The Query: Be Specific

  Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

 Writing the query. It can make writers' panicky. Did I put enough information? Did I put too much? Did I have a great hook? Am I submitting to the right publisher?

These are just a few questions that run through a writer’s mind when mailing or clicking the send button for the query. So, how do you answer these questions and the many others that go along with the job of crafting a query?

Well, the first simple response to this question is to READ the publisher’s or agent’s guidelines. Okay, that’s not accurate; you need to STUDY and FOLLOW those guidelines precisely.

Items to watch for when reading those guidelines:

1. What genre does that particular publishing house, agent, or magazine publish?
2. Does the publisher/agent accept simultaneous submissions (see below for explanation)?
3. Is there a specific word count involved if querying for articles?
4. Does the publishing house accept unagented queries?
5. Does the magazine only accept specific themes? If so, is your article on target?

This list is not complete; there are obviously more items to watch out for. So, we go back to the main rule for querying: FOLLOW the GUIDELINES!

However, following the guidelines is just part of the querying process; you also need to know some essentials to be included.

Six rules to use that will help you create a winning query:

1. Be professional. Writing is a business just like any other, treat it as such.

2. Be sure to include your contact information: address, telephone number, email address, and website.

3. If you were referred by someone, include it in the query. Every little bit helps but be sure it’s a referral from someone the editor actually knows.

4. Write tight; be specific and jump right in. You want to provide enough information to warrant the editor to want more, but you need to keep it to one page.

5. The body of the letter:
A. The first paragraph is the introduction.
B. The second paragraph is the pitch. Within a couple of sentences, you need to hook the editor or agent.
C. The third paragraph is about relevant comps; hopefully, you can find a couple.
D. You brief and very relevant bio. Limit personal information unless it adds to your credentials as a writer qualified to write for this publisher. If you’re an expert in the field you’re writing, mention it. If you’re an experienced marketer, mention it. If you have ‘good’ or great social media connections, mention it. Also, mention any publishing credits you have.
E. Your conclusion; thank the editor/agent for their time and mention if you are enclosing a SASE* and if the query is a simultaneous submission.
 
A good way to practice for queries and pitches is to write a one-sentence out-of-the-ballpark description of your manuscript. This will help you to think and write tight and choose the perfect words to hook the reader and convey the essence of your story.

*Simultaneous submission is if you are submitting to multiple publishers or agents at the same time. Some companies don’t allow this, so, one more reason to read the guidelines carefully.
*SASE is a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

I hope this article helps you write a winning query!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach with clients worldwide. If you need help with your children’s story, please visit Karen Cioffi Writing for Children.

Karen also offers:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK.
 A 250+ book that will help you start or finish your children’s book

PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Mentoring Program

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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Does Your Protagonist Need Supporting Characters?

 

 Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

Every story has at least one supporting character.

According to Cynthia Lord, author of "Rules," a Newberry Honor Book, "A secondary character has two jobs: to show us another side of the main character and to create tension and problems that will move the plot ahead." (1)

To understand this, think of any story. Now imagine that story with just the main character.

Who would he talk to?

Yes, he could talk to himself, but that would get old fast.

How would we learn more about the character besides what he would tell us himself?

We wouldn't.

Supporting characters are necessary to every story.

Using Supporting Characters to Learn More About the Protagonist

I loved Cast Away, the 2001 movie with Tom Hanks.

Hanks played Chuck Noland, a FedEx worker who gets stranded on a remote desert island. He's stranded on this island for four years.

No other people are around.

So, the clever writer, William Broyles, Jr., created a supporting character for Chuck. A volleyball that washes up on shore.

Yes, a volleyball.

As time goes on, Chuck names the volleyball Wilson.

If not for Wilson, the viewer would know very little about Chuck, and there wouldn't be much of a story.

Chuck talks to Wilson, confides in Wilson, argues with Wilson, and even cares about Wilson.

If you haven't seen it, it's an extraordinary movie. One that proves even an inanimate object can be a powerful supporting character.

While Wilson showed us a lot about Chuck's character, an inanimate object as a supporting character doesn't really do much to move a story forward. And, it doesn't have much ability to add tension or problems to the story.

In this movie, the elements and Chuck's emotional state are the antagonists causing conflict.

Using Supporting Characters to Provide Conflict

Supporting characters can actually provide the conflict for the main character and drive the story forward.

I'm writing a sequel to my middle grade fantasy, Walking Through Walls, and it's the supporting character who is adding a big serving of problems for the main character.

In the first book, the story was solely about the main character, Wang. It was about his struggle to get what he wanted. While the supporting character Chen was introduced, he didn't have a significant role.

