After three days of intense workshops, lectures, practicing the pitch and several read and critiques with agents, editors and PR pros, I noticed how all workshop leaders kept asking the same three important questions: “Why is your book unique? “Why would anyone want to read it?” and “Who is your target audience?” These may sound like straightforward questions, but so many writers struggle with concise answers.
Throw in a dynamite pitch and a 25 word synopsis which you can WOW agents and editors with, and if you already have that,you’re ahead of the game. Please share your pitch and/or synopsis in the comments section of my blog, if you have one you’d like to share.
One speaker said, “if you’re having trouble writing a synopsis, you can always ask friends what do you think my book is about? and don’t argue with them.”
With 440,000 new books published in 2008, competition is very stiff, and you better know who you are–your platform– and why the public will read your book.
Antoinette Kuritz, the founder of the La Jolla Writers conference, offered great advice on effective PR. “Books have a shelf like somewhere between yogurt and milk,” which suggests the importance of starting your marketing plan and PR strategies about a year or so before your book comes out.
I think most writers would like to increase the shelf life of their book to ultra-pasteurized long-life milk.
Another tip they offered is to write articles on your topic and query magazines before your book is published. Include the article with your query, to save time waiting. I’m throwing in a mish-mash of tips, but I found this one interesting. If you’re going to be interviewed for radio, stand up with your phone and walk around as your voice will come across with more expression and enthusiasm than if you sit down.
Three New York Times Bestselling authors: Jane Green, Eileen Goudge and Lisa Gardner, were not only keynote speakers, but also offered private read and critique sessions to writers. I had a wonderful chat with Jane Green after her lecture. She is such a sweet, down-to-earth lady, and shared some photos on her iPhone that she took during her interview with Hugh Grant and Harrison Ford.
I had two agent read and critiques. Both of them said they liked my story, and one in particular mentioned she found my European upbringing and parenting methods, merged with life in Orange County, and moving to another culture in Belize, very interesting in the layers and sub-themes it offers. She gave me four months to submit the manuscript. Even if nothing comes from this “experiment,” I now have another goal which will force me to write a book proposal. This means a TON of work, especially around the holiday season.
Please share if you’ve written a book proposal. How painful was it? Apparently fiction writers are also encouraged to write a book proposal to develop a marketing and sales plan they can show publishers.
Let’s not forget that although writers see the creative element, publishers are only interested in sales.
Glad to hear you got positive feedback on your work!! 🙂 That's thrilling that she feels you're so close. **hugs**
A 25 word synopsis.. this is tough…
I have literally sat here for 20 minutes typing and deleting trying to come up with something. This is way harder than it sounds!!
Great you had such a good experience, Sonia. Conferences can be very intense but also give you more energy and enthusiasm for the project at hand.
My 25 word pitch is:
My daily-life (mis)adventures as a foreigner living, eating, shopping, traveling and being dumb in Ghana, Palestine, Armenia and other fun places around the globe.
Since you've read my stories, I wonder if you think this works according to what you learned in your work shops.
I've written synopses and proposals and dread the thought of them. It's very difficult but actually a good "test" because it can show you flaws in your book. It makes you focus.
It's hard because it is not creative the way other writing is. It's left- brain stuff. Artist and writers are usually right-brain people.
Good luck working on your book!
I crossed America in 1959 as an illiterate boy of 14. Every well known author who read my manuscript, Timekeeper, endorsed it. My readers are the baby Boomers and those who likes an unusual voice and style of writing.
Sharon Baldacci, David's sister, Lee Irby, Howard Owen and others pitched it for me. It more than one way to skin a … and Timekeeper is 5 star rated. Mama used to sat it's a poor dog that won't wag it tail. See for yourself.
http://www.atkinsontimekeeper.com/
That is all so interesting and so foreign to me, Sonia. It sounds like you really learned a lot. I really admire you for putting yourself out there to learn all you can to achieve your goal. I guess that's where the "gutsy" comes in, huh?
Interesting (and encouraging!) comment about the sub-layers. I was interested in your story just for the story, but I think she's right: all of that really gives your book substance and sets it apart.
Good luck!
Congratulations on your experiment, sonia.
I've never wrieten a book proposal. I haven't even finished my thesis proposal — not that I'm actually going to write my thesis now, with everything that's happened.
I hope you keep enjoying your experiment in writing.
Your manuscript has been solicited! How fabulous! So get to work!
Congratulations on the positive feedback and the concrete tips you got. I can imagine that writing a marketing and sales plan is difficult. Especially as publishers often have their own views about what works and what doesn't.
A quick aside to Miss Footloose: I don't think you act dumb at all! I recommend that you do not write negatively about yourself in your own synopsis. You offer witty insights into other cultures would be my take on your writing! 😉
I would look forward to reading From Freeways to Flip Flops! I am exploring writing short fiction. Some short enough to be considered flash fiction. I don't think much about publishing, but there are a few ezines specializing in flash, I may try submitting there. (I got to your site by way of BLOGitse!)
Cannot wait to hear about your adventure the next four months!! This is awesome news!!! I have submitted a pre-manuscript about 7 years ago…. but nothing came from it…other than lots of rejection letters!
but I am not giving up!
It sounded like a wonderful experience..
@CairoTypO
Believe me, this is very, very difficult.
@Miss Footloose
Your comment about the right-brain vs. the left-brain is so true as far as writers having to use both.
From the information I gathered during the PR sessions, a pitch is to "sell" the concept of your book. You need to hook the listener right away. It's an idea that will make the bookseller, the media and the reading audience talk about the book. "Ever wonder what real adventure is like for the ordinary person? Something along those lines. I'm not a PR person, but something along those lines to sell your adventure stories.
@John
Will check your link.
@Jeanie
I love to learn as do many other writers. Thanks for the compliment.
@Jennifer
Yes, it the agent did reinforce something one of my neighbors had mentioned about her interest in my background from Europe etc.
@Rob-bear
What is your thesis about?
@Pop and ice
Thanks. The experiment continues.
@LadyFi
I agree with you on the advice to Miss Footloose.
@Mythopolis
There are many avenues for publishing on line these days. Good luck and thanks for visiting.
Congrats! You go girl! I can't wait to hear how it all turns out. Good luck!
Who is this "vitamin supplements" whose comment is stolen straight from my post!?
@C and H Romenesko
Thanks for your visit. I have new friends in Denmark now.
@Miss Footloose
You are so right and I apologize for not seeing that myself. It's been removed. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
25 words????
How I survived the jungle and lived to tell it!
Very exciting, Sonia! I can't wait to catch up with you in person. Pam
So very right on! I started my Blog, A Book Inside, nearly one year prior to the release of my book, A Book Inside, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story. When the book was finally released, I had a head start on marketing it.
Great advice, thank you and keep it going!
The information here is great. I will invite my friends here.
Thanks