Just For Writers

An Angry Rejection?

Rejection-we’ve all experienced it. Sometimes it seems to roll off our backs, and other times it feels as if a knife just pierced our vital organs.

Major discouragement set in for me when three of my favorite publishers rejected my non-fiction book proposal in one week. I was honored to make it to the editorial committee stage in each case, but 2 out of the 3 editors said it wasn't "strong enough" to compete in the "already flooded market." (Ouch!)

But then God gave me a gift--a passage from Eugene Peterson’s The Message, just when I needed it.

From I Thessalonians 5: "God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ . . . So speak [or write!] encouraging words to one another. Build up hope, so you'll all be together in this . . . Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens . . .The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it!"

So, dear friends, keep writing, keep praying, and let's keep encouraging one another. God is up to great things behind the scenes. And He’s the only Editor we need to please.

Lord, help me remember that You never reject me. Thank you for even the rejection letters I receive, for they remind me that You are ultimately in control. I trust You to find the right markets for my writing, in Your perfect timing.

Advice from my Favorite Author

I love to read about the Apostle Paul. I memorize his words, drink up his theology, and try to emulate his passion. Simply put, Paul is my favorite writer. And as I was studying one of his letters recently, I realized that he has much to teach aspiring authors, especially those of us who want to glorify God through our work.

And In Colossians 3, Paul gives nine tips (quoted from The Message, p. 428-429) that have helped me immensely as a writer:

1. Be content with obscurity. What wanna-be writer hasn’t dreamed of six-figure advances, bidding wars and movie-of-the-week deals? Yet Paul says the way to peace is to be happy doing what you’re doing—for the sheer pleasure of it.
2. Cultivate thankfulness. Often, I tend to see my writing life as a life of “have not’s”: I haven't gotten a contract with THAT publisher, haven't had a bestselling book, haven't made much money from this endeavor, etc. Yet—I have the freedom to write (not a small thing, after 9/11), the joy of putting my ideas on paper, and the pleasure of seeing them in print in magazines and books.
3. Do your best. If I strive to be the most excellent writer I can be, my work will get noticed . . . eventually.
4. Wear love. Not many angry writers get published. Oh, there are the few exceptions, but the general rule is that editors don’t like to publish—and, therefore, put up with--divas. When I approach editors the way I’d like to be treated (another Biblical concept!), I find them much more willing to work with me, and even hand me future assignments.
5. Be gracious in speech. I recently got a rejection from a magazine after I’d sent them two rewrites on an article. I nursed my wounded pride for a while, and then called to ask graciously, “Could you give me a reason for this?”
6. Stay alert. As we all know, the market is constantly changing. I must stay abreast of trends through magazines, conferences and the Internet.
7. Bring out the best in others. When I was a pre-teen, I had an uncle in publishing who showed me how to get started. Now I like to mentor aspiring writers. Helping others is part of yet another biblical mandate: “To whom much is given, much is required.”
8. Pray all the time. Paul doesn’t have to remind me about this one—I pray when I’m writing (“Oh, please give me the words”), when I’m re-writing (“Oh, give me the other words!”), and after I’ve submitted (“Please don’t let them hate this”) Sometimes I feel a bit like Sally Field receiving her Oscar (“They like me!”) when I open an email and find an acceptance letter—but I’m also praying, “Thank you!”
9. Don’t suppress the Spirit. While Paul is talking to his fellow Christians about the Holy Spirit, I also believe all writers must work to avoid suppressing our own spirits—our personalities--when an editor asks us to rework a piece. We must let our own voices ring!

Whether he was exhorting, rebuking or affirming his readers, Paul definitely had a distinctive tone--which is something I am working on in my own writing.

My favorite "Paul passage" has an encouraging tone. God led me to it one evening after I had gotten three rejections in the same week, all from publishers I was longing to work with. From I Thessalonians 5: "God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ . . . So speak [or write!] encouraging words to one another. Build up hope, so you'll all be together in this . . . Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens . . .The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it!" (The Message)

So write like there's no tomorrow, pray constantly, and remember: what He said, He'll do—through YOU!