In Book Two, Chen is the source of the conflict and struggles the two friends go through to reach their goal.

In this new story, which I haven't given a title yet, Chen is the one with a problem. Evil warriors abducted his sister, and he asks Wang's help to get her back.

As the main character, Wang is learning his skills as an Eternal student while helping Chen. This allows the reader to see more of Wang's character and to connect with him.

The story is a fantasy action adventure, so along the way, the two friends will encounter a number of obstacles on their journey to save Chen's sister.

Using Supporting Characters to Provide Subplots

Sometimes, a story from Point A to Point B may be a little boring; it may need a little something to spice it up.

According to New York Book Editors, "subplots add dimension to your story. They have the power to transform flat black-and-white stories into a living, breathing, prismatic experience." (2)

Subplots can also help pace your story.

I'm using this strategy in a middle grade story I'm ghostwriting.

The main storyline is strong, but to carry its weight through 40,000 words, it may lose steam.

The solution is to have the supporting characters have their own little subplots going on. While the main character is privy to everything that's going on, these minor diversions create reader engagement and help move the story forward.

Another benefit of subplots with supporting characters is that they can be in the forefront for a short while to liven things up, then lie low until needed again.

These subplots help the reader get better acquainted with the characters.

It's important to remember, though, that when you create a subplot in a story, you need to have an arc for each subplot you create. You need to tie up any loose ends it creates. Think of it as a mini-story within the main story.

So, if you're writing your first book, think about your supporting characters. How will they help liven your story up and engage the reader? How will they help move your story forward?

References:

(1) https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/great-characters-wilson-cast-away-5a6ff322139d
(2) https://nybookeditors.com/2017/11/the-importance-of-subplots/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and writing coach with clients worldwide. If you need help with your children’s story, please visit Karen Cioffi Writing for Children.

Karen also offers HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK.
A 250+ book that will help you start or finish your children’s book

And for those children’s authors who are self-publishing, Karen provides WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE.

-----

 MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

 

Winning Writers Celebrates Its 2024 #NorthStreetBookPrize Winners

As you my visitors and subscribers might know, I love to pass along resources that benefit  authors in ways beyond what the usual services and opportunities offer. As a writer with a retail background (writing books entails retailing/selling, too!), I tend to call these “extras” value-added benefits and given the scams out there that plague authors,  I can only hope that they come to rely on these #TheFrugalBookPromoterTips. 

WinningWriters.com’s #NorthStreetBookPrize is one of those.  That might seem unnecessary, but early on I followed the newsletter Jendi Reiter put out for this organization. It was (and is) primarily a list ov vetted contests and by that I mean contests judge on the prizes they offer, their prestige, the reasonable price they “charge”--even some free ones--and more! Winning Writers has built such a reliable network and they are likely to come cross anything that doesn’t fit their standards for “ethical” early in the game. 

As a poet myself, I am featuring their winning poetry book for 2024 in this post announcing the winners for 2024, a veritable launch full of books for your 2025 reading list.  Something to suit everyone in genres across the spectrum. Find the celebration on WinningWriters.com today, Feb 15.  and start your plans to enter the 2025 competition right now with your Work-in-Progress. You’ll be amazed at those “value-added benefit” the contest authors as well as a friendly, knowledgeable support system that comes to you when you subscribe to their newsletter and will also keep you informed so you don’t miss the deadlines.  Oh! and Jendi’s newsletter, too. You’ll find enough places to let your work be seen without having to worry about scams.  Read on for information on a lovely poetry book from Stephen Pollock to start the year with!  

MORE ABOUT STEPHEN POLLOCK AND HIS “EXITS"

Stephen C. Pollock is a poet, essayist, physician, academician, business executive, and inventor.  He is the author of the poetry collection Exits, which was awarded First Prize for poetry in the 2024 #NorthStreetBookPrize.  The twenty poems in Exits were written and edited over a period of twenty years.  The poems in Stephen C. Pollock’s poetry collection Exits explore the beauty and frailty of life, the cycles of nature, and the promise of renewal and formatting the book required an additional two years.

In addition the the North Street Book Prize, Exits has been honored with the Gold Medal for poetry in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards, the Silver Medal for poetry in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards, and the Bronze Medal for poetry in the 2024 EVVY Book Awards, all to accolades like this:

                 “Exits has profoundly impacted the literary world.”

                  ---Midwest Book Review

"Pollock's poetry is brilliant"
— Kristiana Reed, editor-in-chief, Free Verse Revolution

"Exits exemplifies the musicality of language"
— Camille-Yvette Welsch, Foreword-Clarion Reviews

"Full of wit, insight and provocative imagery, Exits is a masterful collection.  The formal poems are the best.  Some are sonnets as artful as any by Shakespeare or Ben Jonson."

