Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing.
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard. Feel free to swing by their sites and see what they’re up to.
My book progress
Last month, I decided to share my personal road to publication, starting with the non-fiction book proposal. You can read that post here. Such a proposal is needed to pitch a memoir to an agent or publisher. I’m pursuing the traditional publishing route first, since one can “always self-publish later.”
Once I concluded step one and made progress with step two (see below), I finished going through all the suggestions and thoughts of my beta readers, incorporating most of their changes. This produced another finished draft for Plunge – Riding the Waves of a Life Less Ordinary. I lost track of which draft I’m currently on.
Cover and query letters
What’s the difference between a cover letter and a query letter? As far as I understand it, a cover letter is the email/letter introducing the book proposal. It’s an introduction to what you propose to an agent who is interested in seeing the actual proposal. It starts with a personalized paragraph and is shorter than a query letter. The book proposal is attached.
A query letter’s goal is to pique an agent’s interest in your book proposal and is sent by itself. It is a well-thought out, several times revised, email that starts with a “personalization” and contains brief summaries of the main parts of the proposal. There should be a hook to your story, a one-paragraph synopsis of the book, a short author bio, a paragraph about the market and maybe how you plan to promote, and a closing paragraph. The length should be 1-1.5 pages. Jane Friedman provides a lot of information about this.
The more I worked on and revised my cover and query letters, the more the line between them blurred. It didn’t help that agents used the words interchangeably. In the end, when it was time to send the emails, I mixed and matched them based on the agent I addressed and how I gauged their personality.
Submitting to agents
In between work on the book proposal and letters, I researched agents that might be a good match for my memoir project. I used a website called Manuscript Wishlist. I scrolled through the hundreds of agents listed there, looking for the word memoir in the section of what they are looking for. I copied and pasted their names, contact information, personal notes, and guidelines into a new Word document. Very rough work, but my goal here was to just collect potential agents for later. I “grabbed” about fifty.
Back in San Diego for a week – cuddles for Elvis
The end of January was hectic, as I returned to San Diego, CA from Boston, MA and settled for a week into a return house sit with Elvis and Frida. Whenever I had time, I created a spreadsheet in which I added selected agents from my rough document, one by one. I summarized their guidelines, added their email address, and noted other specifics. Then, I composed a personal email for that agent, starting with something that stood out about them and mentioning that I’m looking for representation for my book. Then, I added cover letter or query letter paragraphs to this email.
Agent Query Overview
The querying process is extensive and not exactly what I anticipated. The reason: EVERY agent has different requirements for submissions. Some prefer an email without attachments, some allow attachments, some need you to fill out a form on their website. Some want a query letter and the first five pages of the manuscript. Or the first two chapters, or the first thirty pages, or fifty. Others are willing to have a look at the proposal. Still others are just interested in parts of the proposal, like the story synopsis, marketing plan, and author bio. And, do they mean “query” letter when asking for a “cover” letter only? That week in San Diego, I only managed to send ten or so queries out.
When February came around, Mark and I were finished with house sits and moved back into our camper van. That complicated things. I had hoped to be done with the book proposal, agent queries, and beta reader draft of my memoir by then. I wasn’t. Again, I regretted not having been able to secure that four-week house and pet sit in Tucson, AZ for January. We would adjust. We always do and always have.
The first couple of weeks of our reintroduced van life were mellow. We returned to the California desert, where we picked up a T-Mobile signal and/or could go to a library close by to work. The extremely cold, windy, and rainy weather made it easy for me to remain inside, but made it harder for Mark. We live in a 19ft space and I needed to concentrate…
I write. Mark reads. For some reason he is much faster at what he’s doing than me…
I managed to send more queries, bringing the total to 33 agents. Then, I had enough of that. I finished the beta reader draft (as I call it), and managed to complete a few other jobs that actually pay. When the sun finally popped out and the temperatures returned to normal for Southern California and Arizona, van life became more attractive again. The book moved to the back burner.
What’s next?
Rejections. They are trickling in. This means I might query more agents, or try and get in touch with small/niche publishers. If I haven’t secured an agent or publisher by summer, my patience might request the self-publishing route.
I also have a heavy next round of edits to do in my actual memoir. It is still too long; I have to cut another 12,000 words and rewrite the story based on which parts I delete. The “easy” approach would be to remove two entire chapters. Gulp. Knowing me, I’ll most likely go the route of cutting 12 chapters down one thousand words. Or something like that.