If you're an aspiring writer and want to get a writers conference in your inbox, consider joining The Writers' View. It's free. It's amazing. And, seriously, you'll learn everything you'd learn at a writer's conference (sans meeting cool people face to face), only you don't have to pay airfare.

How they work: Each Monday and Thursday a panelist poses a question about the publishing industry, the craft of writing, or anything related to the writing journey. These panelists are agents, editors, writers who are well known in the Christian writing industry. Then, panelists and members write posts about the question raised. I still learn new things every week. It's a moderated loop, so there's no blatant self promotion. Word counts are limited to 250 per post.

For beginning to intermediate writers, the group to join is TWV 2. Click
here.

For advanced, published writers, join The Writers View. Click here.

You will be asked to fill out an application that you then send to the group's leadership. You'll receive an email letting you know whether you've been accepted.

A Writer's Resolutions

We writers need rejuvenation every now and then . . . especially when the rejection slips start to pile up, the endless “waiting game” becomes maddening and the mailman looks on us with pity as he hands us (yet another) fat envelope. The start of a new year is a perfect time to begin again. Setting bigger goals, changing unproductive patterns and evaluating our hits and misses can benefit every writer--whether we are beginners or pros.

Since I began freelancing several years ago, I have experienced firsthand the ups and downs of a writer's life. And there are aspects of working for myself that I have learned (the hard way) which cause me to make several resolutions:

First, I will write regularly. There are a million other things that pull me away from the computer. I can justify them all, but those actions at times keep me from doing what I get paid to do--and what I love to do.

Second, I will take a break. I know this resolution sounds contradictory to the previous one. Often, however, I‘ve done my best writing after doing something else, such as reading or taking a walk. One good way to take a break without guilt is to set up a reward system. (one page completed=a soda, two=call to a friend, three=watching a favorite television show, etc.)

Third, I resolve to not let rejection slips and the word “no” crush me. Did you know that Richard Bach had his book, Johnathon Livingston Seagull, rejected 16 times before a publisher picked it up? It’s now a classic. Ironically, the company that finally accepted the book had turned the manuscript down one year earlier.

To increase my acceptances, I resolve to attend to a writer’s conference. As a creative person, I often find myself eager to shut the world out and “do my own thing.” And that’s fine at times. However, there are instances when a freelance writer MUST network and expand his or her contact base. What if the magazines and businesses an author regularly submits to began to close up shop? We must continually broaden our horizons and look for new magazines, editors and clients to work for. And that’s what a writer’s conference is all about.

Next, I resolve to branch out into new territory. I have never written a novel or screenplay. Those are just some of the arenas I want to learn more about—and play with-in 2008.

And finally, I will realize that I have a great job. Writing is full of frustrations, and it’s easy to get stuck in the mire of hopelessness and self-doubt by concentrating on the negatives: editors who won’t return phone calls, magazines who send back form rejection letters, computer problems, low pay, etc. But what about the perks? Setting our own schedule, meeting (and writing about) fascinating people, seeing our names in print and receiving a paycheck for doing what we love are all wonderful reasons to keep our fingers on the keyboard.

If we don’t feel that way as writers, even the most lucrative writing contract won’t bring us happiness. So I resolve to be grateful to the Lord for the gift of writing, use that gift faithfully, and smile back at the mailman. After all, he’s become one of my dearest friends!

Persistence Pays Off

A writing buddy saw this article in the San Antonio paper--what a story!

Talent, discipline, persistence pay off!

Author Wilma Wall, 81, had her first book published in 2004; her second novel was published in 2006. She continues to work on new projects, including a trilogy of novels and the novelization of another author's screenplay. "I've found my purpose," she says. "I love the feel of the computer keys when I'm working." She didn't get the urge to write novels until she was 55. Plagued by false hope and self-doubt, she never stopped believing...Dogged persistence paid off with sweet satisfaction.
Wall feels she is just beginning to tap the reservoir of books inside her.

