Writing More Effective Book Proposals

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  Greetings from Jackie M. Johnson! When I worked at Alive Communications, “the world’s leading literary agency devoted exclusively to the representation of faith-based and inspirational authors,” I read thousands of book queries and submissions. Some were good; most were lacking, both in storyline and presentation. Many writers who can craft a well-written book often forget—or don’t know—that they need to take the same care and effort to create a successful book proposal. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction it is essential to write a book proposal that captures the agent’s attention so he or she will enthusiastically shop it…

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Writing for Kids’ Magazines by Crystal Bowman

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I meet a lot of writers who want to write for children. They come to writers’ conferences with high hopes of making a connection with an editor from a publishing house who is looking for children’s material. Many of the writers I meet have written good stories. Some are short stories written in rhyme, others are slightly longer stories written in prose. But even though they may be good stories, well written stories, and stories with a strong, age-appropriate message, most of these stories will not be published as books. The hardcover premium picture book is getting harder and harder…

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Tips from the pros: Jesse Florea

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A hearty Rocky Mountain greeting today from Davalynn Spencer as we welcome Colorado author, Jesse Florea, who has a fabulous outreach to young people. Tell us, Jesse, how did you get into writing? As a sophomore in high school, I took an introduction-to-journalism course where I fell in love with writing. I started writing for a weekly newspaper covering high school sports.

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Tips from the Pros: Dr. Sandra Glahn

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Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I have the privilege of interviewing versatile author and theologian Dr. Sandra Glahn. In addition to a popular series of bible studies, she’s authored numerous books focusing on adoption, infertility, and bioethics. Sandra, how many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles? I have published eighteen books with traditional publishers, and I’ve coauthored three self-published titles. My most recent titles are in the Coffee Cup Bible Study series (AMG)—Sumatra with the Seven Churches and Chai with Malachi. The former explores Christ’s messages to the seven churches of Revelation. Also,…

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Tips from the Pros: Vickie McDonough

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Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Perhaps I should have said, “Howdy,” since I’m interviewing Vickie McDonough, bestselling and award-winning author of thirty novels set in the Old West. I have 30 published books. My latest titles are Call of the Prairie, South Carolina Brides, and Song of the Prairie (August release).

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Writing Better Query Letters

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  Greetings from Jackie M. Johnson! How do you get your new book idea across to a literary agent so he or she gets it, loves it and sells it to a publisher? It all starts with a well-crafted query letter.    What is a query letter? A query letter is a brief (one page) cover letter that you send to a literary agent to introduce yourself and your book idea. It’s short and to the point. But, it must also be well-written so an agent will not only read it, but also be moved to action.    Why do I need…

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WRITERS WHO SPEAK – WHAT SHALL I SAY?

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Golden Keyes Parsons here in Central Texas wondering if the cold weather of this winter will end anytime soon. We have had several cycles of freezing degree nights swinging to 80's during the day. I don't ever remember the weather fluctuations being this varied and long lasting before. However, spring seems to have arrived in our yard, so perhaps warmer days are here now.    

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Tips from the Pros: Susan G. Mathis

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Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I have the joy of interviewing Susan G. Mathis, author of bestselling books for engaged couples—and a writer who’s been dipping her toes in the waters of fiction writing! Susan, how did you get into writing? How many books do you have published? My mother quips that I started my writing career when I signed my crayon drawings—on the foyer wall—with a great big “S”! Though I’m not sure that was the start I wanted, I can’t remember not writing.

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