For Day 4 the challenge was to use concrete nouns to describe an abstract theme like an emotion, i.e. sadness.
When I was struggling with chronic stress I wrote a lot of abstract poems to express the darkness I was battling without feeling too revealing. I already felt vulnerable enough without exposing myself. I’ve also used it for erotica but I am shy about how others might judge me for anything filthy. I thought about using it to express a strong emotion but I’m just happy, so I wrote about being content.
Agent Hunter is a resource you can use to find agents that may be interested in your manuscript. If you want to be able to search the directory and save results then you will need to subscribe. Different subscriptions offer different benefits.
Subscriptions
I contacted them to see about a discount as a blogger and they offered me a 6 month trial with basic access in return for my review.
There are four plans:
For comparison, in the past, I have bought The Agents and Writers Yearbook. This book is updated every summer and is a directory of agents and publishers. The book also contains useful articles of interest to writers. Unfortunately, the market and agency needs are constantly changing and the book quickly becomes out of date. The cost of the book is about £16 to £17 when it is 6 months out of date.
My initial impressions
During January, I used the site to create a list of potential agents that might be interested in my manuscript.
Search
You can search by:
Agent: You can search for a specific name or by the genre they represent. You can also narrow the list further by selecting options such as agent’s experience, number of clients, size of the agency, or include keywords. There is also a way to search for an agent that represents a specific author.
Agency: Search by the name of an agency, size of an agency, whether they take email submissions and if they are an AAA member.
Publisher: Search by a publisher’s name, type of publisher, if they accept unrepresented submissions or by a keyword.
Favourites list
If you find an agent, agency or publisher you like, you can add them to your ‘favourites list’ so you can find them easily again.
Saved search
I did an agent search for ‘Children’s fiction’ as I would like to query for my YA novel. The result was about 8 pages of names, like a directory of literary agents involved in representing this genre.
Being able to save the search was really useful as I only have a limited amount of time. Whenever I had time to research my long list to create a shortlist, I focused on one page a session.
I clicked the name to read the agent’s profile. I’d identify what agency they work for. I would open their page and check that they are currently still interested in YA fiction and if my novel would meet their tastes. I’d also check that they are accepting queries and what their requirements are. I then recorded my research on a spreadsheet on my Google Drive.
Saving the search, meant I could return to the site at a later date and continue working through the list (you can’t do that with a search engine). I just made a note of where I got so I wouldn’t forget.
If I liked an agent (and thought they had potential), I added them to my shortlist.
Profiles
The profiles on the site vary. Some are quite detailed as the agent has cooperated in providing information or has a strong online presence making information easily accessible.
The profiles talk about works the agent has been involved with previously so you can get a feel for their tastes, together with information about what they have said they are looking for. For example, if they are interested in Picture Books or hate fantasy, then I know we will not be a match.
Conclusion
So far, I have found the site to be a good resource with a wealth of information. I could have searched online for literary agencies and found the information myself, however, I have tried this and it is a much slower process as the results are not as defined.
Being able to save my progress has been a huge benefit too. The profiles are pretty up-to-date but agents are constantly changing their needs and preferences, so you still need to do your research once you have a name and agency.
The website is incredibly easy to navigate. I can’t imagine anyone struggling to use it.
Their packages are honest with no hidden costs – I love that. I think they are good value for money. The information is constantly being updated.
Yes – I recommend Agent Hunter for anyone looking for a UK Agent, Agency or Publisher.
Video review and tutorial
Please check out my video review and tutorial for using Agent Hunter.
For Day 2 the challenge was to write a poem changing the point of view. At first I had no clue what to write the poem about, then I thought about it from a fiction writers perspective.
This challenge made me think about the reliability of characters especially in first person as it is all about how they see themselves and the world. It can be very bias. By flipping view points in a story you can give the reader a completely different experience.
I love writing in first person and find writing in third person the hardest. I enjoy experimenting and pushing myself to try new things.
Let me know what you think and if you gave this challenge a go.
This is my first poem in ages and I wasn’t sure where to start. I used the NaPoWriMo prompt ‘love letter’.
I like poems that rhyme and aren’t too long. I thought about writing something soppy, picturesque or fictional. Then I decided to write something for my son who really has stolen my heart. ?