She researched, read, attended conventions and a Writer's Digest camp, took creative writing classes, interviewed people and learned to accept critiques. Part of her discipline involves a willingness to base writing on thorough research. A professor says her perseverance and willingness to revise are the keys to her success... she kept putting in the time; her success is a testimony to the rewards of perseverance.

Another author, editor, and teacher worked with Wall since 1990 and says, "...I saw the promise; she's willing to learn; she's creative and tenacious; her discipline and eye for detail were keys."

"For anyone who harbors the desire to write, Wilma's experience shows that it's never too late to start," Professor Borofka says. "You may go years until you find your voice and story, but ultimately it's the writer's willingness to write without immediate gratification that makes the difference."

Did you get that? Wow. It's so true! :) We have to be willing to put in the time if we're going to be fruitful. Our society is such a "fast-food" society that we get antsy (and I'm preaching to myself here) if we don't find quick success. But with writing, we must have the faith and the discipline to wait long weeks/months/years for our hard work to pay off. (This business is sooo fickle and frustrating! It can chew you up and spit you out if you let it!)

The reward must be in following our call and using the talent God gave us. Revel in the act of writing and re-writing itself, not in publication, sales figures, or numbers on a chart. Celebrate small successes and "nice" rejection letters. Dance when you read a well-crafted sentence--yourself or someone eles's. Never lose the joy of the well-chosen word...or else you will lose faith and give up.

And finally, as Wilma shows us, NEVER give up. Stay in the game! You'll be glad you did.

Who Do I Want to Look Like?

I've been hitting the gym a lot lately, though I REALLY HATE to sweat. :( However, I had a moment of clarity not long ago that helped me decide to get fit, once and for all.

It happened at the YMCA I attended infrequently, when I noticed several older ladies who were in amazing shape. These beautiful, confident women had strong, lean bodies and tons of energy.

First, I thought, "I want to look like them when I get in my late fifties/early sixties." Second, I thought, "How cool to be in shape, and be able to enjoy your older years." And third, I thought, "Whoa. I CAN look like that. I CAN be in shape, and enjoy my older years. But it won't just happen. I have to put in the time now, in my late thirties and in my forties. "

What does my little epiphany have to do with book marketing? Well, as we've discussed quite a lot on this blog, it would be a mistake to let the rest of my writing career "just happen." To make the impact I'd like to for God's kingdom, I need to ask myself some tough questions:

What do I want to be known for? (Do I want to be known as a humorous writer, a deep, thoughtful writer, a novelist? What kind of writing makes my heart sing and seems to resonate with writers and editors?)

What are my goals? (To get my next book published, teach writing, quit my day job, minister to more people, etc.)

Is this something I'm in for the long haul? (If it is, I can be more patient, and look at things with a big-picture view; if not, I will make different types of choices)

Am I disciplined? (Do I write whether I feel like it or not? Do I guard my thoughts to prevent discouragement and doubt from creeping in? Am I working on my craft? Do I daily sit at the Lord's feet to hear His plans and thoughts toward me?)

And finally:

Who do I want to look like? (Who are my heroes? What have they done that I can emulate? What things do I NOT want to copy?)

Of course, Jesus is the ultimate hero--that goes without saying. But some of my earthly writing heroines are Madeline L'Engle, Anne Lamott, and Liz Curtis Higgs. They all write with passion, humor, and a sense of abandon. Would I want to copy Anne's lifestyle? No--but I do aspire to the honesty with which she writes. I admire Madeline's persistence, creativity and dedication to teach others what she has learned. And I would love to be able to cross genres (and have my audience follow me!) like Liz does.

What it all comes down to is: I want to be the writer God has called me to be. Like Erma Bombeck once said, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'."

And that won't happen if I just say, "Wow. I wish I could write like that. I want to have a career like so-and-so when I'm in my fifties/sixties/seventies."

I have to put feet to my calling...even when it means putting in a LOT of sweat.

