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Ref 173. Dear Margaret:

I am a part time writer in Atlanta and have written two books, one was a behind the scenes look at the 1980 movie Caddyshack, and the other was a romance novel. I am in the process of writing a third book. I enjoy wirting, with all its headaches and misery sometimes, but what I am looking for is someone to send my work to so I can get it published. Do you have any advice for a struggeling wirter in
Atlanta? Please help!

Thanks!

Scott Sergent (ATLOFFSV@HKLAW.COM)

Best of luck to all who are trying. Meg

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Ref 184. I'm interviewing a number of people for a book on grief, transformation and social change and have been have been able to obtain either addresses and/or phone #'s for everyone I intend to interview except for two. Do you have, or do you know how I could contact Candy Lightner (founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving years ago, but no longer with them) and Jehan Sedat (wife of Egypts assassinated president Anwar. She lives and teaches in U.S. part of the year)? I've tried all the on line email, yellow pages and address resources without any luck. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Gabriel Constans email: gabaud@cruzio.com

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Ref 185. Reading all of the messages listed, I feel an overall air of frustration among these authors trying to get into print. I have written 3 books, nonpublished, but have a great sense of comfort knowing they are ready. I have only approached one publisher and got an offer to publish. I turned down the offer for I felt I was not ready to take on the process of the wait. I'm very impatient. I enjoy writing to express my emotions, like a diary, with splashes of color. I feel when the time is right, I will have a career as an author, right now, I'm still growing and have a lot to write about. It is an escape for me and I don't feel like putting my fantasy world on the chopping block just yet. A bit of advice to anyone who is willing to take it about writting, life or anything we attempt. The only time we can start at the top, is when we are digging a hole. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it..

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Ref 188. Response to Ref 184--I'm sorry, I'm afraid my only usefulness lies in the area of fiction-writing. I've no idea where you could find the addresses you are seeking if you've exhausted web resources. You might perhaps try to find a helpful reference librarian. Sorry.

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Ref 189. Response to Ref 185: You have a very sensible approach to writing in that you are willing to work on perfecting your craft before submitting something for publication--a step many hopeful writers omit! I hope though that you will recognize when you are ready to submit. I'm not sure what you mean about turning down an offer because you weren't ready to wait. There will always be a wait between an offer and publication--the wheels of the publishing business grind extremely slowly as a rule. Remember than no editor will come looking in your bottom drawer to see what you might have been working on. As soon as you feel you are ready, start submitting your material. Good luck, Meg

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Ref 186. Please suggest some books for a writer whose novel has grown into a screenplay; there are so many out there! I am in particular need of instruction on the proper structural format of a script, and any magical words of experience to guide in converting fictional prose into screenplay action.

Thanks!
Leslie R. email:LRspirit@aol.com

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Ref 190. Response to Ref 186: Sorry, this is a question outside my realm of expertise. If you scroll to the top of this page to the list of resources on this network, you'll see one for Screenwriting. The experts there are more likely to be able to help you than I am. The best I can do for you is to recommend Syd Field's book, "Screenplay," which is a step by step guide to the foundations of screenwriting. It was published by Dell some years ago, along with the companion book, "The Screenwriter's Workbook." Meg

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Ref 191. Dear Meg, I recently read of Jacqueline Mitchard and Sapphire (virgin novelists) who both sold their books with less than 100 wriitten pages. Do you advise completing a manuscript before submissions?
Have you sold any novels before completion?

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Ref 192. Response to Ref 191: I'll take the second part of your question first. Yes,I've sold my last 26 books on the strength of a synopsis, or a synopsis and the first three chapters. My synopsis usually runs from 20 - 50 pages depending on the projected length and type of book. The 50 page synopsis being a mystery novel. However, I've written and published 32 books, so the first six were completed before submission. The writers you hear about in the media are usually the exceptions. Most publishers want to be sure the new writer is capable of finishing a novel before going to contract. If you have a synopsis or high concept that will absolutely blow the publisher away, then you might get a contract before writing, but it's mostly unlikely, even though there are exceptions. Personally, I think it's a good idea for a new writer to complete a novel before submitting anything. It's good for the writer to find out if he or she is capable of finishing and revising and rewriting a novel. It's still a good idea to then submit a query letter and later, if requested, a proposal consisting of a synopsis and three chapters, rather than to send out the completed manuscript cold. But you can then say in your query letter that the manuscript is ready to go. Good luck Meg

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Ref 193. Can you give any advice on where to find out about writing good dialoge?

