Editting is DONE!
I did something incredibly decadent not too long ago. I took a personal day off work and spent the entire day focused on my writing. Now that my WIP has made it through my critique group, it needed a thorough go-over. I started at 7:30 am & called it quits about 3:15 pm. Took a 30 minute lunch break. The editting was not complete, but it was within a few days. It felt incredibly good to close my laptop and announce to the Schnauzers, "It's done!" (they, of course, were not nearly as excited as I was).
Then it occurred to me that I had more work to do. The story needed one more final go-through by my critique group, so they could see the changes that had been made and look for any holes in the plot or problems with the characters. Did that (though I still keep going over it more and more, making more tweaks. I don't know that it'll ever get done, truly. Others probably deal with the same thing. I suspect it will never be done - it will simply be handed off to someone else, hopefully published.
)
The next step is to find an agent. This breaks down into a couple of steps, the first of which is research. Thanks to the internet, that search is somewhat easier than it would have been a few years ago. Once you begin your research, you need to find a way to track the information you discover. I created my own spreadsheet, which includes columns for the agent's name, agency, mailing address, phone number, email address, whether or not they are a member of AAR, whether they accept email or snail mail queries, the date I sent a query, the date I got a response, and a large column for notes. There is software available, if you are so inclined, but I think it's just as easy to customize your own spreadsheet. If you want a copy of my template, email me and I'll be glad to share it with you. If you create your own spreadsheet, carry it with you on a thumb drive or email it to yourself on a web-based email account so you can access it no matter where you are when you have time to research.
Another option is to use a website based tool. I like Query Tracker, mainly because it combines research, a database, and my own query list, all in one handy spot. I've always gotten a prompt response from Patrick when I found info on a new agent for him to add.
You'll find different suggestions as to the number of agents to query. I suggest starting with a list of 10 good prospects and then work on your query letter (which I'll discuss in more detail in the next post). The reason to start with 10 agent prospects is that you may get feedback from one or more of those agents when they reject you that will allow you to change your approach for your next 10 prospects.
Then it occurred to me that I had more work to do. The story needed one more final go-through by my critique group, so they could see the changes that had been made and look for any holes in the plot or problems with the characters. Did that (though I still keep going over it more and more, making more tweaks. I don't know that it'll ever get done, truly. Others probably deal with the same thing. I suspect it will never be done - it will simply be handed off to someone else, hopefully published.
)The next step is to find an agent. This breaks down into a couple of steps, the first of which is research. Thanks to the internet, that search is somewhat easier than it would have been a few years ago. Once you begin your research, you need to find a way to track the information you discover. I created my own spreadsheet, which includes columns for the agent's name, agency, mailing address, phone number, email address, whether or not they are a member of AAR, whether they accept email or snail mail queries, the date I sent a query, the date I got a response, and a large column for notes. There is software available, if you are so inclined, but I think it's just as easy to customize your own spreadsheet. If you want a copy of my template, email me and I'll be glad to share it with you. If you create your own spreadsheet, carry it with you on a thumb drive or email it to yourself on a web-based email account so you can access it no matter where you are when you have time to research.
Another option is to use a website based tool. I like Query Tracker, mainly because it combines research, a database, and my own query list, all in one handy spot. I've always gotten a prompt response from Patrick when I found info on a new agent for him to add.
You'll find different suggestions as to the number of agents to query. I suggest starting with a list of 10 good prospects and then work on your query letter (which I'll discuss in more detail in the next post). The reason to start with 10 agent prospects is that you may get feedback from one or more of those agents when they reject you that will allow you to change your approach for your next 10 prospects.
Posted by Elle Robb at 6/24/2009 12:32 AM 
Categories: writing tips and tricks
Tags: writing agent revising editting query critique group
Categories: writing tips and tricks
Tags: writing agent revising editting query critique group
I am SO proud of you! Way to go, Elle Robb! Love the new blog look, too!
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