From the mailbag -- reader questions

Two reader questions were posted to us that I'd like to answer.

#1- Do we help authors revise?

Ah, tricky question, because you and I both know that the wrong answer could encourage many authors to send in something that isn't quite perfect yet!

So on a general note, I will say no- we don't help authors revise. Here's why: A work needs to be in pitchable form for us to take it on. Agents are looking for projects that are market-ready -- ready to be taken out and shopped... and sold!

The situations where we are most likely to become involved with an author's revision are with a nonfiction book proposal. Let's say someone is a renown expert in their field and has a fantastic book idea-- they just don't have the quite right angle to their sample chapter. In that case, we might offer a few tips and help the author shape that up. But again, this only happens if we're overwhelmed by the potential for the project and can clearly see in our minds what needs to be done.

For fiction, it's much harder to revise, not to mention time-consuming. If there's a small polish that needs to be done before a book is sent out, sure, we'll address that with the author, but on the whole, if we think the book needs a good edit, we're more likely to pass, possibly with an offer to revise.

(note: these offers to revise are generally explicit. Authors often ask whether they can resubmit to the same agents they've pitched to- industry wide it's pretty standard that the agent will explicitly leave that door open for you. Short of that invitation, I would only requery them if you've completely overhauled the manuscript, for example with professional assistance.)

I wish I could tell you that agents know everything- what we pride ourselves on is knowing our limits. What we're best at is identifying what will fly in today's fickle marketplace. With the wealth of fantastic freelance editors out there, if a serious edit of your work is needed, there are better places to get that, with individuals who have dedicated their careers to helping you get your book agent-ready.

#2- What is the potential for turning blogs into manuscripts?

The Blog Phenomenon! It came out of nowhere, didn't it? All of a sudden there were blogs, and suddenly all of those bloggers had book deals.

Here's where a blog can be useful in nudging a book deal:

*if it's extremely popular
*if it supports what you're writing (for example, if you're writing a book about the environment and your blog is about green living and is, again, very popular
* if it has branded you
* if it has received media attention

Someone asked whether blog STORIES could be expanded into a full-length book. In the case of essays, I'd have to say unlikely, short of the blog being, again, extremely popular. If you've got tens of thousands of readers, it's entirely possible.

Blogs seem to do best for authors when they are topic-specific and very popular on a nonfiction topic (think crafting, parenting, etc.) Even if you're writing fiction this could be true. Consider: if you have a hugely popular blog about gymnastics and you write a fiction novel about the life of a gymnast, you've done some great marketing for yourself already! (remember to enable your readers to sign up for a feed, so they stay current on what you post and stay involved as readers) Monitor how your stats are doing. If you are growing your readership, it's entirely possible that a book could come of it (as it did for on of the first bloggers-gone-novelist, the Washingtonienne, Jessica Cutler).

As for short stories in blogs then becoming books, here's where it's tough: if you're trying to compile your short stories but the same material is available on the internet, where does that leave your investor (here: publisher)? If you post stories and have gotten a regular readership from it, perhaps there's a market for a *separate* collection from you, fresh stories. But you won't want to give the milk for free, so to speak.

Blogs are a very exciting new medium, and, for authors, it's a way to get that satisfaction of seeing your work in print and sharing it with others -- while building your audience for whatever masterpiece you're working on!

Thanks for the questions- feel free to keep 'em comin!

Sending Your "Baby" to School: Writers' Groups

A Story's Upbringing

Stories have a variety of roles: they are entertainers, therapists, politicians, teachers, companions ... mirrors. However, before they can grow up to be any of these things, stories are, first and foremost, authors' "babies." As much as parents love, nurture and support their children, so do writers in the births and developments of their stories.

What does this mean for you, the aspiring author/proud literary parent? As a result of climbing mountains of manuscripts every week, I have one vital piece of advice: Join a writing workshop. No matter how good of a writer you are, I cannot stress how valuable a writing community is to your maturation as a writer and, more relevantly, to the maturation of your story before it enters the publishing world.

If you don’t know what a writing workshop is, think of a book club. It’s a group of people who share their feedback and experiences on selected stories, but in your case, the stories are yours and your writing group’s. It is structured this way because writing isn’t something you teach; it is something you do and someone else reads. Usually, “someone” can mean 10 to 20 people, so if you have 20 people in your workshop, then you have 20 different stories to read, 20 critiques to write, 20 times to verbalize your feedback (with the entire group) and 20 people who do the same with your story. For best results, try to keep it under 8-10 people, so people don’t lose interest (because they will if their work doesn’t get critiqued often enough!)