Top Ten Things I've Learned as a Writer

10. Not every other Christian writer is nice—but not every editor is harsh or demanding, either.
9. My children’s desire to “hold you mommy” increases as my deadline nears.
8. My desire for my own mommy increases as my deadline nears.
7. Fellow writers are the coolest people on the planet…at least most of them (see #10).
6. Writers’ conferences are refreshing and exhausting at the same time.
5. Getting a book contract makes you feel like a “real writer”…for the first five minutes.
4. Rejection, and waiting to hear about submissions, does not get any easier.
3. Finding a good agent is harder than finding a good publisher.
2. Finding a good publisher is getting more and more difficult if you don’t have big sales numbers.
1. Even with all the difficult aspects of writing, I still wouldn’t trade my job for anything. I get to play with words all day—in my PJ’s, if I want to!

PUBLISHING TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Publishing industry personnel tend to speak in shorthand that they assume everyone understands, which is not always the case. When they talk about books and publishing, they can completely lose you. For example, publishing people constantly refer to "trade books", which can leave industry outsiders scratching their heads.

Unless you ask for clarification, important information about your proposal or book deal can sail completely over your head. Familiarize yourself with the following lingo so when you chat with agents or publishing personnel, you can understand what they're saying and be sure that you're both on the same page.

Common Publishing Terms:

ADVANCE

This term is used in two ways, to mean

1. An advance against royalties, which is the amount that a publishing company pays an author on signing a book contract and prior to publication, and....

2. The number of copies of a book ordered from the publisher prior to the book's publication.

BLURBS (Cover Copy)

Short quotes from successful authors, reviewers, or publication in praise of an author or book. Usually placed on the front and back covers and first few pages to promote the book.

EARNED OUT

An author has earned out when he or she has earned royalties in an amount that equals the advance against royalties that the publisher previously paid him or her.

FLAP COPY
Text on the inside portion of a book cover that usually describes the book.

GALLEYS

A prepublication version of the book. Galleys, which are also known as galley proofs, are typically sent to the author for review and final correction before the final version is produced.

IMPRINT

A publishing company that is a division or subsidiary of a parent company. For example, Pocket Books is an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

PLATFORM

An author's following and media presence. Usually means that the author has achieved renown as a frequent speaker and/or writer, for hosting a popular Web site, for having a large list of names, or for receiving wide media coverage.

PUBLICATION DATE

The date when the book is delivered to retailer for sale. Also referred to as the "pub date."

PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (PW)

The main publication providing information to the publishing industry.

REMAINDERED

Books that are offered for sale well below their cover prices. Usually they are books that didn't sell well or that have been around for a while.

SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS

The rights to reprint, serialize, and reproduce a book for movies, television, audio and video recordings, and electronically.

*Reprinted from "Rick Frishman's Author 101 Newsletter " Subscribe at http://www.author101.com and receive free by email his "Million Dollar Rolodex"*

How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer

As a pre-teen with literary dreams, I was blessed to have a newspaper editor for an uncle. During a visit to his house, he introduced me to a Writer's Market and demonstrated how to submit poems and short stories to magazines.  After a few dozen submissions, I received my first byline. I still have the $8 check! J I'm thankful for my uncle's mentoring, and now I try to help other writers get started and stay motivated. I'm often asked by excited beginners, "how do I get published in magazines?" I believe there are three important steps to becoming a professional freelance writer.

