Before Stepping Up To the Query-Go-Round....

One necessary step before submitting to agents and joining in on the lovely query-ride, is making sure your work is as blemish free as it can be. More than just correcting the spelling and grammar mistakes, you'll want to be on the lookout for a few other problems that might keep your work from really shining. It's hard to be objective with your own writing, but learning how to spot the errors is an important step in mastering the editing/revision process.

Renee Collins linked to a great blog piece on something called scaffolding. I had never heard the term, but after reading it, realized it's one of those things that might slip by you because it doesn't make your writing incorrect -- only weighs it down. A must read.

Holly Lisle also has a great method for revising your work. The few steps she recommends can help cover all your bases without giving you the 'burnout' syndrome many of us experience when polishing.

And never forget the helpfulness of betas. A pair of fresh eyes will catch things you won't believe you missed.

Newbie Word of the Day: Query -- A cruel test created by agents to weed out the weaklings. Okay, not really. Just feels that way sometimes. A query is a letter or email sent to an editor or agent which details an idea for a magazine, newspaper, book or other publication, along with an attempt to sell this particular idea, along with yourself as the potential writer (a la about.com)

Amanda Hannah newbies querying Monday, July 06, 2009

Amanda Hannah

Amanda grew up on a big farm in a small town with one stoplight, one school, and a handful of imaginary friends.She would’ve gone to college forever, but eight years and five majors tested her advisor’s patience. So she moved to Germany to explore creepy castles before landing in Spain where she’s perfecting her Flamenco.

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5 comments:

Michelle SchustermanJuly 6, 2009 at 10:42 AM
That scaffolding post was great- I'd heard the term, but never its definition. Very helpful, thanks!
Kaitlin WardJuly 6, 2009 at 10:55 AM
So helpful! Spotting my own mistakes is always a learning process ;)
Lee BrossJuly 7, 2009 at 12:16 PM
I loved Holly Lisle's advice! The fact that it only requires going back over twice makes me swoon with glee! I edit as I write (A horrible habit) but inevitably have humongous plot gaps. Gonna try this trick out and see how it works! My betas will thank me I'm sure, LOL
Amanda HannahJuly 7, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Holly's site is amazing. She offers very straight-forward, realistic advice.
Kristin MillerJuly 7, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Thanks for the links, Amanda! Great advice is always so helpful.