May/June 2012 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Website of the Week
Writing Website of the Week
Published author Roz Morris' website covers a lot of topics about writing--some serious, some for fun. Either way, it's a site that's worth a few minutes of any writer's week. (I recommend following her on Twitter too.Nail Your Novel 
*Not affiliated with our 101 Best Writing Websites feature.
Romance
Developing the Hook in a Query Letter
Sometimes you only have seconds for your query to catch interest, and a great opening line can do that. We, as authors, try so hard to summarize our entire book, instead of just picking out the one or two elements that make our book unique, that I think we get lost when trying to do something like this. But practice will make it easier for you, and I hope the following ideas will help.
CRAFT A TAGLINE: Taglines are the one or two lines that are often on the front of a book cover. They are another way for publishers to draw the interest of a reader to your book. For example, the tagline on the cover of my December 2010 release, Beneath the Thirteen Moons. is “She never believed in fairy tales … until she found a prince…” Read more
How I Got My Agent: Anita Clenney
“How I Got My Agent” is a recurring feature on the GLA blog. Some tales are of long roads and many setbacks, while others are of good luck and quick signings. If you have a literary agent and would be interested in writing a short guest column for this GLA blog, e-mail me at literaryagent@fwmedia.com and we’ll talk specifics.
Anita Clenney spends her days writing mysteries and paranormal romantic suspense about Secret Warriors, Ancient Evil and Destined Love. Her latest book is Awaken the Highland Warrior, a book the Romantic Times Book Reviews called “A romantic adventure that’s hard to resist.” Read more
How Deadlines Can Help Your Writing
As a mom with a full-time job, I’ve always had to squeeze time out of my busy schedule for writing. I’ve been writing steadily for more than 15 years, but for the first few years it was hit and miss, a little writing here, a little writing there. No pressure or time constraints and no real goals, other than to finish the manuscript I was working on … at some point.
Guest column by Lexi George, appellate lawyer by day and a romance writer by night. Her debut, Demon Hunting in Dixie. Read more
New Agent Alert: Jessica Alvarez of BookEnds, LLC
Reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and postage.
She is seeking: women’s fiction, erotica, urban fantasy/paranormal, romantic suspense, and single title and category romance submissions. Read more
New Agent Alert: Saritza Hernandez of L. Perkins Agency
Reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and postage.
She is seeking: Saritza represents both new and established authors and is currently looking for strong erotic romance in the following sub-genres: Paranormal, sci-fi, steampunk, cyberpunk, fantasy, BDSM, historical (emphasis on Ancient Egypt, Caribbean/MesoAmerican), intercultural and all GLBT-themed erotica for the digital marketplace. Read more
E-Publishing and the Entrepreneurial Author
These days, breaking in to publishing is a decidedly different landscape than it was even just a few years ago. While mainstream print publishing is still going, many authors have cast their eyes toward the New World of digital (or digital-first) publishing. It’s wild, yet exciting, territory with unique challenges that easily rival those of “traditional” publishing. Who wouldn’t want to carve out a slice of it for herself?
Heather Massey searches for sci-fi romance adventures aboard her blog, The Galaxy Express. Read more
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Delilah Marvelle
This is a recurring column I’m calling “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far,” where writers at any stage of their career can talk about seven things they’ve learned along their writing journey that they wish they knew at the beginning. This installment is from writer Delilah Marvelle.
Delilah Marvelle is the author of The Perfect Scandal (Feb. 2011, HQN) as well as four other romances. She was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with adventures that they did not deem respectable. Read more
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Leslie Tentler
This is a recurring column I’m calling “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far,” where writers at any stage of their career can talk about seven things they’ve learned along their writing journey that they wish they knew at the beginning. This installment is from writer Leslie Tentler.
Leslie Tentler is the author of Midnight Caller (Jan. 2011, Mira Books). The book is part of a trilogy of romantic thrillers built around a fictional unit of the FBI. Read more
How I Got My Agent: Ashlyn Chase
“How I Got My Agent” is a recurring feature on the GLA blog. Some tales are of long roads and many setbacks, while others are of good luck and quick signings. If you have a literary agent and would be interested in writing a short guest column for this GLA blog, e-mail me at literaryagent@fwmedia.com and we’ll talk specifics.
Ashlyn Chase is the author of The Werewolf Upstairs (Feb. 2011, Sourcebooks). She is a multi-published, award-winning author of humorous erotic romances. Read more
Agent Advice: Louise Fury of L. Perkins Associates
This installment features Louise Fury, of L. Perkins Associates.
She is seeking: High-concept young adult fiction and fun, imaginative, and engaging middle grade fiction–-think humor, adventure and mystery. The characters must be authentic and original. Louise really loves historical (especially Regency and Victorian), paranormal, steampunk romance, mystery and epic horror. She’s passionate about connecting with South African authors–anything about South Africa, or by a South African author is on her wish list. In nonfiction, she is looking for pop culture, humor, gift books and witty memoirs. Read more