Breaking In

By Marin Thomas, Harlequin American Romance Author

A few years ago, I spoke to a group of aspiring writers. I’ll always remember the looks of disbelief on their faces when I revealed how long it took me to sell my first manuscript–five years AFTER I made up mind to seriously pursue publication.

There are a few writers who can brag that they sold the very first book they wrote–but not many.  It takes time and practice to hone your writing skills, learn about story arcs and develop a writing “voice.”  If only mastering the craft guaranteed publication!

One of the keys to breaking in with a large publisher such as Harlequin, which markets books through various “lines”, is reading books from the line you wish to write for.  Study those books–plots, settings, characters, pacing, tone etc.  Make sure your book fits the line you intend to query and always follow the publisher’s submission guidelines.  You want to show you’re a savvy writer, not one who can’t follow instructions.

Harlequin is one of the few publishers that still accepts unagented submissions.  If you’re trying to get your book in front of a publisher that only accepts “agented” submissions, you’ll need to query agents first with your book. that  means researching literary agencies whose agents represent the type of book you’ve written.  If you’ve queried agents with no luck, attend a local writers’ conference and pitch your story to an editor or agent there.  There are writing organizations for all genres–search them out.

A professional writer’s organization is a great place to learn about the industry, about publishers, and to hook up with a critique partner if you want feedback on your work.  Many organizations sponsor writing contests in which the final judges are editors or agents, giving you another opportunity to get your work in front of the right people and to receive valuable feedback or a request to submit your entire book for consideration.

Even when you play by the rules — submit a clean, properly formatted book targeted to the right line, editor or agent — sometimes there are factors beyond your control.

• The editor/agent just broke up with their significant other. When she reads your submission, it gets tossed into the shredder because she hates everything and everyone that day.
• Keeping up with trends. You’ve written a vampire romance. By the time it works its way to the top of the slush pile, the publisher decides he’s published enough vampires stories and now wants ninjas from outer space.
• Sometimes it’s not the book you’ve written; it’s the fact that you’re an unknown.  Unless your book is the next “Oprah Pick” a publisher may not be willing to take a chance on you.  Maybe they don’t have the financial means to promote a new author/book.  They’d rather buy a so-so book from an established author with a solid sales numbers that they don’t have to spend advertising dollars on.

What you can control

Perseverance–a crucial trait a serious writer must possess if they expect to break in with a major publisher.  Keep in mind there are hundreds, if not thousands, of good writers submitting manuscripts to publishers/agents all over the world.  Many, if not the majority of writers stop submitting work after a few rejections.  Writing is tough on the ego.  If you want to see your book on the shelf of B&N or Borders, you can’t give up.  It’s as simple and as tough as that — don’t quit.  Keep writing, keep submitting. Keep learning the craft.  One day the stars will align and you’ll get the “call.”

Those years of perseverance pay off when your editor says, “We’d like to buy your book, but the books needs major revisions.”  That’s another blog for another day.

Let’s talk money — or not

There are the few and famous writers who not only support themselves on their writing income but probably several needy family members as well.  I am most definitely not one of those.  Most writers earn an advance. Depending on the publisher, it can be broken down into halves or thirds.  Half on signing and half on delivery of manuscript.  Or a third on signing, a third on delivery of the first three chapters, then a third on delivery of a revised manuscript. This process can take up to a year.

Most publishers send out royalty checks twice a year.  This is the money you get after your book “earns out” your advance.  Publishers don’t readily release all monies earned after the advance is paid back. They hold on to a good portion  until they know how many unsold books are returned.  It’s not unheard of for the author of a single title book to not earn out their advance and, therefore, never receive a royalty check.

So, if it takes forever to get published, and the money is no good — why keep writing?  For me it’s simple–I can’t NOT write.  Writing is a part of who I am.  Knowing I’ve given a reader a few hours of enjoyment, took her mind off her troubles, or inspired her to make a difference in others’ lives is worth more than the numbers on my paycheck.

Read about Marin’s books at her website. Her latest series for Harlequin American Romance is available through online retailers. The Cowboy and the Angel (Nov 08), A Cowboy’s Promise(April 09) and Samantha’s Cowboy (Aug 09)

Read more:

How not to use Brad Pitt in your headlines

Ten habits of successful writers

(Gail’s first answer, on how being in the right place can drive your success, is invaluable!)

