tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post4324532417558726324..comments2024-03-25T05:17:05.202-05:00Comments on Writing In The Crosshairs: INSECURE WRITER SUPPORT_CASTING DREAMS INTO THE DARKNESSRoland D. Yeomanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-51317999093251628952012-09-06T16:00:55.502-05:002012-09-06T16:00:55.502-05:00Roland, you are simply amazing. You do know that, ...Roland, you are simply amazing. You do know that, right? You keep on, keeping on. Kudos to you. As I'm crafting this (dang-blasted) query letter for CUFFED, I've got your post starred, as I need to revisit it again when I'm done to check off the 4 C's. Querying is a tedious chore, but I know it must be done. I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet, even if it is sopping wet, and heavy to carry. <br /><br />Thanks for your advice. Hope you're feeling much better this week!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02691497935668743387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-54200613989248130792012-09-06T00:01:56.553-05:002012-09-06T00:01:56.553-05:00Michael:
I hope it helps in some small way when yo...Michael:<br />I hope it helps in some small way when you begin to query for BG. Please do keep me posted. Your help on your blog today boosted my sales ranking on Amazon's best sellers and that in turn boosted Sandra's morale this evening. You are a Super Trooper. RolandRoland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-54921081938274424132012-09-05T23:55:46.100-05:002012-09-05T23:55:46.100-05:00HI, Roland,
Thanks for the great advice about que...HI, Roland,<br /><br />Thanks for the great advice about querying. I start with BG maybe next week. 60 more pages in my final edit.<br /><br />I will keep you posted.Michael Di Gesuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-3510286837685620282012-09-05T20:12:27.860-05:002012-09-05T20:12:27.860-05:00Jennifer:
I went to your blog and commented, also ...Jennifer:<br />I went to your blog and commented, also I answered the question: THREE SPIRIT KNIGHT (a take on Samhain called 3 spirit night in Celtic legend.)<br /><br />Linda:<br />I'm happy my 4 C's helped in some small way.<br /><br />Leigh:<br />I try to help my friends who are struggling in the rough seas of publishing.<br /><br />Allison:<br />Yes, isn't it a challenge to make our queries sound unique?<br /><br />Laura:<br />A good friend had the same idea for me, but she told me that PayPal only allows the DONATE button for official charities -- and being banged up by an out-of-control car driven by an uninsured motorist doesn't qualify! <br /><br />You are a good heart to think of it though.<br /><br />Heather:<br />I had accidently posted twice. Sorry, I read and commented there but it went up in smoke later. Sigh. I'm having that kind of month! I am limping less and the owner of the apartment complex has proven to be willing to wait until my next paycheck. Nice of him!<br /><br />Carol:<br />I have given up hope of finding an agent or publisher. I believe my only hope is to slowly crawl up the Amazon Kindle listings, dreaming of Neil Gaiman reading a book of mine and praising it on his blog.<br /><br />Hey, I write fantasy! :-)<br /><br />Mary:<br />Like you the heart for querying is pretty much out of me. I am getting stronger by the day. Now, my finances are another matter! But thousands are still without power, without jobs, and sometimes without hope. I am so blessed.<br /><br />After all, I have all of you as my friends, RolandRoland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-31574475942412934862012-09-05T16:24:06.528-05:002012-09-05T16:24:06.528-05:00I haven't queried in awhile. I might at some p...I haven't queried in awhile. I might at some point in the future. Shrug.<br /><br />Was sorry to hear you were hit by a car. That's awful. Wishing you a speeding recovery.M Paxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14096697282530998519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-60173719588995693702012-09-05T16:22:02.366-05:002012-09-05T16:22:02.366-05:00Love your turns of phrases, as usual! Casting drea...Love your turns of phrases, as usual! Casting dreams into darkness, the bottle analogy, your nosebleed (LOL), your AWESOME first line, the soul stretched tight, etc. Keep up the good work, and good luck querying!Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-45879587606580867722012-09-05T15:54:34.519-05:002012-09-05T15:54:34.519-05:00I commented on this post yesterday but I'm not...I commented on this post yesterday but I'm not sure if it got to you. This is excellent advice. I will be sure to remember the 4 C's. <br />I hope you are feeling better todayHeather Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11847855601653718033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-25951954410940457852012-09-05T14:31:16.700-05:002012-09-05T14:31:16.700-05:00Really interesting to read Roland!
