Ally Aldridge Tips, Writing

#PitMad

What is #PitMad?

Last month I did #PitMad. This Twitter event is where writers tweet a pitch for their book. Interested editors/agents like the tweet to request a submission. Writers then check the submission guidelines and submit if they are interested.Twitters can support writers by retweeting the pitch – but must not like (only agents/editors can like).

The event took place on 6 Sept. Pitches must fit in one tweet and be for a complete and polished manuscript. You can tweet three times for each novel within the 24h period. The tweet can be the same pitch or different. You can pitch more than one novel during the event.

There were loads of amazing pitches. I easily could have given into the voices of doubt in my head and been intimidated. But, if I don’t try new things, I’ll never learn. If I shy away from putting myself out there then I’ll never achieve my dream of being published. It was scary but I’m pleased I did it.

I only joined the event during the final hours. If I were to participate again in future, I’d spread my three tweets out throughout the day.

I noticed many writers compared their book to two titles already in the market. I’ve never done this so it might be good for future thought.

Request

I did get a like! Getting a like was very exciting, I felt as if I had finally made it and my husband had to remind me that although they’ve requested I submit, it doesn’t mean they will sign me.

In fact, turns out, just because they requested my manuscript doesn’t mean I have to submit to them. After looking at their website, I choose not to submit…

Why? The publisher is a new print launching in the Fall. That’s not a problem. Their website was incomplete and their facebook page had only been active for three weeks. I could have ignored all this if I could find out about the agents background in publishing but there is nothing. No history.

My heart sank as I realised, this might not be the big break I had thought it was. I’ll keep my eye on Burchette and Ferguson but until I know more about who is behind the company and what they can offer me, I will leave it for now.

The future

The next #PitMad is on 6 Dec and I’d love to hear your tips so I am better prepared next time. Have you done #PitMad? Can I see your pitch? How do you decide what book is most like yours? Do you think I was right to ignore my request?

I’d like to do more Twitter events. I wish there was somewhere I could go to find out about events taking place. Do you know of such a place?

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Ally Aldridge Tips, Writing

#AskAnna

Earlier this month, Curtis Brown held a twitter event called #AskAnna where Anna Davis was online to answer questions about writing and publishing.  She is an author and worked in publishing for over a decade and delivers some of the CB Creative courses.

The event was good fun – although, a little slow to start.  Afterwards, I thought of more questions I wish I had asked but this was my first twitter Q&A that I’ve participated in. Usually, I can’t attend as I’m at work.

If you couldn’t make it, you’ll be pleased to know I saved the Q&As I found most useful from the event (start at the bottom and scroll up):

I hope CB do more Twitter events in future and that I can attend. This was good fun. Best of all, it was great to be invited to ask questions as I then knew we were welcomed and not a nuisance. I would love to hear of more a Twitter events – have you done any?

In 2017, I completed the Curtis Brown course Start Writing Your Novel.  Click here to read my review about it. I’m really tempted to do more courses with them but at the moment, I don’t have the time or money.

The Literacy Consultancy looks really good but, again, I don’t have the money to pay for their services at the moment. They edit and review manuscripts and advise of marketability and who to approach and have a mentor scheme where someone with experience supports you with in-depth advice on your novel. I can’t believe I’ve not heard of this organisation until now! Have you?

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Ally Aldridge Tips, Writing

How to handle rejection

The scary thing about querying agents is that they’ll either accept you and promise to make your dream of being an author a reality or reject you. Sadly, agents get so many queries you are most likely to receive the later. Here is how to handle it:

1. Don’t takes it personally

“It’s not you, it’s them.” This is the main reason they’ll say no. Fiction is an art and subjective. Your agent needs to love it to get behind it. They also need time to promote your books and can’t take it if it competes with another they are already pushing or can’t invest the time it deserves.

2. Deal with your feelings

It’s okay to be disappointed. All fiction writers have wild imaginations and you likely had a little day dream about getting signed by them. It’s okay and it’s not personal. Publishing is a business. So, allow yourself time to process their reply and don’t respond about what a big mistake they’ve made in passing on you. Just accept their position and move on.

3. Be in it, to win it

If you didn’t query, you’d never find an agent. Give yourself a pat on the back for all you have achieved. Writing a novel is no easy feat. It takes time, persistence and editing not to mention the accompanying documents. You’ve achieved so much. Be proud of yourself for being brave enough to put yourself out there.