Gail, tell me a little about your background and how you came to be in the public relations and publicity field as a publicist.

I morphed into PR at the University of South Florida studying toward a degree in journalism which was closely linked to public relations curriculum. A guest speaker I admired freshman year advised me to write as much as I could. She suggested I volunteer to write for the school paper, the Oracle, which, it turned out, had a paying spot for a sports writer. That summer, I was awarded my own column! I received a thank you note from a coach I wrote about and my editor objected, claiming that would make a hard-news reporter soft. I thought maybe newspaper writing wasn’t my calling — I liked nice notes!

A friend introduced me to the university sports information director who made me student assistant to learn the ropes. Soon, I was compensated for that work, too, and that began a time line that included some of the best experiences in my life.

I learned to be a sports publicist and had the opportunity to string for the Tampa Tribute and St. Petersburg Times. I wrote briefs, Associated Press-style stories, for print after USF’s non-revenue sports events. I was paid $25 per story, and my copy was read by professional editors. I was happy to oblige.

So, being in the right place, right time, and working hard created opportunity. How did you decide to go solo with your own agency?

I was actually forced to go solo, to a degree. I was fired from a PR agency when the owner and I didn’t see eye-to-eye on several issues. While I was looking for the “perfect” job, small businesses I patronized began to ask me to write news releases–help them generate media attention. That was a bunch of years ago.

To what degree does writing skill and know-how affect your success?

Writing skill plays a huge part. Before I begin to write, however, research and education is important, even if I know the topic. In today’s 24/7 information cycle, things change quickly, so it’s important to check facts before, during and after you write.

How could a freelance magazine writer, experienced blogger or web writer transition to being a publicist? Would you recommend that choice?

Most any media writer can be a great publicist. You know what the media needs to produce a quality story and how reporters and editors want information and pitches presented. Bloggers, unless versed in traditional media, may need to learn media relations. The best publicists provide who-what-when-where-why and how, and leave the hyperbole and embellished language to feature journalists.

How much freelance writing do you do on the side?

I’m doing more freelance writing now than in past years. The huge growth in blogs and reduced staffs at print publications have brought about the need for more freelance writers.

What the biggest challenge you’ve had as an entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, more so a solopreneur, I have to stay on top of my game by continually educating myself on the advances and trends in my own industry. I have to keep up with business practices. I read, A LOT!

It’s fun to work with celebrities and to see your words in print. What’s the biggest mistake an entrepreneurial writer can make?

As in any entrepreneurial business, regardless of how busy you are, you must continue to make contacts and market yourself (hello pot, this is kettle!). The time to ramp up your marketing effort is not when the well runs dry and you appear desperate for work. Today more than ever, a consistent and ongoing marketing and branding effort is important to a business’ success. Even if you take a break or have paying clients for a period of time, keep writing. Keep journals. Write stories on current events. Writing is like a sport. You need to keep skills sharp so you can perform like a pro when your skills are called upon.

I see you on Twitter, what’s your promotion strategy for your own business – what’s working best for you?

Twitter is 95% providing value to followers. If they like what you have to offer, they’ll come back and refer friends. My strategy includes providing information, sharing articles or blog posts readers will enjoy, and 5% self-promotion–links to my writing. Engagement is key. Relationships develop best when you authentically engage with your audience.

How do you find work or clients?

I’m fortunate. My work comes from referrals and networking. I write for industry blogs and publications that reach audiences of thousands, and have used my expertise to contribute to my social networks.

Tell us your most thrilling publicity success so far.

As a publicist, I’m thrilled this week to have landed a great feature for a client in ESPN the Magazine. But my biggest thrill hasn’t happened yet. In five years, I want to have my passion project under way and thriving. I can’t say what that is right now, but I’ll say it’s not publicity-related. It’s fun and fills a niche that’s under-served.

What else should aspiring publicists know about the business?

Be willing to expand your education when you have an opportunity. Network in your desired niche. Develop and nurture relationships. It’s about who you know and, more importantly, who knows you. You want to be one of the first names that comes to mind when someone wants to hire a publicist. Oh, and never hesitate to promote yourself when the occasion permits. Ahem!

