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Here is Brian Klems’ article for Writer’s Digest on submission don’ts. He’s recently back from the Maui Writers Conference (apparently a great event, if you’ve got the means) and the five “don’ts” were collected from an agents’ panel he attended. I’ve come across number 5 before on other blogs: “5. Don’t resend a query or manuscript a day or two later with a note, “I found a mistake in my proposal and fixed it.” Once it’s sent, it’s sent.” I’ve never resent a query or manuscript, but I can understand the urge to try to obliterate an imperfect copy. It’s funny how sometimes something can look perfect and read perfect, but once you hit that send button, all the errors seem to stand out in red to you. Don’t let this happen to you! Give yourself a chance to sleep on it and then take a fresh look at your query/synopsis/manuscript in the morning and see if it’s still as perfect as it seemed the night before.

Incidentally, Brian Klems’ entire blog for Writer’s Digest looks interesting. It covers blogging, copyrights, editors, publishing, formatting, the whole nine yards. Here’s the link: http://blog.writersdigest.com/qq/ .

Nine-tenths of the advice out there urges writers to obtain an agent before negotiating your book contract with a publisher. Here is an excellent blog (written by editor Moonrat) explaining why having an agent is essential. 

That being said, sometimes it’s easier to find a publisher than an agent (okay, neither one is easy, but I’ve got a publisher and no agent.)  I found it tough to locate  information about publishing contracts online, and the library and bookstore were also little help.

The very best information was on two different agent blogs:  the “Agenting 101” series (look for it on the right hand side of the page.  There are eleven references) on the Pub Rants blog by agent Kristen, and a blog entry called “Ten Things to Know if You Go Commando” on agent Janet Reid’s blog. 

Another site I found helpful showed a sample author contract, just to give you an idea the document may look like:  www.writecontent.com.

Negotiating your own contract still isn’t the way you want to go if you have a choice.  But these articles (the “Agenting 101” series is really almost a class in publishing contracts) can go a long way in helping you out. 

  The Carolina Conspiracy had a panel discussion this past weekend at the Gaston County Public Library in Gastonia, North Carolina, on the topic “Murder for Fun and Profit.” The branch sponsors many really interesting programs( http://www.glrl.lib.nc.us/eventsexhibits/events.htm ) and librarian Carol Reinhardt was a wonderful hostess.

I have a great time with the Carolina Conspiracy and blog with them on alternate Mondays ( http://carolinaconspiracyblog.blogspot.com/ ) .  Being a member of the Conspiracy is a great way to network with other writers, get inspiration, hear industry tips, and find out how other writers get the job done.  If you have an opportunity to join a group with other writers in your town, I highly recommend it.  I’m a former/current member of: writers’ clubs (generally they’ll have speakers, host contests, and offer networking opportunities), critique groups (I’ve done both the online and the in-person varieties), and promotional groups….like the Conspiracy. If nothing else, you’ll make new friends with people who share common interests with you.

I would download this book, but I already have it in my library–have had it in my library since high school, actually.  If you’re not familiar with Elements of Style by William Strunk,  here’s an opportunity to download the first edition for free.  E.B. White became a coauthor in later editions–that’s right….the E.B. White of Charlotte’s Web fame. 

Here is the link to Rob Parnell’s blog, then click on “Download: Elements of Style.

I’ve used this book more than any other guide to composition.  Strunk’s advice to “omit needless words” is just as important now as it was in 1957 when Elements first came out.

Okay, I know our time is limited as writers. If you have other big things going on (parenting, aging parents, a time-consuming day-job), then you have even less time. But I really think it’s important to stay on top of publishing-related news.

For one, you can frequently read what different publishers and agents are tired of, or what they’re looking for. You can read lousy queries on several editor and agent blogs (try http://queryshark.blogspot.com/ , http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com/ , http://pubrants.blogspot.com/ , http://rejecter.blogspot.com/ http://www.evileditor.blogspot.com/ )and tweak yours accordingly.

For another, you can read about publishing trends on free feeds like Publisher’s Lunch: http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/lunch/subscribe.html and Galley Cat: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/ . Trends are important, although you should always plan on writing what you like.

If you find yourself distracted by the Internet (surfing around instead of writing) then just sign up for the feeds at the bottom of the blog pages. It’s easy to do and your computer checks for blog updates on the blogs. There’s a “feeds” tab next to your “favorites” tab if you use Windows Internet Explorer. The feeds will be in bold if there are new blogs to read. Limiting myself to just reading updates helps me resist the temptation to surf around.