Query Letters

I never imagined that this, of all things, would be the most intimidating part of the process so far.

It's hard to get my head around how important this is. One blurb will be the thing that first makes an agent either think my book is worthwhile, or send me a rejection. It's especially daunting when it comes to those agents who only want to see 5 pages first, rather than the first 3 chapters.

All Set

My first 3 chapters are pretty much ready, I think. I still want to go through them to do a final spellcheck and make sure the story flows well in a straight read-through.

Now it's time to get my query letter prepared and start researching which literary agents to contact.

This is pretty intimidating, since I have no experience in this side of things and I'm dependent on what I can learn online, along with the whims of whoever ends up reading my query.

Catching Up

I think I've done all I really can for Chapter 1 for now. Chapter 2 looks good, though it probably needs some going over later.

There are times when I'm writing that I wish I could let people hear the music I listen to while writing. Music is a huge part of life for me and nothing gets me more inspired to write than good music. Sometimes it almost feels like my writing is incomplete if the reader doesn't know the music I have in mind for a given scene.

Grindstone

I have, out of necessity, gone back to the beginning in my editing. I guess this is where I'll find out if I love or hate this book. I'm very much aware, however, that if this book is to have any chance at all, it all rides on the first three chapters. They need to blow the reader away.

Back at it

After a long break, I'm finally back editing my book. Went over Chapter 2, and now I've to start Chapter 3.

Editing Update

Well, Chapter 1 is more or less edited. Changed a few things, made dates more vague and imprecise to avoid conflicts later on, added in some extra background to my hero. Time to get to work on Chapter 2.

Editing

Editing is new ground for me. Since my current WIP is the first novel I've finished, I've never been in a position to really look back and work out what needs to be changed to make my work publishable.

I've had some amazing help from some great friends so far, who have all offered their opinions and advice. I'm thrilled to say everything they've said so far has helped me think about the book in new ways, and see how I can better get across my intent and meaning.

So here goes. I started the editing work yesterday and it's continuing today. I'm already contemplating the re-write of a major event in the main plot.