As we go into the weekend, I thought I would throw out a question to all of you.
If you listen to music when you write, what is it? Do you have favorite styles when you write the chase scenes? How about when the hero and heroine are "in private?"
Tell me what you think.
As for me, I am off to officiate at a Swim Meet.
By the way, don't forget the Critique opportunity. Deadline is the 13th of Feb.
Scott
Scott Eagan is the literary agent for Greyhaus Literary Agency. Greyhaus Literary Agency focuses exclusively on the traditional romance and women's fiction genres. Scott believes through increased education as well as communication between publishing professionals and authors, these two genres can continue to be a strong force in the publishing world.
Friday, February 5, 2010
The South Sound Titans is a swim team located in Sumner, Washington. Each year, like other USA Swimming teams, they have a swim-a-thon to raise operating funds for the year. To assist this team, I am offering a chance for writers to help out, and to receive critiques.
This rules are simple, but please note, this is a fast turn around.
1. Writers may submit up to 50 pages of manuscript. Manuscripts must be double spaced and standard font size.
2. Writers donate $1.00/page to the South Sound Titans.
3. Checks are written directly to the SOUTH SOUND TITANS. Mail to: South Sound Titan's Auction c/o Greyhaus Literary Agency 3021 20th St. Pl. SW. Puyallup, WA. 98373
4. Manuscripts are submitted electronically to the Greyhaus Literary Agency via the contest email address - contests@greyhausagency.com. Manuscripts should be submitted as an attachment and be submitted in a Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please include name and contact information in the message portion of the email.
5. Checks must be received by Feb. 13th. Submissions will not be read until the check arrives.
6. Critiques will be sent to the writer via email.
7. Please label submission in the Subject line as - SOUTH SOUND TITANS CRITIQUE.
8. Critiques are not considered pitches and no critique regardless of the quality will receive an offer to submit more material to Greyhaus Literary Agency or offer of representation. Writers can submit at a later date through the normal submission process.
9. Greyhaus Literary Agency is not receiving any profits from this critique opportunity. Greyhaus Literary Agency is in no way trying to gain new writers through this process. It is simply a way to assist writers and a non-profit organization.
Writers can learn more about the South Sound Titans on their website SOUTH SOUND TITANS
Scott Eagan
This rules are simple, but please note, this is a fast turn around.
1. Writers may submit up to 50 pages of manuscript. Manuscripts must be double spaced and standard font size.
2. Writers donate $1.00/page to the South Sound Titans.
3. Checks are written directly to the SOUTH SOUND TITANS. Mail to: South Sound Titan's Auction c/o Greyhaus Literary Agency 3021 20th St. Pl. SW. Puyallup, WA. 98373
4. Manuscripts are submitted electronically to the Greyhaus Literary Agency via the contest email address - contests@greyhausagency.com. Manuscripts should be submitted as an attachment and be submitted in a Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please include name and contact information in the message portion of the email.
5. Checks must be received by Feb. 13th. Submissions will not be read until the check arrives.
6. Critiques will be sent to the writer via email.
7. Please label submission in the Subject line as - SOUTH SOUND TITANS CRITIQUE.
8. Critiques are not considered pitches and no critique regardless of the quality will receive an offer to submit more material to Greyhaus Literary Agency or offer of representation. Writers can submit at a later date through the normal submission process.
9. Greyhaus Literary Agency is not receiving any profits from this critique opportunity. Greyhaus Literary Agency is in no way trying to gain new writers through this process. It is simply a way to assist writers and a non-profit organization.
Writers can learn more about the South Sound Titans on their website SOUTH SOUND TITANS
Scott Eagan
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mistakes in a query: When do we reject you?
I know that all writer spend countless hours working through that query letter, trying to make it just perfect for the agents and editors. Still, there are times that mistakes occur. So the question is: How bad of a mistake does a writer have to make before we reject you.
I will have to say, most of the time, it doesn't come down to a mistake in the query letter. The mistakes do send up red flags, but the query letter will not create the rejection. I like to remind authors about the slogan Head and Shoulders used for a long time - "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Now, with that said, you have to remember that your query is that first impression. If you put the wrong impression into my head, your writing has to be so incredible just to over-come that obstacle.
