queries

Tips for Writing Back Cover Copy — Guest: Roz Morris

April 26, 2012 Writing Stuff
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I’m excited to share today’s guest post by author Roz Morris.  After ghostwriting many bestselling books, Roz recently self-published My Memories of a Future Life, her first novel under her own name. Roz’s decision to self-publish came about partly because this novel doesn’t fit into normal genre boxes.  However, even as a self-published author, she still [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, feedback, genre, guest blogs, Jami Gold, paranormal author, pitching, queries, Roz Morris, self-publishing, traditional publishing

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What Does “Writing Is Subjective” Mean?

April 19, 2012 Writing Stuff
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If you’ve sent out queries, you’ve probably received rejections.  They usually say things along the line of: “This is just my opinion and others may feel differently.” “Just because I wasn’t drawn in doesn’t mean others won’t love it.” “Publishing is a subjective business and another agent would be better suited to your work.” We can’t fault those who [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, agents, beta reader, branding, feedback, Jami Gold, listening to characters, muse, paranormal author, professionalism, queries

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How Do You Handle Disappointments?

March 27, 2012 Random Musings
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Over a thousand writers stared at their phones yesterday, willing them to ring.  Only around 150 of them received the call they were waiting for.  Yesterday the Romance Writers of America (RWA) announced the Golden Heart and RITA finalists. One of the largest writing organizations in the world released the names of the finalists for their [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, dreams, Jami Gold, life balance, paranormal author, professionalism, queries, romance novels, RWA, self-doubt, writing contests

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Pitch Prep: How to Write a Pitch

January 3, 2012 Writing Stuff
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This week we’re preparing for the Pitch Your Shorts pitch session coming here January 10th.  Even if you’re not pitching this time, stick around.  Today we have The Ultimate Guide to Pitch Writing.  (Thursday’s post will cover story openings.) The Ultimate Guide to Pitch Writing Pitches fall into many categories, from loglines and elevator pitches to queries [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, antagonist, character archetypes, character flaws, Jami Gold, Janice Hardy, paranormal author, pitch session, queries

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What Writing Skill Do You Suck At?

December 1, 2011 Writing Stuff
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That’s right.  I’m asking you to expose your biggest weakness.  *locks the door so no one can escape*  *evil grin* We all have weaknesses.  I’m one of the biggest perfectionists around, but that doesn’t prevent me from having oodles of imperfections.  It’s only by knowing where we need more work that we can improve. In [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, editing, Jami Gold, organized, paranormal author, perfectionism, premise, queries, synopsis

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Are All Distractions Bad?

August 30, 2011 Writing Stuff
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Most writers have day jobs and families to take care of, so our writing time is precious.  Yet the hour we had set aside for writing instead often goes to…something else. I’m no exception.  I’ve spent too much “writing time” playing on Twitter or reading blog posts, etc. Sometimes I beat myself up about it. [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, blogging, branding, contracts, Jami Gold, life balance, mobile website, paranormal author, perfectionism, queries, social media, Twitter, website, workshops

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What Does Your Author Bio Say about You?

August 16, 2011 Writing Stuff
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I’ll be going on the road for some upcoming blog posts while I endure enjoy time with extended family.  Wish me luck. One of my guest blog hosts also asked me to provide my “author bio.”  Uh-oh.  I thought I wouldn’t need that until I was published. But if we think about it, we have [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, agents, authors, blogging, branding, Jami Gold, Jami is insane, paranormal author, professionalism, queries, social media, Susan Bischoff, Tech Guy, Twitter

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“What’s Your Book About?”

April 21, 2011 Writing Stuff
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Do you dread that question?  If you tell the cashier at the grocery store you’re a writer and they ask what your book is about, do you have an answer? All writers who want readers have to be able to answer that question.  Whether it’s our brother-in-law at a holiday dinner or an agent at [...]

Tagged as: advice for writers, agents, beta reader, conferences, feedback, genre, Jami Gold, Janice Hardy, paranormal author, queries, risk, tension, The Resurrected

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When Shouldn’t You Self Publish?

April 12, 2011 Writing Stuff
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Many articles have been written about traditional vs. self publishing (this blog is no exception, as my articles here and here prove), and agent Rachelle Gardner’s recent post added an intriguing twist to the conversation.  She asked her readers who are sticking with traditional publishing to explain their reasons why. Good question.  And I don’t [...]

Tagged as: agents, beta reader, feedback, Jami Gold, Jami's rants, paranormal author, professionalism, queries, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing contests

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Is a Blog Like a Query Letter?

December 21, 2010 Writing Stuff
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Today’s post is the unofficial “part three” of the results from my poll.  I hadn’t planned this post, but the comments from last time inspired a new thought. In part one, we talked about how to help your blog readers find you.  And in part two, we discussed the things that turn people off from [...]

Tagged as: agents, blogging, branding, professionalism, queries, website

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