Is It OK To Tell Your Editor (or Agent) No?

So, you are up to your eyeballs in revisions, you have a new story idea that you want to get working on, or maybe even a work in progress. On top of all that, if you are like many other writers, this is not your single job and you have a boss coming down hard on you. And now you are faced with a tough decision.

Your editor or agent calls with a new project for you. Maybe they want you to do a guest blog or maybe they have a new story idea they want you to do. Now what?

Honestly, this is something every writer dreams of. Having a ton of work and people begging you to write more. But here's the catch - there is only 24 hours in a day. Can you say no?

This is a tough one but surprisingly the answer is very simple. You can say no.

Now before you go jumping all over this, let me explain something. The real world does get in the way sometimes and there is only so much you can do. If there is a way to juggle some things around in your life, maybe change a deadline for another project, then you should take it. But, if you are locked into something, then saying no is actually the right thing to do.

O.K. Scott, but there are consequences to that. Maybe they will think I'm not dedicated enough. They'll give it to someone else. Well, part of that is true. Yes, they will likely give it to someone else if there is an immediate need to get that project going. If they can hold off on it, then maybe you're still in the running. As far as being dedicated, they will not think this. In fact, they are seeing a professional side of you that I am sure they wished more authors would have.

Here is what you have to consider. If you take on this project, is your other writing going to suffer? You have worked long and hard on making a name for yourself so now you have to ask if it is worth it to sacrifice this writing for this new project.

Again, I want to go back to that comment about there being only 24 hours in a day. You might not be able to take on anything else.

So before you say yes, and then die a painful death. Stop and assess the situation first. Discuss it with the agent and editor. See what you can work out. If you have been a dedicated writer for these people, they will likely find a way to work with you.

Scott

RWA and Mickey Mouse

First of all, big thanks to the RWA staff. AMAZING work!

Just wanted to let all of you know, I am still going. Working on new flight arrangements right now!

Query Fest is still on (but will confirm with the other members to make sure but I would be there is no change).

Appointments are still on!

See you there!

Scott

I'm Sorry, There Are Rules - So Deal With It!

In the last couple of weeks, I have seen a lot of writers on Twitter (as well as a few lurking on blogs and social network sites complaining about the rules in the publishing industry. It is almost becoming a regular occurance to see some writer complaining "I can't believe editors and agents are going to reject me over my query letter!" Or, "Give me a break, I have the best damn book out there and this person rejected me because of the first 3o pages!"

Now first of all, don't get me started on the attitude issue of these writers. Frankly, IMHO those "losers" and yes I am calling them that, have no business in publishing in the first place. But besides that point, there is a bigger issue here.

Yes, there are rules we are following here in the publishing community. It is the basic rules of business and professionalism. Honestly, if you can't be decent on some social networking site, or you can't demonstrate quality writing in a query letter, how on Earth do you expect me to be convinced that your book somehow defies the laws of gravity and really is amazing.

Look, is there one correct way of writing a query letter? NO! In fact, you can't sit in a panel discussion with multiple agents and agree with the right approach to the query letter. HOWEVER... there are components that have to be in that letter. End of story.

Let's try this one. If a publisher says they don't accept unsolicited manuscripts, then they don't. Your story is no exception and you will not get any special treatment. I don't really care who you are! I'll even extend on that one. If the agent or editor is currently closed to submissions, sending a query anyway isn't going to get you that request for more material. As you should know if you read this blog, I am currently closed to submissions until the first of June. Still, I am frequently screaming when I see email queries show up for me "What part of closed are you missing here?"

As an agent, I want to find writers that can follow directions and take critique from editors. I want writers that can follow the rules. If you can't do that, then that should tell you why you continually are receiving rejection letters from myself and other agents.

Sorry to break that one to you!

Scott

RWA Issue Is A Great Example Of Gossip On The Net

Like many (writers, editors and agents) I have been carefully following all that has been going on with the conference. At the time of writing this, no decision has been made with regards to the conference. Yet, over the last couple of days, writers have given me enough time to fully prove my point that I have made time and time again.

Beware of gossip and spreading information on the internet before you personally know all of the facts. Even then, you still need to be careful.

In the case of Nashville, things happen. In no way is any of this anyone's fault and blame should not be placed on anyone. Things happen. We have to know that people are working hard to make things work out in the end for everyone involved. RWA, the Gaylord, Publishers, Agents and writers all have a stake in this so you are not alone.

But here is the issue I have. Blogs are on fire, Twitter is going haywire and suddenly, everyone and their brother have an idea and a suggestion to "fix the situation." I am also seeing a ton of people already making rash decisions about this conference and future conferences. Why? Because you have read something on someone's blog or email, or Tweet that you took to be the gospel truth.

I am also seeing people making the most irrational comments out there. "But I am a Golden Heart Finalist." So what! If you win, you will still receive your award. "But I planned on pitching to an editor or agent." So what! Do it the normal way. "But I bought an airline ticket." So, use the insurance that any intelligent person would have bought to cover such situations.

Now I know what some of you are saying. "But Scott, I post this information to keep other people informed!" The problem though is that you may be far from informed. Your sending out information, re-tweeting someone's message, or contacting people in charge is far from helping people. In fact, you are more than likely going to cause more problems in the end.

There are also a lot of other factors that come into play when putting on a conference of this nature. You can't just say, "let's go to [insert city]." Honestly people, have you ever tried to mobilize this many people? It isn't that easy.

I learned in high school, sometimes the best thing to do is to sit back, shut up and just listen. Pay attention to all that is going on and then, after you have had a chance to carefully look at the data, then you can make a decision. That has kept me out of trouble in the past and I will certainly continue that policy.

