Minutes from June’s meeting with thanks to our speaker Beth Jusino, Lynne for obtaining the grant for her to join us, LaVonna for leading the meeting, Jean for taking minutes, and Judy for ensuring the minutes got sent out in a timely manner. With thanks to everyone else too — I’m still jetlagged; I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone! Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201806
Category Archives: query letters
Protected: John Hoover on Idiots and Publishers, May 2018
Writers’ Mill Minutes 201805
Writers’ Mill Minutes May 20th 2018
Twenty members attended May’s Writers’ Mill meeting and enjoyed an amusing, intriguing and very informative talk from John Hoover, the best-selling author of How to Work for an Idiot and other fascinating titles. John described a little of his past, working for Disney, managing audiobooks for McGraw Hill, helping clients at Boeing, Delta, Hilton and many more… then went on to describe how he entered the world of writing and coaching instead of publishing. Great conversation, questions and answers ensued, as you’ll find in the notes at the end of these minutes. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201805
Protected: How to find an agent, from a workshop led by Teri Brown
Writers’ Mill Minutes 201803
Writing Exercise (from Teri Brown): Teri handed around scent vials during our meeting. Maybe just stand at an open window (on this lovely spring day) and see what smell reaches your nose. Then write for 10 minutes and see what story reaches the page. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201803
Protected: Answers to Agent Questions from Sarah’s October talk.
Interesting Links for March/April
You’ve guessed it. Walt is the source for many (but not all) of these links. Follow. Read. Learn. Enjoy! (Oh, and join Facebook, where you’ll find much more on our private Writers Mill page,, with thanks to Catherin!)
Get writing!
Be both inspired and inspiring. There are some really cool ideas in this: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-ways-to-repurpose-content/
A nicely imaginative post suggests how to deal with those obstacles keeping you from writing: http://willamettewriters.org/2016/02/4-obstacles-keeping-finishing-manuscript/
If the book feels too big to tackle and you’re not sure where to start: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/three-things-before-you-write-a-book/
Follow the rules to become an author? http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2015/08/24/become-an-author-5-basic-rules/
Describe your book!
From back-cover copy to elevator pitch, how would you describe your book? http://buildbookbuzz.com/amazon-book-description/
Print your book!
Fonts are scary stuff. You may not be hugely wiser after reading this, but you’ll be better informed: https://designschool.canva.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-font-pairing/
Meanwhile, here’s an interesting e-conversation about fonts: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1697027/1697027-6120823027480485892
Practice better writing!
What shape is your story? This video’s well worth watching (only 4 minutes) http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-shapes-of-stories/
Want to outline your book? http://self-publishingschool.com/11-ways-outline-book/
A checklist to help your story: https://mystorydoctor.com/12588-2/
Use Point of view to create good writing https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/want-a-page-turner-you-need-deep-pov/
Create that summary: http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bd398af5e14b804a37b7f273a&id=ba869c80d6
Tell the world about your writing!
A letter to librarians – if you’re trying to get speaking engagements, or get books into libraries, this one might help: http://indigoseapressblog.com/2016/03/20/library-book-tour-letter-by-christine-husom/
How to pitch, which also helps with how to query: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/pitching-with-confidence/
Lots of book marketing comments from real authors: http://selfpublishingadvice.org/book-marketing-shots-in-the-dark/
Use the Internet!
Is there a way to effectively use blogs, facebook, twitter etc? http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/20-plus-social-media-hacks-and-tips-from-the-pros/
A cool way to look at platforms, with lots of practical advice: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2016/03/jason-gracia/
Some great stuff about what to put on your author website: http://writetodone.com/creating-author-websites/
And on the “about me” page of the site (or blog): http://buildbookbuzz.com/an-about-me-page-that-sizzles/
Go to conferences!
August 12-14 Willamette Writers conference: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/
November 5 Wordstock: http://www.literary-arts.org/2016/03/wordstock-2016-news-and-updates/
Send that query letter!
Master’s review – deadline March 31st – reading fee $20 http://mastersreview.com/short-story-award-for-new-writers/
Women only (sorry, men), WoW is inviting queries for short sweet non-fiction posts before April 10 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101417136261&ca=35072501-8a54-4708-885e-2a3376bed932
Some marketing links
Again, more old links as we clean up the site:
Need more book reviews?
http://randomwritingrants.com/2015/06/08/how-and-where-to-obtain-book-reviews-by-james-rose/
Deadlines and marketing:
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/07/a-book-publishing-timeline-for-holiday-sales/
Yes you can:
http://www.voicecatcher.org/archives/3666
http://www.writermag.com/2014/10/17/non-traditional-book-launch/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/04/book-marketing-ideas/
Query Letters and Book Blurbs:
http://www.writersonthemove.com/2014/03/11-essentials-of-good-query-letter.html
http://siamckye.blogspot.com/2015/01/beating-blurb-blues-part-one.html
Book videos:
http://blog.zazzle.com/2015/02/09/10-tips-video-posts/
When to market
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/04/5-ways-to-get-publicity-for-your-book-launch/
Book promotion, Social Media & Marketing:
http://www.bookbaby.com/free-guide/frugal-book-promoter
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/26-tips-improving-social-media-marketing/
http://bookarma.net/blog/author_platform/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/11/marketing-your-book-on-goodreads/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/11/marketing-your-book-on-goodreads/
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/help
http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2014/07/28/book-marketing-on-social-media/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/07/seven-deadly-sins-of-book-promotion/
http://www.authormedia.com/89-book-marketing-ideas-that-will-change-your-life/
Protected: Ripple Grove Press – talk by Rob Broder in Oct 2015
Minutes 201510
Writers’ Mill Minutes, October 18, 2015
Cedar Mill Library, Beaverton
Twenty-six people attended the meeting, including about seven newcomers. Among them was Donna Reynolds, who will speak to us next month about editing. Ron Davis led the meeting while Sheila Deeth was cruising in the Caribbean, having just celebrated her birthday among the alligators in the Everglades. Jean Harkin took Minutes, and Amelia De Mello provided snacks. Continue reading Minutes 201510