So, what type of things create "a bad taste in my mouth?" I have to say this list is not a full list. There are certainly a lot of things I see, but let me highlight the big ones. With each, I want to highlight the correlation I see to the manuscripts.
BAD GRAMMAR! This one is a big one with me. If you can't compose a query letter with good grammar, what will your story look like? I have found a huge correlation between those writers with bad grammar in the query letter and manuscripts with equal problems. You have to show me you are a professional writer that knows what you are doing.
NO SENDING WHAT I WANT! I see this in two places. The first is my online form. I created this to insure that writers really sent me what I needed. When authors can't even fill out the form correctly, they are demonstrating to me they likely don't know the "rules" of publishing and the procedures we go though. Sure enough, the writers that tell me their story is so many pages but can't tell me the word count, often have stories that are either way below count due to large fonts and huge margins; or more often than not, the stories I see are equal to 2-3 books.
ADDRESSING IT TO THE WRONG PERSON!
or
STATING THEY GOT MY INFORMATION FROM PLACES I'M NOT POSTED!
Now I will grant the addressing it to the wrong person at times. Say the person is cranking out a ton of letters and forgot to change the name. O.K. Mistakes happen.The second one, however really steams me. What both of these often say, however, is that the person has clearly not done their research about my agency, or for that matter, the publishers they think the story will go to. Sure enough, they pitch me stories that I likely blogged about earlier saying I would never buy the darn thing.
I think the whole point of this is to make sure you send out a document that truly represents who you are and your writing. Think the Hallmark commercial here. "When you care enough to send the very best." Just remember, I am thinking things about you from the moment I open up that envelope. Make sure I am thinking good things.
Scott
I will have to say, most of the time, it doesn't come down to a mistake in the query letter. The mistakes do send up red flags, but the query letter will not create the rejection. I like to remind authors about the slogan Head and Shoulders used for a long time - "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Now, with that said, you have to remember that your query is that first impression. If you put the wrong impression into my head, your writing has to be so incredible just to over-come that obstacle.
So, what type of things create "a bad taste in my mouth?" I have to say this list is not a full list. There are certainly a lot of things I see, but let me highlight the big ones. With each, I want to highlight the correlation I see to the manuscripts.
BAD GRAMMAR! This one is a big one with me. If you can't compose a query letter with good grammar, what will your story look like? I have found a huge correlation between those writers with bad grammar in the query letter and manuscripts with equal problems. You have to show me you are a professional writer that knows what you are doing.
NO SENDING WHAT I WANT! I see this in two places. The first is my online form. I created this to insure that writers really sent me what I needed. When authors can't even fill out the form correctly, they are demonstrating to me they likely don't know the "rules" of publishing and the procedures we go though. Sure enough, the writers that tell me their story is so many pages but can't tell me the word count, often have stories that are either way below count due to large fonts and huge margins; or more often than not, the stories I see are equal to 2-3 books.
ADDRESSING IT TO THE WRONG PERSON!
or
STATING THEY GOT MY INFORMATION FROM PLACES I'M NOT POSTED!
Now I will grant the addressing it to the wrong person at times. Say the person is cranking out a ton of letters and forgot to change the name. O.K. Mistakes happen.The second one, however really steams me. What both of these often say, however, is that the person has clearly not done their research about my agency, or for that matter, the publishers they think the story will go to. Sure enough, they pitch me stories that I likely blogged about earlier saying I would never buy the darn thing.
I think the whole point of this is to make sure you send out a document that truly represents who you are and your writing. Think the Hallmark commercial here. "When you care enough to send the very best." Just remember, I am thinking things about you from the moment I open up that envelope. Make sure I am thinking good things.
Scott
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Critique and Fund Raising Opportunity - Repost
The South Sound Titans is a swim team located in Sumner, Washington. Each year, like other USA Swimming teams, they have a swim-a-thon to raise operating funds for the year. To assist this team, I am offering a chance for writers to help out, and to receive critiques.
This rules are simple, but please note, this is a fast turn around.
