10.17.05
Posted in Writing at 7:22 am by Administrator
I am determined to sell my book. I have spent the last 3 solid days researching agents and agencies who might be a good fit for my newly written, “The Tale of Lillian Foster.” In the process of this research I discovered two important facts.
First, the best way to get a foot in the door with an agent or editor is to actually attend a conference, manuscript in hand. During my research, I discovered most agents and editors attend several conferences per year. This is their way of keeping an ear to the industry pulse and also in hopes of discovering that new, untapped author just waiting to be noticed. Also, most of them speak or lead some sort of roundtable discussion. It’s a perfect opportunity to listen and learn.
Second, the best way to get a foot in the door with an agent or editor is to meet them at a conference, manuscript in hand. It seems an agent or editor is more likely to take a look at your work if you actually meet them face to face and pitch your story idea to them. They prefer this method over an unsolicited query sent to their office, although most will still accept those.
I also came to the realization that most conferences take place before October. With the exception of one major conference which is coming up October 26-30, 2005. It is the Glorieta Christian Writer’s Conference near Santa Fe, New Mexico. I scoured the website for this conference (http://www.classervices.com/CS_Glorieta_Conf.html), pouring over workshop descriptions, roundtable discussion schedules, faculty listings and editor/agent appointment availabilities. The information was overwhelming at first, but the more I read and researched and delved into it, the more I knew I had to make this happen. I had to go to Glorieta.
I spent the better part of Saturday picking out my classes, weighing different topics’ relevance to my season in the writing life and choosing agents I might want to meet. I am now convinced more than ever that this is the perfect first opportunity to get my foot in the door. I have requested an appointment with one of my top agent choices, Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency. Coming into the game at this late stage, I may not be able to secure that meeting, but I am hoping and praying that God has brought this conference to my awareness for a specific reason. And I’m attempting to take advantage of that awareness.
Now, before anyone seems to think I am delusional, let me qualify somethings here. I am going to this conference for the express purpose of education. I have never attended a major writer’s conference and I am looking forward to soaking in the knowledge and wisdom of experienced and successful authors. I would be a fool not to take advantage of this situation.
So, if all goes as planned, I will fly out of Orlando on October 26 and hopefully come back on the 30th an educated, informed, and, fingers crossed, better connected author.
I will keep you posted on my process.
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Posted in Writing at 4:51 am by Administrator
Who knew there were so many sub-categories of the latest publishing phenomenon, Chick Lit? I did not. But after my days of solid research, I learned that the Chick Lit category is getting very specific, indeed.
Chick LIt generally deals with a contemporary, modern woman, sometimes strong, sometimes crazy and discombobulated. But mostly the women are single, in their 20s or 30s and have an active dating and sex life, which the author expounds upon at varying lengths, depending on the author. The breakout novel that started the trend is, of course, Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Inspirational Chick Lit is the same thing, minus the sex. Inspirational Chick Lit stories gear toward the modern, single Christian woman who, believe it or not, has an active and entertaining dating life. They just don’t have sex. At least not until after marriage. An example of this sub-genre is What A Girl Wants by Kristen Billerbeck.
Mom Lit is pretty self explanatory. Basically it’s Chick Lit post marriage. Chick Lit with kids. I think this category is a wonderful new development in the publishing industry. Shocking as it may seem, Moms do have senses of humor. In fact, I think it’s a requirement for motherhood. Have a couple of kids around you for a while and you’ll understand. And what better way to put those experiences about kids and life as a mom in general out to the public, than in a Mom Lit book? Robin Jones Gunn’s Sisterchicks series is an example of Mom Lit.
Now, Lady Lit is new to me. I researched what market this sub-category targets and was slightly surprised to find it targets middle-aged or menopausal women (see Revenge of the MIddle Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan). I have not read any of this material, but I can imagine it would fall into the “Menopause, the Musical” category.
Apparently, Chick Lit spawned many, many sub-categories: Lad Lit (manly modern stories about the search for Ms. Right), Black Chick Lit, Asian Chick Lit, Latina Chick Lit, even Bride Lit!
Who knew such expanses of writing genres existed? I certainly did not, but it makes sense. Why not target specific markets? It opens up broader revenue-producing avenues for publishing houses and literary agents alike. The list really could go on and on. I tried to come up with some sub-genres of my own. Here’s are my own -Lit ideas:
PTA Lit – for members of schools parent-teacher associations who lose sight of reality and think the world really does begin and end at the monthly PTA meeting
Housekeepers Lit – for women who clean houses…their own or others…or both!
Dog Show Lit – for women who take dog showing, handling and breeding a little too seriously (a la Best In Show)
Harried housewife Lit – for women who forget that life exists beyond their kids, husbands and homes
Weekend away from kids & husband Lit – for women who get that one chance every year (or more) to get away from anyone saying, “Feed me! Clothe me! Entertain me! Clean me! Keep me happy!”
And let’s not forget the men: Harried Husbands Lit – wait…how can that be possible?
OK, so maybe these are not exactly hot topics for sub-genres of the Chick Lit phenomenon, but they certainly might be entertaining stories to write! Hmmmmm….food for thought.
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