Questions

I have quite a few short stories I would like to sell. However, I have no idea how to go about doing so! The pieces span several genre’s including horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction. Should I get a literary agent for this (keep in mind they are all short stories)?
- Sincerely Yours

Preferably a member of the AAR. Someone efficient, knowledgeable, honest and committed.
- Thyrd Wheel

How many writers out there have skipped over theme due to lack of understanding? Here is a basic level understanding to help you include theme within every story you write to help you write a story people will want to read.

Define Theme



The central idea of the story is conveyed through its theme. When we define theme, keep in mind that it differs from the story’s plot, which is the series of events under which the story unfolds. Theme is also different from the moral, which is the lesson the main character learns from the story. However, the plot illustrates the theme and the moral relates to the story theme element.



One or Multiple Themes

Typically, short stories have one theme and novels have multiple themes. The story theme element is woven all the way through the story, and the characters’ actions, interactions, and motivations all reflect the story’s theme. When you write a story, you should carefully consider what your element is.

Develop Your Theme



One method you can use when you write a story theme element from the beginning is to ask yourself what you are trying to convey through your characters, events, and lessons within your story.

If you have already written a story without considering the story theme element, review your pages and determine if there might be a common thread. If there is a marginal theme, adjust the rest of your story around the newfound theme. When you define theme at the onset, it could be the difference between your writing work submission ending up in the round file or on a literary agent’s desk.


- lesley jackson

I have read the Writers Market books, Guide to Literary Agents and searched through Preditors and Editors and AgentQuery. However, my concern is the query letter. I need to polish it up, those books help, but they don’t tell me how to write a fabulous query letter. Being that I have never published a book before, my writing credits on the letter come out dry. What can I do to polish my letter or where can I find an excellent sample? Or a website with samples or good advice?
- Victoria K

getting one?

I sent out query letters to 8 places already. I realize it’ll be awhile before I get responses for all of them since it’s only been two months (at the most).

But I’m anxious is there more I could be doing?
don’t misunderstand…he wrote the query letter but with both sending out info
-

My boyfriend has already written a science fiction book and is attempting to publish it. I’ve seen some places that state a literary agent is necessary on many occasions or the publisher won’t even look at it. Is this true? If not how do you know which publisher to go to? Any recommendations or advice for a young first time science fiction writer?
- MissCurious2021

I know the market is brutal, especially for the “un’s” unknown, unpublished authors. I know that my novel (mystery/legal/medical fiction) is good & that if given the opportunity it will sell. It is about corrupt polotics , murder and the unorthodox relationships between doctors&Lawyers/Judges/Politicians. The material is fresh, it is ripe b/c of the upcoming Louisiana elections. The nation is focused on La., b/c of hurricane Katrina & the improper, poor way that the Govt responded. I am a Lawyer by day, but have a passion for writing. I write everyday. THIS IS THE FIRST MANUSCRIPT I HAVE WRITTEN THAT I KNOW IS AWESOME & WILL SELL, IT WILL CAPTIVATE READERS AND KEEP THEIR ATTENTION. I need advice on how to get published. Is it literaly impossible to go the major publishing house route? Is self publishing akin to suicide. This book will keep readers up all night , you will not put it down. Please advise , HOW & WHERE DO I BEGIN TO MARKET MY BOOK, GET A LITERARY AGENT, EDITOR, ETC.
- dreamwhip

When you take marketing tips from self-publishing companies they are doing this for a reason. Seasoned Authors have learned that once you have written a book you are a long way from people being a known writer. There are Authors out there who believe that their work will show for them and this is just not true. I am sure that all of your friends know about famous Authors but you are in their midst and if you don’t tell them you are a writer then they will have no idea. Have you ever asked yourself the question of how these famous writers get well known in the writers community? Most of the writers do not stand on street corners pedaling their novels but instead use their extra money on publicity. They hire people that let the whole world know that they have written a novel and that it is exceptional.

Writers need to learn the strategy of marketing. If you have a handful of business cards made and you stand on the corner and you hand them out count how many are just thrown in the street. Business cards and flyers are a very old approach to marketing and may still have some use if you are looking at statistically spending more money then you take in. Business cards are definetely useful if you are at an Authors convention because it will let other writers know that you are serious about you work and are professional.

Calling small newspaper publications and asking them about listing your novel in their entertainment section is a great way to get sales and become known. The hard part is getting enough money to place the ad.

If you are like most writers you need to market yourself as cheap as possible so here is a sure way to reach readers that actually buy books. Look around your neighborhood for writing opportunities in magazines and newspapers as a trade off for some free advertisement for your books. You must be prepared for being turned down alot but if you have tried to get a Literary Agent you should be used to this by now. If you have tried and no one is interested in you writing for their magazines or papers there is one place that always is. Log on to your PC and search the web. I made a good start writing for Marty at useless-knowledge.com and got free advertisement that worked.

A Website presence is a must so if you cannot afford 10 dollars a month then you can still use social networks that will allow you to build a free and attractive website. Myspace is an okay place to start but you will need to spend time on the website chatting and getting friends. This is what Networking is all about, hard work and positive results. Ning is also a great source for networking as well and on Ning you can find others that share your interests and can help you get your name out there.

Last but not least remember that your web placement in very important. Type your name in google and yahoo. Do you see any information on yourself? If not you need to go to work and get your name on the web. How? It’s easier than you think. Type in google submissions and use the free service and type in your URL. It will take some time but in the end when it appears people will know that you exist. In my next article I will try to give some pointers on naming conventions for your wesite because this is very important as well.

 


- Arthur L Burton III