The Writing side
Tracey’s Tips
 
*Always be polite. I know this sounds simple, but remember editors and agents are people too.

*Keep your query letters to one page. Click here to view article on query letters.

*When an editor or agent asks to see three chapters, send in the first three consecutive chapters. If you think that chapter five, six and seven are better than one, two and three than perhaps you should consider rewriting the beginning of your novel.

*Study the market. Don’t send a paranormal contemporary book to an editor or agent who only wants historical romance.

*Send the requested material the way it’s been requested. If an E or A wants you to snail mail them a proposal, first three chapters and a synopsis, don’t email it to them unless they’ve asked you to do so. And don’t send extra chapters thinking they’ll read ahead, these are busy people, if they want to see more, they’ll ask for it. And always included an SASE so they can respond to you.

*Study the market. Don’t send a paranormal contemporary book to an editor or agent who only wants historical romance.

*Remember this is a hurry up and wait business. An E or A might be excited about your manuscript and want to see it right way, but it could take upwards of three-six months before you hear back.

Useful websites
www.rwanational.org
www.publishersmarketplace.com

My can’t live without Resource books

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner
A World of Baby Names
Snoopy’s Guide to the Writing Life edited by Barnaby Conrad and Monte Schulz
Costume in Detail women’s dress 1730-1930
The Writer’s Guide to Everyday life in the 1800’s
Writing from the Inside Out by Dennis Palumbo
Guide to Wine
The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Choosing Wine
The Flip Dictionary