Structure varies depending on the group, but generally you would send a copy of the pre-selected pages you want your group to read (or, for example, short story, next chapter of your novel, etc.), and they will all do the same. This amounts to HOMEWORK people! But it’s worth it. Come to your groups prepared to contribute and to enjoy reaping the benefits of the work and thought your writing buddies have put into your tale.

Keep in mind that the type of people reading and dissecting your work will vary, from the people who will only say positive comments to the people who will only say the negative. It takes all sorts, right? What you need to do as a writer is determine what changes you need/want to apply to your story based on the common concerns and suggestions offered. This may all sound daunting – homework, judgment and public speaking – but, at the very least, do it for your story. Some days you’ll get better feedback than others. Just think of it as prepping yourself for the wave of fantastic and scathing book reviews every author is subject to ☺ You can't, and shouldn't, keep your baby in a bubble.

Most importantly, the feedback that you give and receive will no doubt attune and polish your writing senses in the areas of diction, character/plot development, self-editing, pacing and dialogue. The technical stuff. Unfortunately, it is common for me to read a promising premise in a query letter and then a dull protagonist, unnatural dialogue and flat descriptions in the actual sample chapters. Writing workshops will help to illuminate such issues that you may not initially see in your story.

When you feel that your story is truly ready to take that first step in the real world of book publishing, don't hesitate to send it to agents, we’re all ready to be surrogate parents! Contrary to what you may fear about literary agents, they aren't all standing with their arms crossed and saying, "None shall pass." (although certainly some do!) Nor do they live to defeat you (although some will make you THINK they do!).

In truth, every day they live in anticipation of those stories that will satisfy their eclectic reading palates and leave them hungry for more.

Happy writing,

Krystle
(“Intern Fantastica”- Lilly)


Workshop Tips & Ideas to get you started:

If you want to get something done, you’ve sometimes gotta do it yourself!

1) Scouting talent on the net: You can rally your friends, classmates (former and present), or neighbors to form a writing group. What you’ll need is a group of people dedicated to improving their writing. You do not, however, need to all write in the same genre. It may just be that weirdo fantasy fiction guy in the corner who ends up giving you the real scoop on what would really make your chick lit sing! Don’t underestimate people! At the same time, keep in mind that by putting your work up in front of strangers (your test audience) you do yourself a favor. Your mom loves you, but she is not the buyer for Barnes and Noble. Separate business and pleasure. Give your book to friends to read when you need loving support, and when you really want to get professional, throw yourself to the wolves and join a writing group! (kidding)

For starters you might use something like craigslist.org or meetup.com as tools to invite new faces and local writers in your area to join you.

2) Professional Organizations: SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators): For you children’s book writers of all stripes, SCBWI is the nurturing network that you need. With over 19,000 members in 70 regions, the organization not only has workshops in your area, they also have an entire network of writers and illustrators from all over the globe. Visit scbwi.org for more information.

Locally, if you don't already, please get to know San Diego Writers Ink, the loving home for writers in our area: http://www.sandiegowriters.org/

3) Writers Conferences: Writers conferences are a breeding ground for fantastic writers groups! There are a series of writers conferences in cities big and small throughout the country. Try to find some that have a strength in your area of focus (ie. fiction, nonfiction, children's books, regional, ethnic, etc.) if that's important to you.

4) Everyone’s favorite place: the bookstore. Talk about target-marketing! Put the word out at your local library and bookstores, maybe even the hip little coffee shop on the corner. You’ll be surprised who turns up!

Writing can be a lonely life. Get out there!

If you have tips to share with other writers, please comment for them here!

2007: AND WHAT A YEAR IT WAS!

2007 IN REVIEW: It was a year for the stars here at Full Circle! And when we say stars, we mean it literally- this year a few of our books garnered starred reviews or were otherwise commended. Some exciting news we'd like to share with you:


ISABEL'S CANTINA by Isabel Cruz (Clarkson Potter) was included in the New York Times list of 25 noteworthy cookbooks published in 2007! Her Latin-Asian fusion has made quite a splash in the culinary world. (Please visit isabelscantina.com for more reviews and great recipes you’ll love—our favorites are the croissant bread pudding and jalapeno shrimp!)

