Writing as a Professional

 

by Betty Jean Rosenthal

Step Number One -- Study the Market

Remember, your aim is to get your manuscript read and eventually published.  That's your priority.

1.  Read in the genre in witch you write.

2.  Ask publishers for specific submission guidelines for their imprints.

3.  Set up a good working relationship with fellow writers.

4.  Read The Romance Writer's Report and Romantic Times as well as your local chapter publications to obtain current market news, updates and writing tips.  Maintain a good reference library or have access to one at your local public library.  Listen to RWA conference tapes.

Step Number Two -- Be Prepared

1.  Accept criticism graciously.

2.  Edit your manuscript diligently.

Step Number Three -- Personal Etiquette

1.  Never take unfair advantage of a fellow writer's kindness in reviewing your manuscript.

2.  Always send a polite note of thanks to contest judges, coordinators, editors, agents and other authors who have taken time out of their busy schedule to personally critique your work.

3.  At all times, be honest and straightforward in your dealings with others.  Whether in correspondence, over the phone, or in person, be courteous and businesslike.

4.  Cite your source when quoting from someone else's work or substantially borrowing information or ideas.  And, never claim another person's work as your own.

Step Number Four -- The Query Letter

Your purpose is to spark an editor's attention and get him or her to request your manuscript.

The query should be a one page, single-spaced, letter which includes:

1.  A brief description of the book (give them and story line), target market and work length.

2.  A brief description of your credentials, specifically contest won, honors received, writing credits, memberships in professional organizations or critique groups, conferences attended, if applicable, and any special training or education you might have that gives your work that extra credibility.

3.  At closing, request to send a complete or partial manuscript.

Step Number Five -- The Synopsis

When preparing your synopsis consider the following:

• Presentation
• Tone
• Style
• Content and clarity
• Adaptability

Step Number Six -- The Manuscript Submission

Now, let's address the partial or complete manuscript submission.

1.  Again, observe proper manuscript form.

2.  Send a cover letter with the requested material.

3.  Send only what the editor requests.

4.  Never send multiple submissions unless specifically allowed by publishing house.

5.  Mail manuscript in an appropriate manner and always include an SASE for return.

6.  Keep a copy of your submission.

7.  Include a  self-addressed postcard in your mailing package.  The editor will return it to you, indicating date of receipt.

8.  Use the mail as your primary source of contact with editors and agents.

9.  Hook the editor's attention from the very beginning.

10. And, lastly, be patient.

Step Number Seven -- Rejection ???

What do you do in the face of rejection?

1.  A personalized refusal should always be followed up by a polite note of thanks, expressing the writer's sincere appreciation of the editor's consideration of his work.

2.  Then, get right back into that manuscript.  Revise.  Edit.  Slash and cut.  Take advantage of contests and conferences that will help the unpublished writer sharpen their work and send it out again.

3.  Don't badger the same editor with the same manuscript year after year.

4.  Lastly, don't give up!

Step Number Eight -- The Contract

Here comes the fun part -- finding an agent, contract negotiations, book promotions, newspaper write-ups and interviews.

Step Number Nine -- Record Keeping

On the hells of success, comes Uncle Sam breathing down your neck, demanding his fair share of your hard earned dollar.

Adequate record keeping is essential not only to substantiate your expenses on next year's tax return, but to help track how much each book has earned for you.  Keep receipts, maintain a daily dairy of meetings, travel, promotional parties, etc.

Deductible expenses include all ordinary and necessary expenses related to the business of being a writer, such as postage, photocopying, computer paper and ribbons, publications and organizational dues, publicity and promotional expense, conference costs, travel to and from conferences or meetings with editors, etc., long distance phone calls, purchase of reference materials, auto mileage, legal fees, agents commissions and expenses of using a portion of your home for business (called home office expense).

You can also write off or depreciate the cost of computer equipment, printers and office furniture in the year applicable.  In addition, meals and entertainment expenses which are generally regarded as personal expenditures are considered business expenses when incurred in the presence of present or prospective business associates (such as publishers) from which the writer can reasonable expect to receive income or goodwill.

Now, all that's left to say is . . .  Congratulations, you are a writer.  Be a professional, too.

 (Reprinted with permission of the author.)

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Example of Summarizing a Novel