Violet Ink Writing Tips

It’s easy to get mad at the editor. After all, they just don’t get it. Did they even READ that chapter? Was it necessary to use that much red ink? Maybe they’re bitter. Or jealous. Yeah, that’s it. They secretly hate me, and they are passive aggressively telling me through their comments on my manuscript.

Let’s face it, writers. We can get mighty protective of our books. And for good reason. There have been times when I wanted to throw my manuscript across the room (if it wasn’t a file on my computer) after reading an editorial comment. After all, we spend an ungodly amount of time writing the story. We spend countless hours rewriting and reworking. Dissecting every line. Every word. Making sure the writing flows. Our plot has to be compelling, and it has to make sense–but it can’t be predictable! Our characters need to be larger than life; their motivations have to make sense. And they can’t sigh more than three times in 300 pages! I know by the time I hit send, I am DONE. And then I usually collapse and go ba-ba-ba at the wall.

So naturally I’m going to glare at my screen when I get notes from a well-meaning critique partner or my agent or my editor. The first read is always the most overwhelming. My initial thoughts are usually…oh my god, they hate it. They want me to change WHAT?? My main character is annoying? No, they aren’t! What do they mean they want MORE? More what?? And what’s this about pacing? God, if I hear the word pacing one more time, I’m gonna….@#@$@#%%!!!!!! That’s it. This book sucks. I quit. I’m going to delete my manuscript. But first I’m going to tell this person how WRONG I think they are! *ferociously types email*

When they say not to react or respond as soon as you get an editorial letter, they know what they’re talking about, okay? Without fail, I calm down after mulling things over for a couple days. I start thinking things like…wait, they have a point here. My main character IS really whiny in this scene. And do I really need to describe the MC’s homework for ten pages? Did I seriously mention the love interest’s eyes on every other page? How could I miss that???

I might be an editor, but I don’t trust myself to edit my own work. I’m great at being hard on myself, and I do the best I can to be objective, but I am always emotionally invested. There is always going to be something I miss…or don’t want to see.

I can’t speak for all editors, but I can speak for myself…and I’m betting a lot of editors will agree with me. I look at every book as a challenge–how can I help make this the best story it can be? The author isn’t even in the equation for me in that there is NOTHING personal about my commentary. I’m not sitting there thinking hmm…how can I piss this author off? I’m not encoding little ‘you suck’ messages in the track changes. My focus is 100% on the story and all of its components–and how those components work together. It’s a very analytical–almost clinical–state of mind I find myself in. Because, quite frankly, emotions will only get in the way. While I always strive to be constructive and tactful, I can’t worry about what the author might think. After all, I’m not their friend or their mom. They are paying me for a reason–they want to make their story better (even if they secretly wish I’d tell them it’s perfect–which will NEVER happen ahem). I spend a great deal of time organizing my thoughts, and I don’t make comments that I’m not 100% behind. Some stories need more comments than others, but–again–it has NOTHING to do with the author or their worth as a writer.

Anyway, my point is…next time you get editorial comments on your manuscript, at least wait a couple days to punch your editor. Unless the comments are downright mean or critical of you as a person, chances are they were meant in helpful way. And in a couple days–after you’ve simmered down–you’ll be glad you had the help. In fact…think of an editor as the person who tells you your fly is unzipped BEFORE you go out into public.

Hey, the analogy works for me. *shrug*

What to know before firing off that first query…

As a published author and a literary agent intern, I have experienced the agent hunt from both sides of the desk. This gives me a unique perspective on what can be a very frustrating and confusing process for aspiring authors.

From a writer’s perspective, I know exactly how nail-biting the agent hunt can be. I’ve been through it!

-How do I sum up a three-hundred page novel in one compelling paragraph?

-I have no publishing credits, what do I say in my bio? Should I tell them about my stint with the circus? That will help me stand out, right? Maybe I should talk about my cats. Everyone likes pets.

-How do I address the agent? First name only? First name and last name? Ms. or Miss?

-I’m not finished with my book yet. Should I query a few agents just to test the waters?

Exhausting, isn’t it? The typical agent gets hundreds—even thousands—of queries a week. It’s like trying to get your voice heard in a crowd of thousands talking at once.

But you know what? It’s not impossible. The queries that stand out to me in the slush pile share these qualities: brevity, a compelling hook, clarity, and outstanding writing.

Let’s start with the basics

If you’ve ever applied for a job, you’ve probably written a cover letter. The idea is to highlight the skills and experience related to the job you are applying for. Would you tell a potential employer about the poetry contest you won in fourth grade? Would you talk about your kids or your dog? Probably not.

But I see this time and time again in the slush pile. Many authors make the mistake of not treating their query like a cover letter.