Monica Brown’s new bilingual picture books continue to bring in accolades! Read about some of Monica’s lastest news and a peek at her upcoming picture books on LABLOGA: http://labloga.blogspot.com/2007/09/interview-with-childrens-book-author.html

MY NAME IS GABITO/ME LLAMO GABITO (about Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

Pura Belpré Honor Book

CRITICAS “Best Children and YA Books of 2007”

“Dazzles readers…a perfect balance of art and language.” —Criticas (starred review)


MY NAME IS GABRIELA/ME LLAMO GABRIELA (about Gabriela Mistral)

“A beautiful bilingual biography.” —Criticas (starred review)

“A joy to read.” —School Library Journal (starred review)


BUTTERFLIES ON CARMEN STREET

“Well-written title is an ideal vehicle for exploring intergenerational relationships.” —Criticas

Hip crafter Betz White *betzwhite.com)had fun making her adorable felt lattes with Martha on the Martha Stewart show!

And the librarians at SLJ also cheered gave bOObs: A Guide to Your Girls by Elisabeth Squires, a book every woman should own, their starred mark of excellence:

“If a protagonist from a Sophie Kinsella novel wanted to learn about mammograms, she'd consult this book while getting her lowlights done. Squires, author of the Books on Boobs web site (www.booksonboobs.com), discusses the health, sexuality, life stages, and cultural significance of the female breast with a breezy, best-girlfriend approach that might inspire readers to stand tall and throw their shoulders back… Boobs is the sassy push-up that will get the attention of a younger audience who really needs this information. Recommended for all public library health and young adult collections…”
--Library Journal, 9/1/07 (starred review)


*CONFERENCES*
We attended a wide range of conferences across the country, including Pikes Peak Writers Conference, Sandra Cisneros’ Macondo, Writers League of Texas, PNWA, Willammette, SDSU Writers Conference, and many more! We had the opportunity to teach workshops, hear pitches, and meet hundreds of authors.

*RELEASES*
A new group of our books hit the shelves with warm reception, including:

CRAFT, INC. by Meg Mateo Ilasco, a guide to everything crafters need to know to make their startup business a thrilling success. Read Etsy’s review of it today:

Monica Brown’s MY NAME IS GABITO/ME LLAMO GABITO (which was perfectly timed with the release of the film LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA!) and BUTTERFLIES ON CARMEN STREET celebrates the migration of the amazing monarch butterflies

ISABEL’S CANTINA by Isabel Cruz, a delightful cookbook fusing Latin and Asian flavors in recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat!

THE BILINGUAL EDGE by Kendall King and Alison Mackey, answers to every question about how to effectively raise talented bilingual (or multilingual children), whether or not you speak a foreign language yourself!

THE OFFICIAL NANCY DREW HANDBOOK by Penny Warner (Quirk Books), a compilation of entertaining lessons on how to be like Nancy. Just in case you ever wondered how to tap out an SOS with your high heels!

WARM FUZZIES by Betz White (NorthLight), beautiful felted gifts for everyone in your family, all made from recycled sweaters

SOFTIES by Terry Laskey, a compilation of “softies” patterns from the hottest DIY crafters. (Note: the companion kit, also with Chronicle Books, is forthcoming this Spring!)

THE NON-RUNNER”S MARATHON GUIDE FOR WOMEN by Dawn Dais, a guide from couch potato to marathoner, by a writer who will truly convince you that if she could do it, so can you!

bOObs: A GUIDE TO YOUR GIRLS by Elisabeth Squires


It was a record year of books sales for us, with deals happening right up through the holiday break! Our sales include titles such as (these are in alphabetical order, so don’t skip!):

*Celebrity mixologist and journalist Natalie Bovis-Nelsen's (TheLiquidMuse.com) debut PREGGATINIS™, a guide to tasty and nutritious non-alcoholic drinks for all the hip moms-to-be who want to keep having fun, to Skirt, in a pre-empt!

*La Bloga writer and Latino Book Award Winner Rene Colato Lainez's RENE HAS TWO LAST NAMES, a companion to I AM RENE, THE BOY, to Pinata Books/Arte Publico Press

*Therese Laskey (softiescentral.typepad.com) and Chika Mori's (chikagraphy.com) ZAKKA CRAFT, a book of projects for American DIYers about zakka-style crafting, the Japanese tradition of creating cute and sophisticated accessories for home and wardrobe, to Stewart, Tabori & Chang, in a two-book deal

*Raina Lee’s HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT: The Ultimate Guide to Karaoke Domination, to Chronicle Books

*Cisneros del Moral Award Winner Diana Lopez's debut middle grade novel about a young girl living between the Latino and American worlds of her south Texas coastal town to Little, Brown Children's

*Shannon Seip and Adrienne Hedger's IF THESE BOOBS COULD TALK, a celebration of breastfeeding that helps the 70% of new moms who do breastfeed laugh, de-stress, and learn about the process in some unique late-night reading material, to Andrews McMeel

*Joseph Sommerville’s RAINMAKING PRESENTATIONS IN A SAHARA MARKET, an expert guide to making engaging presentations that will win you business, to Palgrave MacMillan

*Workathomesuccess.com and About.com expert "The Pajama Mama" Leslie Truex's THE CAREER WOMAN'S WORK-AT-HOME SUCCESS BIBLE, a comprehensive guide to everything women want to and should know about how to make a great living from the comfort of their own home, to Adams Media

*Jennifer Ward’s I LOVE DIRT, a parent’s guide to making nature part of your child’s life, to Shambhala (with Susie Ghahremani of boygirlparty.com illustrating!)

