s broken down into bite-sized pieces.


So, how can an aspiring author go from virtually a “nobody” in the publishing world and stand out in the pile of submissions on an agent’s desk?


In this series, I’m going to walk you through how to become an author in today’s publishing world by presenting the process in achievable steps. That way, you can map out the journey that will lead you to Destination Publication. ;)


Today, I’m going to start by explaining how an aspiring author can begin their journey. What can writers do to set the foundation for their writing dreams?



1 - Write. This one should go without saying. Make it a priority to finish your book and write it to the best of your ability.


What this looks like: Schedule writing sessions into your weekly/daily routine. Create goals, if necessary, to prevent procrastination. The best way to learn how to write a book comes through experience. Once it’s written, find critique partners who can provide valuable feedback, then consider hiring a freelance editor. (Shameless plug: I recently launched a critique service for writers! Click here for details.)


Posts that might help:

How to Finish Your Book This Year by Creating Writing Goals

10 Ways to Defeat Writer's Block During NaNoWriMo 

5 Must-Haves for the Writer Struggling to Focus

2 - Research. Research the craft of writing, the publication process, and stay updated on the publishing industry.


What this looks like: Attend writing conference. Enroll in writing courses. (Check out Serious Writers Academy, Young Writers Workshop, and Write Now.) Subscribe to Publishers Weekly. Stay updated on writing and publishing blogs such as this one. ;) Understand how a book is published. You’ll want to research the writing craft, how to build a platform, and how to market a book.


Posts that might help:

• How Important Are "Writing Rules"?
• How Publishing a Book is Similar to Climbing a Mountain
• 16 Publishing Terms Every Aspiring Author Should Know

3 – Read. When you’re not writing, read books in the genre you’d like to write.


What this looks like: Carve out time every day/week to catch up on your TBR pile. Read the bestsellers in your genre so you can stay updated on what’s trending and become familiar with genre expectations.


Posts that might help:

• 10 Tips for Reading Through the Eyes of a Writer
• Read Reviews Before Your Novel is Published
• Book Dissection

4 – Connect. Connections will take you far in this industry.


What this looks like: Find a local writer’s group to join. Attend a writing conference and pass out business cards. Interact with other writers on social media. Join private FB groups for writers.


Posts that might help:

• How Early Should a Writer Attend a Writer's Conference? {+10 Christian Writing Conferences to Attend!}
• The Three C's of Why Writing Conferences Are Valuable
• 10 Things You Can Do Now to Make the Most of a Writing Conference Experience

5 – Establish your platform and brand. No, it’s never too early to attract a potential readership!


What this looks like: Set up your social media accounts and decide which ones you’d like to remain active on. Then, create a scheduling plan. As you do this, keep your brand in mind. How do you want to be viewed in the industry? Who is your audience, and where can you find them?


Posts that might help:

• How Beginning Writers Can Build a Platform - P.1: Purpose of a Platform
• How Beginning Writers Can Build a Platform P.2: Finding Your Readers
• How Beginning Writers Can Build a Platform P.3: Benefits of Branding

6 – Gain credentials. In your future book proposal, you’ll need to create a list of writing credentials. Begin building that list now.


What this looks like: Purchase the latest copy of Christian Writers Market Guide or Writer’s Market Guide and submit articles for publication. (Not only will these publishing credits look impressive on your proposal, it’ll also bring more exposure to you as well—thus increasing your platform.) Enter contests. Enroll in writing courses. (Again, check out SeriousWritersAcademy.com, Young Writers Workshop, and Write Now..)


Posts that might help:

• 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Published - Guest Post by Teen Author, Jaquelle Crowe
• 5 Tips for Teen Writers: Things I Wish I'd Done

Summary: Being a published author doesn’t happen overnight. Even though the process is no longer as simple as writing a good book and sending it off on submission, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, either. The key is to approach the journey step-by-step. Step one? Build a foundation.


Then, once the foundation is built, it’ll be time to launch forward and seek publication. We’ll discuss that in next week’s post.

~ ~ ~

What’s your favorite and least favorite step on this list? How do you approach the writer’s journey? What questions do you have that you’d like me to answer in the next posts?

Tweetable:

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 1 – Setting the Foundation @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife #publishing http://bit.ly/2BD7vHH