To start the year, I set myself some goals for the year ahead. I plan to check how I’m getting on with that periodically during the year to check I’m on track. If you set yourself goals it is important to check on yourself to make sure you are on target and to re-focus yourself.
On Reflection
Summary: Considering these were annual targets I think I’ve kicked off the year with a really good start at achieving them. I’m not sure listing my goals as bullet points was the best idea, so to re-focus I shall put my goals into a table.
Blogging Goals Review
ACHIEVED: I migrated both my blogs into one blog and I am using categories to split the content up from ‘writing’ topics and ‘beauty topics.
ACHIEVED: I planned to post at least once a week and I have been exceeding this – posting two to three times a week. Sometimes as often as four times. Taking the pressure off has increased my productivity.
ACHIEVED: I’ve reduced my scheduled posts on LoCal so that they only run for two weeks so if I run out of time to change them, I am not Constantly spamming people with the same things for weeks with no end.
ACHIEVED: I have started including some personal posts on my blog such as my son’s World Book Day and What I’ve Been Watching.
ALMOST ACHIEVED: I wanted to start vlogging. This has involved researching how to do it and plucking up the courage. In addition, I need the house to be quiet for recording which doesn’t happen often. However, I have posted a video on YouTube reviewing Agent Hunter (see below) and I have a scheduled blog post about this coming soon.Wri
NOT ACHIEVED: I haven’t approached any brands to see if they’d like me to represent them. However, my Instagram pics of my The Pip Box won and I got my March box free (review of the free box coming April).
Writing Goals Review
ACHIEVED: I have stopped editing Drift and started querying.
NOT ACHIEVED: I have not started work on finishing Glide. I have been really busy with my course at college and work. However, I have three weeks off for Easter break and hope to re-visit this project over the coming weeks.
NOT ACHIEVED: I have not started a new story idea – not that I’m not full of ideas.
NOT ACHIEVED: I’ve not had time to read the programme for Felixstowe Book Festival but intend to buy tickets and go. I have decided to miss YALC this year (will explain more soon).
NOT ACHIEVED: Completing a writing course is on hold until I finish my current course at college.
ALMOST ACHIEVED: I have been reading more since getting my Kindle. I have almost finished The Gender Game and will review the title and my Kindle once I have. I am a slow reader with only a few chances to read.
NOT ACHIEVED: I have not found out more about how Twitter queries work. However, I have been networking more on Instagram and meeting lots of writers online this way.
April appears to be the month for celebrating all things poetry. I am aware of two groups promoting poetry celebration in April so I shall start by introducing them.
April for Poetry
Academy of American Poets – National Poetry Month
The Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month in April 1996. The celebration is used to acknowledge the achievements of American poets, share poems and encourage support and awareness of their work.
Click here to find out more about the celebration.
Maureen Thorson – NaPoWriMo
It was started in 2003 by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. She was inspired by NaNoWriMo – hence the similar name. It stands for National Poetry Writing Month. The challenge is to write one poem a day for the 30 days of April.
Click here to find out more about how to participate.
Taking the challenge
So, I am going to dare to take the NaPoWriMo challenge. It might not be great to start with as it is a while since I’ve written any poetry but I hope we will see an improvement towards the end. I also hope that I find time to participate everyday.
Please let me know if you are taking part or have a poetry blog. It would motivate me to see what you are doing and I would find it inspirational.
This is my first nomination and it came from Shabri – A Door To My Life, a blogger I recently connected with. Her blog is varied but always has an upbeat positive vibe and the first post I read was about going bare (no makeup) and how it has empowered her. Go check out her blog – she posts regularly.
MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD:
“It’s an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging, and they do it with so much love and passion.” Created by: Okoto Enigma
The Rules
Put the award logo/image on your blog and List the rules.
Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
Share a link to your best post(s).
Three things about me
I am pregnant – I’m planning a blog post soon with gender reveal. We’ve kept it off social media and only told a few select people.
I married my first love and best friend. This year will be our 7 year wedding anniversary but we’ve been together and in love for 18 years.
I was born in East London and although my parent’s moved out when I was very small, I still feel a connection and pride for my former London roots.
