Query Contest on Unicorn Bell

Do you have a completed manuscript? Are you interested in submitting directly to a small publisher?

Well, hold your horses. 

First, you must polish that manuscript to an eye-blinding sparkle. Then compose a query. Not just any query but something to knock that publisher off their feet. Wow them.

Our critique group, Unicorn Bell, is holding a query contest in August.

In the words of my good friend and mentor, Charity Bradford:

We are devoting most of August to queries: how to's, examples, workshops and the query process in general. The last week of August we will have three wonderful guest judges reading all polished queries for FINISHED manuscripts.

Krystal Wade from Curiosity Quills
Nancy Bell from MuseItUp Publishing
Amy Lichtenhan SapphireStar Publishing

If they like what they see, they may request pages and who knows where that may lead you?

There will be more info coming over the next few weeks, but we wanted to give you time to comb through that MS one more time. Maybe even get one more beta reader? Here's what these ladies said they are looking for right now.

Krystal--I love older mc's (18+)! I'd like to see some good dystopian, more male mc's too, and then of course anything scifi/fantasy/paranormal with something new and unusual.

Nancy--MuseItUp is looking for more dark fiction, horror, as we are light in that department. However, romance, historical romance, YA/MG from a male POV that will entice that sector. Of course, we are open to anything that is well written and crafted. We don't publish literary fiction or poetry.

Amy--We're especially interested in contemporary romance and paranormal romance at this time, although we are accepting submissions in all fiction categories.

Head over to UB for more information about small publishers and critiquing. 

I'm What?

It? I’m it?

Brent Wescott has a sense of humor compounded by a wicked streak. He honored me with a shout out, put me with bloggers I admire greatly, then gave me homework. ACK!

And here are his probing questions:

What kind of thing do you prefer to read?

'Thing' as in…? I prefer reading Doritos for subliminal messages. When they stop writing, I go to Baskin Robbins.

Oh, novels? Urban fantasy.

When you were 13, what did you want to do with your life?

That was a heckuva long time ago but I’ll stretch my brain for the info. Either a farmer or an astronomer. I achieved the former.

Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? Discuss. 

Miracle Whip mostly. Because if calories matter (note question #1) fake mayo is the way to go.

If you could join any group or club, what would it be?

My fan club

What is the last song you listened to?

Voluntarily? Not the Adams Family jingle? ‘Two Black Cadillacs’ by Carrie Underwood.

When you have nothing else to do, what do you do? 

Ruin my brain playing Sudoku

If you could make a difference by boycotting one thing, what would it be?

Drawing a blank here.

Self-Editing: How to Do It Right

There are lots of books out there for writers. Every flavor from grammar, inspirational, and creative tips to pull your novel together.

Bridget McKenna wrote a booklet that gets to the point, excellent for quick reference. And a darn good read. She writes with humor - always a plus with me - and educates without lecturing.

It is worth the price at Amazon. Check it out.

Gotta Love Those Farm Boys

If you make it, they will come.


Here is a cool video from some enterprising young teens. Take a time out and watch.

Fried

Mangled Manuscript Monday

The definition of Summer 2012:

Crispy grass, curled corn, and cracks in the ground wide enough for a horse to fall in.

Hot enough that our lightning bugs decided to quit sparking.

So dry, Froggy took to swimming in the dog pan.

Is it just me or is this the summer of Blah?

It could be worse though. My heart goes out to the folks that have been without power due to storms. 

The Great Drought of the 1930s was much worse. It is how we measure bad weather. “Well, this corn should be tasselin’ but at least it’s not like the summer of ’33 when seed wouldn't even sprout.”

How are you coping this summer?