Editor-Agent Submissions

Yesterday I promised to follow-up with specific submission requests from Rebecca French Smith, Susan Swartwout, and Anna Genoese, who were panelists at the October 25 Saturday Writers' Workshop. Here goes:

* When reading a query for Missouri Life, among the elements Rebecca is looking for are:
- How does it pertain to Missouri?
- How does it connect with readers?
- Have you writtten for Missouri Life before?
- If you are not a former contributor, send writing clips.
- A clear understanding of what you are pitching.
- A unique slant on a familiar topic.

* For the "Big Muddy" Susan wants stories, poetry, or personal essays rich in place and historical context. For Southwest Missouri State University Press, she also wants:
- Finished projects rich in place and historical context to the Mississippi River Valley.
- Books (fiction or non-fiction) with a Midwestern interest. Her best sellers have been works of historical fiction.
- Query first (everything goes to three readers who decide on acceptances)

* As a consultant for TOR/Forge and a genre editor for Paranormal Romances, Anna Genoese looks for submissions that:
- Are sent by an agent (only)
- Show conflict
- Have a strong narrator's voice
- Don't have anything too "precious" or cutesy
- Pass the reality test
- Are exciting
- Stick with POV
She also noted that "Gossip sells."

But wait, there's more . . . I'm also including some advice from Krista Goering, the agent who gave the morning presentation.

* Krista Goering is a lawyer and an agent, located in Kansas. Krista was the keynote speaker for the morning session. During her presentation, she:
- Discussed how distribution and marketing are key components to maximize book sales.
- Recommended query letters be limited to one page.
- Explained the difference between middle-grade and YA readerships.
- Talked how she works with writers to develop readership with their first book
- Sends manuscripts to six editors; if a ms doesn't sell after six editors have seen it, it probably isn't going to work. (Note: My understanding of what she said is that while she doesn't give up on her writers at this point, the six-rejection rule is usually a signal the ms needs to be revisited and either revised or reworked.)
Okay, that's about all I was able to scribble down in between my pitch sessions. Hope it is helpful. I'll be back on Monday.

Happy Halloween!