So, you wanna be an author?

I've had a lot of emails lately from people who want to be authors (also from attendees at the writer's conference I attended this weekend, see below for pics). Here's my advice:

1. Write three manuscripts--if this sounds daunting, it is. But only at the begining. You'll learn so much from those three manuscripts. Plus, now you have three manuscripts to query, and when one of them is accepted, you have two more sitting in the drawer, ready to go. You'll be far enough ahead that you can concentrate on marketing and there won't be so much pressure sitting on your shoulders. Plus, you'll know if this is really something you want to do.
2. While your writing your manuscripts, learn from professionals: follow at least 1 agent's blog. I recommend Rachelle Gardner. One blog on the business of writing. I recommend Katherine Rusch. Sign up for David Farland's daily kick in the pants to learn about the craft of writing.
3. Join a critique group.
4. Read at least 5 books on the art of writing. I'll recommend three: The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card, On Writing by Steven King (skip the first part by of both Card and King's books).
5. Attend a writer's convention or writer's workshop to learn about the craft.
6. Develop a group of trusted alpha and beta readers.
7. After all of this work, start querying.

This will probably take you a few years. Getting your work to a point where it's publishable is equivalent to a master's degree. Unless you're a genius. It took me four manuscripts and five years of hard work to get published, and that's a pretty normal situation.

I don't mean this to be discouraging. Being published is totally doable if you're willing to put in the work and you have a little natural talent for it.

Q4U: For those of you who have been at this a while, what's your advice for beginning writers?

*I'll be signing this Saturday the 24th at the Layton Utah Barnes and Noble from 3-5 (thanks to Carrie for setting it up!). Address: Layton Market Center, 1780 North Woodland Park Drive, Layton, UT 84041, 801-773-9973

I hope to see you there!

 Amber and David King

Amber and Lisa Mangum

Much Has Changed

I haven't blogged in a while. Why? Because I quit.

I highly recommend it.

Quitting give you a break and helps you refocus.

Anyway, for those of you who haven't given up on my yet (your awesomeness is commendable), I thought I'd give an update. I went to the Storymakers Conference a month ago. Changed my writing career.

First, I had writing bootcamp with editor and pubbed author Lisa Mangum. Sweet lady. But more to the point, she's a great editor. She had some fantastic advice for Witch Song. But more importantly, she elevated my confidence a few notches (and after a looong period of little to no encouragement, I needed it). She was very complimentary of my writing. She said she loved it and that I was an excellent writer. I'm still glowing.

The next awesome thing was that I had a critique session with editor Krista Marino. She was also very complimentary about Daughter of Winter. She said my hook was fantastic and the writing was so clean all she could offer me was some line edits. I asked her what she thought my next step was. She smiled. "I think you should send me the full."

I couldn't have been happier if I'd just won the lottery. For the next ten minutes, I hugged everyone in the hallways. Whether I knew you or not, whether you liked it or not, you were hugged.

I also networked with many pubbed/agented writers who I've met at numerous writerly events (I know, I'm such a nerd). They were so generous, gracious, and gregarious (alliteration! I knew I'd get one in here. :) ). Including: David Farland, Elana Johnson, James Dashner, Matthew Buckley, J Scott Savage, Robison Wells, Josi Kilpack, Jen Johansson, Bethany Wiggins, Suzette Saxton, Natalie Whipple, Michelle Argyle (who I'm related to through marriage) and a few others who I've forgotten, not because they weren't awesome, but because I'm really a blonde in a brunette's body.

LDStorymakers Writer's Conference

Writer's conferences are a fantastic way to network with authors/agents/editors/fellow writers. I've been to numerous conferences. IMO, the best one in Utah is the LDStorymakers Conference (whether you're LDS or not).

They also have a fun contest going on. Two winners will receive reserved seating at the 7th Annual LDStorymakers Writers Conference for Friday night dinner and entertainment at a special table with: James Dashner, Jessica Day George, Krista Marino (Editor for Delacorte Press), and David Wolverton/Farland. These are BIG name writers/editor. We're talking best seller authors. Krista Marino has done some amazing projects. Don't believe me? Google them.

Winning would be an amazing opportunity. Regardless, this is a fantastic conference. It's the best run with the most helpful classes and the best line up of editors/agents.

And if you haven't guessed, yes, I'll be there.

What I've Learned from my Divorce

1. My agent and I have Priestess (my MS) together. That means he has rights to any deal that arises from contact he initiated. IE--he's my agent for this book whether I drop him or not. Which is fine. I'm sure he'll do a good job with it.

2. If I try to get another agent for Priestess, I'll have to pay commission twice, one for my first agent, once for my second. IE--Don't try to find a new agent for Priestess.