Keep it succinct. Keep it professional. Check all spelling and grammar. The main focus of your query should be your book.

The anatomy of a query

Many authors stress over how to address the agent they are querying. Unless you are the agent’s best friend or sister, you will want to stick with a professional salutation. Dear Ms./Mr. Last Name is the best way to start your letter.

An introductory paragraph telling the agent why you queried them isn’t required, but it is definitely welcomed. A personalized introduction shows you’ve done your research. Be brief—no more than a couple lines. Example: You represent some of my favorite authors, and I love your blog, Literary Agent Extraordinaire. Please consider representing my YA paranormal novel, Sparkly Vampire.

Devote the next paragraph (or two) to your book. This is what the agent is most interested in. Make your pitch short, catchy, and clear. Who are the characters? What is the conflict? Why should we care? That’s it.

Your biography should be the last paragraph, and it should be short and relevant to the book. If you have publishing credits, mention them. If you are a former rock star, and you’ve written a book about an aspiring musician, mention that. Remember: Don’t say anything you wouldn’t in a cover letter.

Five things to do before writing your query

1.     If you are unpublished, finish your book. No agent wants to take on an unproven author without the finished product.

2.   Have your book critiqued by several people. Family and friends are great, but they are the worst people for this job. Joining a critique group is the best idea.

3.  Revise. Revise. Revise. Your book should be as perfect as you can make it before your agent hunt. Competition is fierce, and you usually only get one shot per book.

4.  Do your research. Read widely in the genre you write in. Know what agents represent books like yours. Google is your best friend here.

5.  Join a writing community online. This is one of the easiest ways to get a wealth of information from agents, editors, and your fellow authors. Many message boards have threads where people post their queries for critique. It’s also an excellent way to network.

Common query missteps

Not following submission directions

A large percentage of the queries we receive in the slush pile do not follow the submission directions posted on the agent’s website. This is where research will put you ahead of a nice chunk of the slush pile. Never query an agent without first looking up their website and submission guidelines.

Wrong genre

Any agent will tell you they get a high percentage of queries for a genre they do not represent. Again, this is easily avoided with simple research. http://agentquery.com comes to mind.

Too long and/or confusing

A query isn’t the place to mention every minor character or plot detail. A bloated query tends to be a confusing query. Keep it simple. I already mentioned this formula once, but here’s a little more detail: Who are the main/major characters? What is the biggest conflict? Why should we care? If you can’t answer those questions, then you might want to take another look at your story. Chances are you have too many characters and/or conflicts OR not enough.

Want more specifics? Here’s a post I made a few months back as I went through the slush pile…(Note: All examples/titles are fictional)

1. Don’t describe your MC as a ‘modern day Anne of Green Gables meets Veronica Mars who will appeal to girls who don’t fit in’ Tell me WHO she is. You know..what is her issue and why should I care? And most importantly, what makes her unique?

2. Don’t describe your story as ‘Harry Potter meets Gossip Girl with evil unicorns and talking bugs thrown in’. Tell me what it’s about–as in describe the main character, the main conflict, and just what the heck the MC plans to do about it.

3. I’m glad you love your dogs. And that your favorite food is nachos. And that you’re an avid snowboarder. And that you’ve been a lawyer for the last 20 years. Your son’s name is cute too! But….with all due respect…why are you telling me this? This isn’t match.com. The only sentences that interest me are those pertaining to your book and any relevant writing experience. Awards are fine too! (as long as they are writing related)

4. I know this one has been covered a lot–but I must reiterate. Please don’t have your MC write the query. I now understand what agents mean when they say it’s a very jarring experience.

5. Your query should not be longer than your novel.

6. Please don’t attach the cover you made for your book. I get the need to do this…as I love making mock covers myself Put them on your blogs or websites if you’d like. But they don’t belong in a query.

7. Those first 5-10 pages count. Actually, that first paragraph can make or break you. And as a fellow writer, I HATE saying that. Because all that pressure to have the perfect first page drove me crazy!! (still does) Avoid gross first lines like this: “Johnny picked a booger from his nose and flung it across the room.” (my agent will tell you I was guilty of something similar in HF…although I waited a few paragraphs) Other first lines to avoid… “The full moon hovered above the dark..dark woods.” “Mary woke up and….” “What would you do if…”

8. Flat writing. Do not do it. Because flat writing is bad. It is boring. It makes me sleepy. And then I might yawn.

9. WHAT IS WITH THE RANDOM LINES IN CAPS? Just sayin’.

10. First paragraphs that read like an About Me section on Facebook . Instead of listing a bunch of character traits and interests, show me what they’re like–it’s more interesting that way, I promise!