Learning From Mistakes

Don't get over-zealous about getting your query letter and proposal out with your 3 chapters attached, like I did. Write it and put it away for a few days, even a week. Then re-visit it and you'll see areas that need correcting. I can't stress how important it is to have everything in the BEST possible form because you only get ONE shot with each agent.

Of course, you could get lucky. It's always possible that there's the one agent that sees potential in your work and willing to help you make it better. I got lucky. I'm working hard to upgrade my proposal so that I'm worthy of representation.

What have I learned so far? Make sure the competitors you include in your proposal, have written books within the last few years. Compare your book to not only show similarities; but show why yours is different and a better approach.

Hiring a freelance editor is also a good option in presenting your book in the best light. The editor can move your chapters around, correct any grammatical blunders and punctuation and KNOW what a publisher looks for. In better economic times, a publisher took on your book and had their own editor do the work, which can also happen today. However, because only about half the number of books are getting published, today, it might be better to hire an editor to up your chances.


Next blog will be about increasing your platform and how the industry has changed.

It's a doggy-dog world out there and more competitive than ever!