3. Mentioning my past agent in a query is both good and bad, and therefore cancels each other out. Rachelle Gardner advised me NOT to mention it until after the agent had expressed serious interest.

4. DO NOT CONTACT THE PUBLISHING HOUSES.

So I'm basically starting over. Very frustrating. I feel like I've wasted a year.

On a positive note, my baby is crawling. It's so stinkin' cute. Although, it's hard to baby proof when you have two older kids with small-parts toys.

My Divorce

No, not from my husband. From my agent.

It's been a very difficult decision. One of the hardest I've ever had to make. But I actually feel good about it. I'm hoping that feeling lasts.

Now I'm in new territory. I have a million questions. Do I contact the publishing houses that still have my MS? What do I say?

In my query, do I meantion that I recently parted with my agent? Do I query a new book (as I have two more ready to send out)? Do I try to get someone to take over the old one?

I'm so lost about what I'm supposed to do.

And now I get to go through the fun fun process of finding a new agent. Yippie!

Nathan Bransford's Contest

This is an amazing contest that you should all enter.

Here's the first few lines I'm thinking of entering. Let me know what you think:

Prologue

James Edward Tolman. How was I supposed to know that he would save my life—more than once? How could I know that it wasn’t the first time he had done so?

What to expect when you submit to your agent

As in most relationships, trouble comes when expectations don't meet.

So it's a good idea to know what to expect after you submit another MS to your agent. First of all, unless you're making your agent a lot of money, don't expect them to drop everything. Agents have lists of things to accomplish. Don't expect to be pushed to the top.

Now, while you can expect your MS to go before any nonclients (which you will appreciate, after you've landed an agent), you will no doubt be behind clients whose MS arrived before yours. Your agent may take other things into consideration. If, for instance, you already have an unsold MS with him, s/he may be less likely to hurry up and read your newest masterpiece.

So, how long should you expect? Here's the key, ask when you turn the MS in. If you agent says a month, double that (this is true for all things publishing--unless of course, you need to meet a deadline).

So you see, all this sending off queries and waiting is just preparing you for life after you land an agent.

In the meantime, go have a popsicle and chill.

:)

You've found an agent! . . . Now what?

I didn't even want to think about what would happen if I found an agent. I was too consumed with finding one first. Plus, I really didn't want to get my hopes up. So I avoided the topic altogether.

Don't do this.

Really. If you work hard enough (and I mean write hours per day for years, read books on writing, with conferences thrown in) for long enough, it will happen. They really won't tell you no forever.

So you get the big email or phone call. What should you do?

First, if it's a phone call, tell them that you're thrilled to pieces, but you need to call them back in a sec so you don't scream in their ear.

Done?

Not yet?

How 'bout now? Good

Now, get online and look up all the questions you need to ask (I'm not going over them here. This is my favorite link by favorite blogging agent--Rachelle is nice, entertaining, AND informative. ) http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/05/questions-to-ask-agent.html

Print this off and file it somewhere.

K?

Dear Agents Everywhere Part 2

Signing with an agent is a lot like getting married. You make the most educated decision you can, trust the other person, and jump. And I mean jump. (Fortunately, my agent has been great so far.)

So what does an author want/expect? I can't answer that for everyone, but I'm going to give a general list. (Unfortunately, agents expect you to ask these questions. IMO, we shouldn't have to ask. After all, they're the expert.)

1. Tell us what you'll do up front. Really. Vague isn't helping anyone. Are you planning to do an edit? If so, how extensive? What houses/editors do you plan to send to? How many do you plan to send to in the first round? Second (if there is one)? How long should I wait for a response from you? Would you like to work with me on more projects, or are you a one night stand type of man? Nothing sours a relationship faster than colliding expectations.

1.5. Answer our questions.

2. Tell us what you expect from us up front. As far as contact goes, how often is too often? How often do you want to see another MS? Do you prefer we call, email, stop by your house with a cattle prod and a horse whip?

2.5 Answer our questions in a timely manner.

3. Expect to "be there for us." Especially if your taking on a newbie. While you might be a seasoned pro, we aren't. Expect to teach us a few things about the industry. Don't like it? Tough. It's part of your job.

3.5 Answer our questions completely.

4. Give us some idea of what to expect. By the time we've put our MS in your hands we're feeling way overdue anyway. If we have realistic expectations up front, it won't be so bad.

4.5 Answer our questions. Really. If it's stupid, answer it anyway.

Notice something? Most of this boils down to communication. So treat it like a job interview. Tell us your part of the job and ours. Negotiate any stalemates.

And answer our questions!