It’s my real name. I did have some unusual blog names. I started with ‘Ethereal Vanilla’ for my organic beauty blog and ‘Writer to Author’ was one of my writing blogs but when I merged it all together I just went with my name as I felt it would help people connect and identify me. Would you go a month without pizza or would you go a month without chocolate? why?
Ooo, this is a really tricky one as I love naughty food. I like savoury food and melted cheese so pizza is winning – as long as there isn’t a spicy topping. I love milk chocolate but a bit fussy with other types and I think you can have too much of a sweet thing. When did you start to love yourself more? how?
I spent a lot of my youth feeling like I didn’t fit in – mainly for my red hair. My husband helped me to see it was beautiful and then I did a little modelling and realised that being different is good. I still sometimes feel awkward and like a sore thumb and every so often I will get a rude comment about my hair but I am much better at brushing it off and picking myself back up and I hope to pass that on to my son. If you could have one superpower for a week what would it be except for reading people’s mind and being invisible and why?
Ha ha, my husband and I play this game all the time. My ultimate power is ‘luck’. If you can influence luck in your favour you are pretty invincible. Someone shoots a fireball at you, luckily it rains and puts it out or they trip and luckily it shoots up into the sky. You got to the bank and borrow money and luckily they are offering free money to the next customer to walk through to door which is luckily you. I think you get the gist. You also could use it to help friends and ruin enemies – mu ha ha ha.
Your favourite blog that you have posted and why is it your favourite also provide a link too
Oh my… I am still not very good at blowing my own trumpet. I looked at my statistics and identified the post with the most likes. It is Writers and YouTube Playlists and was a featured article from my writers blog (that has now merged with this one).
My nominations
I’d like to nominate Shabri because her blog really is awesome but she has already been nominated by someone else so here are some fresh nominees:
Hev with This Pug Can: If you love pugs and keeping fit, this blog tells it as it really is. You won’t see any of those fake glam shots here.
Nathaniel Tower with Juggling Writer: I recently discovered Nathaniel and featured one of his articles. His blog is a wealth of information for writers.
Andrew McDowell with An author of many parts: Andrew was the first blogger to welcome me to Word Press. I have featured a few of his articles and always find his posts engaging.
Theryanlanz with A Writer’s Path: I have featured quite a few articles from this site. The blog covers topics that are really useful for writers, especially for fiction writers.
Keithgarrettpoetry with Man of many thoughts: This guy is knocking out poems faster than you can read them – I don’t know how he does it.
Radiant Behavior: This was the first bloggers whose post I shared. It was on how to contour and how to highlight using Vapour Organic. She often reviews ethical beauty product and on how to use them.
Beccapbeauty:She writers beauty reviews and posts often. Whenever I have commented on her blog she always acknowledges me.
Rabia with Rabia Rambles: Rabia’s website has beauty product reviews and stationery that looks so beautiful that it makes me want to take up bullet journaling.
Ross Hunt with IsaBlog: Ross writes about being a father to Isabelle. There are lots of cute pictures of his daughter but mainly engaging articles about parenthood.
Slow Days, Small Feet: This mum shares tips and activity ideas to help out other parents. They are really simple that anyone can apply often using everyday items.
Questions for my nomminees
How long have you been blogging?
Why did you start your blog?
As a child, what did you dream of doing for a living and what do you currently do for a living?
Vampires, werewolves or witches – which dark creature would you prefer to be?
If you could time travel back in time, what advice would you give your teenage self?
So, you’ve written your masterpiece and created a shortlist of potential agents. Now, it is time to start querying.
What not to do
In this article I am going to encourage you to create a template cover letter with common content themes, however, do not send this template to agents. Sending a blanket email will not impress.
What you must do
Take time to make it personal
First, make sure you have time for each agent. Do not rush your query. Read their requirements and personalize the template to show them that you choose them for a reason. This will make them feel more special than if you ignore their guidelines and send them flowers and chocolates.
Common themes
I’ve been querying one of two agents a week. This enables me to think about what I am sending them. I am focused on that agent as an individual rather than as another query.
However, although requirements differ between agencies there are common themes in the content requests. I have created a ‘cover letter ideas’ document with headings for the different content requests. This helps me find the paragraphs I need for the agency and then amend to personalize it for them, saving me a lot of time.
