Archive for March, 2010

re: Is My Independent Publisher’s Contract Normal?

posted 3/27/10

Dear Editor…

I submitted my query to a number of agents and an independent publisher and the publisher is interested in my work. I’ve received a contract and there isn’t any mention of an advance, and they’ve asked me how many books I would like to purchase to help with self-promotion. Is this normal?

Sincerely,

Cindy

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re: This Story in my Head Won’t Leave Me Alone

posted 3/22/10

Dear Editor…

I’m an engineer but I’ve had this story floating around in my head for a few years and it won’t leave me alone. It’s really starting to bother me because I don’t have the foggiest idea about writing styles or even where to begin. I do know I have to get it out of my head. Help! Where do I begin?

Sincerely,

Joe

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re: Confusing Rejection Letters from Editors

posted 3/18/10

Dear Editor…

I have received a couple of rejection notices from editors that confuse me. They write they like the premise and voice, but say the execution fell short.  What do editors mean when they talk about execution? Pace? Plot?

Thanks!
Author in Waiting

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re: Which Comes First, the Editor or the Agent?

posted 3/15/10

Dear Editor…

I’ve heard that the only way a publishing house will even consider looking at a manuscript is if it’s submitted by a literary agent. Is that true? And if so, how do I go about finding an agent for myself?

Sincerely,

Mary

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re: Are Sentence Fragments Worth Fisticuffs?

posted 3/11/10

Dear Editor…

An argument is ensuing in my writing group about “realistic” dialog. On one side are the believers in using clipped dialog as they believe that is the way people speak—all the time. I say sometimes people speak in full sentences, so I use both. What’s the right balance? Assuming two native speakers.

Sincerely,

Bill

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