Dear Agents Everywhere

I've seen lots of posts by agents in what they love/hate from potential clients. So I thought I'd turn the tables. For all agents, here's an author's Do's and Don't list from all those unagented authors (many of these are from personal experience--not from my agent ((love ya, Al)) but those other, nasty, no good stinkers).

1. Do: Be nice. It's really very simple. No one likes rude people. Newbies might make a mistake and fail to follow your guidelines. Shrug it off and move on. Don't post and rant about it on your blog. There really is another person on the other side of the computer. Be polite and professional.

2. Do: Post your guidelines. If you're a stickler for how, when, what, etc: POST IT on your website, blog, guidelines on all the different agent search sites (agent query, publishers marketplace, etc.) The harder it is for us to find you and your guidelines, the more random your queries are going to be.

2.5. Do Post your preferences. ie--If you're not taking any more epic fantasies, post that on your guidelines. You'll save us both time and money. (This one happened to me).

3. Don't: Get our hopes up only to smash them into the ground. Really. You may think you're being encouraging. You're not. If you're loving a book and you tell an author that 3, 4, 5, or 6 times and then end up not taking it, it's like counting down for Christmas and then telling your six-year old Santa decided to cancel this year (yes, this happened to me).

4. Don't: String us along. Either take the MS or don't. I'll relate it to proposing to your girlfriend and her answer is: (drum roll) MAYBE. It's really not fair. I understand that there may be exceptions, but understand, you're on precarious ground (Please see #1). And yes, this happened to me.

5. Don't offer to take on a client if you plan on moving to another agency or quitting altogether in a week (Yup. Happened to me.)

So what to you all think? Did I forget something (when don't I ;) ).

Next, I'll post Do's and Don'ts for your agent.

I'm excited about writing again.

I've had some ongoing health problems in the past 6 months, and honestly, I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever have the same passion for writing that I once had. I sat at my computer and wanted nothing more than to go to sleep. Editing was the worst. But since receiving some hope from my agent and getting healthy, I'm writing hard again. I want to have 200 pages totally edited in less than 2 months. I'm averaging around 10-12 pages a day, depending on how much work needs done.

At that rate, I should meet my deadline.

Right now, I'm wondering if I want to rework the two chapters that switch to the hero's POV. What do you guys think about an occasional switch (for a chapter) to another character? Does it bug you to read it, or does it add insight into another character's thoughts?

It was one of those things that just doesn't happen.

I called my agent, Al Longden, yesterday and left a message on his voicemail for him to call me.

So I looked at the clock today. 4:30. That makes it 6:30 in NY, right? Great, I think. I won't hear anything until after the weekend. I glare at the phone, silently trying to use the force to make it ring.

It does.

Weird. But no way it's my agent.

The caller ID flashes: Longden, A T.

My eyes widen. Huh? Stuff like that only happens in books . . . or lame movies.

I pick up the phone and hear a masculine voice.

Sure enough, it's my agent. We spoke for about 15 minutes.

Conversation rundown:
He ran spellcheck and did some minor grammar edits.
He used some of my query, but tweaked a few things.
He sent my MS out in Oct.
He's going into the city in two weeks and plans on dropping by the editors.
None of the ten editors have rejected my MS yet (he says that's a good sign, because sometimes they'll reject it after only the first 3 chapters).
He believes I have a 50/50 chance that one or more of these publishers will say yes.
If they all say no *cringe* then he plans on sending it out to another ten or so.
But we want one of these 10, because they're bigger/give out bigger advances, etc. (and Amber needs a van)!

I'm trying really hard not to get excited until after I hear the magic word: YES!

I think we're cousins. . .

Sometimes some pretty amazing things happen on your blogs. For instance, I read Nathan Bradsford's blog, and he recently had a competition for the first paragraph of your MS. I entered and failed to win, but one of my favorite paragraphs did. So I chimed in to congratulate all the winners, and guess what? One of them actually got in touch with me. Turns out we're both related. Both Argyles. Pretty nifty.

Anyway, check out her blog at http://theinnocentflower.blogspot.com/ Her paragraph is amazing.

Second, I asked a question on another agents blog. She actually responded. If any of you are looking for a good Christian agent, check her out. If not, she has some fabulous tips on her blog.

http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/

And now it's back to my massive doses of Sudafed and Tylenol.

The agony of writing.

For those of you that don't know the story, I was offered a publishing contract by a small house. I struggled over whether to "settle," because I felt like my work might never see book form if I didn't. I had conceded that I had to start somewhere, and was in the process of renegotiating the contract when I hit a brick wall. I did a lot of research into publishing contracts, and their's was AWFUL. Basically, I was giving them the copyright for the term of the copyright (some 150 years). Plus they'd wormed in some wording that assured I didn't get paid much of anything (we're talking 5% of the sale price).

