Enticing An Editor

‘An Emerging Author’s Perspective’

So much has been written for new authors as they apprehensively start their ‘journey’ into the literary world. It begins with an amazing idea for a story, that really seems perfect inside your head and so, over time, you are able to get it onto paper. You may have been able to participate in the many wonderful online writing courses available and further shape your story, but your creation is still sitting on the screen, in front of you, waiting to see the light of day. It’s such a personal experience, but it really can’t be a solo journey.

I researched a lot of writing courses a couple of years back and completed the ‘Writing Picture Books’ course at The Australian Writers Centre. It really opened my eyes into this very structured, complicated but intriguing world of writing for children. Coming from a background of teaching, I felt that I had a connection to children, how they think and how they perceive the world, but I had so much more to learn. The course helped me to examine the structure, language and rhythm of stories and to also look at pace, emotion and really knowing who your characters are. I was hooked into writing. Through the course, I also gained insights and information on the publishing process and the industry itself, which can be very complex.

But, from my perspective (total novice), the start of that journey into the world of publishing needs to be very collaborative. This can be in the form of critique groups, workshop groups or manuscript assessment. If you’re fortunate as I was, to be able to get your work to an editor, and connect with the wonderful Di Bates, author, freelance writer and editor of e magazine ‘Buzz Words’, then you have started that collaborative process. From the knowledge I had gained from AWC and online, I presented my manuscript to Di in a very structured format – hoping to look ‘organised and professional’.

I presented a front page with contact details, book title, genre and word count. I also included an elevator pitch, back cover blurb and theme of the book. This made me really reflect on my own writing and what I was trying to convey to the reader.

The elevator pitch (sometimes incorporating a tagline) is a very succinct sentence which captures the ‘heart’ of your story. Think how you might describe it in just a few words – it will test you out, but if you can do this, it will really drill down into the core of your writing.

The back-cover blurb should emulate the tone and pace of your story. It should immediately capture the interest of the intended reader. I’ve found that it should be short and succinct, and if you are able to use some of the language from the story – then do so. The blurb should really ‘hook’ and entice the reader. Make it ‘sparkle’ if you can. Remember that it’s the mums, dads, librarians and book retailers who are browsing for that ‘special story’ and you want to capture their eye.

Often publishers also ask for the theme of your book and here is again your chance to capture the essence or focus of your writing. Think carefully how you would present this and try not to be too generalised in your description. Be succinct.

Going through this process I have found really helps you to crystallise the intent of your own writing. Feedback from Di Bates was very appreciative of this format, which she told me really made her task easier - and let’s face it, we all want to do that. So, if that’s helpful to you, perhaps give it a go.

I’m looking forward with some optimism and will keep reading, researching and most importantly, writing. You never know what’s around the corner!