But there’s one issue. Mark and I are finally in Arizona and plan to be here for the month of March. There is a lot to see and do in this state and we only have until April 5th…
Have you experienced anything similar to my road to publication? Do you know an agent who might be interested in a travel memoir? Any tips for finding one?
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March 6, 2019 at 19:29
This sounds soooo daunting. You seem to have an efficient and well-thought-out approach, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a “hit” from at least one of these people!
March 8, 2019 at 15:42
Thank you, Lexie! One step at a time, right? 🙂
March 6, 2019 at 19:41
Hi, Liesbet – I commend you on your organization and tenacity on this challenging journey. Sadly, I do not know anything about book publication. I am confident that your publisher is out there. Once you find him/her, please pass on that I can’t wait to read your book! I know that many, many others feel the same. Good luck!!
March 8, 2019 at 15:44
Haha, Donna! If I ever snatch up an agent, I’ll let him/her know about your interest and support! Maybe I should start a petition for this “Find Liesbet an agent” process. 🙂
March 6, 2019 at 20:39
Hi Liesbet. It was years ago when I did all the research and work to try to find an agent. Unfortunately it let it floor me and I stopped even trying for years after all the rejections. I hope you have much better fortune…but if not…don’t let that stop you either. I think you might find that the path to self-publishing is not only more rewarding, but also a more successful path. The Book industry is changing as we “write” and you actually have many more opportunities today than those of the past. Meanwhile, do your best to enjoy the journey. ~Kathy
March 8, 2019 at 15:47
All things considered, and based on how Mark and I function in general (as entrepreneurs, researchers, and preferring to do everything ourselves), self-publishing seems like the right way for us. But, of course I always have to try it the “harder” and “most time-consuming” way first. 🙂
About that “enjoying the journey”, I have to admit that I enjoy the physical journey of traveling in Zesty more than the mental journey of perfecting this book!
March 6, 2019 at 23:37
Liesbet, I do believe from others who have gone through this process that it is all about persistence and that it is a numbers game. One has to send out hundreds of those queries and then also not take any of it personally when the rejections come in. Sounds like you are pretty persistent and will not give up. This is apparently what it takes…
I will connect you on facebook to another blogger I read who has just secured a publisher for her travel memoir. I know it was not an easy road. She pre sold a certain number of books (about 250 I think) because apparently that would make it easier to snag a publisher ~ knowing that the demand is out there. Her name is Amit Janco and I will start a private chat so you can connect with her. Perhaps she will have some information that might be helpful to you.
In the meantime, yes enjoy Arizona.. I have heard so much about it and seems you are there at a good time before the summer heat!
Peta
March 8, 2019 at 15:50
Hundreds of queries, Peta!!?? I actually have read that before as well, but I do intend to finish this project this year… I have persistence, but the patience might wear off. Luckily, there are alternatives to getting this memoir published.
Thanks for sharing the info about Amit Janco, and thank you so much for the private messages as well. I will get in touch with her shortly, hopefully this weekend, when I plan to have a bit of extra time. I’ve been incredibly busy, with everything but my memoir…
Arizona is warming up nicely and I do hope we will get to explore some after my current work projects are finished.
March 7, 2019 at 03:32
Patience and understanding of how others you may want to collaborate with work are very important dear Liesbet, whether you go the traditional or the indie publisher route. With so much editing still to be done it may be worth finishing this first, so you can show potential agents a version that they can put forward. Best of luck with it all and keep believing 🤗💖🍀 xxx
March 10, 2019 at 18:25
Thank you for the continued support and encouragement, Xenia! The version I have is comprehensive, just too long. Yes, that is still a big deal, but I mention in my book proposal that the final edits will be done in a month from contract signing. That gives me time to keep working on it, whenever I find a moment, or if ever I find an agent. I do see what you mean, though, but I think doing it this way is a better use of my time, without having to just “wait around” at some point.
March 7, 2019 at 04:30
I went through a list of publishers like that. (Never submitted to agents.) From gathering emails for #IWSGPit, I have a couple agent and publisher databases I used – I can email those to you if you like.
March 10, 2019 at 18:26
Hi Alex! Thanks for your help! I’ll send you an email about this generous offer.
March 7, 2019 at 04:50
Gosh, you are certainly working hard, Liesbet. I commend your efforts! My road is different from your own. I wrote for myself for many years and took a chance in 2015 when a contest opened up.Honestly, I never thought I’d publish a book, so when I was offered a contract, I was in shock. Two years later, I was told by a writer friend that I needed an agent in order to prevent long waiting periods between contracts. I sent a letter to an agent who came highly recommended and I signed with her the next week. As you can see, my path to publication was easy, but I have to say, once you’re on that path, it gets more difficult. Wishing you the best in your search. I know you’ll connect with the right person.