1. Writers may submit up to 50 pages of manuscript. Manuscripts must be double spaced and standard font size.
2. Writers donate $1.00/page to the South Sound Titans.
3. Checks are written directly to the SOUTH SOUND TITANS. Mail to:
South Sound Titan's Auction
c/o Greyhaus Literary Agency
3021 20th St. Pl. SW.
Puyallup, WA. 98373
4. Manuscripts are submitted electronically to the Greyhaus Literary Agency via the contest email address - contests@greyhausagency.com. Manuscripts should be submitted as an attachment and be submitted in a Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please include name and contact information in the message portion of the email.
5. Checks must be received by Feb. 13th. Submissions will not be read until the check arrives.
6. Critiques will be sent to the writer via email.
7. Please label submission in the Subject line as - SOUTH SOUND TITANS CRITIQUE.
8. Critiques are not considered pitches and no critique regardless of the quality will receive an offer to submit more material to Greyhaus Literary Agency or offer of representation. Writers can submit at a later date through the normal submission process.
9. Greyhaus Literary Agency is not receiving any profits from this critique opportunity. Greyhaus Literary Agency is in no way trying to gain new writers through this process. It is simply a way to assist writers and a non-profit organization.
Writers can learn more about the South Sound Titans on their website
SOUTH SOUND TITANS
Scott Eagan
This rules are simple, but please note, this is a fast turn around.
1. Writers may submit up to 50 pages of manuscript. Manuscripts must be double spaced and standard font size.
2. Writers donate $1.00/page to the South Sound Titans.
3. Checks are written directly to the SOUTH SOUND TITANS. Mail to:
South Sound Titan's Auction
c/o Greyhaus Literary Agency
3021 20th St. Pl. SW.
Puyallup, WA. 98373
4. Manuscripts are submitted electronically to the Greyhaus Literary Agency via the contest email address - contests@greyhausagency.com. Manuscripts should be submitted as an attachment and be submitted in a Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please include name and contact information in the message portion of the email.
5. Checks must be received by Feb. 13th. Submissions will not be read until the check arrives.
6. Critiques will be sent to the writer via email.
7. Please label submission in the Subject line as - SOUTH SOUND TITANS CRITIQUE.
8. Critiques are not considered pitches and no critique regardless of the quality will receive an offer to submit more material to Greyhaus Literary Agency or offer of representation. Writers can submit at a later date through the normal submission process.
9. Greyhaus Literary Agency is not receiving any profits from this critique opportunity. Greyhaus Literary Agency is in no way trying to gain new writers through this process. It is simply a way to assist writers and a non-profit organization.
Writers can learn more about the South Sound Titans on their website
SOUTH SOUND TITANS
Scott Eagan
World Building is not about funny names
While this post is going out to the Sci Fi, Fantasy and Paranormal writers primarily, I think the other writers may be able to really draw on the material and use it for their advantage.
One of my biggest problems, when it comes to this genre of writers stems from the world building. Too often, the writing is far from accessible to the reader. Sure the readers of this genre might be able to figure it out, but the rest of us can't. I often think of those guys with THE GEEK SQUAD that eat, drink and sleep computers so well that it becomes difficult for anyone to have a clue what they are talking about. World building is crucial to these genres and as a writer, it is you job to effectively use it to tell the story.
Remember, world building is not the plot of the story but the scenery and backdrop. Your characters work through their stories with the world surrounding them. It isn't the reverse.
When I think of this, I try to break it down into a couple of concepts: ACCESSIBLE, REALISTIC, NOT THE DOMINANT FORCE.
Let's start with accessible. If your world building requires a dictionary (of course specially designed by you) a translator or any other support material, it is far from going to work for the average reader. When we read a story, we don't want to have to stop all of the time to figure out what you are talking about. Sure the names and places may be unique, but if we can't do something with them, the story is lost.
I often joke about this with the McCaffery Dragon rider series. I always found it funny that all the names were so hard to pronounce and were stuck with that silly apostrophe F'nor, F'lar and so forth.
While your friends who read the same material may know what you are talking about, the rest of us don't. In many ways, think writing a technical manual for the common every day person. Same thing here..
