Asking for your Help

Question:

Hello. The reason I am asking for your help is because I am a young author in the progress of writing different books. I put a lot emphasis on the word young. I am only thirteen. I love reading and writing, it is my passion. The only thing is, every time I send a manuscript of my work, the publisher I send it to always turns me down. I get very discouraged, but I keep on writing. I have sent in children’s books to a variety of publishers. I have sent many different types of stories, too, but every time the response is either a ‘no thank you’ or ‘unsolicited works are unacceptable.’ I have only received one letter with true appreciation, and that was from Greenwillow Books.

I am working on my best story right now. I am on page one hundred and twenty five already. I now also have an idea for another book after I finish this one.

I have many questions to ask you, and I respectfully request that you try to answer them, if you have the time. I would appreciate that so much.

How did you start writing? How did you ask a publisher to publish your book? What inspired you to write? What do you do when a publisher denies your work? How do you find ideas to keep writing? How did you get the idea for the ‘Alice’ series and Jade Green (and all the other books you have written)? How did you form the letter to the publishers? Which publishing companies do you recommend for me to try?

Thanks again for your help. Writing is so pleasing to me. Who knows? Maybe you may see my name on a cover someday. Thank you and God Bless.

Phyllis replied:

I wish I had time to answer all your questions in detail, but I have several dozen emails waiting. I know the frustration you must feel in getting rejection slips (I’ve received 10,443) but rejection is something every writer has to deal with you. Let me say that an editor will buy a good story no matter how old the author is. But I’m sorry to tell you that you probably need a lot more experience and hard work. I don’t know how many times you rewrite your books, but here’s what I go through: I start making notes about what’s going to happen in my book months, or even years in advance, adding to it now and then. When I get so excited about the story I can’t stand it any longer, I write the first chapter in longhand, then immediately rewrite it making it better. When the entire book has been written twice in longhand, I type it up on the computer, changing and editing as I go. I print it out, let my husband read it for criticism, correct it, type it up again. I read it aloud to my critique group for their comments and criticisms and rewrite it again. I read sections of it aloud to myself, put it away for a week or so, get it out and read it again, making more corrections. When it is as good as I feel I can possibly get it, I send it to my editor, and after I get an editorial letter from her, telling me all the things that aren’t working, I rewrite it. My novel ICE took 18 rewrites. Please get a copy of my book HOW I CAME TO BE A WRITER. (paperback) I think this might be an enormous help to you and will answer most of your questions. Best of luck, from one writer to another.

Posted on: July 30, 2009