March 10, 2019 at 18:29
That sure is a success story, Jill! Fantastic! I”m so happy for you it went relatively easy. You were brave and took a chance. Before signing with the agent, you already had proven success, which always helps. Or, if there are recommendations, I think authors stand a better chance as well.
As time progresses, I am losing faith, so your encouragement is welcome!
March 7, 2019 at 10:18
Hi Liesbet
You are remarkable! When you finish the publishing process you will have written a How To book. When I get to this point in my memoir I am definitely going to review your blog entries to guide me along the way.
Continued good luck and safe travels to you
Laura
March 10, 2019 at 18:31
Hi Laura! I still have to read your last (IWSG) blog – not much time these days – but I assume that you are making steady progress with your memoir as well. I’m glad these posts are/will be helpful. I think that the self-publishing route would take much less time. It’s different and requires a lot of work as well, but it must be more straightforward. And, you have everything in your own hands…
March 7, 2019 at 11:35
Liesbet – you’re making great progress toward your goal — that’s great! I’ve heard of a few folks who’ve had great success with hybrid publishers like “She Writes Press”. Good luck on your journey!
March 10, 2019 at 18:34
Hi Janet!
Thanks for the tip, I’ll look into that. In general, I’m not interested in a hybrid publisher, since my husband and I are pretty good at researching and figuring things out ourselves (and being meticulous at it). And, we are too frugal to pay for that part of the process, if it’s something we can do ourselves. It seems like the self-publishing route would be cheaper than hybrid publishing. But, maybe I’m wrong. More research to do! 🙂
March 7, 2019 at 12:15
Hi Liesbet,
Have faith, the right agent and the right route to publication are out there…each letter and each revision of your draft gets you closer to your goal. Everyone’s path is different, yet I’m heard that the path to publication can be long and bumpy.
You’ve got this.
(And enjoy your next few weeks in Arizona; the book will always be there. Just my 2 cents.)
March 10, 2019 at 18:37
Hi Nancy!
I love your wise and encouraging words. I sometimes forget that none of my work is going to waste. It all helps to reach the bigger picture and the bigger goal! If nothing else, it’s all a learning curve. I’m all for enjoying this state a bit and letting the book rest for a few weeks. As long as my guilt is suppressed. 🙂 Soon, we will venture into nature. Once we have a few other things squared away!
March 7, 2019 at 16:26
Hi Liesbet – You seem to have an organized plan and tenacity to reach your goals. I don’t know anything about book publication so I just want to wish you the best of luck with your book, and have a wonderful time exploring Arizona.
March 10, 2019 at 18:39
Thanks, Natalie! We will get to all of those goals, one way or another, one time or another. 🙂
March 7, 2019 at 19:39
I admire your approach. Perhaps the slog is why I don’t have an agent.
March 10, 2019 at 18:46
Hi Roland! You will get there! Finding an agent is a lot of work. And, sometimes, when something is just going sloggish or the motivation isn’t there, focusing on another project might be the right way. For a little while anyway. Good luck!
March 7, 2019 at 22:23
Over and over I have heard that it is persistence that counts. You definitely have that, Liesbet! Your post brought back memories of a long ago time when I used to ride a dirt bike near Borrego Springs. That area was where I first fell in love with the desert. I spotted a vibrant green ocotillo plant in one of your photos. I learned last December that you can make a salad with the leaves. It takes a lot of leaves though! Happy writing and travels to you!
March 10, 2019 at 18:51
Oh, I am a
stubbornpersistent cookie! I do have my mind set on getting this book published this year, so I’ll try whatever it takes. Thing is that self-publishing would be the quicker path to achieve this goal… And, so many distractions in life to be able to focus on this project…I’m glad this post brought back happy memories! We spent ten days or so in Borrego Springs, but mostly inside as it was cold, windy, and rainy in the first half of February. Beautiful area, though, and so green. The ocotillos were blooming, because all of the rain. Since I read your comment, every time I walk by an ocotillo (and that has happened quite a few times this weekend), I think about you and your salad! Today, I was staring at its leaves and they are small. Plus, how do you not hurt yourself picking them? If we are boondocked in the desert next time I make a salad, I’m tempted to go out and grab some leaves to try it! Thanks for the tidbit.
March 8, 2019 at 14:51
I’ve read your post – and many of the reassuring comments too. You are doing so many things right, including using a spreadsheet that helps you keep track of what you did, where, and when. You are an artist with a colorful palette that included jobs for which you can get paid. Small successes mingle with the rejections, I believe. Otherwise, we’d lack the steam to keep plugging away.
