Sundays for Writers

Yesterday, Patricia Anderson, Judy Emery and I joined the Guelph Write Now group at Lucie's Restaurant in south Guelph. Published author, Sarah Totton was the guest speaker.

Sarah talked about the "rules" for being a professional author. She borrowed the following suggestions from Robert A. Heinlein and Robert J. Sawyer:

• Write.
• Finish what you write.
• Send out what you write.
• Keep sending it out until it sells.
• Keep writing new work.
• Don't quit.

And she added her own rules...

• Treat it like a job, not a hobby.
• Schedule time and/or set deadlines and work to meet them.
• Learn to work independently (not to external deadlines or peer pressure).
• Always READ the market's submission guidelines.
• Always FOLLOW the submission guidelines.

Sarah also shared the following tips...

• Create a goals list. Ensure that all goals are specific and measurable. For example, "Write 100 words per day for the next month" instead of "Write more."
• Keep a progress log.
  
• Reward yourself each time you achieve one of your goals.
• Use the following free online markets: ralan and duotrope.
  

A few upcoming events and contests...

• On Wednesday, April 20, Kevin Nunn is spearheading the "Sound of Writing " at the Bookshelf Cafe. A number of writers will be reading in the EBar. Email Kevin at nunnetal@gmail.com for more details.
• The deadline for the Canadian Writers' Journal Short Fiction Contest is April 30th.
• The deadline for the Writers of the Future Contest is June 30th.

Written by Joanne Guidoccio

Meeting With Aspiring Writers

Yesterday evening, Patricia Anderson and I attended Sarah Totton's workshop, Bursting the Myths of Publishing, at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library.

We gleaned many interesting facts from the interactive presentation.

• A survey of 108 science fiction and fantasy writers were polled about advances from their publishers. The advances ranged from 0 to $40,000 with an average of $5000.
  
• J.K. Rowling received a $3000 advance for her first Harry Potter book.
• In a survey of 185 professional writers, more than half managed to find agents/publishers without connections.
  
• Agents will negotiate contracts with publishers, work on revisions, and help you plan your career. Some agents can also sell film/TV/foreign rights for your book.
• It takes anywhere from six months to a year (sometimes longer) to get a book out there after it has been bought by a publisher.
• Vast majority of self-published books sell less than 100 copies.
• Independent bookstores such as The Bookshelf may stock self-published books if there is a local connection.
  

Some advice for aspiring writers...

• Short story writers do not need an agent. They can sell directly to magazines such as The Atlantic and The New Yorker.
• Get an agent if you have decided to go with a major publisher.
• Research agents before sending out query letters.
• Get a critique of your query from Evil Editor.
• Query at least 100 agents for your book.
• Send out five query letters at a time. If you don't get a positive response, consider revising your letter.
  
• While querying, start working on your next book.
• Legitimate agents will not charge for reading your book.
• Check out the background of editors on the Predators and Editors website.
• Ask your friends and relatives to read your reviews and only send you the positive ones.
• For more information e-publishing and self-publishing, visit J. R. Konrath's website and blog.

Written By Joanne Guidoccio