Here are the themes:
Letter opening
Okay, no agent has requested this as content in the letter but it is a basic requirement for letter writing. I just state the reason I am contacting them ‘please represent me’.
Tagline
In the age of social media, more agents are requesting you to pitch your novel in one sentence! You can use your tagline to promote your book on sites like Twitter or Instagram.
About me
Finding an agent is a bit like dating. They want to know a bit about you to see if you are someone they want to work with. They are interested in what makes you-you.
Writing Bio
This is a paragraph or two about my writing experience. They want to know if you have ever been published, won a literary contest, completed a writing course.
About your novel
To start with they need to know the basic credentials of your book like the word count and genre.
They also want to know things such as why you wrote this novel and what is it about.
Brief pitch (Blurb)
Check what they mean but this as one agent said ‘brief pitch’ and when I read what they wanted it some described a short synopsis (see below). More agents who requested a brief pitch wanted me to sell them my story so I shared my blurb as I type of teaser to encourage them to want to read the manuscript.
One paragraph synopsis
They want you to sell the story to them and the plot in one paragraph – if you thought writing a synopsis was hard then you are going to enjoy this… Actually, I found this easier than condensing the whole plot to one page because I knew they had the full synopsis to read if they wanted so I just had to make it enticing enough for them to want to know more.
Book marketing
They may request who you think the target market is and what books it would be placed alongside in a bookshop. They need to know if the book is part of a series or have the potential to be.
Why you?
Some agents wished to know why I had chosen them. You can’t default this content as will be a unique element of the query for that individual or agency. Instead, I created some prompts:
why did they make my shortlist
what authors or titles have they been involved with that is similar to mine
Letter closing
This is a simple ‘look forward to hearing from you’ together with my valediction and contact details.
Check before you send
Before you send your query to make sure it is as perfect as you can make it before you send it:
Spell check: There are no excuses with modern processors that will check your spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Proofread: Sometimes the spell checker will miss words that are spelt correctly and make sense but are wrong. For example, ‘people go to church to worship their dog’.
Grammarly: There are apps to help check that your writing is as at it’s best. A quick scan online using Grammarly can find mistakes you otherwise could have missed.
Contact method
Many agencies today will request you send them an email or use an online form on their site. Make sure you follow the instructions for the format of documents correctly. For example:
If they request, all attachments must be .doc files, make sure you ‘save as’ and chose the correct file format.
If they ask you to send it within the body of the email then copy and paste the content into an email.
If you must paste into the online form or attach the document to their online form, please follow the instructions.
If you don’t follow the instructions, they may not be able to open your documents, it may get blocked by virus protection or their server. If you cannot view what you have sent, then you’ve wasted your time as well as theirs.
Common attachments
Preparing these common attachments before you start will save you time.
Query manuscript versions
I have a few versions of my manuscript prepared for querying to meet the most common requests. These are:
Full manuscript
First three chapters
First 10,000 words (to a suitable breaking point)
Query synopsis versions
I have a few versions of my synopsis prepared for querying to meet the most common requests. These are:
Full synopsis
One page synopsis
300-word synopsis
Keep a spreadsheet
You can get free online spreadsheet software from Google or Window Live and many smartphones even had free spreadsheet apps.
I keep a spreadsheet with the name of the agency and agent I contacted, the date I contacted them and when I expected to hear back – check their sites for details on response times. When they responded I recorded the date they replied.
I hope you have found these tips useful. I would love to hear how you got on and if you have any tips to help me too.
In this featured article by Nathaniel Tower (The Juggling Writer) he shares his tops tips to help you win any writing contest you are planning to enter.
During November 2017, I was doing NaNoWriMo and I wrote an article with Tips on naming your character. I am always looking for more tips and today I am sharing an article by blog A Writer’s Path on four methods for naming characters.
by Ryan Lanz A common question I hear tossed about is how to create character names. Some writers find this simple, and yet others struggle with naming every single one, particularly concerning the main cast. In this post, we’ll talk about tricks and tips for creating character names, and perhaps we’ll bring some ease […]
Dedicated to Noah