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Ref 194. Can I get a full manuscript from some of the new movies???
my e-mail is: hollowcow@hotmail.com

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Ref 195. Response to ref 193: The best way to find out how to write good dialog is to listen to people talk wherever you go. I mean really listen. Most of us tune out other people part of the time. You can't, however, transcribe dialog the way people talk you have to edit out the repetitions and the unnecessary comments about the weather. One good test of fictional diaolog is to read it aloud and listen carefully to how it sounds. you can also find several good books at the library, or in bookstores on writing fiction and they usually include sections on dialog. Check out the Writer Magazine, which comes out monthly. Look for articles there. Check at the library on Readers guide to periodic literature and find out where articles on dialog have been published in the last year. Writer's Digest has books on writing. So does The Writer Inc. including my own, How To Write Your novel, which has some instruction on dialog. TAke books that you own and highlight the dialog passages, see how it moves the story forward or characterizes people or in some way serves more purpose than just conversation. Try to avoid using dialect. Use speech patterns instead. STudy the way other writers do it. Hope some of this will be helpful to you. Best of luck, Meg

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Ref 196. Response to Ref 194: Sorry, I can't help on movies at all. I deal only with fiction writing for novels here. If you scroll to the top of the page you can click on screenwriting and perhaps someone in that area can help you. Best Meg

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Ref 197. Dear Meg, I am back and a little discouraged. How do you know when to stop submitting your query letter? I mean I've sent out my query letter with sample chapters to about 25-30 publishing houses. I am the one the wrote to you a few months ago that I get handwritten notes on my rejection form letters stating that I have interesting idea, wonderful topic, etc. BUT we are not headed in that direction. I believe in it but don't have money to self publish, but don't know what it is that is keeping me from being published or even "looked at". One publishing house says that (after reading entire manuscript) my book reminds her of Up the Down Staircase. Although they like it, it is not the kind of book their readers expect them to publish. SO now what? Do I just keep submitting to everyone with the hopes I'll be picked up or do I just give up? thanks for anything you can provide to me.

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Ref 198. Response to Ref 197; I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. It happens to most new writers, I'm afraid. If a book doesn't seem right for a publishing house, then it doesn't get bought, no matter how good it is or how much labor the author has put into it. You can keep trying until you've exhausted all possible markets--that's what I did, and that's what my agent does when I try something new. I have a couple of book proposals that never did sell. If there are publishers left who seem likely, keep submitting. But work on something else. That's the best way to beat the system. Keep writing until something sells. it can be heartbreaking, I know, but it's the only way. If you give up you will never know if the next place you tried might be the one to take you on. You might look at some regional publishers. There just aren't any guarantees. A certain amount of luck does come into this business. I hope it finds its way to you. sorry, I dont have a definitive answer. Meg

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Ref 199. Okay,, thank you for the encouraging words. At this point does it matter that they only publish 6 titles or 12 titles a year? I don't know what you mean by trying regional publishers. Does that mean not the "big" houses? Do you mean that just because you have published before it is not as easy to get the second book published? I mean do you have to start all over again with the same/and new publishers?!! Even you? If so, then this is really a tough business!!! I will take your best wishes and luck with me as I forge on.
what does "purchase outright" mean? thanks

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Ref 200. Response to Ref 198: If your book is right for a publisher it doesn't much matter how many titles they publish a year. Regional publishers in Washington State are those publishing in Seattle or some other major town, in the state, rather than in New York. Many states have similar businesses. The books might be of a regional nature, but sometimes local publishers branch out into other areas. Small presses abound. I believe there is a directory of such, I'll try to find out. It is much easier to get a book published after the first, but again it is not a guarantee. I've published several books with the same publisher, but every once in a while a proposal of mine does not strike my editor as suitable for that house and I have to try it elsewhere. Most publishers will ask for an option on your next book once you sell your first to them. It will be in the contract. If they don't want it after seeing a proposal, you are free to send it elsewhere, depending on the wording in the contract. Many many writers are happily published by the same publisher all their writing careers. Others may do very well and then be given a better offer by a competing publisher. In my case, my first and second publishers went out of business, so I had to start over elsewhere. Luckily one of my previous editors turned up in another publishing house and asked me to work with her again. It is a tough business, it is also a very rewarding business in many ways. I've had some wonderful editors and some great experiences. I don't mean to be spreading doom and gloom everywhere. But it behooves all of us to face facts. By all means try the top publishers at first if that is where you believe your work belongs. But if they turn it down, then try other avenues of publication. Check out WRiters Market and The Writers Handbook and Literary MarketPlace at the library. Talk to booksellers, look at books in bookstores and libraries to see who published them. Are any of them like your own? If so that might be a publisher to try. Writing is an art, it is also a business. "Purchase outright," means the publisher will pay you a lump sum and nothing more. most publishers pay an advance against royalties. Say they pay you $5000 which is not an uncommon advance nowadays. Usually you will then receive 10% of the cover price of each book sold. Or 6-8% if it's a paperback original. But you will not receive any royalties until enough books have been sold to make up the advance you've already been paid. With an outright purchase, the initial sum is often quite small and that is all there is. Best, Meg

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Ref 201. i'm a begginner writer and i write romance novels and wondering what
do you have to put in them for minor detail like do you have to
describe there clothing and stuff like that to make it good.my emial
address is jaxpanther@aol.com

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Ref 202. Response to Ref 201: There's never a definite answer to any writing question. Some writers include a lot of detail and some barely indicate what a character is wearing. The best way to decide is to read a lot of romance novels and see how they are written. Decide which you like the best and use those as models, not to copy in any way, but to show you how it can be done. Good luck, Meg

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Ref 203. Ms. Chittenden:
Can you offer any advice on how to go about doing first-hand research? I would very much like to interview a small town policeman, as I need some details that will be key to the plot of my novel. Should I contact a local police dept.? Or would I be uncategorically told to get lost. What do you recommend?
Thank you for your time.

