Love-Struck: We, The Authored Volume II

A barista shoots me glances of confusion while I slump over my laptop and coffee-stained notebook. I squeal like a teen girl at a boyband concert while rereading conversations between my book couples. I’m the author of their story, yet I delight in each sentence of their journey. Why? There must be a reason for this insane, geeky reaction, a connection to someone greater than me and my fictional stories.

Over the past five years of having my books on shelves, I have learned people crave stories with romance. Some of my friends won’t read a book or watch a movie unless there is a prominent love interest. What gives us this need? Why do we hunger for hope in someone else’s happy ending?

Books hold incredible romances, but our love story began at the cross where the Prince of Peace, Son of the Living God, sacrificed Himself in a wild, unrestrained, indescribable gesture of desire. Love-struck and infatuated with us, He did the one thing others have written into their stories for millenniums. He demonstrated love in its purest form.

“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

– Romans 5:8

Before documentation of Jesus Christ, there isn’t a recorded case of sacrifice in the name of love, so why has society accepted the selfless giving of one’s own self as the most extreme expression of care?

We, the authored, radiate with our Creator.

Our hearts ache and break for a cinematic meet cute; boy and girl make eye contact from opposite sides of the room—maybe they sit next to each other, begin an awkward first conversation—and they fall in love. Easy. Fast. Straightforward.

We want to be able to fit a love story into a few chapters or a two hour movie because for the duration of our lives, we’ve been taught by the media that love happens fast and concludes with a couple lounging on a park bench, hopelessly enthralled with each other as the camera zooms out or the final paragraph comes to a sweet conclusion. Although we all have a victorious ending in Christ, our stories read different. They’re each beautiful and captivating in their own way, but their plot graphs differ in rising action and climax.

I met a dear friend for coffee a few days ago. As we sipped our fancy Cubans, she reminded me of a truth that has stuck with me—Love may start with sparks, but it comes softly with time.

God delights in our love stories more than we could ever “fan girl” over book characters and their climactic, romantic breakthroughs. He is writing our love interests into existence, smiling as we move toward each other. He reveals His own love for us as we grapple with the uncertainty and fear of opening our hearts. Softly—a word saturated with the deep richness of all beauty and excitement that is to come through our intimate relationship with the Author.

Time is irrelevant to God. In fact, He uses time as a buffer between plot points, a suspense-builder and a catalyst to merge His glory into the romance. He manifests Himself when the story reaches a prime moment, when the unfolding beams with evidence of His inspiration. As heroes and heroines in the God-authored saga, we must ask Him to sync our souls with His will for our stories and be confident in all that is to come because . . . it will come . . . in forms we may or may not expect.

Uniting the threads between writing and resting in God’s composition is the simple truth: Without the author, there cannot be a love story. Relationships in books require the author’s inspiration and the characters’ willingness to subject their independent nature to reliance on the author’s care for them. Three entities. Three lovers. One story.

Genesis 24 holds the love story that has haunted my mind for months. I often feel like Rebekah, carrying my jug of water to the spring, waiting for God to choose me for His Isaac. I have been like Abraham’s servant, asked for signs, watched closely to “learn whether or not the Lord had made (my) journey successful.”

Hearts cry out with joy when the Lord taps His podium, raises His conductor’s baton and signals destiny to erupt in a symphonic celebration. The audience sighs when the story unravels at the pristine instance, when both characters mature to perfection and merge lives. They clutch their mouths when Rebekah appears on the horizon, clothed in her wedding garb. They weep as Isaac moves across the field, captivated by her. They cheer as the Author unites both characters in a scene of desert breezes, canvas tents and ordained lovers standing face-to-face, hand-in-hand.

Crafting a romance between pages or on a screen is nothing more than an allegorical representation of our lives with Christ Jesus. When we write books, we reflect what God is doing with us, the craving He has for our attention and faith. Write with this fact in mind, know that perfect love takes three entities and Jesus-inspired sacrifices.

