beginning writers

[Terry Dillman]

Susan (and Marva): As an experienced WEP (writer-editor-photographer) with newspapers, magazines and books, I agree that book doctors can be bad news. But (you knew there was a but, right?) the best editors make excellent "book doctors" in the sense of their ability to elevate any piece of writing to its greatest potential. Find one of those editors and cultivate a good working relationship and together you can make beautiful prose together.

[Chad Alex]

Greetings, I have decided, with the encouragement of a few people, to write a book, and have come up with a few questions. Currently I have no knowledge of what needs to be done, except to write the book. If this is the appropriate place, I'd like to ask a few questions. 1.) To whom should I send my material, the publisher, an editor, or a literary agent? 2.) By the way, what is a literary agent? 3.) Once I find out who to send it to, should I send what I have completed, or should I finish the book first then send it in? I appologize if this is in the wrong place. Thank you in advance for any help/suggestions, Chad Alex cgp@icsi.net - An author wannabe -

[Dan Cope]

Hi, Chad. Here are a few answers to your questions. If I leave anything out (or get anything wrong), I'm sure someone will help me out 1) Depends on what your material is. 2) A literary agent is to an author what a talent agent is to a movie star. A literary agent will take your book to the publishers and say, "Hey, my client is fabulous! You'd be a fool not to buy his book!" (Okay, maybe not quite that enthusiastic, but that's the general idea). 3) ALWAYS finish before you submit. Usually (and there can be exceptions, but they are VERY rare), unless you're someone like Stephen King or Michael Crichton, you CAN'T sell a book on just an idea. (Stinks, don't it) Hope this helps. Dan

[Marva L. Dowdin]

Chad: I suggest that you also visit the bookstores in the malls, grocery stores, and etc. Study what a book should look like, thus your manuscript. Check out the bestsellers, get it in your mind that your manuscript should look like this. If not, you are in for a long haul. (1) write your book, (2) get a copyright of your book, (3) send out your queries to as many literary agents that you can. Some publishers will also take queries. The list of these agents and publishers are found in The Literary Market and The Writer's Market listing in your local library. Good luck. Marva

[Dean Livelsberger]

To everyone: Edit Ink is in cahoots with agents who push editing work to Edit Ink, who then pay the agent 15f the editing fee. Then, you will never hear from your "agent" again. I know -- it happened to me. Run like hell from any agent that pushes you to any certain editor -- it's always a scam!! Edit Ink is even under investigation by the New York Attorney General. If you or anyone has been stung, the Attorney General (N.Y.) wants to hear from you!!!!

[U.S.A.F. Retired Major Joseph J. Del']

U.S.A.F. Retired Major Joseph J. Del'Marmol, Jr. - E-Mail: majorjoe@ix.netcom.com I am not a professional writer, but my wife bought me a PC, and I started using it to write my autobiography about my training and experiences as a Bombardier-Navigator during World War II. In my story, I vividly describe the 35 combat bombing missions I flew in a B-17 aircraft. I have since finished it at 301 pages and have entitled it "BAPTISM OF WAR". The story is as much about my wife as it is about me, for throughout the whole story, I have woven many intimate, personal, tender, love scenes that were actually the catalyst and inspiration that kept me going. I also have expounded on mankind's propensity to war, and the need for our country to maintain a well-armed, modern military force, that is ever-vigilant,for less than that, our entire future is imperiled. In the Prologue and Epilogue of the story,I offer some unchallengeable evidence and facts that most certainly should discourage anyone from ever wanting to wage war again. But that is probably being too optimistic, for the world has always been full of “madmen and terrorists” who fancy themselves “taking-over-the world”, and are bent on the destruction of their fellowmen, triggered by some insane impulse to do evil alone. Only a strong,well-equipped,well-maintained, armed force can ever successfully combat and restrain the likes of those kinds of lunatics, and its quite obvious that we need to be protected from the imminent dangers and threats they pose to mankind. Less than that, the future of our great Nation stands in dire peril!!! In order for me to get my book published, I need an experienced Literary Agent or Publisher, who can pursue the entire effort. Because of my age and declining health,I am unable to do so myself. This undoubtedly will be the beginning and end of my writing career. I would sincerely appreciate any suggestions or help that anyone can provide me. Thank you, Majorjoe

[Eugene Bartley]

A little talk about literary agents known as my viewpoint. For the most part, the really great ones are inaccessible to first or even second-time authors unless you've hit the NY Times Best Seller list. A literary agent is basically a public relations person with a little marketing throw in. I believe there's a better way to go, which is a literary attorney. If you're successful, you'll need this person anyway. His/her scope is broader than a literary agent, knows some of the same people and more, and can advise you as to contracts, copyrights, etc. including when you get sued by Kimberly-Clark for using "Kleenex" without permission. As with all professionals, check them out - referral, discussion of your needs and their ability to meet them, costs, etc. Keep your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds. E. Bartley

[S. Mendonca]

I want to thank you for the info on Edit Ink. (Book Doctor) . I was refered to them by two Litery Agents. Something just told me to check them out. Thank again....

[Terri Kaiser]

Thanks so much for the warning about Edit Ink. I have been referred to them also.

[Ron Whittaker]

Ref Mssg Marva L. Dowdin - 09:42pm May 17, 1997 (#24 of 29) Your sequence is (1) write, (2) copywrite (3) mail-out to agents. I have written 2 books and have another on the way. Several agents have invited me to submit the full manuscripts. Do I need to copywrite first?? How do I do that?? I didn't see anything about it in the "how to get published" books.