4. Don’t give up

What sets apart ‘real writers’ from ‘wannabe writers’ is that we don’t give up. It’s time to think about the next project. You know, once you are lost in a new plot you’ll forget all about the agent(s) that said no. Perhaps this new novel will be the next best seller.

5. Reflect

Reflect on the process, review your submission(s), relook at the market and agents out there. Every experience is a chance to learn. If you allow yourself to gain from this, you will become a stronger writer. You can make changes, improve, and query again. Next round, they might say yes!

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Please share with me your experience and tips for querying and how you handle rejection?

If you’ve not queried yet, I hope this post gives you the courage to go for it. Please let me know how you get on.

Ally Aldridge Novel, Writing

Review: Agent Hunter

Agent Hunter.png

What is Agent Hunter

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:

Agent Hunter Subscriptions

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.

Agent Hunter hom

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.

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Ally Aldridge Novel, Writing

4 Methods For Creating Character Names — A Writer’s Path

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 […]

via 4 Methods For Creating Character Names — A Writer’s Path

Ally Aldridge Software, Tips, Writing

Apps for Writers — Ally Aldridge

My smartphone is always with me and as a result it gets used a lot for my writing process.  Today, I shall share with you the most useful apps for writers.

These recommendations are for for both iOS and Android operating systems. 

Productivity apps

SimplenoteSimplenote

This app is used the most.  I jot down ideas I have during the day for my stories or potential stories.  It can include character development, research or even ideas for blog articles.

WunderlistWunderlist

I use this app for creating to-do lists but also found it useful for developing plots because it is so easy to move the items in the list up or down.

The above are quick easy apps you can use all the time, however, if you are collecting research, then you will appreciate apps like Evernote, Google Keep and OneNote.  

These apps enable you to take snips/clips of information you have found on the internet. You can then sort this information into an order that works for you and include your own notes.

Writing apps

WattpadWattpad

If you need feedback from readers on your works, this is a great app to use.  You can write and edit within the app too.  You can save works as drafts or private.

Similar apps are:  Movella, Radish and Opuss (iOS only).

WordMicrosoft Word

You can use MS Word on the go.  However, I don’t tend to use this app very often as I get frustrated by the limits placed on the mobile version and would rather use Wattpad.

GoogleDocs

Google Doc

You can write using Google Docs apps.  It is a simple word processor with the same features you’d expect from Word. The docs save automatically to the Google Drive – you need a google account to use this.

Blogging apps

BloggerBlogger

I used the blogger app for a while I liked how it linked to my Google+ account.  I stopped using Blogger early this year when I converted to WordPress:  https://allyaldridge.blogspot.co.uk/

WordpressWordPress

This is my current blogging app.  I usually blog at my PC/laptop.  However, when I am out and about I enjoy how easily it is to read other blogs and share them.

Social apps

As mentioned above at ‘Writing apps’, you have Wattpad, Movella, Raddis and Opuss.  These are great sites to connect with your readers and get their feedback and create a fan base of followers.  It is also a great opportunity to meet other writers and support each others development.

You can also connect using any popular social media app.   I share my writers life via Twitter, Instagram and Google+ and LinkedIn.  You can also use Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube.

 

Don’t forget that blogging can be social too as you can meet other bloggers through comments and follows and discover their content too.

Storage apps

You upload your document to OneDrive or Google Drive and then can access them anywhere online with your login.  You can also invite others to view your documents by email and manage permissions.  These drives also have a few apps built in to enable you to create basic documents like word processing, spreadsheet or presentation.

OneDriveOneDrive

Needs a Live, Outlook or Hotmail account.

GoogleDrive

Google Drive

Needs a google mail account.

 

Resource apps

DictionaryDictionary.com

This is my top dictionary/thesaurus app – yes, its a thesaurus too!  I like how it is easy to search for a definition.  You can save words and they have a word of the day to boost your vocabulary.

Browser (with search engine)

Your smart phone will likely come with a browser built in and a default search engine.  You can go to the app store and choose a browser that suits your needs. There are browsers that block adverts or keep your privacy.

I enjoy using the Safari browser on my iPhone and searching using google.  I use chrome on my Samsung with google for searches.

Downloading apps to your Smart Phone

To download iOS apps to your apple device you need to access the iTunes store.  To download apps to your android device you will need access to the Google Play store.

Please let me know if there are any apps you find useful that I haven’t included as I am always keen to add more to my smart phone to make life easier.

To discover more ways to connect with me, click my link tree.

@Redfae