Jolly Fish Press reveals What We're NOT Looking for in a Manuscript and tips on Writing the Ultimate Query LetterThe YA's Dogtown is compiling The Ongoing List of Writing Round-ups which lists blogs that regularly link to other blogs' writing-related articles. (And yes, Sunday Surfing is included! Am I blushing?)
Short Fiction contest at The Kenyon Review (1,200 words max)
The One Thing An Author Should Never Do On Social Media...
A Special Thanks and Final Call:
I want to extend a most special thank-you to Lauren, Laura, Al and Liz. You read the initial version of The Bonding and provided valuable feedback.
I had planned to begin querying or submitting The Bonding by the end of January. However, I feel a final round of proofing and critiquing is in order before I do so. So, if you're interested in beta-reading The Bonding and providing honest feedback, please let me know. (And I am happy to reciprocate.)
Good luck with the querying. I'll keep everything crossed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna! That would be fingers, toes, eyes, arms, legs and stray strands of hair, right? I suspect I'll need them all crossed. LOL
DeleteHopefully one more set of beta readers and edits does it!!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Sunday, Jeff.
Hopefully so, Alex. I've already avoided a few possible "turn-offs" readers might have had thanks to the first round of feedback. They did a great job.
DeleteAnd may your coming week be blessed as well.
Great links! I nodded my head a lot while reading the social media one. The people who do nothing but advertize on Twitter never fail to seem like noise to me!
ReplyDeleteAlso, good luck with the final round of proofing, and then the eventual querying! I have no doubt you'll be able to whip that manuscript into the best shape possible. :)
I find that I'm still "cutting my teeth" on social media, especially Facebook and Twitter. Since I have nothing other than a single published short story, overtweeting the anthology would definitely be overkill. But I'm still finding that balance between social and professional. Once I've found it, I can turn my efforts toward finding it on Google+ and GoodReads.
DeleteAnd thanks for the wishes of luck. Your confidence inspires me. :)
The Twitter advice is right on the money. I've stopped following authors who never interact besides the "buy my book" posts...
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with The Bonding and I hope it does well when you get it out there :)
I dislike following people once I've followed them--regardless of the reason. I therefore read the tweeter's past week or two's worth of tweets to see if they're someone I wish to follow. But it's been a difficult balance for me to find.
DeleteThanks for wish of luck and eventual success!
Since I didn't get around to reading the last draft you sent me, and you're already reading my book as well, I'd be delighted to read THE BONDING.
ReplyDelete-Matt
Hey, Matt, kindred spirit and lover of epic fantasy. This new draft is radically different than the one I sought "alpha readers" for back in April of last year. You'd be starting with what is (I hope) a much better manuscript.
DeleteOh, I forgot... It's late; I'm sleepy; and this less than optimum state of my mental functionality feels it necessary to tell you by way of a blog post comment that I sent you an email, which you've probably already received and read. LOL
DeleteI would be happy to get on the second round, if you're interested. I am also happy to announce I'm nominating you for the Liebster Award, of which I'll post a bit later so...Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLiebster? If memory serves, that would be German and means favorite, dearest, or beloved. Give me a week or two to get it posted though, okay? And thanks for the offer. I'll be in touch.
DeleteThat's funny, the contest is out of Kenyon College, my #1 choice (although if I don't get a full scholarship I'll probably be going to a less reputable college). I guess I'll write something.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you were hoping to attend there. Here's to hoping that a full scholarship (or long lost rich relative) makes it possible. Definitely write something. You've been writing shorts lately so the 1,200 words should provide you with plenty of room to stretch those creative muscles.
DeleteBetter safe than sorry. Good call. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the confirmation. That was my thinking as well. :-)
DeleteGood luck with the final round of beta-editing!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that, Nicole! Here's to honest beta readers!
DeleteThanks for all the links. I'm off to read some of them. After you are done critiquing, I hope your manuscript finds a home :) Best of luck to you, Jeff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the well-wishes! And you're welcome for the links!
DeleteGood move. You'll know when the book is ready to go.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'll take your word for it. :-)
DeleteBest of luck on the final edit. I'd be happy to offer an opinion, but I am slow. Well, in speed. My mental capacities are okay, for the most part.
ReplyDeleteYour mental capacities are definitely okay! All those creative posts on your Healing Summer blog tour prove that. Thanks for wish of luck!
DeleteGood stuff here. Thanks. And good luck on your edits!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol! They say you can't edit a blank page. Well, at least they're not blank so half the battle's already won, right? LOL
DeleteYour comment on my post today was quite profound, Jeff. When you get a chance, click over and read my reply. :)
ReplyDeleteI actually had to trim my comment or it would have become its own post! LOL But what I said is true; you are awesome. Never doubt that.
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