Vivian worked ten years for the Navy Resale System as an assistant manager and a contract negotiator.  She served a three year Literary Agent apprenticeship with the Ferguson Literary Agency and left in September of 2005 to form her own agency.  She has been a member of Romance Writers of America since 1988 and served three terms as chapter president.  Vivian judged in the RWA Golden Heart Contest, and gave agent appointments at the last four RWA national conferences.  An avid reader since the age of four when her grandmother taught her to read, Vivian says it is her love of books that drew her to the publishing industry. 

Vivian advises you to approach your writing as you would any other profession.  Commit to do your very best; your priority should be to get your manuscript read and published. 

Writing Tidbits from Vivian . . .

Step 1:  Study the Market

• Read books in the genre you want to write.

• Research publishers submission guidelines.

• Network with fellow writers.

• Read industry magazines such as The Romance Writer's Report and Publisher's Weekly.

• Accept criticism graciously.

• Edit your manuscript diligently.

Step 2:  Writer's Etiquette

• Never take unfair advantage of a fellow writer's kindness in reviewing your manuscript.

• Send a thank you note to contest judges, coordinators, editors, agents and other authors who have taken time out of their busy schedule to review your work.

• Be honest and straightforward in your dealings with editors/agents.  Never promise to send a completed manuscript when all you have is an unfinished manuscript at home. 

Step 3:  Query Letter

Your purpose is to spark an editor/agent's attention and get him or her to request your manuscript.  It should be be a one page, single-spaced, letter which includes:

• A brief description of the book, targeted market and the word count. 

• Give a brief description of your writing credentials:  contest wins, writing honors, writing credits, memberships in professional organizations, and don't forget to include any special training or education that lends credibility to your work.  .

• Ask if you may send a complete or partial manuscript.

Step 4:  The Synopsis

When preparing your synopsis consider the following:

• Start with a hook, a paragraph or two similar to the blurb on the back of a book.
• Introduce your main characters, tell their motivation, conflict, and goals.  
• Construct the body of your synopsis.  Use paragraphs, write the high points of your story in chronological order.  Keep these paragraphs tight and don't give every little detail.  (Note: Each scene in your book should include ACTION, REACTION, and a DECISION.
• Use three or four paragraphs to write the the CRISIS and RESOLUTION of your story.  Don't leave the editor/agent guessing.  Your synopsis must always include the resolution of your story.
• Rewrite your synopsis until each sentence is polished to the point of perfection.  Use strong adjectives and verbs, and always write in the present tense.  Make every word count.

Step 5:  Submitting Your Manuscript

• Use proper manuscript format.

• Include a cover letter with the requested material.

• Never send a complete manuscript when the editor/agent requested a partial.  Send only the requested material.

• Do not send multiple submissions unless specifically allowed by publishing house.

• Always include an SASE for return postage

• Always, always keep a copy of your submission.

• Lastly, be patient.  Editors/agents receive hundred of submissions.  Give them the time they need to give your work a fair review.

Step 6:  Rejection

• A personalized rejection is a jewel to be treasured.  Follow up with a polite note of thanks, expressing your sincere appreciation for the editor/agent's consideration.

• Take another look at your manuscript.  Revise.  Edit.  Do what you need to do to make your work publishable. 

• Take advantage of contests and conferences, attend workshops that will help you to sharpen your writing skills. 

• Don't badger the same editor with the same manuscript year after year.

• And most important, never give up on your dream, send out your manuscript again.

Step 7:  While You Are Waiting

• Join a writer's group and attend monthly meetings.

• Find a good critique partner.

• Read books on how to improve your craft.

• Network at conferences and online.  Don't wait until you sell a book to build name recognition.

• Build a website.  It doesn't have to be fancy, one page will do to start.

Step 8:  Record Keeping

Adequate record keeping is essential not only to substantiate your expenses on next year's tax return, but to help track how much each book has earned for you.  Keep receipts, maintain a daily dairy of meetings, travel, promotional parties, etc.

Deductible expenses include all ordinary and necessary expenses related to the business of being a writer, such as postage, photocopying, computer paper and ribbons, publications and organizational dues, publicity and promotional expense, conference costs, travel to and from conferences or meetings with editors, etc., long distance phone calls, purchase of reference materials, auto mileage, legal fees, agents commissions and expenses of using a portion of your home for business (called home office expense).

You can also write off or depreciate the cost of computer equipment, printers and office furniture in the year applicable.  In addition, meals and entertainment expenses which are generally regarded as personal expenditures are considered business expenses when incurred in the presence of present or prospective business associates (such as publishers) from which the writer can reasonable expect to receive income or goodwill.

Congratulation!  You've completed your novel.  I wish you much success and happiness on your path to publication.

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Copyright (c) 2005-2007  Vivian Beck Agency. All rights reserved.