What is my opinion? At this point, I don't have one. I am not cancelling anything. I am not worrying about anything. I also know and am VERY confident that RWA and the Gaylord are doing all in their power to make things right. I trust them to do so.

If it is cancelled, will I be mad? No. I might be disappointed that I miss out on meeting writers but I will be far from mad. Will Query Fest be missed? Maybe this year, but I am sure, Paige, Jessica, Christine, Miriam and myself can bring it back.

Quit the emailing rumors. Quit the Tweeting stupid idea. Let RWA work though this. If you quit pressuring them, they might actually get something done that will work.

So, what do we know? Not much other than RWA is working on it. Don't try to make more of it than it is.

Scott

P.S. This is for the post on May 5th but I had to write it now to get it off my chest.

Let's Talk Publicity - It's about getting your name out there.

Selling your books is not a passive activity. It is a very pro-active business and honestly, this is why so many writers out there fail. There is this belief that once the book is out there, the books sells. Many authors believe this. Unfortunatly, there are also some publishers that believe this as well (part of the reason why I don't send my writers to those houses).

First of all, I want to stress there is no right or wrong way to get your name out there. What works for one person may not work for someone else. You have to find what works best with you.

I heard a professional (for the likes of me, I can't remember who) said that if your neighbors don't know you write, then you're not being successful. You have to let those people around you know that you write. While the book sales might not huge from this type of publicity, it is a sale and those people will soon get your name out to other people when they talk about your book.

Secondly, there is a belife that you have to spend huge amounts of money to get your name out there. Again, this is not necessary. at least for a while. Websites are cheap. Software on most of your computers can do the work that the printers demand. Keep it simple!

Many of my writers have found website hosting sites and are inexpensive and easy to put together. These writers didn't have to pay a ton of cash to have someone do this for them.

Communications is one of the most effective tools. If a reader sends you a note, answer the person. No form letter, but a real response. They took the time to tell you something about your book so pay attention. Blowing that person off is an sure way of losing future sales.

The same goes for those websites. I am always frustrated with authors that have websites that imply they are eager to hear, but in reality, the author is just out to get more names for a mailing list. Personally, this is UNCOOL! Look, if you are going to have a website, keep it up to date and answer.

Why am I pounding this whole "get your name out there?" Consumers today are not saavy enough to buy books because of the quality of the books. They buy the books because they are told by someone that they should buy it. Contests work the same way. Judges will look at the title of a book and before even reading it will make judgements based on what they see. This is one of my biggest complaints about professional contests. Often it is not based on the quality of the book but the name recognition.

So, professional writers. Get your name out there.

Scott

Brenda Novak Auction - Special Greyhaus Offer!

Hey all,

As many of you know, I am a big supporter of the Brenda Novak Online Auction for Juvinile Diabetes. It's now off and running and again, I am offering two critiques for consideration.

I did want to explain my approach to the critiques:

• Both come with personal conversations. One is at RWA Nationals and the other is by phone. If you are the winning bid for the personal meeting at Nationals and can't make it, I will call you instead.
• I offer a line edit with EXTENSIVE marginal notes as to my thoughts.
• I provide an indepth multi-page written response as well.

Brenda's auction goes for a great cause and I want to really see the Greyhaus followers show Brenda what we are like. So, with that said, here is the first of several deals I will offer (in other words, I may throw more out there as well).

Respond to this email and be the winning bid and I will double the size of the critique!

I should note you will have to include your name in the post so that I can keep track. Sorry Anonymous, you will have to come out of hiding!

Scott

Working with an Editor - How to make it productive!

It's time to talk about how you work with an editor. I know that some of you are still waiting for that big break, but you might as well get yourself ready for when that time comes. In fact, I think this is really important for those of you that haven't gotten that call yet so you know what to expect and know what is expected of you.

First of all, remember that, while you feel you are the most important person in the writing world (which you should do), remember that your editor does have other writers he or she is working with. Everyone is at a different stage of the writing process and you are just one of the many. This means that you cannot go demanding immediate attention all of the time. You may simply not be the person that has the most immediate needs at that particular moment.

Secondly, remember that your editor is also working hard on other elements of your project other than simply the writing. There is the marketing department, the PR department, the art department, the senior editors... the list is long but important. All of these people are hard at work to make your book look amazing. Again, you cannot expect your editor to be at your disposal at all times. He or she may be working on getting you a great publicity deal.

I am always very frustrated, and yes, anger does come into play here too when I see on loops of writers complaining that their editor isn't doing everything for them. In my humble opinion, these writers need to be dropped from the line and the editor should go find someone more professional.

I think you are getting the idea here. Your editor is busy.

But there is more that you can do.

Do all you can to make the work of your editor easy. This means to meet those deadlines and to take care of the revisions you have been given correctly the first time. I often talk to my son and daughters about the same thing when it comes to cleaning their rooms. If they do it right the first time, they don't need to go back and do it one more time. That is just a "time suck." So think the same thing when it comes to your editor. If you are asked to do something, do it right the first time.

But there is more that you can do. Pay attention to those comments. If your editor has told you to fix something in one novel, they don't want to see you do the same thing over and over again. You should be learning and growing with your editor. He or she is doing all they can to make your book look good. So follow those directions.

The next thing you can do is to keep in mind the idea of open communications. Keep that editor informed of everything you are doing. Do you have ideas of new projects? Send it on. Are you going to do a book signing? Let them know. Are you going to be in the neighborhood? Go and visit. You don't want to keep your agent in the dark.

I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is that this is a teamwork. Your editor is not your servant!