Our desire for a meet cute is the echo of need we have for a romance with our Writer. Once we’ve synced ourselves with His cinematic story, we melt in the sheer wonder that comes from His anointed plotline because . . .

We, the authored, are love-struck.

We, The Authored Volume I

Motivation to write stems from various needs. One may begin to type or scribble words as a way to relieve inward tension, escape reality, tell stories to entertain and teach, explore realms of thought. Whatever one’s reason to begin, writing soon becomes an extension of body and soul, a proclaiming voice to eager minds.

The tenacious surge required to become an author is a result of a different need, a desire to flaunt the love and devotion poured into our stories, showcase carefully crafted characters and spread our message, once an exclusive exchange, to the world.

What gives us the need to express? Why do each of us carry a desire within us to speak and be heard, explore and discover, grow close to our own creations?

Since I was a platinum-haired child with a single ponytail on the top of my scalp, I’ve adored stories. They’ve been my teachers and friends, the captains of voyages to places not found on any map. They’ve been mirrors and open doors. Overall, stories have rooted themselves within me. I read and write them to grow, bud, flourish.

Again, I ask the questions: What gives us the need to express? Why do each of us carry a desire within us to speak and be heard, explore and discover, grow close to our own creations?

Children reflect their parents, thus creation reflects its Creator.

We radiate with the artistic splendor of our Alpha and Omega Author.

God has our beginning and end, indented the first paragraph and reserved a final period to conclude the epic novel of our lives. He’s brainstormed, outlined. He has crafted us with precision because we, the authored, are His protagonists.

To float in the peace of His orchestration, all we have to do is surrender ourselves to the scandalous, all-consuming plotline mapped out before the dawn of time, constructed from His sovereign desire to have an intimate connection with us. We are His expression.

No one can love us more than the Author of our story.

The classic verse, Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

What beautiful, miraculous hope we have in Christ Jesus! If the end of our stories have already been written, what do we have to fear? If the Love of our lives is composing our every moment, why should we be overcome with anxiety, crushed by the weight of MAYBE?

“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.’” Jeremiah 30:2

For the longest time, I didn’t understand why God placed me in a waiting room, kept from the blessings I could see in the distance. I couldn’t figure out why my Father allowed me to experience deep hurt, sink into trials before pulling me up to stand on top of them. Through writing, He revealed His intentions in a bursting epiphany.

A wonderful story isn’t captivating unless the main character is confronted with obstacles.

I have spent many afternoons crying over my computer (while sitting in coffeehouses) as I placed my characters in painful situations. I wept when they wept. I rejoiced when they rejoiced.

God does the same with us. Through muck and mire, darkness and anguish, happiness, progress, He walks with us; He grows closer to us while proclaiming His presence to the world.

But the great thing about obstacles is this: They can be conquered. They have already been overcome by salvation’s grace. They will subside, and our stories will be better because of them.

Waiting seems to be the overarching theme of the publishing industry. I wait to hear news regarding my books. I wait for progress, opportunities to present themselves. I wait for personal desires such as relationships, direction, etc.

Life is a state of constant expectance, yet we must be sure to not passively wait but place our hope and faith in the Author’s hands. 2 Peter 3:9a says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.” His timing is without fault. He knows our stories backward-and-forward, has crafted extravagant plotlines for us.

Blessings given too soon become burdens so by allowing us to wait in His care, He is aging us like fine wine kept in a cellar, preparing us to experience the fullness of His plan.

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:36

Over the past few years, I have learned God wants nothing more than to have a close relationship with us. He values the righteous desires of our hearts because He placed them there. That said, He often makes Himself known in situations to verify we are in His will, yet refrains from fully manifesting an opportunity. We can become restless and believe a certain schedule is best for our lives. However, His plot for our stories exceeds our expectations. He holds us in a rising action until the perfect moment, when the climactic roar of fulfillment rushes onto our metaphorical pages and an average story transforms into an epic novel written for His glory.

