http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ Discussion and chat board for members en-US Sat, 19 May 2012 15:27:40 +0000 bbpress 1.0-alpha-2 q http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/search.php http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-567 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:14:20 +0000 Sheila 567@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hello, Ed and Martin!</p> <p>It looks like you guys are the last men standing. We seem to have lost the others along the way, so congratulations for getting this far! </p> <p>I have carefully read your comments, and you are both on the right track. Letter "B" has several flaws that need addressing. I agree with Ed about placing one's name, address, etc., right up front. Personally, when I receive a letter, I want to know immediately who is writing to me. Moreover, it should be addressed to Ms. or Mr. (unless a particular contact has given you the liberty to call them by their first name), not two names (which feels very generic).</p> <p>The main problem that I find with this letter is that it is too casual and chatty. A more formal approach would speak to the author's professionalism as a writer. For example, I would recommend not starting sentences off with words like "well." They lack force in this context.</p> <p>The synopsis should stick to one paragraph given the space constraints of what should be a one page query letter. If a publisher is interested, a longer synopsis can follow upon request. I personally would not pitch more than one story at a time. Keep your contact person focused on one project, unless of course you would like to point out that you have written a series.</p> <p>What I do like about this letter is the author's credentials which come much too late. If the format is kept to one page, however, they will appear much more quickly. Whether to include the fact that she is an actress is a tough call. Usually, one should only mention background that directly pertains to your expertise as a writer or that would support your authority as to subject matter (e.g., marine biologist writing about whales). However, since one has to promote one's work once it is published, training in acting could be seen as a big plus since it is highly likely that such a person is not intimidated about speaking before an audience, is very likely to be outgoing and at ease with others (not always true but the good actors can at least act comfortable!), etc. Thus, I would probably include it.</p> <p>Great job, guys! Now we move to your letters. I will reach out to both of you via email and give you the details for submitting your letters.</p> <p>Talk with you soon! All the best! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-566 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:25:22 +0000 Martin 566@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Below is my Letter B submission:</p> <p>Heading - Include Address.<br /> Greeting - Include Mr./Mrs. instead of both names</p> <p>Paragraph 1 - Perhaps start off with the book and a more formal tone; Include intended audience</p> <p>Paragraphs 2 &#38; 3 - Combine and shorten, explain why it would appeal to intended audience</p> <p>Paragraph 4 - Start with fiction credentials, as they are more closely related to the manuscript</p> <p>Add explanation of why letter is being submitted to the particular agent, and ask permission to submit the story </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-565 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 02:38:20 +0000 Sheila 565@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Wasn't that a beautiful moon! </p> <p>I think you have a handle now, Ed! The "Were-Writer of NJCWG!" Agents beware! Note: I gave you a promotion. Both Ws are now capitalized. </p> <p>No need to thank me! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-564 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:54:31 +0000 edkowalski 564@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Ty! Anyone else see the full moon last night? I became a were-writer, and I think I ate an agent.</p> <p>Query letter 2: sender addr should be on top, not at the end. Flush right? Recipient's full info below, flush left. Then Dear Ms. Alvarez... </p> <p>First par: cut the first sentence about what she wanted to do? Cut the sentence about writing a trilogy (don't shop more than one book in 1 query?)</p> <p>Synopsis should be only one paragraph. The query should be only 1 page.</p> <p>Last paragraph good listing of credentials, but cut the first line about being an actor?</p> <p>I'm looking forward to critiques of our queries. Watch out for the full moon. :) </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-563 Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:38:15 +0000 Sheila 563@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Wow! Great job, guys!!! </p> <p>Yes, each paragraph has its purpose, and while I normally wouldn't get too involved in describing the manuscript's form of writing, this particular work, I felt, needed some explanation since it was a combination of prose and verse. </p> <p>In the left hand corner of the document is the name, address, etc., of the editor to whom the letter is addressed. My information is on the opposite side. Basic stuff, but don't leave it out! Also, if one were a professor of English, for example, at a university (like our friend Joe the poet who paid us a visit last May) then you might want to write your letter on the letterhead of the university where you teach in order to establish more clearly your expertise in a given field.</p> <p>The salutation should virtually always be to a particular person, not "To whom it may concern." This is very important since it establishes the fact that you took the time to research the editor.</p> <p>"Bonjour!" was simply my way to begin with the flavor of things French.</p> <p>The first (main) paragraph points out its prior acceptance by professionals in the industry. Awards that your work may have won, would also be appropriate to mention.</p> <p>The following paragraph is a synopsis. It tells what my manuscript is about and why readers would enjoy it. </p> <p>The next paragraph is just making things clear as to the form of the story (as previously mentioned). This is not something that you would necessarily need to do. In my own case, I felt that it was a good idea.</p> <p>The paragraph that follows the former is basically a statement of how I came to write this story. Why I'm passionate about it. I have also listed the credentials which testify to my strength as a writer and as an expert on bread making. </p> <p>Next, I turn to why I have chosen this particular publisher: They like creative projects that display a "unique bent." </p> <p>The rest is pretty standard, but very important. Be thankful for the editor's time and consideration, and don't forget to include your enclosure(s) such as SASP (self-addressed stamped postcard).