Merry Marching ahead! Take some time to sightsee in awesome Arizona, even if it’s just a short walk- around. You know I’m rooting for you! 🙂
March 10, 2019 at 18:55
You have such a way with words, Marian! I hope you’re right about those small successes mingled in with rejections. 🙂 One third of my submissions have been rejected so far, so I’m having fun crossing out their names on my spreadsheet!
And, I took your advice. I have been going for a walk (sometimes short, sometimes longer) the last three days. It’s good to be outdoors again! Thank you for all the rooting and good advice. Clearing the mind with a walk always helps.
March 9, 2019 at 14:42
I’m glad this is YOUR vocation, Leisbet, writing and heading into the publishing world. At this point in my life, I couldn’t do it! But I am happy for you and it is very interesting to read about your journey. Enjoy Arizona, Nor Cal is still getting rain. I can’t wait to get to Hilo in a few days. At least the rain there is warm 🙂
March 10, 2019 at 18:59
Hi Terri! You are doing just fine writing and publishing blogs and e-books! It does take a lot of determination to go the traditional route – and possibly a big dent for my ego as well – but I wanted to try it this way at least once.
Enjoy your time (and the warm rain) in Hawaii – now I’m really envious! 🙂 We’ve had a few nice, sunny, and warm days in Phoenix. But, it will rain again tomorrow. And… guess who I caught up with this weekend????
March 11, 2019 at 15:47
Looks like the rain may be only at 10-20 % while we are there! Did you see Ingrid?? How fun!!
March 13, 2019 at 09:38
We sure did see Ingrid and Al. And, had some of that tequila you guys contributed. 🙂 Good times. Hugs to you and Hans and have fun in Hawaii!!
March 9, 2019 at 16:53
You have made remarkable progress and should feel proud. I really admire your focus and resolve to work your way through the process. The warmth of Arizona sounds pretty good right now. Although it’s hard to complain when I read all about the never-ending snow in other parts of the country, I’m pretty much over this rain and unseasonably cold weather we’ve been having. Looking forward to seeing your posts from the beautiful desert!
March 10, 2019 at 19:02
Oh Janis, is it still that chilly in San Diego? When we were there in January, I though the temperatures were similar with Phoenix, but I’m not comparing them anymore now… We had a few pleasant, warm enough days last week, but there is still a chilly breeze. Tomorrow, it will rain again here as well. The desert is still green and some flowers are popping up.
BTW, Mark and I met Ingrid and Al this weekend, which was fun. We went on an awesome walk today as well. 🙂
March 9, 2019 at 18:42
Hi again, Liesbet, I hope it helps to know that many of your readers are sending you all positive vibes on this journey to get your memoir published. Of course, you engage us all with your writing. It is very confusing when the terminology, cover and query letters is used interchangeably. I admire your perseverance, tenacity and work ethic. Your information is also helping other writers. I know you will succeed. I look forward to reading your book!
March 10, 2019 at 19:04
Hi Erica! You are so sweet! Thank you so much for you encouraging words and your support, and your positive spirit! It makes me happy to know that people are rooting for me. You made my weekend with your kind comment. Have a wonderful week ahead!
March 11, 2019 at 13:13
I imagine after you have put so much work into something that getting rejection letters is hard. But people pass up amazing stuff all the time. I met this guy who used to work for the publisher who published George R. R. Martin’s books. He said that when Martin came to them with the Game of Thrones series they passed and Martin took the books to another publisher. I am sure they are kicking themselves now.
I have read a few of your book excerpts that you have published here on the blog and thought they were great. I am sure you will eventually find the right publisher (even if it is yourself).
March 13, 2019 at 09:36
Thanks for the compliment and the encouragement, Duwan. Rejections are a big part of the writer’s life, so I am prepared. In the past, I have been fortunate with my articles as most of them found their way into a publication. This is different. I’m kind of betting on many different horses. But, as those horses decline one by one, there will be a point of “now what?” Luckily, we’re not quite there yet. Part of me hopes this book will be a success just to “show” people who didn’t believe in it… 🙂
March 11, 2019 at 18:16
Hi Liesbet. So glad to be back and find this post so I could catch up with what you’re up to. I admire your tenacity in trying the trad publish route and I’m bookmarking this post because of your great sharing on list of agents and query tidbits. Like many say, it is a numbers game. I personally have no desire to do all the work required, same work asked of from a publisher as it is for ourselves when it comes to self-publishing – marketing, platform. social media performance, when I can self-publish and keep my own royalties. I do wish you best of luck with your endeavors. And wishing you lots of patience with your edits – it’s grueling, but a great challenge. <3
March 13, 2019 at 09:43
Welcome back and thanks for your wise and experienced insights, Debby! I have a feeling I might eventually go the self-publishing way. Your arguments make total sense, but it would be nice for me to have a professional involved, at least this first time. I agree that it’s all the same work involved. At least the suggestions in my book proposal and the research done would come in handy if and when I become self-published. Also, most self-published authors I know have not broken even yet, financially… It’s a long road either way.