                — Anthony Aycock, IndieReader,  

Steve’s professional career was a play in two acts.

 

Trained as a physician, eye surgeon, and neuro-ophthalmologist, he was recruited to Duke University as Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology in 1987.  He ultimately achieved a rank of Associate Professor with tenure.  He has published 30 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters in medical literature.

 

After seventeen years in academic medicine, Steve left Duke to become chief executive of CEC, a nationwide company that provides vision benefits to individuals and their family members.  He retired from the company in 2019.

 

Though not an engineer, Steve has always had a penchant for designing novel devices.  As a medical student, he collaborated with another student in the development of a unique variable-focus lens.  Steve drafted the patent and the associated illustrations.  In 1984, the Patent Office granted U.S. Patent 4,477,158, Lens System for Variable Refraction.  

Learn more about the poet and his other act at:

 

Website:  exitspoetry.net

 

Universal Book Link:  https://books2read.com/u/b5qK6O

 

Buy His Book on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Exits-Stephen-Pollock/dp/1957638680/ref=sr_1_1?crid=59QO7F4Q1KWQ&keywords=exits+stephen+pollock&qid=1688221554&s=books&sprefix=exits+step%2Cstripbooks%2C75&sr=1-1

 

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER 

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

How to Make Your Characters Memorable

 

 Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

From the simplest clues, a character can take shape.

Maybe you first reference the character as the boy or the tall girl. Even with those simple words, you've given that character life.

Before that, there wasn't a boy or a tall girl.

But there are a number of things you should avoid when writing your characters.

1. Don't over-dump physical details.

An example of this might be: Raul was tall and thin with green eyes and dark brown hair, and a swimmer's body.

While you won't be able to get that all in within one scene, to convey his height, you might write:

-Raul got the paper airplane down when the other boys couldn't reach the shelf. "Good thing you're tall," said Shawn.

To convey his hair color:

-From the back, Mrs. Stenzer couldn't tell which boy was Raul. They all had dark brown hair and were medium height.  

To convey his body type:

-Raul was the only new kid on the swim team to already have a swimmer's body.

If you need or want to let the reader know the character's physical characteristics in your story, simply work that information in without dumping it.

2. Avoid being too vague.

While you don't need to convey every detail of a character, you can give enough to give the reader an idea of the character's physical attributes. The reader can then fill in the details.

Two examples of this might be:

-His neat cut in the back and sides contrasted with the long hair in front that fell below his brows.

-He stretched his swimmer's body and then raced into the ocean.

3. Include the character's environment.

A character may live in a low-income building, possibly a Section 8 apartment. Another may live in the back woods of the Appalachian Mountains. All this will give insight into the character.

Or the character lives in a penthouse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Or, possibly, a character lives in Saipan.

The character's environment can include his past environment also.

A book I'm ghostwriting now has one of the characters going from a rich lifestyle to a poor one. This could tell a lot about why the character may behave in a certain way or why she's depressed.

Another scenario may be that the protagonist has been on a swimming team since he was seven. This will tell a lot about this teen's character. It takes discipline and drive to be a competitive swimmer. It will also have a large factor in his physical appearance.

4. Include the character's close relationships or past relationships.

How your character engages with the different people in his family, friends, and new people will show different facets of his character.

The friends he hangs around with will also show his tendencies and character. The expression 'birds of a feather flock together' can play a factor in the character's personality.

5. Include appearance, clothes, and even sundry items.

How you describe your character's appearance can tell a lot about that character.

-Are his clothes neat and ironed, with his shirt tucked inside his pants?
-Is he unkempt? Are his clothes wrinkled, with his shirt partially tucked in or not tucked in?
-What about her hair. Is it a mess? Does it look dirty? Or is it well-groomed?
-What about his hair? Is it short? Is it long? Is it well-kept?
-What does she keep in her backpack?
-Does she always chew gum?
-Does he always use breath mints?
-Does she always have a candy bar on her?
-What about a comb?

The list can go on and on. And each little item gives another clue as to the character's character.

These are just five tips on how to use description to enhance your readers' view of your characters. There are others, but this should give you a good foundation for creating engaging characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and children’s writing coach with clients worldwide. If you need help with your children’s story, please visit Karen Cioffi Writing for Children.

Karen also offers HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK.
A 250+ book that will help you start or finish your children’s book

And for those children’s authors who are self-publishing, Karen provides WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE.

-----

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.