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Writer's Access File Drawer #9

Ref 211. dear Meg, Now what? I have put down my manuscript for the summer (may-August)
I picked it up, rewrote stuff, had a "professional" look at my work and tell
me that it is a great concept, but visionary and to rework it (which I did). I
don't know that I am going to get further help with it and don't know whether to
just keep plugging away and send it out or what. I have the perseverance but
am not sure where to go next. I believe in my work but just don't seem to be
in the "right place at the right time".
I was wondering the "hosts" on this site-do you have people helping you to
answer all of our correspondence (screenwriter's staff) and/or are you
actually the "real" author? It just seems like all of you giving your
time to help us out is great, but it takes a lot out of you too!
Thanks in advance for words of encouragement.

Ref 212. Response to Ref211. On this particular site, there's only me, Meg Chittenden, plugging away. And last time I checked I was real, though when I've been writing all day, I sometimes wonder if I haven't turned into one of my characters. Anyway, I can assure you I don't have a staff or even an assistant. There are of course other people answering questions on other boards, but this one is all mine.

Now to your question. There's no easy answer. If it's a novel you're working on, check Writer's market under book publishers to see who might be interested, talk to booksellers to find out who publishes this kind of novel. Then send a query letter to the publishers you choose. I've always done that one at a time, but you can send to more than one if you just send a query letter. It is best to send a query letter first rather than a full manuscript. If you write a good letter, and get some encouragement, then you can send the manuscript. If the query letter gets a negative response, or no response, write to some more publishers. There is nothing easy about getting published. It takes perseverance and practice, usually. Don't give up. When you send the query letter, address it to an editor by name. Call the publishing house if necessary and ask who you should send it to. Be sure to enclose a stamped addressed envelope. Writer's market and Literary Marketplace, both available in your library will give you a lot of information. Also, if you look back in the "drawers" at the top of this page you'll see advice I've given to others on this subject. Good luck. the real Meg.

Ref 213. I would like to know who wrote the movie "Eraser". Does any one know?
-Chris

Ref 214. Response to Ref 213: Sorry Chris, we only know about novels here. If you scroll to the top of this page, you might find a department that can help you. Cheers, Meg

Ref 215. Dear Meg....I have written a script with yhe hopes of it becoming a tv movie,it is based on actual events an has to do with the devastation gambling caused to a family.I have allowed many people to read my short story version and each and every one said how they felt it would be such a natural for a tv movie
and convinced me to pursue this but I have no idea who to contact,can you please advise me of my next step....thank you .Ted

Ref 216. Response to Ref 215: Sorry Ted, we do only novels here. I have no experience with screenwriting. If you scroll to the top of this page, you might find a department that can help you. One thing I do know--it's very difficult to sell a TV movie script. But then it's very difficult to sell novels or short stories too! But people do it all the time. Good luck, Meg

Ref 218. Dear Meg,

What is a reasonable length for a synopsis of a 400+ pg. fiction manuscript? I fear I have written one which is much too long...at 12 pgs. 14 pt. font, single spaced. However, my story has so many elements, characters and scenes...that I did not seem to be able to tell the story well in a shorter version, although I have written a 'blurb' for use by my agent... The 'blurb' just describes who, what, where...but certainly not the 'how' of it all.... Any suggestions you have to offer will be appreciated.

Thank you,

P.

Ref 219. dear meg, I am back again. I am trying hard NOT to give up. I do have the perseverance, but am getting discouraged. I tried "breaking into the publishing business" for one solid year. I've stopped and revamped everything again. Now what? Do I just try the "regional"publishers like you suggested? when you look in the local paper the bestsellers seem to be the "big"houses. I don't need a best seller but would like to be published. I know that you have suggested to get started on the next book, but how do you when your first one seems not to catch anyone's interest? Would you by any chance know how an author can find out rules for collaborating. I mean what is a collaborator entitled to? I mean if the other person is not offering to help out with the book,but has written a nice amount, can I then become sole author and just thank the collaborator in the credits? I can't seem to get my collaborator to give me a "release" in writing. SOmeone said that I could take his name off and when I get published
give him some of the proceeds. So, again, do I at this point (already received 25 "nice" reject letters-if you recall me from ealier correspondence)in a way it's like I should give it up, but since I revamped it a little and had another author help me rewrite my query letter, do I just start over with a new batch of people? Maybe this time go with the small press that is listed in writer's market? Will I still be able to recoup my expenses (I was "taken" by an editing business-but am chalking it up to a bad experience). Now that it has been sent to publishing houses, would I still benefit from taking an evening course where the classmates critique it (even though itwas donealready by an editing company)? Thanksagain.