</p> <p>Again, great job! And nobody turned into a "were-writer!" Thanks to Ed for this new word that no doubt is destined for a place in the American Standard Dictionary! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-562 Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:59:20 +0000 storytellerjt 562@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Paragraph 1-Introduces the title of the book and reveals that there has already been interest in it.<br /> Paragraph 2-A synopsis of the story.<br /> Paragraph 3-To show what makes this manuscript special and different.<br /> Paragraph 4-shows the author's passion for the subject as well as her credentials.<br /> Paragraph 5-Shows that the author has done her research and knows what types of books the publisher is looking for. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-561 Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:12:35 +0000 Martin 561@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Below is what I think each paragraph is trying to accomplish:</p> <p>Paragraph 1: Informs the editor of the type of book and intended audience, as well as recognition the manuscript has received</p> <p>Paragraph 2: Gives synopsis of book, and explains why it would appeal to the intended audience</p> <p>Paragraph 3: Shows that the author has spent time thinking through the components of the book</p> <p>Paragraph 4: Provides the author's writing credentials, as well as knowledge regarding the book's topic</p> <p>Paragraph 5: Demonstrates that the author has researched the publisher, and the book would be a good fit with the publisher's objectives </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-560 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:23:30 +0000 Jennali 560@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Without critique and skipping the first line:</p> <p>Paragraph 1 introduces the title of the picture book manuscript and indicates that it is a well written piece having been accepted to a professional conference for review.</p> <p>Paragraph 2 is a synopsis of the story and extra content to be included. It gives the impression that the book will appeal to many audiences and interests.</p> <p>Paragraph 3 details the appeal of the book by the inclusion of educational content. It also offers format ideas.</p> <p>Paragraph 4 relays personal information about the author and conveys enthusiasm for the subject of the book. It also lists children's literature organizations of which the author is a member. This indicates that the author has invested time and effort in becoming a writer of children's literature.</p> <p>Paragraph 5 indicates that the author is aware of the publisher's interests and has attempted to find a good fit for their manuscript.</p> <p>Paragraph 6 is the closing. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-559 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:05:39 +0000 edkowalski 559@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>I can't meet at midnight, I turn into a were-writer. Letter A 1st par is an introduction then the purpose of the letter and name of the book. Is the first line appropriate? (cut to the chase?) 2nd par. is the synopsis. 3rd par. describes the style/purpose of style, is that appropriate? (I was taught, intro/book name, synopsis, credentials, closer.) Last par. closes explaining why the writer chose to submit to them. (I learned that goes in the first par.) Ty, I'm looking forward to learning more about queries (I've submitted enough with no clue). </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-558 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:30:32 +0000 Sheila 558@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Step 1: What do you think that each paragraph of "Letter A" is trying to accomplish?</p> <p>Posts due by March 1st. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-557 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:31:17 +0000 Sheila 557@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Well, it looks like there is a problem with the second attachment, so I'll have to figure out the problem! Stay tuned... </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-556 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:28:45 +0000 Sheila 556@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi, Everyone!</p> <p>Please find attached a file with two resources in it. If you were at last month's meeting then you already have a copy of both.</p> <p>I will be sending out an email today with specific instructions about starting our Round Robin. Please note, however, that for reasons of privacy, as I previously stipulated in my letter to everyone, I am requiring that full names not be used on this site. NJCWG's forum is open to anyone who registers on the site, and our discussions are open to the world–which oftentimes is a good thing!</p> <p>Talk with you soon! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=82#post-555 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:56:51 +0000 Sheila 555@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Congratulations, Joe! I will look forward to reading your sonnets. </p> <p>Thank you, Barbara, for letting us know! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-554 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:58:09 +0000 Sheila 554@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>You're doing great, Kathi! Were you able to open the Round Robin doc.? </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-553 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:19:23 +0000 kathikurz 553@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>...as long as no body minds hearing me snore. LOL! Sorry for all the questions. This is my first go at using a forum. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-552 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:51:34 +0000 Sheila 552@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>No, midnight is just the deadline for making one's presence known on the forum. The idea of a midnight meeting sounds like fun though! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-551 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:07:53 +0000 Martin 551@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi everyone. Looking forward to the Round Robin. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-550 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:46:18 +0000 kathikurz 550@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>I'm a little confused? Do we all have to be on midnight on Sunday? </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-549 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:25:50 +0000 Sheila 549@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Attachment again as doc. