Originally published in Nelson Literary Agency’s monthly newsletter Here are three examples of a formula I’ve seen many times in our query inbox. See if you can figure out why the formula doesn’t work…and why we’re probably going to pass on reading the sample pages: Example #1: Middle Grade “Protagonist and his friends go on many exciting adventures….
Category: Blog
On Being a Waffle
Yeah, that’s me. The human waffle. No, I’m not running for office, but I am trying to be Elastic Writer Girl and make my story fit all the different opinions I managed to attract at Colorado Gold. See, I have this great story. Everyone I’ve talked to loves it. So of course I submit it…
Concerning Conferences: A noob’s thoughts on time, worth, and industry
It’s our honor to introduce new victim blogger, Josh Dorne, who you might’ve met at the Colorado Gold. Take it away, Josh…. Let’s pretend, for one second, that I know what I’m talking about. For our current intents and purposes, it doesn’t matter. I mean, come on! This is the Internet. But as of this writing…
Get out of jail–er, writer’s block–card
To escape writer’s block, douse the raging fears and critical inner voice, and find a route to fresh thinking. For me, that route has been to write to my friend, Pam, and explain what’s blocking my writing. How my BFF helps me escape writer’s block Dear Pam, Here I am again, writing to you because…
Denver, the Literary Capital of the West?
I’ve lived in four major cities beyond Denver during my life – Detroit, Tampa, Dallas and even London, England for a year. Guess you could say I’ve been around the block a time or two. And in my experience, one of the things I’ve found to be unique and special about Denver is the vibrancy…