Twenty years of public relations experience, including 10 in NCAA Division I sports information during which she received national awards for her work, have helped Gail Sideman emerge as a nationally-respected publicity professional in sports, social media and publishing. She is also a veteran support staffer of sports television crews for events that include the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA regular and postseason and others. You may more information about Sideman’s business, Publiside, or follow her at Twitter and Facebook.

Linda Formichelli teaches you how to sell your writing

Writer, Linda Formichelli

Want to sell your writing to high-profile magazines? It isn’t a walk in the press room to break in to magazines, but you can do it if you put your back into it. You need a successful mentor and you can buy one online. Linda Formichelli morphed herself into a high-demand freelance content provider and she shares her secrets for a price. Is she worth it?

Formichelli markets an e-course, Getting Published in Magazines. The price tag for the eight-week course, one lesson per week, depends on how much support you want. Interestingly, she combines coaching with the classes. Prefer to wing it? Say you’re a pro, with a clip file and an idea of how the magazine business works. You’re established in another market segment and want to test the magazine scene — choose the basic course at $120.

What’s in the “box”

Week 1. Generating Ideas (assignment: come up with three salable ideas)
Week 2. Finding Markets (assignment: choose one of your three ideas to run with for the rest of the course, and find five magazines to send your idea to)
Week 3. Finding Editors (assignment: find out which editor to pitch at each magazine, plus their contact info)
Week 4. Doing Interviews Part I (assignment: set up as many expert interviews as you need – generally 1 to 3)
Week 5. Doing Interviews Part II (assignment: do the interviews)
Week 6. Writing the Title and Lede (assignment: guess what? ;-> Write the title and lede of your query letter)
Week 7. Writing the Body and Closing (assignment: write the body and “why I am so great” paragraph of your query)
Week 8. Sending Your Query (assignment: get that thing out the door!)

How it works

The Getting Published in Magazines course is well organized and progressive. Follow the steps, build one assignment upon another. You should end up with a polished query letter, a good sampling of marketable ideas, at least the bones of an article and a list of markets to pitch. Not bad, especially when the experience can be replicated, part of the definition of success.

What’s good about Getting Published in Magazines

• You can’t just read chapter headings, steal the exercises and get the meat of this course. Formichelli imparts insider knowledge, spilling secrets, bit by bit.
• Solid ideas for finding markets. Unlike other providers, Formacelli names names, telling the who and where.
• I learned things I didn’t know. Do you know what a TK Ways piece is? Sorry, I can’t leak course secrets.
• Worth its weight in gold – a set of query letters that she, her husband and her writing partner used to make hefty sales. She’ll give it to you somewhere around lesson three.
• Tips on how to present yourself as a pro, when and how to ignore haggard submission advice. As co-author of The Renegade Writer, a book based on breaking rules, she gives authentic advice.
• Two week, money back guarantee.

Getting Published in Magazines – what isn’t the greatest

• You’d have to stretch to make the course take eight weeks, but the lessons are sent once a week, thereby, slowing up more precocious students.
• No interaction with other students, though that can be helpful. I’ve taken courses both ways and prefer the interactive.
• Picky points, but the site needs a bit of an update – page headers don’t always match the page topic and some of the content still refers to typed and mailed pitches or submissions, which almost never happen anymore. I told you they were picky points.

Premium course

Beginners or those looking for immerse in the class can do the premium version at double the price. That buys you direct email mentoring or coaching from Formichelli. From casual knowledge of her style, I’d bet she provides abundant mentoring  – she’s generous with her time and eager to help writers find their profitable niche.

Will you learn to sell your writing?

I first met Linda Formichelli as a member of the online community, The Well. She was just breaking into freelancing. Unlike many forum frequenters, she didn’t spend time yacking or whining about writers’ block. She sought people to interview or she drummed up story ideas. She’s as qualified as anyone to teach this type of course and it’s likely that following her advice will lead to magazine work.

Formichelli says her students have landed assignments in pubs like Writer’s Digest, Woman’s Day, Pizza Today, Michigan Out-Of-Doors, and Graduating Engineer. Taking her course made me get out of my safe rut and submit to a couple of new markets. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and confirmed that I don’t know it all.

Read more about selling your writing

Review, Staff Blogging course

Sara Paretsky shares her writing life secrets