*Jennifer Ward's THE BUSY TREE, an ecologically inspired picture book
about the living world of a tree, to Marshall Cavendish

*Parenting expert Penny Warner's ROCKABYE BABY, a resource for parents who are out of ideas of how to get baby to sleep, to Chronicle Books

*Penny Warner's GIRLS' NIGHT IN, a guide to every event women can (bachelorette parties, showers), will (birthdays), and should (breakups, quitting your job) celebrate together, complete with directions on how to execute a party your friends won't forget, to Adams Media

*Web M.D. expert Terri Warren, R.N.'s THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE BAD NEWS, a conversational guide to living with herpes, for growing population of 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. diagnosed with the disease, to New Harbinger

*Crafter and blogger Betz White's SEW GREEN, a collection of stylish and eco-conscious projects for home and family as well as a wealth of information and resources about and for green crafters everywhere, to Stewart, Tabori & Chang

*Voice expert and NSA board member Joni Wilson's comprehensive book for women on how to get a voice (literally) that will help them excel in their personal and professional lives, to AMACOM

*Jonathan Yang's (The Rough Guide to Blogging) untitled novel about the misadventures of a "celebutante" who decides to shake things up in her life, to Puffin (Penguin), in a two-book deal!

*NEW GOALS FOR 2008*
This year we'll be aggressively expanding our YA/Middle Grade list, as well as seeking additional craft books and “green living” (eco/environmentally friendly angles) to work with. Other updates about what we're looking for and what's happening on our side will be posted as they become available, so please check back.

We’re looking forward to a great 2008 and hope it will be *your* best year yet!

Best Wishes and Happy Writing,
Full Circle Literary

The Inside Scoop on Booksignings

Dear Readers and Writers out there:

Many people daydream about being a published author on the road... and we're here to bring you the gritty truth!

Penny Warner, one of our beloved FCL authors, pens a column that I just had to share with you. In this edition she takes you behind the scenes with her hilarious (and incredibly true!) take on the book-signing circuit. Penny knows this circuit well- whether you've used her books to plan your parties, learn sign language, get better at parenting, or to relax by curling up with one of her successful mysteries, she has a strong presence on the book shelves!

Penny signed on with Full Circle after she and I had some fun sitting on a panel together years ago at the San Francisco Writers Conference (note: yes, we do find authors at conferences!). Since joining us we have inked 4 new deals going for this amazing (and clearly prolific!) author.

Her latest release, THE OFFICIAL NANCY DREW HANDBOOK (Quirk Books), just hit shelves last week. Ever wondered "How to Write SOS Backward with Lipstick" or "How to Choose Your Faithful Sidekicks"? It's all there.





PENNY WARNER: DANVILLE LIFE
Literary glitter isn't always gold
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 11/30/2007

AH, THE GLAMOROUS life of a writer. I'm "on tour" with my latest book, which means I'm signing at some bookstores, "chatting" on a few weblogs, speaking at a handful of writers' conferences, and spending all my advance money making cute little bookmarks as bribes for potential readers.

If you haven't done a book signing recently, here's how they typically go: You cold-call booksellers, ask if they'll host a signing for your upcoming "bestseller," and show up at the appointed time to sign autographs for your adoring fans. At least, that's the idea. Here's what really happens:

You e-mail the booksellers asking for a signing because there's not enough alcohol in Danville to provide the courage you need to actually speak to them, certain they will laugh in your face at this ludicrous idea. When a bookseller surprises you by asking when you'd like to come in for an event, you blurt out a date, which has already been booked by J.D. Salinger or J.K. Rowling.

He counters with the only date he has left this year and you gratefully accept, only later realizing that it's the same time as the Super Bowl, the last episode of Gray's Anatomy, or Christmas.

