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Tagline: In Pandemic, a teenage girl struggles to survive not only a deadly influenza outbreak and its real-life consequences, but also her own personal demons.
Thanks Great Critique Partner.
The first time I had a chance to talk to an editor in person was at a conference, and my tongue kept sticking to the roof of my mouth. No wonder she didn’t have any encouragement for me. How could she ever work with an author who couldn’t get her ideas across.
- I planned for this meeting far in advance. I knew about the editor, what she was looking for, and I knew about her press–what they’d recently published. I was confident my book was a match for her and her company.
- Just before the conference, I interacted with her via Twitter. She was posting about her walk on the beach (the conference was on the CA coast), so I Tweeted her that I lived nearby and knew the place she was describing. That’s all. No pitch. No hustle.
- I made sure to attend the social gatherings, met her and talked about her walk on the beach. Again, that was all. I kept it social, but I wanted her to know I was the one who had Tweeted her earlier.
- I arrived exactly on time for our fifteen minute meeting. It was easy to greet her since we’d already had two informal encounters.
- Earlier, I’d paid careful attention to her presentation on the editors’ panel, and I used this line to start our conversation about my proposal. ” I liked what you said about realistic fiction for teens. It made me think you might be interested in my idea.”
- I had my tagline memorized, and I told her I would follow up with a query if she was interested in my idea.
While my sale didn’t happen as I’d hoped, it did happen, and I believe it was because I’d made a connection with this editor, and she was willing to take the time to help me.
Donna K. Weaver says
Perseverance is huge in this business.
Yvonne Ventresca says
I agree, Donna — it's critical!
Yvonne
Yvonne Ventresca says
Sher, love your email closing line!
Yvonne
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ditto!
Sher A. Hart says
I totally agree. Every time I'm tempted to say "good luck" as a closing to email or face to face, I say, "I'd wish you good luck, but it's persistence that counts." Your editor encounters prove that.
M Pax says
Rejection with constructive feedback is what launched me. I'm glad some editors take the time now and then.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It can make a world of difference.
Melissa says
Good quote–very true. And good advice. I enjoyed reading your story, Lee.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'd almost forgotten that story, but it came back when I was thinking about this Monday post. Just had to search the old data banks.
M. L. Swift says
Hey Lee,
Yes, the quote Yvonne shared is now on my bulletin board. Good advice to pass along.
I also operate along the same lines when meeting people. Start on a social level, if possible. Heck…these people see hundreds—nay, thousands of people—each trying to push something on them. I'm sure it can sometimes go in one ear and out the other. But to have met first on a more social level adds a relaxed feel to it, however nominal. I think that opens the ears and the mind a little more.
Been busy, busy, busy. Thanks for coming by and your support. It's been a bit tough, and without it, heck…I don't know what I'd do. Hopefully, I'll soon join you as a published author. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I appreciate the support of others who understand what I do and how much energy and stamina it takes. Here's to finding the right route to publication!
Heather Holden says
Great advice! Love the quote Yvonne shared. Persistence is necessary for anything creative, I think. (Like, I definitely need it for my art, since I'm too tempted to quit most of the time, heh.)
C. Lee McKenzie says
But, of course, you won't! 🙂
Denise Covey says
I love the quotes and I admire your plan to meet the editor. A very useful post, especially for unpublished writers.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I like to know about successful plans, even those that evolve without forethought. This was a lucky accident that I turned into something positive. Thanks for the visit.
Leslie S. Rose says
Ahhh, love the Richard Bach quote. Also love your thorough "connect with the editor" plan.
Yvonne Ventresca says
I'm so happy you enjoyed the quote! And Lee's plan is inspiring.
Yvonne
Medeia Sharif says
Great advice on meeting with and talking to editors. They do give wonderful feedback, whether they buy the manuscript or not. It's wonderful meeting a CP of Lee's.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thanks, Medeia! I love your Snip, Snip Revenge cover.
Yvonne
Suzanne Furness says
I love that quote! Enjoyed reading about your editor encounter too, sounds like Twitter really helped with those first steps.
Yvonne Ventresca says
🙂
Yvonne
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee .. I've got a book by Richard Bach to read – and must get to it. Great idea from Yvonne – homework is essential isn't it .. and then as Richard just persevere and keep on writing ..
Another good post for us to learn from Lee – thanks .. cheers Hilary
Zoe Byrd says
I feel bad for my first editor I dont know how he ever tolerated me… I was always a nervous wreck! Although looking back with some experience he new I was a novice and I think he promised a far more in depth editorial experience than he provided. oh well, live and learn.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm smiling at this comment. Great one.