March 14, 2019 at 07:35
Absolutely, it’s great you have the book proposal done. Yes, also many trad indies haven’t made their advances either. Many writers write for the passion and as much as we could all use the money, unfortunately it’s a tough road til the money comes. Our passion keeps our dreams alive 🙂
March 14, 2019 at 11:07
Amen! I might rethink that path then, and postpone it to later, since we really still need to make money in order to live our lives… Or, I keep doing what I’m doing now and attempt to combine paid work with free work. Then, the travels have to go. Decisions, decisions…
March 16, 2019 at 09:21
I think someone else used the term “daunting” to describe what you’re doing and it really fits. I’m in awe of the work you’re putting into this! Keeping anything I can cross – fingers, toes, eyes – for you in the hopes that someone realizes soon what a wonderful manuscript this is and that they’d be a fool not so snap it up.
March 17, 2019 at 10:49
Thanks for the crossing of all body parts, Ellen. I’m at the point where I can use it. Let’s see how long my patience last, before I jump on the self-publishing bandwagon. 🙂 And, thank you for believing in me and giving such a wonderful compliment.
March 18, 2019 at 07:25
Hi Liesbet! I took a few minutes out of the daily Amazon/KDP grind (more like a fast-paced treadmill) to pop into your blogosphere.. to find such a warm and supportive circle of writing-cheerleaders and friends that you’ve brought together – yay, you! Sorry I can’t help with the agent-search, but I’d still recommend that you check out Publishizer – even if you decide against going that route. Maybe for your next book.. Also have a peek at Jane Friedman’s stacks of totally useful and insightful gems of wisdom; Joanna Penn is a good source too. As I mentioned, once my memoir hits the shelves (thus far, virtually speaking!) and once you settle down – all of it next month – then I’d be happy to chat more. Joyful journeys to you and your hubby 😉
March 18, 2019 at 14:57
Hello Amit!
Welcome to Roaming About and thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment while you’re so busy with the publishing process of your memoir. I’m making a list of what to check out and look into, once I have a few weeks to focus on my book again, in the beginning of April. Publishizer is one of those items. 🙂 And, yes, Jane Friedman is an amazing resource.
Enjoy the last steps of this long road and hard work, and know that your encouragement and progress is inspiring!
March 18, 2019 at 23:37
Manuscript wish list is a great website. Another tip is Publisher’s Marketplace. You have to pay to access it, which may not be feasible, but it’s so invaluable–even if you do it for a month. You can find out who’s selling what to whom. For example, say an agent claims to want memoirs but has no experience actually selling them to publishers–PM will tell you. You can also find out quickly which agents are looking for memoirs.
I had to laugh (in sympathy) about the finding an agent by the summer part. A lot of people take over a year or years to find an agent. It’s not easy.
And the fact they all want something different in terms of submissions is one of the most frustrating aspects. Almost like they do it on purpose….
March 22, 2019 at 10:36
Thanks for the tips. And for putting things in perspective, JH. I’m a bit naive and a positivist when it comes to certain things. Now, I truly understand why so many authors go the self-publishing route. And, I remember your hard road of switching agents. Luckily, hard work usually pays off. At some point… 🙂
April 5, 2019 at 18:59
Liesbet, thank-you for writing in such a detailed way about your search process as you look for an agent. I am DREADING that part. I have (re)joined the Federation of B.C. Writers, and went to a publishing workshop in Vancouver in February that was quite helpful. Their annual conference is coming up in May and I have registered for it. And now I have received the feedback from my five beta readers and am working on revisions.
Jude
April 6, 2019 at 22:06
Hi Jude! Going to conferences and work shops, or writing events, might be your foot in the door to find a publisher or agent. I wish I could join events like writer’s conferences, but they are so expensive and never anywhere near us. Go prepared! Having a one-line and a one-paragraph pitch memorized is important if you meet with agents.
How awesome you already got the feedback returned from your beta readers. Helpful? Are you making a lot of changes?