You are a beloved character.

I am a beloved character.

We have been given a spirit of power.

And with endurance and faithful expectancy, we can successfully climb our plot graphs as protagonists in a God-authored saga.

I’m humbled and honored to be an anointed ambassador, a radiating creation of my Creator. He gives teaching through typed words on a screen. He shows me the worth I do not see and gives me dreams I have no right to dream.

A Gifted Note: Pursuing Music as His Steward (SAMPLE)

Purpose is an innate desire within us and inflicts more questions than any other element of human nature. It drives us to ask, “Why am I here? Does my life matter? What are my talents? How can I be used by God?”

First and foremost, purpose is found in Jesus Christ alone, but as children of God, we have been entrusted with gifts to use in His name, to glorify and project Him to the world. These gifts, when developed with the right intentions, have the power to transform culture, society and ultimately, be tools of evangelism. Jesus expounded on the importance of being good stewards of God-given gifts in the Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25.

Gifts can be any physical or emotional actions expressed with above-average ability—this broad definition includes music and art talent, a desire to serve others, an intimate connection with God through prayer, etc. Recognizing your gifts is the first step to becoming a good steward of God’s talents and taking ownership of the power, the unfair favor willed to you through salvation.

Like a flame hidden behind a bushel, a gift not applied is useless. Galatians 6:4-5 says, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”

Writing is the gift God has handed to me, and I strive each day to use it as a tool to magnify His light and love. However, music has established itself within my life as a limitless beacon. I live in Nashville, work as a publicist for a recording artist and compose songs with friends from My Local, a young adult ministry organization. Music absorbs my God-given gift and shines it in a different format, a revised medium.

To those with a passion for music, take heart. There are countless ways to serve God with your talent. Music is universal. It affects anyone with the ability to hear. In contrast, if you feel God leading you to pursue music as a career, you have an extensive journey before you. The music industry is a congested business. To reach an audience and generate a sustaining income, one must have determination, a “thick skin,” networking ability and the Lord’s blessing.

Nothing is impossible with God.

When I first met with my client to discuss her public relations plan, we went through several steps to establish who she was going to be as an artist and strategize ways to broaden her audience. The following steps will help you become a better steward of your gifts . . .

(Read more in the April 2017 digital issue of Pursue Magazine)

From Dawn to Dusk: A Writer’s Guide to Recognizing God’s Presence in the Wait

Time ticks on, yet the metaphorical doors leading to answered prayers remain closed, and the hallway between opportunities stretches as far as the eye can see. What else can be done but wait, hope and pray? How can God be actively at work within a place of stillness?

When I speak at schools and other venues, I often tell people my job is to be rejected. I give thousands of hours to a pixelated stack of white pages on an illuminated computer screen. I pour my heart and soul into each sentence, yet I spend as much time waiting for a YES from publishers and accepting countless NOs as I do composing a novel. I’m on a thousand-hour coffee date with possibilities that may or may not become my reality.

Life is a hallway of locked doors. No matter how much someone knocks, unless it is God’s will, the panels will stay sealed and act as protective barriers between the sovereign plan and one’s desires. Some doors never open; those that might have been concealed from sight or kept from consideration unlock at unpredictable moments.

Opportunities come in fleeting gasps, subtle whispers and screeches of celebration. They’re delivered in blinks and extensive spans. They come when we ache for them, when we least expect them.

Rejection is a large portion of my job, but God-glorified waiting is a lifestyle I have accepted, applied. God-glorified waiting is an attitude of surrender, a faith in His promise to open doors—it is a life of knocking and being content in whichever threshold becomes available.

Waiting is not a passive verb.

God is not bound by time.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Our lives are caged into a block of linear years. We exist in a timeline, but God surpasses chronology. He does not abide by the earthy rules that hold our bodies captive. He works beyond seconds, hours and days. If we have asked Him to be Lord of our lives, we have been adopted into His master plan where nothing can happen too early or too late.