Ref 220. Response to Ref 218: I'm sorry it took a while for you to get a reply here. I did write one but evidently I did something dumb and it didn't get posted. So I'll try it again. It's almost impossible to say how long a synopsis should be. I write about 20 pages for a 350 page ms. but I've been publishing for a long time and can get away with that. Some editors say 5 or 6 pages. One editor told me recently he likes to get 2 1/2 pages single space, double space between paragraphs. The thing to remember is you are not trying to get the whole book in the synopsis. pretend you are talking to a friend and telling him or her what the book is about. Summarize, summarize. All the editor wants is an idea of what the story is. Do include a summary of the ending however. Don't try to outline scene by scene or describe every character, just do a swift narrative of the story. Oh and by the way, it's customary to use a 12 pt font., a very plain font. That'll save you some space right away.

I hope some of this helps. Meg

Ref 221.
Response to Ref 219: I have to tell you that I know writers who wrote ten books before they got one accepted for publication. But they did get published. I've had two book proposals turned down by multiple publishers in the last couple of years and I've been writing for 27 years, so you'd think I'd have some idea of what I'm doing. Rejection has never stopped me from carrying on. It never will. This is the big test of a real writer, to keep going, to remain committed in the face of rejection. You can try regional publishers, but I still say it's time to write another book. You can't build a career on one book alone. At this stage, I wouldn't worry about who publishes bestsellers. They are phenomena and most of us won't come close. Just see which publishers publish the kind of thing you are writing, and submit to them.

I have absolutely no experience with or knowledge of the collaboration process, so I'm afraid I can't help on that at all. Sorry. An evening course, if it's a good commercial one with someone leading it who knows what they are doing--preferably a published author-- could only help. At the least, it lets you see that other people are going through the same process. But don't get involved in one where all people do is praise one another's work, that doesn't help. Hang in there. Meg

Ref 222. Dear Meg,

Regarding your answer, Ref. 220...Thanks so much for your help. I revised my diskette copy and shortened all my synopses. It was difficult, but I managed to condense each story to a more suitable length.

Also, thanks for the 'tip' on including the ending. I imagine editors and pubs. do get terribly irritated with 'un-finished' stories...

Best regards,

P.

Ref 223. Dear Ms. Chittenden:

I am deep into a first novel with a co-writer. Since we live on opposite
coasts (I'm East/she's West), we use email and the telephone to plot,
discuss and argue over the book. (We've never actually met)
We have two questions:
1. The book is a roman a clef type. Based on actual people & semi-
actual events but fictionalized to protect the innocent and guilty.

We have both been checking Fair Use laws -the only thing we could
think of which would cover this- but it doesn't quite do it. Is
there another source so we know how far we can *and* can't go?

2. We hope to be finished in January. Once done, we're a little
perplexed about how two people living on opposite ends of the country
would gracefully submit manuscripts. Any advice?

Thanks-jai

Ref 224. Response to Ref 223: I'm sorry, jai, I am afraid you've gone beyond the scope of my experience here. I've never collaborated and have no idea how it works. I would suggest you submit a synopsis of about six pages plus the first three chapters of your book, rather than send the full manuscript. I would suggest you each draw up a list of possible publishers, then submit to those. If you send to several at once you should inform them this is a multiple submission. If you go the one by one route, which is what I've always done, you could either appoint one of you to do it or alternate if it doesn't sell to the first publisher. (I'm thinking positively for you here. I do hope you have a strong contract between the two of you, properly drawn up and witnessed. It is very important that you have this. I've seen a lot of problems develop between collaborators. I hope you've fictionalized a great deal. It's not enough to just change the names. If people can be recognized and they recongnize themselves they might have grounds for a suit. It's difficult territory you are trading on. Fair use in my experience covers only short quotes from other people's novels or articles or whatever, (not including poetry or lyrics for which there is no fair use.) I'm afraid I don't know a source that will tell you how far you can safely go. I strongly advise you to consult a lawyer or a literary agent who has experience with such matters. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Meg

Ref 225. Hello,
My name is Anthony G. Evans Jr. I am ninteen years old and I have always wanted to become a writer. I have good writing skills and have written three unpublished books throughout my high school years. Could you give me some advice or connection to someone who would help ,e?