The next level is realism. While this world is made up of your thoughts and ideas, remember the readers are still operating in the real world. This means the stories must be believable and actually work. In this case, I think of the werewolf stories where the characters mysteriously shift form and their clothing somehow disappears or re-appears. HOW??? I did read one of these stories and the characters methodically hid their clothing and then shifted. Of course, then I had to deal with a naked guy in the middle of Los Angeles, but the writer was clearly trying to get close with this.
Finally, the world building cannot dominate the story. In this case, you historical writers need to listen up. Remember the story is about the characters, and not the world building. You should not have to spend so much time on "painting a picture" for the reader. In the case of the historical writers, remember the story is about your character, not the history surrounding the character. Work in the details but don't go overboard.
I guess what I want to say here is to take the time, before you dive into the story, to really think through this world you have created. Will your readers see it the same way you do? Does it work?
And yes, you steam punk writers, this goes for you too!
Scott
One of my biggest problems, when it comes to this genre of writers stems from the world building. Too often, the writing is far from accessible to the reader. Sure the readers of this genre might be able to figure it out, but the rest of us can't. I often think of those guys with THE GEEK SQUAD that eat, drink and sleep computers so well that it becomes difficult for anyone to have a clue what they are talking about. World building is crucial to these genres and as a writer, it is you job to effectively use it to tell the story.
Remember, world building is not the plot of the story but the scenery and backdrop. Your characters work through their stories with the world surrounding them. It isn't the reverse.
When I think of this, I try to break it down into a couple of concepts: ACCESSIBLE, REALISTIC, NOT THE DOMINANT FORCE.
Let's start with accessible. If your world building requires a dictionary (of course specially designed by you) a translator or any other support material, it is far from going to work for the average reader. When we read a story, we don't want to have to stop all of the time to figure out what you are talking about. Sure the names and places may be unique, but if we can't do something with them, the story is lost.
I often joke about this with the McCaffery Dragon rider series. I always found it funny that all the names were so hard to pronounce and were stuck with that silly apostrophe F'nor, F'lar and so forth.
While your friends who read the same material may know what you are talking about, the rest of us don't. In many ways, think writing a technical manual for the common every day person. Same thing here..
The next level is realism. While this world is made up of your thoughts and ideas, remember the readers are still operating in the real world. This means the stories must be believable and actually work. In this case, I think of the werewolf stories where the characters mysteriously shift form and their clothing somehow disappears or re-appears. HOW??? I did read one of these stories and the characters methodically hid their clothing and then shifted. Of course, then I had to deal with a naked guy in the middle of Los Angeles, but the writer was clearly trying to get close with this.
Finally, the world building cannot dominate the story. In this case, you historical writers need to listen up. Remember the story is about the characters, and not the world building. You should not have to spend so much time on "painting a picture" for the reader. In the case of the historical writers, remember the story is about your character, not the history surrounding the character. Work in the details but don't go overboard.
I guess what I want to say here is to take the time, before you dive into the story, to really think through this world you have created. Will your readers see it the same way you do? Does it work?
And yes, you steam punk writers, this goes for you too!
Scott
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
If You Start Something - Finish It...
O.K., so in the last couple of days, I have seen a lot of stories come across my desk. Unfortunately, many of the stories in this round of submissions is getting the lack of depth rejection. What was interesting though, was the trend I saw with the stories. Many of the authors would get going on a point that really had some potential, and then, out of the blue, they backed off of the issue and didn't go into the depth and detail we needed to fully get into the story. In other words, they started something but didn't finish it.
If you want to start off a story by getting us into the mind of the villain (something I personally hate) then really go for it. Let us see how weird the character is. Let us see why this character is doing this. Now obviously you don't want to throw everything out in the beginning. Teasing us is good, but take the time to study that section of your story. What is your goal? What little tidbit of information do you want to get across to the reader.
I read a story just today that had a character held prisoner by a demon. Sure, the writer did a great job of making it dark and gloomy. Sure, I realized this was a place I wouldn't want to be, but in the end, I was simply lost. I had no idea who the character was that was being thrown around the room by this "demonic" character? I got a name, but that was all. When the story shifted to, apparently, another time, or place, I was still left wondering what I had just gone through. Now I was busy trying to figure out what this new character was doing and how it would all fit together. I knew it had, but I was still in a state of questioning shock.