The timelessness of God is a truth we can cling to as we wait for His doors to unlock.

God is not bound by dreams.

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:36

God cares for the desires of our hearts. He does not toy with us, give dreams and not fulfill His promises. If we are divinely called to a destination, He will pave the path.

Our dreams cannot build parameters around God’s power. He has the ability to change our hearts, replace desires with burning passions. He can do immeasurably more with us when we walk the hallway of life, knock and ask for His guidance.

God is not bound by choices.

“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

Salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate open door—it makes available to us God’s perfect plan. Grace declares victory over the choices we make, and God’s will prevails.

Waiting is a state of motion where God can reveal His truth and mold our hearts. We must be sure to recognize His voice in the perceived stillness, listen to Him above all else and dwell within the comfort of communication with Him.

Dreams can be fulfilled while walking down a hallway.

Five Steps To Falling In Love With Your Story

Books live within their own pages, bleed an invisible intimacy that connects with readers in powerful, unexplainable ways. The publishing industry feared extinction when new forms of entertainment became available to the public, but they soon discovered consumers treasured the ability to indulge in an individualistic experience catered specifically to their personal desires, interests—an experience different for each person. eBooks also presented concern for publishers. However, even with lower book costs, consumers preferred the tangibility of paperbacks, the physical bond.

Readers fall in love with books, characters and new worlds.

Writers must fall in love with their own work because, as I mentioned above, books bleed an invisible intimacy that first stems from the writer before it can affect a reader.

I’ve undergone months and months of rewriting, editing, probing the innermost parts of my creation. There have been times I have wanted to kill off my characters and spend the remaining word-count lecturing on my book’s meaning, yet I have continued to fight through the work because I believe the book says something important—it may resonate a valuable lesson to readers.

The writing process is long and turbulent. Without a personal connection and belief in the story’s importance, a writer will “throw in the towel” and trash their manuscript.

Love, life, writing—they are all the same. They require determination, a futuristic mindset and belief in the end goal. They involve relationships . . .

And relationships, the ones that change us, are worth fighting to keep.

Fellow writers, I understand preparing to write a book can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider when developing plot, characters, etc., most of which I will not cover in this post. However, I will offer you five steps to help you fall in love with your story.

1.      Believe In Your Message.

You have the unique opportunity to capture readers’ attention for hours. Use that time you have with them to say something important. If you believe your book could help someone, change perspective, make a needed statement, you are more likely to reach the “finish line.”

2.      Write For Yourself.

I have met many individuals who tell me they want to be authors. What they do not realize is publishing is the product of writing a book worth reading.

Write the book you would want to buy, read and showcase on your shelf. Write the book you would love so much, you wouldn’t care if another person laid eyes on it.

Loving your story will create an urgency that increases your motivation.

3.      Weave Yourself Into The Pages

Find a common ground between you and your characters. Add elements of yourself to the setting, conflict, etc. Although the book shouldn’t convey you to the public, it should reflect parts of you.

Just think—you wouldn’t grab coffee with someone polar opposite to you (that would make for awkward silence and an overall uncomfortable situation).

4.      Extend Expression

Writing projects a story, but there is more to a character’s life than what survives edits. Have fun with your world-building. Create a storyboard, illustrate scenes from your book and incorporate your work into other artistic mediums. Be your own biggest fan!

 

5.      Believe In God’s Plan For Your Life

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Galatians 6:4-5 says, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”

If God has called you to write, you will discover the ability to write.

Three Cheers For Teens - Artist Spotlight - Leah

Leah perceives a noir-pop world constructed of objectified girls and bad boys, and stands amidst the heartbreak as an individualistic onlooker.

Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Leah kicks down the walls dividing genres and delivers a fierce, independent sound that both seduces and empowers. Inspired by influences such as Stevie Nicks, Bread, Lana Del Rey and Norah Jones, Leah’s music evokes eerie, cinematic emotions that reveal what it means to be a girl caught in the rift between attraction, love, and freedom.

As a young teenager, Leah rebelled against criticism, embraced her “different” voice, and began playing in bars and restaurants. Since that time, she has performed for intimate gatherings and crowds in excess of ten thousand, sharing her profound, glamour-rich songs and fiery passion.

“A unique sound from a refreshing perspective, Leah brings it.” -John Scott, iHeartMedia

I first met Leah in a college seminar course. The moment she walked into the room, I knew she was special. And each day since then, she’s proven me right. Not only is Leah an incredible singer and songwriter, she’s also an inspiring person with a God-given vision. Her soulful, mesmerizing music will add heat to any playlist.

In the following interview for Pursue Magazine and Girl Meets Publishing World, Leah shares her journey from aspiring musician to breakthrough artist and offers advice to those pursuing their dreams.

When did you first become interested in music?

I truly cannot remember a time when I wasn’t interested in music. I remember sitting in the back of my mom’s mini-van listening to Norah Jones and being obsessed with the musicality in every word she sang. I began singing and writing when I was about 12 and performing publicly when I was 14, but as far as my interest in music, it has always been there.

How did you break into the music scene?

I didn’t know any better way to “break into the music scene” than to write everyday and start playing in public, so that is exactly what I did! When other kids would be hanging out I would lock myself in my room, sit on my bed, and write for hours. And then I would take those songs and play them anywhere they'd let a 14-15 year old play. I was playing one Saturday night at a small restaurant and a local dj happened to be there. He liked my sound, invited me into the station and I did a live show with him. After that he wrote an article calling me an artist to watch. That really opened doors for me, giving me a little credibility, allowing me to play in more places; even though I was still too young to get into some of them on my own!  I am truly grateful for all of the positive things that came from that one vote of confidence. 

What are your future goals as a musician? 

I want to play music for the rest of my life, make a living out of it, but still love it at the end. I think that is the key: still loving it. Fame would be great and having people know every lyric to all of my songs, but I just want to continue sharing my music with every ear that will listen and if fame came out of, that would just be a plus.

Besides music, what else do you like to do? Favorite things?

Oddly enough, I love running! People think I am crazy when I say that, but as long as I have a pair of tennis shoes and the road, I am a happy lady. It gives me a lot of time to think. A lot of my songs have been written while running. A less abnormal thing that I love to do is bake! I can make some pretty amazing chocolate chip cookies.

How has God shaped your life and career?

Something I struggled with when I was young and around a lot of people that I went to church with was how I could sing and write secular songs and still be a Christian. My view is more that the way I treat others and portray myself as woman should show my love for Christ. If you listen closely to some of my lyrics, my personal values show through, like in my song Easy (this song hasn’t been released yet) I say, “I’ve got dignity and I’ve got strength and just because I want you doesn’t mean I’m gonna give it away. I’m not saying your sleazy, I’m just not easy.”

Do you have any advice you’d like to give those pursuing their dreams?

Don’t get easily discouraged! Whatever industry you want to break into whether it be music, business, or basket weaving, you will come across people who don’t agree with you or will try to change you. The most important thing that I have learned is to listen with a critical ear to decipher what criticism I can use to make myself better and what is just meant to hurt me and let it roll off my back.

Leah’s single, Cupid, is now available for download. Be sure to watch for her upcoming releases and LIKE her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LeahSykesMusician.

You can also see more of Leah in the latest trailer for The Prime Way Program.

Official Trailer of THE PRIME WAY PROGRAM: BE THE VICTOR

WRITE NOW: All-Day Teen Writer's Workshop with YA Authors, Tessa Emily Hall & Caroline George

Saturday, October 8 at 10:30 AM - 3:30.