Ref 226. i am a somewhat beginner writer, but it is something i definetly want
to pursue. How do i go about getting published? is an agent really that
important? what else is recomended to start out making writing, a way of living?
any answers or comments are most appreciated. derek

Ref 227. Response to Refs 225& 226. Dear Anthony and Derek, Sorry this took so long. I've been gone. These two questions are really quite similar, so I'm answering them together, okay? They are good questions. I wrote a whole book on How to Write YOUR Novel that might answer them. I can't really answer such complicated questions in this limited space. Two books that would help are usually found in good libraries. "Writers Market" put out by Writer's Digest. (Look for this year's version.) And Literary Market Place. Which is also updated annually. You can also find other good books on how to write at your local library. Getting published is a matter of perseverance. The only way I know is to submit your work to publishers until, it is to be hoped, one of them takes an interest. Sure it's better to have an agent submit your work, but most agents don't want to take you on until you are making money. It's a catch 22 situation. Most publishers nowadays don't have the staff to read every unsolicited manuscript that comes in their door, so it's best to start with a query letter that summarizes your book in one paragraph. (Yes, it can be done) and tells a little about you and your writing, and asks if the editor will look at a book proposal. a book proposal is a synopsis (a summary of the plot) of about five to six pages double spaced, accompanied by the first three chapters of your book. One very important thing to realize is that it often takes years to get established as a writer. Competition is fierce. So you need another income to support you. Don't let that discourage you however. people do get established in writing careers. I've been doing it for 27 years. One helpful thing to do is to ask your librarians if there are any writers conferences held in your state. Writers conferences are very helpful to beginning writers. Some of them also feature appointments with agents and editors. You might also try looking on the internet for lists of writing conferences. For example, if you are interested in mystery writing, go to http://www.cluelass.com and you'll find a lot of information there. Or you could check out my web site, http://www.techline.com/~megc/ where I have a monthly tip for writers, and several links to various other writing sites. The only other help I can suggest is that you look through the questions I've answered here previously, including those in the drawers above. I have written about agents and about other aspects of writing that might prove helpful to you. Good luck, Meg

Ref 228. Meg, I just got back from your web site. Found it awesome and helpful. I was wondering about how your email address works (it says on your page that you may be emailed. Is this to an office??? Is this a "semi-private" email?? Is it part of the Hollywood Screenwriters Network?? Is it screened??? I am so glad that you told us about your website. It says you may be traveling to the east coast? Washington D.C.??? Is this trip open to the public???? thank you for giving us your time and expertise to keep us motivated.

Ref 229. Meg, thank you for your help...i really appreciate it.

derek

Ref 230. response to Ref 228: My email comes to a server where I pick it up (electronically) and bring it in to my email program in my computer which is in my office in my home. It is private. Nobody reads it but me. My Washington D.C. trip is to Malice Domestic, a mystery convention, which is open to anyone who pays the fee to go. Malice Domestic has a page on the web I believe. Cheers, Meg

Ref 231. response to Ref 229: You are welcome Derek.

Ref 232. Meg, I've been reading and absorbing all of your sound counsel. I have just rewritten and brought my book down/back to life. Made it more concrete. I am so excited about it. It sounds even better than before. My story is nonfiction and I have changed the names. Because it is generic (based in a public building) a character(s) could be recognized;however, since it involves lets say a pool of secretaries, it's generic enough that someone could say, oh that could be me or is it so and so. Is this safe? I guess, when I get published would the editor tell me the "safety" aspects or if things need to be changed to protect me from a suit? Do editors help you if they think a part needs to be changed. I mean do they tell you what they want and I do the rewrite or get to look at it BEFORE they publish it? Do I get to pick out the cover? Do I get to "commission" an artist? I'm not finished sending out my work to publishers. I'm the one who revamped it. How do you feel about self publishing. I do NOT have a lot of funds and understand there is a lot involved. I guess again I'm asking do I just exhaust the LMP? I have no problem doing that either. It's just that people get wind of you writing-junk mail I've been receiving and also when you write to the other "hosts" on this network-it seems as if they say do the best you can,but then turn it over to me cuz I'll make it better. Being new to this bookwriting,sometimes it looks enticing but expensive,but the way of the world now??
thanks a lot for encouragement.

Ref 233. Response to Ref 232:Congratulations on finishing and rewriting your book. I have to tell you first, that I'm here to talk about fiction because that's what I do. However, I'll try to answer your questions as best I can.

