Allyson if I could take a look at that proposal it would be a godsend.
The downside is, of course, that you already rock so much that this may tip you into critical rockage mass and then you'd explode.
To commemorate a past event, you kill and eat an animal. It's a ritual sacrifice, with pie.
Anya ,'Sleeper'
The Great Write Way, Act Three: Where's the gun?
A place for Buffistas to discuss, beta and otherwise deal and dish on their non-fan fiction projects.
Miracleman - Feb 12, 2009 5:17:26 pm PST #1271 of 6690
No, I don't think I will - me, quoting Captain Steve Rogers, to all of 2020
Allyson - Feb 12, 2009 5:28:13 pm PST #1272 of 6690
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica
Okey doke, I just sent the query letter and proposal. Hope it helps!
Miracleman - Feb 12, 2009 5:31:09 pm PST #1273 of 6690
No, I don't think I will - me, quoting Captain Steve Rogers, to all of 2020
Thank you so much, Allyson.
Allyson - Feb 12, 2009 5:35:51 pm PST #1274 of 6690
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica
Happy to help. It was the only gratifying thing I did with my day. Sending an email.
cries
Bleh. Today just blew.
erikaj - Feb 12, 2009 7:05:55 pm PST #1275 of 6690
Always Anti-fascist!
I second that emotion, Allyson. Although without the scientists.
Amy - Feb 13, 2009 5:36:56 am PST #1276 of 6690
Because books.
From what I understand the whole damn book is a mistake [edit: I mean having it finished before approaching the agent]. The agent wants to shape it. But they do want an outline and indication that you can finish the book.
For the most part, this is not true of the industry as I know it. Agents want to find AUTHORS, not books, and they want authors who will keep producing books they can sell. Editors are more likely to want to shape a book than agents, especially when it comes to nonfiction.
While you should never SEND an agent a full manuscript without being asked to do so, the only proof you have that you *can* finish a manuscript is that you have, in fact, finished it. In the market right now, especially, it's only going to help to go in with a finished product.
Not trying to rain on your parade, MM. Just wanted you to be clear on what expectations are in my experience.
Barb - Feb 13, 2009 5:39:14 am PST #1277 of 6690
“Not dead yet!”
Just an FYI-- a lot of agents don't have TIME to shape books. And editors, they want to know that an author can actually finish a book. No better proof of that than an actual finished book.
I probably wouldn't have sold Adiós on proposal if an editor at the same house hadn't seen a completed manuscript of mine and been able to reassure the buying editor that yes, I could finish a book.
Just my .02
Barb - Feb 13, 2009 5:39:52 am PST #1278 of 6690
“Not dead yet!”
X-posty goodness with Amy.
Deena - Feb 13, 2009 5:41:08 am PST #1279 of 6690
How are you me? You need to stop that. Only I can be me. ~Kara
Interestingly, I was just reading an agent's blog where someone asked the question, "I was asked for the full manuscript, but I only have a partial. What do I do?" Basically, she said what Amy did. "Oops, you should have finished the manuscript first. Confess fast and get it done."
More x-postiness!
Amy - Feb 13, 2009 5:44:57 am PST #1280 of 6690
Because books.
I once asked for a manuscript from an author after reading her adorable partial. (It was lighthearted paranormal romance, so cute.) She confessed she hadn't finished it, although she said she had in her letter AND when I met her at a conference. I saw red, explained to her why that was a very, very bad idea, and asked when she might be finished. She said a month or two at most. Never heard from her again. If I had given her a contract based on that partial, I most likely would have been screwed.