202 East Greenville Street, Anderson, SC 29621

*** Registration closes 10/7. Email TessaEmilyHall@gmail.com to register and reserve your spot today! ***

YA authors, Tessa Emily Hall and Caroline George, will hold an all-day informative and interactive workshop for writers.

Be inspired as they share their experience of being published as a teen. Learn how you can apply techniques to your writing that will impress an agent or publisher. Discover secrets that will enable you to come across as a professional and increase your chances of publication.

With more than six years in the industry, Tessa and Caroline have learned from professionals through attending over thirteen writing conferences combined. They have spoken to young people of all ages, encouraging them to tap into their potential and pursue their unique calling.

Aspiring authors will come away from this workshop with new ideas for their stories, as well as step-by-step guidelines that will launch their writing journey.

9 Steps to Creating a High-Quality Book Trailer with a Low Price Tag

It is extremely possible to create a high-quality book trailer with a low price tag. Many authors are intimidated by the task, mainly because they are afraid of the financial investment and workload.

Over the course of the past few months, I have worked to produce a book trailer for The Prime Way Program: Be the Victor. Overall, I spent around $300 to produce a full-length, cinematic book trailer with a full cast and crew. We filmed for fourteen hours, in six locations.

In this post, I will share the 9 Steps to Creating a High-Quality Book Trailer with a Low Price Tag. I’ve implemented all of these steps while being a full-time college student, author, and Harper Collins intern.

No matter your schedule, you can produce a professional trailer for your book.

1.    Purpose

Decide how you plan to use the trailer and then, decide the format. If you plan to use the trailer at tradeshows and book-signing, a word-focused format might be best. However, if you plan to use it for a social media campaign, consider a more cinematic approach.

A few years ago, I hired a videographer to create a book trailer for my speaking engagements.

It was a simple trailer that incorporated text, images, and music to portray the overall plot of my book. Because I plan to rebrand my trilogy and begin a social media advertising campaign, I produced a cinematic trailer to capture my audience.

2.    Write A Screenplay

To those who do not know how to structure a screenplay, this may seem like a daunting task. Begin by choosing the book scenes that most effectively show the plot arch. Ask readers which scenes they remember best. Pick key moments and translate into a script. Minimize dialogue to the maximum of one line per character and instead focus on movement. Also, refer to other screenplays for examples. Research will provide you with the information to properly format and word the screenplay.

3.    Research and Edit

What makes a good trailer is a researched, edited screenplay. Watch other book and film trailers to gain a more intelligible perspective of plot arches. Once you’ve drafted a screenplay, have a variety of people read and review your script and then, make a list of all you will need, costumes, cast members, equipment, number of crew members, etc.

4.    Visionary Crew

Find a key group of people to help you develop your vision for the trailer—I cannot stress enough the importance of this. You want a crew that understands the purpose of your project and are more focused on portfolio building rather than making a profit from the trailer. Of all the people you require for the project, your director is the most vital.

Tyler Traeger, a dear friend of mine and the director of The Prime Way Program book trailer, worked with me to finalize the script and film times. Because of his involvement in the creative process, I trusted his judgment during filming.

5.    Cast

Casting is the step with the longest timeframe since you will be looking for actors willing to work for free. Give yourself enough time to find the perfect cast. Stalking on social media is acceptable for this. Ask around.

I found my cast at school and a rock-climbing gym.

6.    Costuming/Supplies

Goodwill is your best friend. Do not be afraid to ask your cast if they have certain costume pieces. Also, use your own clothes and props.

7.    Locations

Go location scouting and be willing to compromise original vision to fit overall filming process. Look at what you have and see what can be altered to match the screenplay.

8.    Logistics

Logistics and good communication must be your number-one priority. Make a detailed schedule of your filming process and delegate jobs so you can be focused on the filming rather than trying to fill every role. Also, if you have a cast who are offering their time for free, gift them with food, drinks, and thank you presents. Keep the atmosphere positive and encouraging!

