“Rejection stings a bit,” they say.
But I don’t even care.
I’ll go on writing for myself
pretending they’re not there.
I’ll read their marks and grow and change;
And thank them all the while.
Won’t even feel rejection’s sting
cause’ I’ve got too much style.
“Rejection smarts a mite” they say.
But I won’t even mind.
I’ll keep on writing every day,
And leave their words behind.
I’ll learn my craft and make my mark.
My time is drawing near.
And when I’m at my book signing,
I’ll grin from ear-to-ear.
*If you're feeling a little saucy, you could change the ending to:
And when my book is out at last,
"Cha-ching" is all I'll hear.
* I have an even saucier ending on file, but you'll have to email me for that one. It's not PG at all.
Want to write a picture book and don't know the basics? Check out this video from the folks over at CBI Clubhouse. It clearly defines the basics of PB's in a 4 minute long video.
Ever wonder what other writers are reading when they're not writing? If you answered yes, then you're not alone. Every time I pick up a book and read the back cover, I think ' I wonder what (fill in the name of your fav author) is reading? They are freaking awesome!' SQUEEE!
So that got me thinking. Does anyone ever wonder what I'm reading? Maybe they're curious about what I read when I'm not writing.
And then I thought, 'Probably not. I'm just not that cool.'
Well, this internal debate went on for quite some time, as you can imagine. And in the end, I decided that I'm just gonna tell ya'. And not only am I gonna tell you what I'm reading now, but I'm also gonna tell you every time I start a new book. Because that's just interesting, people.
So here goes. The book that I am currently reading is Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White. So If you've already read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought of it. And if you haven't read the book, please let us know if the trailer persuaded you to read it.
Interested in the latest information on cover letters and queries, be sure to tune into Writeoncon's latest monthly chat(Thanks, ladies!). It takes place Monday, January 24th, 5pm EST. And the guest hosts for the evening will be the lovely ladies of Pippin Properties: Holly McGhee, Elena Mechlin, and Joan Slattery.
The link to the online chat is http://writeoncon.com/. Be sure to click on the tab that says live events and chat.
If you want to be a successful writer in today's market, you have to be a little bit savy when it comes to self promotion. And one of the things that seems to be big right now is making book trailers.
Why? you ask. Well, they're simple create. They're cheap to make. And if they're of really good quality, they could help sell your book. So what is a book trailer anyway?
A book trailer is a lot like the previews that you see at the movies. The only difference that I can see is that movie previews are a lot more expensive to make, and you don't actually see a book trailer during a movie. In a nutshell, a book trailer is like a commercial for your book.
So where do you see book trailers?
Book trailers can be viewed at a lot of different places: your blog, your website, your agent's blog or website, youtube, and pretty much anywhere you want to post it on the internet.
Do I really need to make a book trailer?
Well, that depends. If you're Jane Yolen or Eric Carle, then probably not.(Jane Yolen still makes them) But if you're new to this industry, I'm going to say yes.
There are a lot of books out on the market these days. And when it comes to unknown authors and known authors, who would you pick? I know who I would pick.
Buying a book is kind of like going to your favorite restaurant. If you had a choice between a dish that is absolutely delicious and one that you've never had, you're going to order the one that is delicious. Well, books are the same. And most people are a lot like me. Money is tight these days, and we don't want to throw it away on the unknown. So If I have a choice between Nicholas Sparks and some newbie, I'm going to pick Nicholas Sparks. He churns out book after book, and they're amazing.
So do new authors even have a shot?
Absolutely. If I didn't believe that, then I wouldn't even be writing this post today. I'm an aspiring author.
The trick to being successful in anything, though, is all about two things: knowledge and talent. The knowledge part I can help you with. The talent part is something that we all have to work on ourselves.
Have you ever bought a book based on a book trailer?
Yes. I've seen at least two book trailers that I thought looked awesome, and have purchased the book as a result.
I've also purchased books based on people's blogs or webpages. If I read a person's blog and I think 'They are freakin' hilarious', then I'll definitely take a chance on their book. But that's just me.
Have you ever made a book trailer?
Yes. It was terrible. But yes, I've made one.
What is the best way to learn to make a video trailer?
Well, watching this first youtube video couldn't hurt. And then I'd suggest watching a lot of video trailers. That's the only way you'll really be able to see what looks good and what doesn't.
I have posted a really cute picture book video trailer below. Let me know what you think of it. I'd also love to hear anything you have to say about making a video trailer. Or you could tell everyone where we could find your video trailer. If you are an author, I would love to post your video trailer on my site-provided that it's pg. It doesn't have to be a picture book video trailer either.
In addition to all the wonderful tips from CBI Clubhouse, I would like to add a few.
Do 1. Do look for the literary agent or publisher's specific guidelines. Do not just go by the basics listed on this video. They may not apply to that particular literary agent or publisher's specific guidelines. 2. Do look for sample query or cover letters, before you draft your own. 3. Do submit via email (if it's an option). It will save you paper, money, and time.
Do Not 1. Do not write 'Dear Editor or Dear Agent' on your query or cover letter. It is frowned upon. Todays agents want to know that you've researched their houses and know their names. (I'm guilty of this one. Not on purpose, of course. I merely forgot to change the master letter that I created, and sent it out. I knew who I was writing. I'd done my homework, etc. But once I hit send, it was too late. I nearly died when I'd read the sent email. So my advice, have someone else look at your letters before you send them. That extra effort could make all the difference.) 2. Do not reply to a rejection letter, call, or email. If an agent or house rejects you, take it like a man or woman. Replying will only make you look desperate and crazy. And it WILL ruin your chances of working with that person in the future. 3. Do not try to make your query or cover letter SUPER fancy to get attention. This will not work, and people will laugh. In fact, I just listened to a really funny audio query online the other day. The guy just kept saying " I am the Batman." And while I laughed til' I nearly peed-which did get my attention-it did not earn positive attention. In the end, I just kind of felt bad for the guy. He went out on a figurative limb, only to fall off and break his 'writing' neck. So don't be like him. 4. Do not send your query or cover letters via the blackberry. They will know, people. And they will blog about it. And tweet about it. So just don't do it. It makes you look as if you don't care about your writing career.
Let me know what you think about the tips. Do I need to add some? What has worked for you? Any advice?