As far as your characters being based on real life people you know, I think you are taking a bit of a chance. I often take bits of different people I know and meld them into one character, but I would never knowingly use real people for my characters. Just changing the names does not protect you if a person recognizes himself or herself and decides s/he doesn't like your portrait and wants to sue.

It is the writer's responsibility to make sure there's nothing s/he can be sued for.
Here's a quote from one of my contracts,which I believe is pretty standard.

"The author agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Publisher against any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, recovery or expense of any nature whatsoever arising from any claims or infringement of copyright or proprietary right, or claims of libel, unlawfulness or invasion of privacy or based upon or arising out of any matter or thing contained in the Work; or any breach of warranties or representations herein contained." As you can see, the author is pretty well on his or her own here.

next question: The editor assigned to your book will let you know what s/he finds wrong with your book in any way. Sometimes major edits will be required, sometimes few changes will be requested. But it behooves you to have the finished manuscript be as finished and as good as you can get it. After you do the requested changes, the editor will edit the manuscript. So will a copy editor, for grammar, spelling etc. You will usually be sent the edited manuscript to read and fight about if you are so inclined. Then you will be sent the galleys, which are the finished manuscript in the way it will be made into a book. This is your last chance to make changes, but if you make too many at this point, you will be expected to pay for them.

Most publishers have an art department. They decide on the artists. You may be asked to make suggestions for cover art. This doesn't mean anyone will take any notice of your suggestions. In the beginning you don't usually have a lot of clout with the art department. They have their own ideas, which are also influenced by the marketing department's ideas.

I would never self-publish. Some people do. I can't answer that for you. You have to decide if it's worth the expense to you. I would advise you not to go with a publisher who expects you to share or pay all expenses. If you want to self-publish do it yourself. however, there is a big problem in distribution. How do you get your book into the hands of readers. I don't have the answers to these questions. you might check the web for someone who has that kind of expertise, or attend a writer's conference where self-publishing is on the program.

Nor do I have a solution to junk mail problems. I get yards of it. Sometimes it's actually useful. I hate to see our dumps filling up with this stuff, so do recycle it if you possibly can.

I hope I've managed to answer your questions. Your best bet is to send a query letter to several publishers at a time. Check LMP and Writer's Market and see who publishes the kind of book you've written. Send queries to five maybe? (See earlier stuff in the archives of this board for something on query letters) If those five don't respond or aren't interested, try five more.

It's a good idea to attend writer's conferences where editors and agents are present. You can often get an appointment to talk over your manuscript. I would not advise sending the whole book out. It takes forever to get a response and you lose a lot in postage. With your query letter send a two page synopsis or outline of the book.

I wish you good luck. Meg

Ref 234. Meg,
query letters--I've sent out 30 about 6-8 months ago? Now that I've done rewrites may I send to some of the ones that rejected me? Do I have to only send out 5 at a time. May Isend 20? I mean it takes so long to hear back. Is this the "right" time of the year to send them? I mean couldn't I send them and they'd have my query when they returned in January? Or should I wait until January?
Okay, thanks for your encouragement.

Ref 235. Response to Ref 234. Best not to send the same manuscripts back to the same places, unless an editor encouraged you to do so. If editors have any interest in your manuscipt they will ask for a rewrite. You can, of course, send queries on new material to those same editors.

With regard to query letters, sure you can send 20 at a time. Just be prepared to receive 20 rejections all at the same time! If on the other hand you receive 20 requests to see the complete manuscript, and you send out that many copies and they are all accepted--you should be so lucky--what do you do then? I prefer to parcel out my stuff in manageable proportions, but if you think you can handle all possible results--go for it!

No, this is not the right time of the year to send stuff out. Many NY offices will be having parties for staff. People will be taking off to visit families "back home." (Not just in NY of course, but a lot of publishers are based in New York, so I'm using them as an example.) As the year wraps up many people get behind in their workload. And of course, the postal system is suffering from overload also. It sounds good to say they'd have your query to come back to. But imagine if everyone has the same thought. Here's that poor editor returning after the holidays to find a huge stack of mail. That editor is going to moan. Which is not going to put that editor in a good frame of mind to read your query. Better to wait until the New Year is under way before submitting. Good luck! Meg