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Ref 204. Response to Ref 203: I do all my research first hand myself so I appreciate that you are doing the same. your book will be the better for it. I also get lots of plot ideas while I'm doing the research. What I do is to write a note to the police department of whatever town I'm writing about. If there's a public liaison officer or a public relations officer or whatever I'd write to him or her. I would tell what I was doing and ask if I could come in to the station and talk to an officer about some questions I have. I would say that I want to get the police procedure right. If there's no pr person, I'd write to the police chief. I would give my phone number and address etc. If I didn't get a reply fairly soon, I'd follow up with a phone call. But usually I get an answer fairly quickly. The reason I write first is that it's less intrusive and gives the person the chance to reply when he or she has time. I've always found all law enforcement officers to be very co-operative. I am always prepared with written questions when I do the actual interview. I take notes rather than use a tape recorder as I find a tape recorder is sometimes inhibiting. When I get an appointment with an officer, he or she will often decide to meet over a cup of coffee or bagel or something at a local place. In which case, I pay! Good luck. Meg

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Ref 205. Meg, Great news! I've recently recieved a request for my manuscript from an agent. But they would like a $35 processing fee. They make a point of saying this is not a reading fee. The agency is established and they seem very interested. What do you think about the fee? Thanks, Steve.

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Ref 206. Response to Ref 205: That is good news Steve. I must say I've never heard of a $35 processing fee. You didn't say how much manuscript you are talking about. If it's a book, then $35 doesn't seem like a lot. But if it's not a reading fee, I don't know what it is. I advise against paying reading fees as a rule, but I think if you feel the agency is a good one it's probably not too much to risk. Good luck, Meg.

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Ref 207. Meg: I had an experience the other day that has brought to the verge of panic. I was in a bookstore and picked up a new novel. (The thing about it that interested me is that it has a setting very similar to the novel I am now writing.) I opened the book to a random page, and there was a chapter which began exactly (and I mean EXACTLY) like a chapter in my book! I mean, it was almost word for word.
Now, it will be a very simple matter for me to make changes and remove the similarity, (it involved a rather small character point) but it got me to wondering: how many other such cases are there in my manuscript? Remember, this was a book I'd never read, had never even heard of before, so it couldn't even have been subconscious copying. (I know they say that there are no new ideas, but this is ridiculous!)
It may seem a bit obsessive to worry about such a thing, but I can't get over the feeling that if I hadn't just happened to find this by accident it would have seemed an awful lot like plagarism. How do editors react to things like this?
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Ref 208. Meg -

I have a book idea - relating to my practice area in domestic law. I am interested in making the transition from an active practitioner to a writer. The book is a guide or a how to or a "for dummies" or "for idiots" kind of book. Any suggestions on the best way to find a literary agent for this kind of book?

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Ref 209. Response to Ref 207: I can't say I've heard of this problem before. A lot would depend on how much of the text was exactly the same. You say it involved only a small character point, so it surely can't have been very many words. These accidental similarities can occur I suppose. I know I've seen similarities of plot and character in other books to some of mine, and I did once come across a whole sentence in someone's book that was the same as mine, but I happened to know that person had read my book. It could still have been accidental, so I never mentioned it. I would say, if it's a small amount then dont worry about it. If the whole page is the same then I don't know what to tell you. Sentences, phrases, can stick in one's memory. Heard on TV, heard on radio, or in a conversation. perhaps you and this author heard this sequence somewhere. I don't know. I do a lot of reading of mystery while I'm writing mystery and I worry sometimes that I might unconsciously copy something. But as far as I know, I haven't done so. And unless you find this happening again and again, which seems doubtful, I wouldn't worry about it. Not much help, I'm afraid, but the best I can offer. Meg

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Ref 210. Response to Ref 208. Well, I wouldn't even try until I had something fairly concrete to offer in the way of a formal book proposal. It's very difficult(Probably impossible) to get a literary agent on the strength of an idea unless it's a real lollapalooza. (sp?) Other than that, you'd try to get an agent the same way as for any other book. I always advise writers to check through Writers Market for the current year, and Literary Marketplace. Both are available in any good library. They will give you an idea of which agency represents which kind of book. Most agencies have several agents with interests in various types of properties. To get a list of agents, write to The Association of Authors' Representatives Inc. 10 Astor Place, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003. Enclose a self-addressed legal size envelope and ask for their list of registered agents. Once you've checked the two books I mentioned, select half a dozen agents who seem the right ones for what you are writing, then write a query letter of one page describing your proposal and asking if the agent would look at it with a view to representing you. Send them out, and have a list of half a dozen more ready in case those don't work out. Do not send a whole or even part of a manuscript until the agent agrees to look at it. I would also include a SASE with the query. I have answered questions about agents on this bulletin board before. If you are interested in looking at former posts, hunt through the archive drawers as listed above. And good luck with your project. Meg

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