9.    Portray Vision

Throughout the filming process, ensure that the cast and crew understand what they’re working to capture, but do this is an affirming manner. And trust the director! Those handling the cameras know what looks good on film.

After working so hard to put together a trailer for your book, show it off! Be like a mom with a newborn baby—post your trailer everywhere.

Many thanks to . . .

Videographers: Tyler Traeger and Christi Deurksen

Actors: Nathan Queen, Leah Sykes, Richard Sowienski, Cristopher Stayton, and Trevor Lovingood

Extras/Crew: Emily Autrey, Elise Boling, Marguerite Baldes, Claudia George, Julie George, Rachel Martin, Palmer Hooks, Peter Atkins, and Parker Anderson

What Agents Don’t Tell You: From Query to Contract

 Have you written a book?

Are you looking for an agent?

As a two-time self-published author now signed with Hartline Literary Agency and past intern of Harper Collins, I have experienced the pros and cons of both traditional and nontraditional publishing.

In this blog post, I will share what agents don’t tell you and offer tips on how to land a contract with an agency.

Agents are the real-estate agents of publishing, acting as the “middle-men” between sellers and buyers, authors and publishers. They add credibility to manuscripts, reducing publishers’ slush piles to a few thousand proposals.

The best ways to land an agent:

Since the emergence of literary agencies, there has been a standard process for querying. Writers send their pitch letters, sometimes the first few pages of their manuscript, to agents and wait up to six-months for a response. If an agent is interested, the author then sends more of the manuscript. This process continues until the interested agent reads the whole book and offers a contract.

Pros of the system: Agents are able to weed out books that aren’t ready for the market, and authors have the ability to query as many agents as desired.

Cons of the system: Many queries and manuscripts are left in an agent’s slush pile, some never to be examined. Those reviewed are strictly analyzed and refused if the structure, word count, etc. are less than optimal. This denies writers the chance to fully present their writing and the marketability of their work.

With such a systematic process in place, how can writers raise their chances of landing agents?

Conferences offer a unique opportunity for writers to have face-to-face interaction with agents and other professionals within the publishing industry. Often, writers are able to schedule time with the faculty to pitch their books. Agents can then put a face to a query letter and are more likely to select the book for representation.

Secret . . .

The key to a successful pitch isn’t scheduling time with an agent and delivering a top-notch hook; it is the connection fused between the writer and the agent.

Tip . . .

When you attend a writers’ conference, focus on genuine relationship building. Connect with other writers and publishing professionals. This will allow you to show your marketability, your book’s overall potential, and most importantly, give you the chance to learn. Ask questions. Listen to what others have to say. Apply the advice presented to you.

By networking, you unlock the second and most secret way to landing an agent.

Word-of-Mouth is a method rarely mentioned by agents but has proven the most successful for me. I pitched at a writers’ conference in New York City and queried over a hundred agents, but I didn’t land a contract with an agency until my close friend, who I met by inquiring about a book review, referred me to her boss/agent. Because of her recommendation, my query was raised to the top of the slush pile and given more notice.

Remember: Who you know is everything.

Build your platform. Befriend others who are more and less experienced. You never know which conversation over a cup of coffee will gift an opportunity.

How to make yourself more appealing to agents:

Professionalism is candy to an agent. When you query, send a proposal, and generally communicate, make sure to be well-informed and respectful. Nothing is more of a turn-off than a sloppy proposal and a nagging, ignorant author.

Do your research—everything you need to know about the submission process can be found online. Edit your work, even your emails. And please, be educated on the publishing industry and current marketplace.

Tips . . .

An agent’s job is to shop your book to publishers, making them your business partner, not your teacher, editor, and confidant. Respect their time and workload, and they will respect you.