Ref 236. Meg, I am writing to you because I have been a working actress for several years now and I just recently had a baby ..I have taken some time off and would like to use this opportunity to write a book that I have always had the desire to do. I lost over 100 pounds years ago and would like to share this info with others through my book. I wanted you to recommend any books or computer programs that you think would be helpful to me. And also I am wondering what it means to be self publlished and if this would be an option for me. Thank you for your time and comments...Andie

Ref 237. Meg, I am writing to you because I have been a working actress for several years now and I just recently had a baby ..I have taken some time off and would like to use this opportunity to write a book that I have always had the desire to do. I lost over 100 pounds years ago and would like to share this info with others through my book. I wanted you to recommend any books or computer programs that you think would be helpful to me. And also I am wondering what it means to be self publlished and if this would be an option for me. Thank you for your time and comments...Andie

Ref 238. Response to Ref 237. Andie, I'll do my best to answer your question, but I'm mainly here to answer questions about fiction writing. I don't have much expertise in non-fiction, except for my book How to Write YOUR Novel, which I only mention because you asked about helpful books! Congratulations on your weight loss. I know how difficult that is. I think it's great you want to share the secrets of your success with others. Your best bet is to go to the library and see what books have been written on the subject. There are a lot. So you want to decide how you can make yours different and how to make it most appealing. There are books out there on writing non-fiction and on self-publishing. If your library or bookstore don't have any, check online resources like Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. They have searchable indexes. Self-publishing means you will pay for everything to be printed up in book form yourself. And then you will have to figure out how to get the finished book distributed. I've no idea how to go about that, but I'm sure there are books that deal with it. Self-publishing would be an option if you have enough money and time to devote to it. You might also check on the most recent Writer's Market, and Literary Marketplace, both of which should be available in a good library. They will tell you which publishers publish books of the kind you wish to write. That's about all I can tell you, I'm afraid. I do wish you luck. Meg

Ref 239. Dear Meg,

Hi, I have been a writer for eight years now and am successfully published in fiction and news articles. The work which I write concerns the environment, about relationships-- being single at the age of 41 leaves one a lot to write about. I am an experienced photiographer, enjoy pictures and find even my words show colourful images. my work in Australia as a freelancer makes it hard. The limited population size also makes the readership demand at a minority. But hopefully in the future other writers will not find such hurdles. The last figures I received about book publishing stated that America can publish up to 95% of submitted MSS, where Australia can only cope with publishing 65% of all MSS submitted. Do you have any helpful suggestions for me Meg. I would much appreciate any clues about getting enough stories out in the marketplace so that it would at least cover the cost of the latest phone bill. Kindest Regards: John Stewart...

Ref 240. Response to ref 239. Well, John, that's a difficult question you've posed me. I'm really here to deal with fiction writing, which is what I do, but I see your dilemma and will try to help. Have you heard of WRiters Digest's publication, Writer's Market? It's in most good libraries over here and is updated annually. If you can't find it there, you might access Writers Digest online at http://www.dimax.com/pif/wd/ and see if you can order a copy. Failing that a subscription to the magazine will bring you regular listings of American markets. Writer's Market gives a list of every book publisher and magazine publisher in the country. I'm thinking you could then write a really good query letter, detailing your experience and your credits, and whatever you want to write, and send it out to several publishers at once, along with a copy of one of your photographs, and see if you can stir up some interest that way.

What would really help would be to get an American agent, which is easier said than done. But you have been published, so I think it's worth a go. Write to The Association of Authors representatives inc. 10 Astor Place, New York NY 10003, enclosing a self-addressed envelope--legal size--and enough American postage, or international reply coupons for a double weight letter. Ask for their list of agents. (There's also a list of agencies in Writers Market) Then you could send out a query letter to all the agents who seemed suitable to you. I don't know if any of this is helpful to you John. You might check around the web and see if there's a non-fiction writer offering help. Have you considered changing to books? It might be easier to handle overseas transport all the time if you were doing books. Sorry I can't think of anything more to suggest. Good Luck, Meg

Ref 241. I just saw "'Til There Was You" and want to know what else the writer, Winnie Holzman, has done. Is there internet access to such information.
Terry Holland terryble@gte.net

Ref 242. Response to Ref 241: Sorry Terry, I have no idea. I'm here to answer questions about fiction writing because that's all I know about! You might scroll up to the top of this page and see if anyone in one of the other areas of the network can help. Or plug the name into one of the search engines like Lycos or Webcrawler or Hotbot. You might come up with something. Sorry I can't help. Meg

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