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-548 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:16:40 +0000 Sheila 548@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi, All!</p> <p>I am going to start posting as "attachments" a couple of different documents. They are documents that you have already received, but I want to place them here in the forum, so that they can be viewed again in case you lose them and also to remind everyone of how the Round Robin will proceed. The first two letters that we will begin looking at are mine and Starra's. They will be the springboard for our discussions. I will not post them since they have real names, real excerpts, etc., but since we all have a copy of them (except for Ed, who soon will), we can speak about them amongst ourselves.</p> <p>The deadline for signing in to the forum is Sunday at midnight, so we'll be waiting to start until then.</p> <p>Talk with you soon! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-547 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:20:21 +0000 Jennali 547@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Howdy, ready to go! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=82#post-546 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:39:15 +0000 Barbara Lorenzo 546@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi All,<br /> I received the message below from my brother Joe on Saturday. For those of you who recall he visited our May meeting last year to share his love of poetry with the group. I thought I would share his thoughts...He is a professor at DePauw University in Greencastle IN.</p> <p>Dear Friends,</p> <p>The day has finally arrived. My book, Poison Sonnets, is now available for purchase. Though I've yet to hold a book in my hand, I've been told that a box will be arriving at my house eventually. Also, I launched the website joeheithaus.com late this morning where you can click on the book, see some of my poems online, and see pictures of the various places my poems have appeared -- windows, barns, walls -- and where I'll be doing readings in the coming months. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-545 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:43:00 +0000 Barbara Lorenzo 545@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi Everyone,<br /> This is exciting. I still have some work to do before uploading my letter.<br /> Looks like this is a great way to share! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-544 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:31:39 +0000 MicheleB 544@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Welcome, Jen and Kathi! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-543 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:02:43 +0000 storytellerjt 543@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi everyone! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-542 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:38:32 +0000 kathikurz 542@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hello Everyone! Can't wait to get started on this. Looking forward to some good insight.</p> <p>Kathi </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-541 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:21:55 +0000 Sheila 541@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi, Ed and Michele!</p> <p>It's beginning to feel like a party! </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-540 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:07:15 +0000 edkowalski 540@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Hi, great idea! When can we post? </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-539 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:14:52 +0000 MicheleB 539@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Thanks, Sheila! I can hardly wait to get started. </p> <p>This online forum provides the ideal setting for our digital round robin. It's simple; it's instant; it's convenient. </p> <p>Welcome, all new NJCWG web forum members!</p> <p>~Michele~ </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-538 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:51:35 +0000 Sheila 538@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>We will post our brief comments or short critiques in this section or upload longer critiques below. We will also post our cover/query letters below as a "file."</p> <p>Please let me know if you have any questions. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=81#post-537 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:07:08 +0000 Sheila 537@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Welcome to the Round Robin thread! This is where we will be discussing our cover and query letters. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=78#post-534 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:42:33 +0000 Sheila 534@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Happy Thanksgiving to all NJCWG members! Jack and I hope that you have a wonderful day with family and friends. Many blessings. </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=77#post-533 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:25:04 +0000 Carol 533@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Marvin,</p> <p>Unfortunately, I didn't get to read your first three chapters. I don't think I received them. However, I did just read 4-6 and I am intrigued by your story. I don't know how it came to be that J.J. can see the future, but I'm totally in suspense about the new neighbors who look like the old neighbors. I think I would like to see more emotion in J.J. when he talks about the new neighbors. I feel like a boy of his age would really be flipping out a little more than I see him doing in the story. I think it's a great story and I am left wanting to read more. </p> <p>Carol </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=77#post-532 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:03:59 +0000 Fernando 532@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>M - My<br /> O - Opinion<br /> O - Only</p> <p>Sorry for the confusion.</p> <p>Fernando </p> http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/topic.php?id=77#post-531 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:58:03 +0000 Marvin in Tyler 531@http://www.childrenswritersguild.org/board/ <p>Fernando,<br /> Excuse my ignorance, but what does MOO stand for in your sideline comments? </p> <p>I have studied your comments/suggestions and plan to use some of them to strengthen the story and keep it moving. Thanks for sending them.</p> <p>Marvin </p>