Shooting Stars Mag says
Great advice all around! And speaking to an editor is almost like preparing for a job interview or something similar…you have to know what they do and be prepared!
Elizabeth Seckman says
That is some excellent advice, from both of you!
I get so nervous when I feel like I am "on". Love the idea of getting familiar with the pro- not just to get face time, but to know them better as a person- that makes them less scary.
Carol Kilgore says
Great advice across the board here.
Yvonne Ventresca says
I'm happy it resonated!
Yvonne
Mere Joyce says
Great quote, and definitely a good piece of advice!
Yvonne Ventresca says
Glad you liked the quote!
Yvonne
Murees Dupé says
I would be too nervous to talk to an editor. But these are excellent tips and advice, thank you for sharing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Practice.
Catherine Stine says
All good tips. Talking to editors should be fun too. They are very interesting people.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Indeed. And they know a lot. Listening is an important part of meeting with them.
Botanist says
Great tips, and I love the quote!
Yvonne Ventresca says
I'm glad it struck a chord with you. It is one of my favorites.
Yvonne
Karen Lange says
Thanks so much for the excellent advice and insight! I'm inspired. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Lovely. Glad you got a bit of that inspiration here.
Lady Lilith says
Editors should be all understanding. At the end of the day we are all humans.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yep. Agree with that.
Lynda Dietz says
I think she went about the whole thing in exactly the right way. People in any business are pleased when you acknowledge they're more than simply their occupation. Good move that resulted in good advice!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Editors are people first. I kept telling me that and it helped.
Stephanie Faris says
I would hope an editor would understand that authors are nervous while talking to a real-life editor! We also can often be better at conveying our ideas in writing. Great tips! My journey was similar–I had close calls with editors over the years that didn't quite work out…but then one day I sold and I realized all of that was part of growing as a writer.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Growth comes in small steps sometimes. You only hear about the overnight wonders on the news.
Gina Stoneheart says
Although she didn't accept your manuscript, it was nice of that editor to steer your work in a better direction. Sometimes, the best advice comes after being rejected.
I love the quote you shared. As authors, we live to write. I know for me, I can't breath without it. Whether or not my books become a huge success, if I have inspired someone in some way, my job is done. Because it's through our writing that we are able to move people and become better people ourselves.
Yvonne Ventresca says
I agree, Gina — so much of the writing journey is self-discovery.
Yvonne
Christine Rains says
Congrats to YV! I also totally agree that persistence is vital to success.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Christine — Thank you!
Yvonne
Kelly Polark says
Persistence is so very important in this business!
Those are great tips for when you meet an editor or agent at a conference!
Great book cover, too!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Success doesn't come easily, that's for sure.
Nick Wilford says
Sounds like an excellent strategy and I'm glad good came from it. There's no need to feel there are big barriers between us and editors, I think Twitter helps with that.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hadn't thought about using Twitter like this, but it did work.
Crystal Collier says
Whew! It all makes me tired. Or it could just be that it's dinner time and I need to have something to eat. =) I think any time you establish personal relationships you up your chances. They invest in the individual as much as the writing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
They really do help a lot. Conferences are a great way to get personal contact and connections.
Angela Brown says
Yv's quote is on point. This writing gig is something that requires some stick-to-it-tiveness 🙂
And you learned from your experiences, improved from them and that's what is so important in the steps taken toward you eventually selling your novel. Very cool, C. Lee 🙂
Yvonne Ventresca says
Yes, I have to remind myself of the quote often, Angela.
Yvonne
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Congratulations on your book, YV. Best of luck to you.
Great advice about talking to an editor, c lee. Will remember it. My mind goes blank and I forget who I am, much less what my story is about. 🙂
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, Beverly.
Yvonne
Southpaw says
I like this" "Good writing is certainly important, but there’s something to be said for not giving up."
Yvonne Ventresca says
I'm glad you found the advice helpful!
Yvonne
Teresa Powell Coltrin says
It's always better to do the homework, if possible. I would choke if I needed to pitch to an editor. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I needed to feel comfortable in order to think during our interview.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thanks for including me on your blog, Lee!
Yvonne
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're always welcome here!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
She planned ahead and it made a big difference!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Alex. Of course this morning Blogger did a fail and didn't post at my usual time. Hope this doesn't set a pattern for my week.
Jemi Fraser says
Awesome tips for meeting with an editor! Those non-aggressive social encounters are brilliant!
Love Yv's cover and blurb – sounds like an awesome book!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Twitter came through on this one.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Thank you, Jemi!
Yvonne