What an incredibly helpful list - (and congratulations on your galleys!)
I would add a couple things to your list that has been helpful for me, lately:
1) along with bios and letters (smart idea, thank you) I would add honing essay-writing skills. I have heard that one might be called upon to provide a personal "craft essay" from time to time.
2) Practice/play with other forms of writing. Now that I am in the querying slog, I have found that going back to working with poetry has helped to stretch the writing muscle in some different directions, and lever me out of waiting purgatory. Or, change out the creative channel entirely - music? ceramics? - I recently revisited drawing and collage in a very fun and challenging workshop, which really helped to get me unstuck.
What I have discovered is that there is all these different "forms" of creativity feed and help inform, energize the others. Who knew? Not to mention a pleasant distraction. Now re-energized and with some new perspective, I am ready to wade back into the query trenches for the next round of submissions.
Thank you again for your generosity in letting us follow along on your publishing experiences.
As a humor writer, I recommend that fiction writers learn to write a McSweeney's-style piece, to your second point. First off, it's 750 words MAX, a delight, and the readers of that site love literary humor and would be inclined to search out your book if they like your short piece.
What an incredibly helpful list - (and congratulations on your galleys!)
I would add a couple things to your list that has been helpful for me, lately:
1) along with bios and letters (smart idea, thank you) I would add honing essay-writing skills. I have heard that one might be called upon to provide a personal "craft essay" from time to time.
2) Practice/play with other forms of writing. Now that I am in the querying slog, I have found that going back to working with poetry has helped to stretch the writing muscle in some different directions, and lever me out of waiting purgatory. Or, change out the creative channel entirely - music? ceramics? - I recently revisited drawing and collage in a very fun and challenging workshop, which really helped to get me unstuck.
What I have discovered is that there is all these different "forms" of creativity feed and help inform, energize the others. Who knew? Not to mention a pleasant distraction. Now re-energized and with some new perspective, I am ready to wade back into the query trenches for the next round of submissions.
Thank you again for your generosity in letting us follow along on your publishing experiences.
Yes I love these additions! Thank you!!!
As a humor writer, I recommend that fiction writers learn to write a McSweeney's-style piece, to your second point. First off, it's 750 words MAX, a delight, and the readers of that site love literary humor and would be inclined to search out your book if they like your short piece.
Smarttttttt
This is SUCH helpful advice, Laura!! Thanks as always for your excellent insight - love this newsletter ❤️
argh the waiting is just endless...
Loving all these tips - just went on sub myself and the waiting is so tough….
Congrats!!!!
Great list. Thank you!
Thanks for the pointers and hard lessons along the way!
Great advice and I love your nail polish color!
Ha, thank you! Coincidentally my galleys arrived the same day I had my first manicure in months ✨stars aligning✨
Yes! Complements the cover perfectly!!
Um, why am I taking notes on your newsletter because it's SO HELPFUL??
You just made my day Caitlin! 😍
All great advice!
these are such great tips (especially the comp list!!)
This is such great advice! I am waiting while querying and going to start working on these one by one. Thanks Laura!