I hope you'...Really interesting to read Roland!<br />I hope you're feeling better. I was thinking- perhaps you should pop a paypal link in the side of your blog for donations to help you with your hospital bills. There are a lot of great people out here willing to lend a hand when times get hard - and even if it's just a tiny bit here and there- maybe it would help you?<br />Love Laura xLaurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03604785269958873474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-59977265537853322732012-09-05T11:55:07.650-05:002012-09-05T11:55:07.650-05:00Good query advice! It is a challenge making it sta...Good query advice! It is a challenge making it stand out from hundreds of other submissions.<br /><br />Allison (<a href="http://www.alsgeekbanter.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Geek Banter</a>)Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02586970076965983267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-42002130404946917822012-09-05T09:48:39.997-05:002012-09-05T09:48:39.997-05:00A very kind thing to do and a perfect analogy. The...A very kind thing to do and a perfect analogy. The three Cs are the best bet for queries, though. Best of luck to you, Roland! <3LTMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05239077455322030275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-85059347793793220072012-09-05T09:29:39.156-05:002012-09-05T09:29:39.156-05:00Your Four C's are excellent! Thanks so much, R...Your Four C's are excellent! Thanks so much, Roland.Linda Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00464543671077860561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-64681198895384521822012-09-05T09:29:10.118-05:002012-09-05T09:29:10.118-05:00SUCH a frustrating process, Roland! I commend you ...SUCH a frustrating process, Roland! I commend you for sticking to it. I included you in a blog challenge you might find interesting for a later post. Keep trucking, rare blood courier!Jennifer Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13300124780126853962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-37630551168081071522012-09-05T08:54:20.704-05:002012-09-05T08:54:20.704-05:00L. Diane:
And worse, should your novel find a home...L. Diane:<br />And worse, should your novel find a home, your title, the cover, and the release date are out of your control. All of which is why I chose the lonely road of self-publication: the covers and titles are mine to choose as are the release dates.<br /><br />I have read Michael's post, and I am humbled by my friend's generosity. I'm getting stronger each day. Thanks for the concern. :-)Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-58695018801759733542012-09-05T08:44:52.008-05:002012-09-05T08:44:52.008-05:00Getting the agent is only half the process. That a...Getting the agent is only half the process. That agent still has to sell the book to a publisher, and 9 out of 10 manuscripts never find a home.<br /><br />Read Michael's post - hope you are doing better.L. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-71364921109265031032012-09-05T08:34:38.708-05:002012-09-05T08:34:38.708-05:00Laura:
Thanks for the get well wishes. I'm get...Laura:<br />Thanks for the get well wishes. I'm getting stronger each day. Like I said, I am partial to FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE. I still remember writing it in my motel room at night, after seeing hollow-eyed Katrina survivors wandering the streets with broken lives and bruised hopes.Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-65428969476195545112012-09-05T08:31:59.483-05:002012-09-05T08:31:59.483-05:00Morgan:
Thanks for the kind words. Now, if only an...Morgan:<br />Thanks for the kind words. Now, if only an agent thought I knew my stuff! :-)<br /><br />E. Arroyo:<br />Isn't it hard to nail a good query?<br /><br />Denise:<br />Yes, I've mentioned that 10 second look agents give us, too. Not much time to make an impression is it?<br /><br />Siv:<br />ABSOLUTE WRITE WATER COOLER is a good forum to find agents. Just write agents for what whatever genre you write in the search box at the top of the page, and you will be taken to other struggling writers posting on those agents (who are good, who are bad). <br /><br />I would be glad to help you in whatever way you might want, Roland<br /><br />Elise:<br />You can share your struggles which will make the rest of us feel not quite so alone. None of us is an expert in this! :-)<br /><br />Anna:<br />Wishing you luck for when you do decide to query.