Still, I would have signed the thing, had an agent not offered to represent me. I did as much research as I could--checked him out on Agent Verification, Predators and Editors, Writer's Beware, etc. He checked out as legit in every case.

So I signed.

And I waited. And waited. He sent it out in Sept., and I'm wondering how long it takes for publishers to get with it. I don't want to be that "pushy author." So I've tried to let it lie, but oh it's so hard! Especially when I'm such a worrier by nature.

I should have been a stripper. Much more straightforward.

How to find an agent, Amber style.

At Nathan's website, an interesting post was created concerning agents. One of the bloggers asked how to get an agent. The guest author didn't have any insights, because he's had an agent long enough to be out of the loop. So I thought I'd give you all my ideas.

http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2008/11/guest-blogger-jeff-abbott-on-importance.html
You've heard the old standby that every rejection gets you closer to a yes? Well, I hated that statement too, but I found it to be true when finding my agent. If you want an agent, go to conferences. Networking will get you further than blind queries. At the conferences, introduce yourself to EVERY single agent in attendance. If possible, sit by them during lunch and be polite and engaging. Don't be weird about it. There just people--most of them really nice. If they're busy, tell them you have a few questions you'd like to ask them when they have a moment, and then make yourself available (don't stalk them--if they have to go to the bathroom--let them). Even if those agents DON'T represent your genre, they know agents who do. Don't be afraid to ask them if you can use them as a reference. Also, introduce yourself to all the visiting authors. They are great sources of information and resources. Ask them questions. Now in saying all this, please, please, please remember not to be pushy or condescending. The first conference is the worst, but it gets easier. Good luck, and keep working!

I HAVE AN AGENT!

I just received an offer for representation! I can barely type this because I'm so busy doing my "happy dance!"
Yippee!
Of course, I haven't accepted yet because I want to give the other agents a chance to respond.
Update: I have accepted an agent. His name is Albert Longden.
It's so exciting to have someone who believes in my work as much as I do.

Update #2: Al and I broke up after one manuscript.

Helpful websites

Hey all,
I've been doing lots of research on various agents. Some of them have very helpful blogs or websites, and I've listed quite a few on my bloglist. Make sure and check them out!
Some of my favs are Publisher's Marketplace, Agent Query, AAR, Writer's Beware, Preditors and Editors, and Agent Verification:
http://www.agentresearch.com/cgi-bin/agent_verification/dbspace.cgi
It actually allows you to type in the agents name (put in their first OR last name--the search engine isn't smart enough for the entire name) to see if they've made any sales lately.

This helped me when an agent offered me representation. I typed his name in to the database and found that he'd NEVER made a sale to a known publisher. NEVER. I don't think he was a scam artist. I think he just decided that he wanted to be a literary agent. But that isn't how the business works. Agents have to have contacts with publishers. You can't just decide that you want to be an agent and list yourself, any more than I could decide that I want to be an astronaut and get a ride to the moon.

Move over Armstrong! Here I come! (Probably wouldn't work with my fear of heights).

:)

Amber

Rejection sucks.

I had an agent that loved my book. She said so herself. I waited for a couple weeks and every communication I had with her was so positive. I started to get really, really excited.
Then she offered a rejection wrapped in mounds of praise. Like all pirates everywhere, I would like to say, Argh!

Agents and snail mail

So I've been in touch with a few agents. One of them requested my stuff, so I emailed it to her. She emailed me back to say she liked the beginning and she'd let me know the rest. Fast, cheap, effective.

The other guy wants it snail mailed. I hate that. It's expensive. Not only in paper, but postage. And time. My home printer is only good for about 400 pages. That's one book. Meaning I have to email my book to a copy center (my CD thingy no longer opens thanks to son #2), load up my kids, drive there, unload my kids. Help the counter lady find the document while trying to keep my kids from using a packet of stickers. We finally get the right document printing when wham, paper jam. Now I'm trying to fish the paper out of the printer and figure out which pages I've lost so I can reprint them.

I look over to see my children arguing over whether or not the TV in the kids room is really broken.
It is.
At this point, I want to say, "Will someone please take care of their children!" Instead, I go tell my children to be quiet.
For this joyous and educational outing, I pay around 10 bucks.
But we aren't done yet, folks.
Now we get to load up the kids, go to the post office, unload the kids. Stand in line . Restack all the boxes the two year old pulls down because he wants to make a fort out of them. Then we pay for the postage (5 bucks), load the kids back in the car, drive home, unload the kids and fall onto the couch.
Five minutes later, my husband walks through the door and asks why I haven't vacuumed yet.
Can I make a passionate plea to agents and editors everywhere? Email. For the love of all things holy and right. Email.