Just popping in with a couple links that might be helpful. First is agent Kristin Nelson with the top two reasons she passes on sample pages. If you're having trouble with your begining then there is some seriously good advice here.
Next are five writing tips from Blake Bailey.
I'll be visiting blogs but won't be posting until A-Z starts. See you then!
Thanks for reminding me to go back and read Kristin's post. I saw it and made a mental note to go back and read it but of course didn't. Those were good points about the first few pages of your manuscript.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDelete'I’d take a quick glance at the by-chapter outline and as an agent, I’d know what was wrong with the manuscript before I even hit the first page and started reading. I would then read the document to confirm what I already knew. One hundred percent of the time I was right.'
ReplyDeleteTalk about confirmation bias. At least she's humble about it.
Well, she's a pretty successful agent so no matter her attitude I'm checking out any advice she gives. And really, she can only say why she passes, since it's so subjective and every agent has their own reasons.
DeleteThanks for the links! Getting ready to read them now. See you in April :)
ReplyDeleteKristin hated me. *sobbing*
ReplyDeleteI'm bring you got Blake's from Janet Reid ;)
ReplyDeleteSee you amongst the alphabet! :)
ReplyDeleteThat should be a new greeting.
DeleteThanks for the links! See you in April!
ReplyDeleteApril here we come....
DeleteI love Kristin Nelson! Have fun with A to Z! :)
ReplyDeleteI do too, she's on my list to query.
DeleteThanks for the links. Looking forward to reading the posts...
ReplyDeleteNas
Oooo, I just love links. Thanks for passing these along =)
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy!
DeleteOh my gosh... you're braving A-Z??? Gaaaah... you're a much braver woman than I! Can't wait to see what you come up with! (And awesome links...)
ReplyDelete:D
Thanks for the links, Sara. Every little bit helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links, Sara. I'm going to take a little blogging break too. See you during A-Z!
ReplyDeleteSuch great links! Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI saw the post from Kristin - such good advice! I'll have to check the other one out. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGood insider tips from Kristin Nelson. She's the first agent I queried. (several years ago) Obviously, she was under-impressed by me, but I still think she's cool. I think our personalities would have worked very well together, but darn! she expected me to write well, too.
ReplyDeleteGreetings S.P.,
ReplyDeleteI shall duly check out those links. Although I get lots of advice from Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar, I can always use some more help.
Just wanted to pass on my congrats for you receiving that award from the lovely Joylene. Enjoy the alphabet challenge. I don't participate. However, rather ironically, my satirical alternatives actually promote the darned thing.
All the best.
In kindness and goodwill,
Gary :)
Thanks for the links. I'll check them out.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for the A to Z challenge.
Love that first link. But I'm such a procrastinator when it comes to revisions...
ReplyDelete