<br /><br />Melissa:<br />Thanks for downloading my books! I am partial to FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE since I wrote that while evacuated from my city, living in a motel in Baton Rouge & delievering rare blood to N.O. and the surrounding cities.<br /><br />C.M.:<br />Thanks. I'm much stronger now, limping less, getting in trouble just as much! :-)<br /><br />Lexa:<br />Yes, editors are tough. I've given up on both agents and editors. I've chosen the self-publication route. Still walking lonely roads there! :-)Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-21854573900715290852012-09-05T08:18:51.073-05:002012-09-05T08:18:51.073-05:00Just heard about your accident and wanted to send ...Just heard about your accident and wanted to send my get well soon wish to you!<br />French Quarter Nocturne sounds great!Laura Enohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09982794146667832204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-89235866542137971572012-09-05T07:15:42.913-05:002012-09-05T07:15:42.913-05:00I'm very sorry to learn of your accident. Plea...I'm very sorry to learn of your accident. Please get well soon.<br /><br />Just because an agent signs the writer who broke the rules doesn't mean she'll be able to sell the book(s). Editors are tough.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-76894384697854439442012-09-05T06:09:29.642-05:002012-09-05T06:09:29.642-05:00Just heard about your accident on Ale's post, ...Just heard about your accident on Ale's post, come to say that I hope you recover soon! Thinking of you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09678216576112327332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-79447850926397741232012-09-05T05:43:50.890-05:002012-09-05T05:43:50.890-05:00Interesting post. I'm still deciding whether I...Interesting post. I'm still deciding whether I want to query or go it alone. <br /><br />Heard about your run-in with the car. I hope you feel better soon. I downloaded a couple of your Kindle books. French Quarter Nocture looks like it's going to be especially good. :)<br /><br />IWSG #177 (until Alex culls the list again. :P)<br /><br />Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516493326566981116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-52983313680409079982012-09-05T05:05:38.440-05:002012-09-05T05:05:38.440-05:00Ooh nice. I'm not there yet but thanks for th...Ooh nice. I'm not there yet but thanks for the tips, will be writing those down :)PRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18081495393769749459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-48729069131316410412012-09-05T03:50:00.350-05:002012-09-05T03:50:00.350-05:00I just finished writing a practice query letter a ...I just finished writing a practice query letter a few days ago and I can already see where I need to make changes. But I'm nowhere near the actual querying process. I liked your query, though it was tight, concise and intriguing. Unfortunately I can't give any advice because I've never gotten that far in the writing process. Elise Fallsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14734537117333738468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-22624801168800050342012-09-05T02:36:17.349-05:002012-09-05T02:36:17.349-05:00Thank you Roland for the great tip. I have never s...Thank you Roland for the great tip. I have never sent a query letter. Would not know how to write one or even where to send it. How do you know where to look for an agent and why do you need one? I did join that gearing my to getting yourself an agent thing last year and although it was fun,I ended up getting lost along the way. I get easily lost, no compass in my head. I love to write but as I have mentioned to you before, once finished, the paths to choose are many and confusing to a novice such as myself.<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04218651886143284455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-82328635393145933902012-09-04T23:29:51.547-05:002012-09-04T23:29:51.547-05:00Thanks for sharing this Roland. I shared on my pre...Thanks for sharing this Roland. I shared on my previous post that editors/agents admit they spend about 10 seconds reading a query, so you really have to get stuck right into it.Denise Covey https://www.blogger.com/profile/07106490051555233439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-43348382208864335732012-09-04T22:47:10.854-05:002012-09-04T22:47:10.854-05:00Wow. This conveys how I feel to a tee. Thanks for ...Wow. This conveys how I feel to a tee. Thanks for the info on the query. It is hard to nail. E. Arroyohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06634213563563094173noreply@blogger.com