I have a feeling a lot of writers do this because they believe they are "creating tension" or they are "creating a great hook." Sure, this concept can work, but it needs to be done after we have accomplished something in that section.
Your homework today is really simple. Look at the sections of your book. For some of you, it may be chapters, for others it may be 1/2 chapters. Most likely it is when you shift from one scene to the next, or one POV to the next. As you look at that scene, determine what you want the reader to leave with. It shoul dbe something substantial and something that actually heads you in the direction of your ultimate goal or thesis for the story. Now see if you have left us hanging. If you didn't push it far enough, take the time today to fix it.
Have a fun day!
Scott
If you want to start off a story by getting us into the mind of the villain (something I personally hate) then really go for it. Let us see how weird the character is. Let us see why this character is doing this. Now obviously you don't want to throw everything out in the beginning. Teasing us is good, but take the time to study that section of your story. What is your goal? What little tidbit of information do you want to get across to the reader.
I read a story just today that had a character held prisoner by a demon. Sure, the writer did a great job of making it dark and gloomy. Sure, I realized this was a place I wouldn't want to be, but in the end, I was simply lost. I had no idea who the character was that was being thrown around the room by this "demonic" character? I got a name, but that was all. When the story shifted to, apparently, another time, or place, I was still left wondering what I had just gone through. Now I was busy trying to figure out what this new character was doing and how it would all fit together. I knew it had, but I was still in a state of questioning shock.
I have a feeling a lot of writers do this because they believe they are "creating tension" or they are "creating a great hook." Sure, this concept can work, but it needs to be done after we have accomplished something in that section.
Your homework today is really simple. Look at the sections of your book. For some of you, it may be chapters, for others it may be 1/2 chapters. Most likely it is when you shift from one scene to the next, or one POV to the next. As you look at that scene, determine what you want the reader to leave with. It shoul dbe something substantial and something that actually heads you in the direction of your ultimate goal or thesis for the story. Now see if you have left us hanging. If you didn't push it far enough, take the time today to fix it.
Have a fun day!
Scott
Monday, February 1, 2010
Critique and Fund Raising Opportunity - Repost
The South Sound Titans is a swim team located in Sumner, Washington. Each year, like other USA Swimming teams, they have a swim-a-thon to raise operating funds for the year. To assist this team, I am offering a chance for writers to help out, and to receive critiques.
This rules are simple, but please note, this is a fast turn around.
1. Writers may submit up to 50 pages of manuscript. Manuscripts must be double spaced and standard font size.
2. Writers donate $1.00/page to the South Sound Titans.
3. Checks are written directly to the SOUTH SOUND TITANS. Mail to:
South Sound Titan's Auction
c/o Greyhaus Literary Agency
3021 20th St. Pl. SW.
Puyallup, WA. 98373
4. Manuscripts are submitted electronically to the Greyhaus Literary Agency via the contest email address - contests@greyhausagency.com. Manuscripts should be submitted as an attachment and be submitted in a Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please include name and contact information in the message portion of the email.
5. Checks must be received by Feb. 13th. Submissions will not be read until the check arrives.
6. Critiques will be sent to the writer via email.
7. Please label submission in the Subject line as - SOUTH SOUND TITANS CRITIQUE.
8. Critiques are not considered pitches and no critique regardless of the quality will receive an offer to submit more material to Greyhaus Literary Agency or offer of representation. Writers can submit at a later date through the normal submission process.
9. Greyhaus Literary Agency is not receiving any profits from this critique opportunity. Greyhaus Literary Agency is in no way trying to gain new writers through this process. It is simply a way to assist writers and a non-profit organization.
Writers can learn more about the South Sound Titans on their website
SOUTH SOUND TITANS
Scott Eagan
This rules are simple, but please note, this is a fast turn around.
1. Writers may submit up to 50 pages of manuscript. Manuscripts must be double spaced and standard font size.
2. Writers donate $1.00/page to the South Sound Titans.
3. Checks are written directly to the SOUTH SOUND TITANS. Mail to:
South Sound Titan's Auction
c/o Greyhaus Literary Agency
3021 20th St. Pl. SW.
