By now I'm betting you're wondering why I'm so stressed about this damn query copy thing. I mean, geez, that's all I've talked about lately. That's all I've been thinking about lately, too. When I wake up in the morning, I sit down and work on the damn thing.
Well, I was thinking about it yesterday. The reason I stress so much over the query letter copy is simple. I spent untold hours writing a book, and all that work either stands or falls based on one little letter. I know I've talked about this before, but it bears repeating. 94K words lives or dies based on whether 250 words can entice an agent enough to read more.
Pressure anyone?
So, I'm sorry if my posts have been a little irritating lately. I'm sure you're all sick of reading about it by now. I know I'm sick of thinking about it. In fact, I've been at this so diligently for so many days that now it seems like each subsequent draft blows chunks worse than the one before. But even the older drafts still aren't right. I thought I had it yesterday, but in retrospect, I missed again. :cue Phil Collins: Missed again, Ohh-oh-oh-oh. I think I missed again. oh-Oh-oh.
Anyway, whilst in the midst of this battle with submission materials, I am doing other things. I finally got around to working on the edits for Nano. The first bit - a sort-of prologue - still looks good, but I think the entire first chapter has to go. Snippity-snip. It's interesting and gives some important info, but it's not crucial and the info can be woven in later. Ba-bye words.
And as for C&D, I'll get back to Jordan later. Don't worry. The book is getting used to being put off, or at least it should be by now. Thank goodness it's not a time sensitive piece.
In other news, I got the first chapter of Blink back from a beta reader last night, and she likes it. Always a good thing.
But enough about me. What's new with you?
Saturday Reading Wrap-up 12/21/24
12 hours ago
4 comments:
Still trying to write this wretched novella.
About your blurb...can I offer some advice? Do a paragraph about your heroine, then one about your hero, then one that ties them both together. Just try it. If you want to see what I'm talking about, I can send you a few of my agent-approved blurbs. Just email me.
I'm trying to get back in the swing of querying. Even preached to myself in my blog post today.
Ack. I've never tried a novella, but I have a tough enough time keeping my novels under 100K. Thanks for the offer and the advice, Kristen. You're a peach.
You've had so much going on lately, Travis, I don't blame you. I'm sure you'll get to it again once things get back to normal. And soon we'll see Plundered Booty on the shelves. =i)
Hey Kristen. I don't have your addy and it isn't listed on your profile. Mine is, so shoot me a note I can reply to. =o)
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