Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals
If you do your homework, follow guidelines, and present yourself well, according to Moira Anderson Allen inThe Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals, you may be on your way from writer to published writer. Or maybe not. "There's always more good writing than there are markets for that writing," says Allen, so you have to "intrigue the editor." Allen and her contributors divulge secrets to effective queries, proposals, and synopses. They have advice on becoming a syndicated columnist, securing an agent, landing speaking and teaching engagements, and doing business writing. They weigh the advantages and disadvantages of alternatives to mainstream publishing (e-publishing, subsidy publishing, and self-publishing), and of online display sites, where editors and agents (after they get through the mass of paper on their desks and still want to read more) can check out writers' work. Great information--especially the many hints on what not to do.--Jane Steinberg