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Thursday 26 August 2010

What I've been getting up to (for those of you who don't see my random facebook updates)

Almost a month has gone by and I haven’t blogged (slaps wrist). Sorry for my silence but I’ve not had much to report really. I got a certificate through the post for the mini creative writing course that I did. Thanks to all who sent messages of congratulation of Facebook. Twas very lovely you! Of course you might not have seen me announce such things if we are not buds so please let me know if you want my FB name or give me yours and I’ll add you.

I hosted the last 2 coffee mornings over on the novel racers blog. I had some great feedback so if you haven’t seen my posts or the comments please visit the site.

In non writing related news I’m still packing and the other night I watched ex boyf cram all his worldly goods into his mary poppins handbag type car boot. I thought that would be hard to watch, it was but only because I was trying to watch the BB final and he kept leaving the front door open letting the cold air and noise in. We’ve come out of things unscathed and I don’t feel any bitterness at all. I’m just glad we’ve stayed friends, I know some ex couples aren’t so lucky.

Monday night I saw a spiritualist. Before that night I felt so lost, not knowing what the hell to do with myself. I had become unable to trust my instincts and make my own decisions. I’d kind of become a bit poor me and what’s the point. I had questions about life, love and my career.  She told me I would have 5 children (eek) and meet someone soon.  More importantly she told me I would be successful with my writing but that I needed to stop holding back and be more colourful.  I know some people think its all rubbish but she helped me find my way, like a kind of therapy.  Best of all I didn't have to pay for her time, so there was nothing untoward going on there.

Monday 2 August 2010

Inspire and Mentor with Marie Claire

A couple of week's back I made my way up to 'That London' and attended the super glam offices of Marie Claire for a 'How to get Published' Seminar.  I didn't think I'd be dissapoined and I wasn't in the slightest.

After the free champers and canape's on the balcany overlooking fab views of London we all congregated into a well air conditioned room.  There in our seats we were greeted by a very well received goody bag of beauty products, Harriet's new book I Remember You (which she so kindly signed after), Marie Claire mag and a Jaeger purse.  Once we'd gotten over the excitment of the free stuff we stopped talking and paid attention.  This is a little break down of how it went:


Talk by Harriet Evans – Author

Harriets top 10 tips for getting your novel published

1. Work for it. Be serious.
2. Treat it like a separate job.
3. Think about your pitch to agents. Be able to say what its about. Don’t waffle in your letter because they don’t always read them.
4. Peak interest. Look like a commodity
5. Don’t expect it to change your life
6. Be prepared to rewrite it all
7. Get people to read and comment on your work
8. Read loads and loads and loads
9. Find writers you like and aim your work towards their agents. Find out who they are.
10. Do it for yourself and others second.


Talk by Jonathan Lloyd – CEO, Curtis Brown

Why are literary agents essential?

The publishing world is a jungle and there are very few retailers left; WH Smiths, supermarkets, amazon. This caused independent retailers to suffer.

There used to be 20 publishers you could offer a book to but now they are all under one cheque book. There is comfort in being represented by a company with power.

Most publishers don’t take unsolicited manuscripts.

Publishers will take work more seriously if from an agent than direct from yourself.

How to get an agent

Do your homework, know where to address your letter to. Learn the differences between various agencies through their websites.

Personalize your approach to an agent rather than sending the same letter to each agency.


Talk by Kate Espiner – Publishing Director, Harper Collins (works in the fiction department)

There are 6 commissioning editors publishing new authors.

They don’t take unsolicited work hence the need for an agent

Different mediums:
  1. Digital publishing
  2. Online publishing
  3. Self publishing

Remember!
  • Read read read
  • Write write write
  • Edit edit edit

 Talk by Carla Bevan – Associate Editor, Marie Claire

  • The Blogosphere is a great place to start.  “Blogging is a great way to hone your craft” says Carla.
  • Send a link to your blog and she will visit
  • Features editor – you should contact them to get articles published.
  • Start at building a portfolio with local newspapers and online mags before you try more famous publications
  • Tesco mag has a massive readership.

 Q & A

1. ‘The Help’ was rejected and is now doing well, discuss

Harriet admits as a publisher she rejected ‘Chocolat’, The Island and Labyrinth. She says she wasn’t the right publisher for those books at that time. "It happens but someone else will love your book and turn it into a best seller." says Harriet.

2. After 6 years Harriet became a full time writer. 'How did you make that transition from working at the day job to working as a writer full time?'

Once she was given a deal Harriet informed her boss and went to 4 days a week. She didn’t tell people the reason and noone even noticed. Holidays and weekends were spent working on the novel. This soon turned into a 3 day week in the office until eventually she was financially stable enough not to work. Harriet admits that she misses the office environment.

She puts a positive spin on the bad things in life like not having a boyfriend (a spin that was well needed!)

3. Do you agree that you need to be a celebrity to get published these days?

Harriet understands the celeb culture in writing these days but wholeheartedly believes that what it always comes down to is the quality.


Hope that was of some help to those of you (namely newbie writers) who need a bit of advice.  It really helped me and made me feel better about my work and those dreaded R's.