Brain Dead....zzzzzz

Ok, folks! I'll explain the "brain dead" title in a minute. But first...an update.
You may have noticed that since the first of August I've been relentlessly sending Princess Minny anywhere that accepts unsolicited children's book manuscripts.

My previous post mentioned a list of agents who are looking for new writers and unpublished manuscripts. So, I sent a query letter to one of the agents on the list; Lindsay Davis at Writers House.

The guidelines stated that Ms. Davis reviews manuscripts "exclusively". I think that means I should refrain from sending The Perfect Princess to any more publishers until she's had a chance to look at the story. If I've misundertood the meaning of "exclusive review", please correct me.

I confess, it took me 3 hours to compose and polish the 3 paragraph query letter. I confess, it was hasty of me to send it off that day, instead of leaving it for 24 hours and then reviewing it. That is why I haven't looked at it since Tuesday. So here, for your inspection, is my query letter:

Dear Ms. Davis,
I'm seeking representation for my 1,000 word children's picture book, The Perfect Princess, where perfect Princess Minny finds that being perfect all the time isn't a whole lot of fun. On a trip to the royal zoo, something very unexpected happens and Princess Minny must make a difficult decision. Can she be a good princess if she can't be perfect?

I'd like to send you the manuscript, and am interested in your evaluation of it's commercial potential and any recommendations you have on how to make it a better book. You're the first agent I have queried.

I have submitted The Perfect Princess to several publishers on my own and have received a positive response from one small publishing house in Wisconsin. But I want this to be a hardback book and this publisher doesn't offer that.

I'm a freelance author and this is my first attempt at writing a children's book. I'm planning a second adventure for Princess Minny. I'm also writing a middle grade western adventure novel which should be finished by November.

I hope to hear from you at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Lisa Clark

*** A note to all my readers: This blog, Swivet, posted a "Query Letter Dissection" that was soooo helpful. Go check it out!
http://theswivet.blogspot.com/2008/08/query-dissection-kelly-gays-better-part.html ***

Now... about being brain dead...
I haven't been able to write anything all day! No. Wait. I take that back. I wrote my "thank you" page, acknowledging everyone who helped me write this book...that isn't even finished yet. (Feel free to snicker.)

Here's what happened: I stayed up too late last night, so I'm sleepy. I read the political news first thing this morning, so I'm frazzled. My friend got some terrible news, so I'm emotional. A conversation with my mother-in-luv (not a typo) centered around a troubled relative, questions about God's provision, and the end of the world, so I'm bummed out. By 11am, my ability to write was shot.

However, I would like to thank my fellow writers who have posted recently. Today, you have inspired me to try again. I'm going to take a walk, meet some friends, eat, drink and be merry and by tonight, hopefully, I will march back into the writing trenches with renewed enthusiasm.

Have a safe and awesome Labor Day Weekend!

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Job Posting

I was thinking last night about how nice it would be to have someone to talk to about all this writing and publishing stuff. There isn't a writer's group in my area. I'm hoping to start one. Still, it would be nice to have one friend who's sort of "been-there-done-that". We could discuss rejection letters over coffee and critique manuscripts. I've heard that writing can be a lonely profession. Where do you go to find an author/mentor/friend? Perhaps I'll take out an ad on "CraigsList". It might read something like this:

Wanted - One Mentor

Fragile, burgeoning author seeks older, wiser, published author with a "never say die" attitude to act as a guide through the harsh wilderness known as"Becoming A Published Author".

Applicant must have enough publishing credits to make her worthy of my respect and admiration, but be down to earth enough for frequent & meaningful communications.

Must be able to "give-it-to-me-straight" when necessary. A Master's Degree in Encouragement 101 is required.

Applicants possessing secrets of the pro's will receive special consideration.

This position is open to experienced kindred spirits only. Fair weathered friends and social climbers need not apply.

This is a full time, life long position. Salary is $000,000 per year. Benefits are marginal.

Please send your resume, 5 references, your bio including photos, and a sample of your work relevant to this position.

If you can't get all that together, just start blogging here. X

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Princess Minny's Next Adventure!

Our own perfect little Princess Minny set off on a new adventure today. She's heard about Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. Children's Picture Book Contest.
http://www.dragonflypubs.com/
Minny thinks her story is very entertaining. She has entered the contest. Hooray!
But she has to wait a long, long time before she can tell us if she's won. Dragonfly Publishing will announce the winners November 1st.
Princess Minny asks that everyone in the kingdom keep their fingers crossed!