Platform is number-one priority to publishers, which gives it extreme importance to agents. Books are a dime-a-dozen, so make your book more than a book. Give it backing. Create a brand for yourself by blogging, being active on social media, etc. And formulate a viable, creative marketing plan for your book.

To express your dreams, you must first express yourself. Readers are more likely to buy a book if they have a connection with the author.

In conclusion, agents and publishers aren’t the formula of a bestselling book, rather they’re the projectors showing your masterpiece on an international screen. You are your book’s greatest advocate. Once you relinquish reliance on the standard system and fight to make your work an asset to the publishing industry, you find your place within it.
Authors, self-published and traditionally-published, are entrepreneurs. Those who treat their writing as a business stand more of a chance at achieving success. 

Announcements:

A Recap of 2015 and a Glimpse at 2016

 

2015 was the most change-filled, rewarding year of my life. During the past twelve months, I had the cover designed for my most recent novel (not an installment of The Prime Way Trilogy), released an EP album on Sound Cloud, graduated from high school, joined author Tessa Emily Hall on a YA book tour, and attended the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City where I pitched to eight agents. I also moved to Nashville where I began classes at Belmont University, worked as a founding editor for The Belmont Story Review, and reported at the red carpet premiere of Providence.

Many great things happened in 2015, but I have a feeling that 2016 is going to be even more incredible. To make a few announcements….

-        This semester, I’ll be working as a marketing intern for Harper Collins Christian Publishing, specifically their WestBow, Elm Hill, and Author Gateway imprints. I’ve also been offered a part-time publicist position with Faith Flix.

-        The Prime Way Program book 3 will be released Fall 2016. I’m beyond excited about this concluding installment and cannot wait to share it with you.

-        A thematic book trailer for Be The Victor is currently in pre-production and will be released later this year. Unlike the first trailer, it will be scripted and include actors.

-        I’m currently in the querying process for another book, which I plan to traditionally publish.

 

As you can see, a lot is happening. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities presented and cannot wait to share my experiences with you all.

Thank you for the support, readership, and encouragement.

You made my 2015 great.

 

 

To read an interview I did for Faith Flix Films, click here.

 

 

By: @livia.sketches

 

Waiting for YES

Words of encouragement for those in the midst of rejection.

 

Rejection is blood pumping through the publishing industry’s heart—agents reject authors, publishers reject manuscripts, and stores reject books. Although this is frustrating for writers desiring publication, rejection helps to weed out the “dandelions” from the “roses.” In other words, NO ensures that the best books reach shelves.

Does this mean rejection brands a book as a “dandelion”?

Of course not!

Remember, the publishing industry is based solely on preferences, opinions, and past successes. One agent’s “dandelion” is another’s “rose.”

And let’s be honest; everyone loves to pick a “dandelion” once in a while.

 

 

I am currently in the querying process for my latest book. I’ve sent out close to sixty queries and even though I know the facts, it isn’t easy to check my email and see a rejection letter.

Many of you are in a similar situation. You’re aching for someone to recognize your potential and fall in love with your work. You dream of the day when you’ll check your email and find a YES.

But until that day comes, remember these four things:

1.     It’s not personal.

Agents/Publishers receive hundreds of queries/proposals per week. They have preferences and are looking for ways to cut their slush skyscraper into a manageable pile.

 

2.     Each NO brings you closer to YES.

Crossing an agent or publisher off your list only means you’re approaching a breakthrough.

You can’t find an open “door” until you start knocking.

 

3.     Remember your dream, your passion, and why your book deserves to be read.

It’s easy to become discouraged during the querying process and think of your work as a soulless product to be sold. Fight the urge. Remind yourself why you’re querying, why you decided to write your book, and why it deserves to be read.

 

4.     When the “doors” close, kick one down.

After you’ve extinguished all options, shift your perspective and find new, unconsidered options. Be your own YES. Make your dreams happen.

In publishing, this option is known as self-publishing.

 

 Quoting actor Tom Hanks,

“If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.”