First--Go to School

• Invest in a writer’s market guide. Writers’ Digest has an excellent one, as does the publisher of The Writer magazine. (There are specific market guides for all types of material--including Christian). Writers’ Weekly website and other writing sites send free weekly emails with market listings. Most market guides now have online versions, which are great because the editors update them often. Print versions are sometimes outdated before they're released, due to the "musical chairs" editors often play in the industry.
• Study the market guide. It gives out information you can’t get just by reading the magazine or anthology, such as whether or not the editor accepts queries or complete manuscripts. Market entries also list website addresses where you can often find more comprehensive writers’ guidelines, snail mail addresses, magazine departments, and editor names. Note whether or not the publication sells “first rights” or “all rights.” Most writers only sell “all rights” (which is just what it sounds like—you lose all rights to your work) when they are starting out or when the magazine pays extremely well. The rights you sell are important when you begin to re-sell your published work, or if you ever plan to use articles in a compilation or book manuscript.
• Be adventurous by subscribing to unfamiliar online and print newsletters, and by perusing unfamiliar magazines in public places. Spend time at your local library, reading back issues. As you study the markets, you’ll get a feel for the kinds of pieces they publish, and the readers they service.
• Keep current by subscribing to writers’ magazines and newsletters, purchasing an updated market guide every year, and calling the magazine before you submit to make sure you have the right editor’s name on your manuscript. Why? First, markets rapidly change, and second, editors and agents repeatedly change positions. The writer with the advantage is the one who stays abreast of people, publications, and trends. Case in point: last year, a magazine accepted an article of mine (which they had previously rejected) because I re-submitted it when a new editor came on board. I found out about the opportunity through the "market news" section of a writer's newsletter.

Second--Develop Your Craft

• Attend writers' conferences (at least one every six months, if possible--they are GREAT for networking and meeting editors and agents who are looking for new talent).
• Join critique groups.
• Take online or in-person classes.
• Join writers' loops and groups online.
• Read books about writing, and apply what you've learned.

Third--Build a Career

• Be willing to write for free (garnering sample copies and clips and a line on your resume).
• When dealing with editors, be professional, courteous, and politely persisient.
Query magazines you've read, with ideas you're passionate about.
After you have a few excellent articles, sell them over and over again as reprints. Each time, you'll receive a new credit, as well as payment (whether it be in money or in publicity) for old work.
When you receive a rejection, take whatever constructive criticism you can from it, make necessary changes, and send the piece out again (the same day, if possible!) to a different market.

Fourth--Persevere

• Reach out to other writers when you're discouraged--and read about the famous authors who were rejected hundreds of times before finding their place in the publishing world.
• Believe in yourself, in your talent, and--most importantly!--in the God who created you with specific interests and talents, for His purposes. Know that He will fulfill those purposes in His way and His time.
• HAVE FUN!

Why I Write

According to an article by Chris Anderson in the July 17 issue of Publishers Weekly, in 2004:

• 950,000 titles out of 1.2 million tracked by Nielsen Bookscan sold
  fewer than 99 copies
• Another 200,000 sold fewer than 1,000 copies
• Only 25,000 sold more than 5,000 copies
• The average book in America sells about 500 copies
• Only 10 books sold more than a million copies
• Fewer than 500 sold more than 100,000
• Nearly 200,000 new titles are published each year

Wow. Makes me feel a little like the proverbial tiny fish in a huge pond.

So why do I write? My books have certainly not been bestsellers, and I'm not making a lot of money at this. And a magazine article (which was where my career started) reaches a LOT more people than a book ever will. So what's the attraction?

I guess I can only say that crafting books is a passion and a calling. Since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of seeing my name on the front of a book cover. As an introvert, I found solace and companionship in the world of words. Even as a young teen, I penned novels--teen faith-based romances, to be exact. They had such riveting titles: "Someday, Somewhere" and "Magical Daydreams." (Oh, Lord, please let them never see the light of day!)

And when the first Apple computers came out, I was in heaven. (It meant my dad's secretary didn't have to type my stuff anymore. I could do it myself. She was probably greatly relieved, as well!) I spent hours at the desk, crafting stories, poems and songs lyrics.

When I held my first book in my hands, it was such a dream-come-true. Not only had a publisher paid me to write the words, but readers were actually going to pay to read them. I couldn't quite believe it--and can't believe it still.

What makes it even more thrilling is when a reader writes me to say they have been touched or encouraged by what I've shared. I am thankful beyond words that I get to do what I love for a living. Writing is my "sweet spot" (with thanks to Max Lucado)--the place where the things God puts inside me intersect with the world's needs.

So whether my books sell 500 copies or 5 million, I will keep finding ideas, praying for inspiration, and mining my life for the details that make a story sing.

I thank you for coming along for at least a small part of my journey. And just a warning: if the next thirty years are anything like the last few, it might be a wild ride!