Pinch me. Is this real life?

I never thought I’d get my book published much less win a publishing award in my home state. And even more of a surprise, my friend, Andie Smith, won SILVER in the same category! (Andie, I can’t wait to see you at the awards ceremony and give you a big celebratory hug!)

Let’s break this down. Because now as a literary agent, there are “what-I’ve-learned lessons” that can help YOU get your book across that finish line (and hopefully also win an award!)

Drafting

Whether you’re a plotter or pantser—the drafting phase is fun. No rules. Just you and your thoughts. Backstory, flashbacks, telling, character descriptions, setting descriptions—it’s all fair game. You need to know all of this. It’s imperative you know all of this. Let it flow. Your word count can balloon over 100K. Go for it! But— this isn’t the manuscript you query with. This one is just for you:)

Revising

Love it or hate it, it’s a non-negotiable. In this phase you mold your story for your reader (or let’s be real—agent or editor first). Sorry, but here you dial back backstory your reader doesn’t need to know to be immersed in THIS story. Sorry, but here you dial back character description so your reader can visualize characters how THEY see them. Sorry, but you dial back lengthy setting descriptions. It’s tough. I get it. You wrote for you. Your story is your book baby. But once you starting querying, your manuscript is a product meant for consumers. And you want it ready for them!

In this phase, it’s critical you work with critique partners and beta readers. Pull in other eyes on your work who will give you honest (but kind) feedback.

(Here are links to my three FREE self-editing guides and the order in which it’s best to revise—Developmental Editing, Line-Level Editing, and Copy Editing. I hope they are helpful!

Querying

It’s about to get real! Put your boots on because you, my friend, are about to enter what we call the query trenches. But don’t jump in too fast. Read this first—Polishing Your Submission Packet Before Querying. Then consider these guidelines.

• Use Manuscript Wish List or Social Media to find agents specifically looking for what you write.
• Use Manuscript Wish List or Social Media to find publishers who accept unagented manuscripts who are looking for what you write. (Never discount small presses:)
• Follow each agent/press’s submission guidelines. A little etiquette goes a long way!
• Query in small batches. 5-10 per time. This ensures if you get feedback, or all passes, you can take a second look at your submission packet before the next round.
• Celebrate EVERY pass! You’re in the game. You’re putting yourself out there. It’s brave and vulnerable. Each pass gets you closer to a YES!

Closing

Few authors cross the publishing finish line by writing a novel in thirty days and immediately get a pub deal. So take your time, don’t skip steps, and I promise the reward will be WORTH IT! Sorry, I couldn’t resist! And below is my Bronze winning story!

Sometimes you’ve got to find the power to become your own hero.

Harley, Worth It by Amy Nielsen