Puyallup, WA. 98373
4. Manuscripts are submitted electronically to the Greyhaus Literary Agency via the contest email address - contests@greyhausagency.com. Manuscripts should be submitted as an attachment and be submitted in a Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please include name and contact information in the message portion of the email.
5. Checks must be received by Feb. 13th. Submissions will not be read until the check arrives.
6. Critiques will be sent to the writer via email.
7. Please label submission in the Subject line as - SOUTH SOUND TITANS CRITIQUE.
8. Critiques are not considered pitches and no critique regardless of the quality will receive an offer to submit more material to Greyhaus Literary Agency or offer of representation. Writers can submit at a later date through the normal submission process.
9. Greyhaus Literary Agency is not receiving any profits from this critique opportunity. Greyhaus Literary Agency is in no way trying to gain new writers through this process. It is simply a way to assist writers and a non-profit organization.
Writers can learn more about the South Sound Titans on their website
SOUTH SOUND TITANS
Scott Eagan
A Case for the Writer - The E-book Issue
I know most of you are aware I try my best to stay out of politics. I am an agent who is in this for the writer and want to see high quality writing out there for people to read. That is the literacy specialist in me. I do want to bring up something that a few people have touched on but I think needs to be brought a little more to the forefront.
As most of us have heard all weekend, Amazon adn Macmillan have been battling over the price of electronic books. Time and time again, I have seen people on the net screaming about the money the publishers or Amazon would be making, but we again seem to forget the author out there.
Hey, I am all in favor of advancing technology and moving into a digital age, however, we have to bring the author back into the equation. Writers have fought long and hard to see an increase in advances and royalties. For a new author, spending those hours sweating, crying and laughing over a book, should be worth something. Decreasing the cost of a book has a trickle down effect to the author who finally ends up with little.
Now before any of you jump in on this, I am not talking about those mega-authors here - the ones who have been around for a while - I'm talking about the average, mid-lister.
Sure, the same process of editing and marketing goes into an e-book. A book is a book. But the cost cutting comes in the form of printing. In essence. the e-book becomes a Print-on-Demand book without the paper. For a publisher, storing a ton of books on their hard-drives costs little to nothing, compared to the warehouse space and all of the other stuff that comes with print books. But, just because the book is cheaper to print, does not and should not mean the advances to an author should be any less.
Look, I understand this is all competition out there as book sellers attempt to show who can sell books the best. And yes, I know as readers, we always look for a great deal when buying a book. But with that said, let's again remember that someone, at least a year ago, spent time and energy writing those words that you are holding in your hand, or just downloaded to your computer or e-reader.
Scott
As most of us have heard all weekend, Amazon adn Macmillan have been battling over the price of electronic books. Time and time again, I have seen people on the net screaming about the money the publishers or Amazon would be making, but we again seem to forget the author out there.
Hey, I am all in favor of advancing technology and moving into a digital age, however, we have to bring the author back into the equation. Writers have fought long and hard to see an increase in advances and royalties. For a new author, spending those hours sweating, crying and laughing over a book, should be worth something. Decreasing the cost of a book has a trickle down effect to the author who finally ends up with little.
Now before any of you jump in on this, I am not talking about those mega-authors here - the ones who have been around for a while - I'm talking about the average, mid-lister.
Sure, the same process of editing and marketing goes into an e-book. A book is a book. But the cost cutting comes in the form of printing. In essence. the e-book becomes a Print-on-Demand book without the paper. For a publisher, storing a ton of books on their hard-drives costs little to nothing, compared to the warehouse space and all of the other stuff that comes with print books. But, just because the book is cheaper to print, does not and should not mean the advances to an author should be any less.
Look, I understand this is all competition out there as book sellers attempt to show who can sell books the best. And yes, I know as readers, we always look for a great deal when buying a book. But with that said, let's again remember that someone, at least a year ago, spent time and energy writing those words that you are holding in your hand, or just downloaded to your computer or e-reader.
Scott
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