You send out handcrafted invitations to 200 of your closest friends, including the grocery clerk, the 5-year-old boy next door, and the new neighbors you haven't even met yet. You e-mail the rest of your fans, creating an eye-catching flyer that doesn't convert on anyone else's computer and reads: ^$&((%##&*&$^#*& ^($($*(!". You bribe your future readers to the event by promising them an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet and free bookmarks, then search the knock-off stores for a "literary outfit" that makes you look like Rowling. You realize after you purchase it that you look more like Lady Voldemort, so you change into a T-shirt featuring an ironed-on copy of your book cover, pull on a pair of black jeans to hide your less-than-literary fat, and skip the fake glasses.

When it's "book-signing time," you arrive at the bookstore to stage your themed display. You find yourself at the kiddy-sized table in the back, next to the Books That Never Sell section. You sit down and try to look busy by constantly rearranging your book stack, while shoppers give you a wide berth and never make eye contact. Finally someone approaches your table, smiles, and you get your Mont Blanc pen ready to sign a heartfelt passage, personalized to the reader. That's when she asks you where the restrooms are located and you point with your outrageously expensive pen. Suddenly you're flooded with table-visitors, all asking questions like, "Do you have any books on bird-watching?" "Have I ever heard of you?" and "What's Sue Grafton really like?"

Between "customers" you browse the bookstore shelves and end up buying more books than you sell. You wonder why you bother to write books that nobody reads, and ask the bookseller if he needs any part-time help, since it's time you got a "real job." Just as you're packing up, someone approaches and asks if your latest book is out. You smile proudly, point to the stack of unsold books on the table, and give her your well-practiced pitch: "It's a kind of 'Gone with the Wind' meets 'King Kong' set in Fresno, featuring a love story between a feisty former nun and a muscle-bound rodeo clown, who overcome a nuclear war, barely escape death by quicksand, and achieve happiness as telemarketers." She puts your book down, says she only reads chick-lit cookbooks, and heads for the free snacks.

Hey, don't feel sorry for me. I love every minute of it. In fact, you're welcome to join me at Rakestraw Books in Danville tonight at 7 p.m. I'll be hosting a launch party for THE OFFICIAL NANCY DREW HANDBOOK. And there will be free snacks ...


You can reach Penny Warner at http://www.pennywarner.com.


(Credit: Bay Area News Group)

Isabel Cruz: Isabel's Cantina booksigning at Warwick's 10/17

Isabel Cruz hosted a signing for her new book ISABEL'S CANTINA (Clarkson Potter, 2007) at her Coffee Cup restaurant in La Jolla, California. The restaurant, victim to a fire last year, is slated to be reopened at the start of November, so book lovers got a sneak peak of the redesign of their favorite neighborhood joint. The event was done in partnership with Warwicks books of La Jolla. (warwicks.com)

ISABEL'S CANTINA is a delightful mix of Latin-Asian fusion, the same signature style that has made her series of restaurants a huge success. Attendees last Wednesday night munched on everything from quinoa salads to bitesize brownies of chocolate flourless cake, while sipping on her famous sangria.

The good news is that the recipes are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat!

a SLICE of the writer's life

Someone is looking out for you!

Two editors in New York decided that it was just too tough for writers to get a break in the industry. And you thought no one cared! So they started Slice Magazine, which not only creates a community for published and unpublished writers to come together, but it offers a new forum where *you*, dear readers, could get published.

Their first issue is on stands right now -- if it's important to you to create more opportunities for unpublished writers, then please speak up and tell your local bookstores to order it.

And bring your creative works to the table! Slice is now accepting submissions for its next issue: HEROES. They give you the theme, you run wild with it. From my understanding, all variety of works and lengths will be considered. Just make it good ;)

You can learn more about their magazine on the website and if just reading this is making your typing fingers itch, well then, please see this link to submit:

Slicemagazine.org/submit

Happy writing!

AgentPalooza- San Diego Writers, Ink: Oct 13

In support of our local writers' organization - San Diego Writers, Ink (best name ever!) Lilly will be teaching the following half-day workshop on October 13 from 10am-1pm:

AGENTPALOOZA:

What if we told you you could have an agent's undivided attention? Who hasn't wondered what the heck goes on in a literary agent's mind? In this master class we will remove the mystery and cover all the major issues authors deal with, including:
*How To Pitch Your Book To Perfection
*The Do's and Don'ts of Query Letters
*Marketing Yourself As A Writing Professional From Day One

This session will be part lecture, part Q&A, and all fun.
(FYI: Lilly won't be taking pitches before, during or after the workshop, nor accepting manuscripts)

To register or learn more, please visit:

http://www.sandiegowriters.org/programs_workshops_agentpalooza.htm

Hope to see you there!