FAQs
Q. Why did you become a writer?
A. I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was in the 4th grade. I was an avid reader, and I wanted to write stories like the ones I read. Since I rode and showed horses and loved westerns, my early attempts were about the Old West, though I never got past Chapter 1. I didn't seriously pursue my writing until after I graduated college.
Q. Where do you get your story ideas?
Story ideas are all around us. They are in the news, in our family histories, in the lives of other people you know, and in our imaginations.
Q. I need an agent/publisher. Can you tell me the name of a good one?
The type of agent or publisher you need will depend on the genre of material you write. The best places to look are the following:
1) Writer's Market (See your library or local bookstore)
2) Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents (29th edition)
Another great source is your local bookstore. Follow these steps:
1. Go to the section where books like yours are shelved. See who the publishers are.
2. Make a list of the book titles and publishers.
3. Look them up in Writer's Market or Jeff Herman's Guide.
a. If the publisher does not take unsolicited material, call to find out who represented the book like yours.
b. Check both books and the Internet for information on this agent to see if he/she is accepting query letters.
4. Learn to write a query letter. (See The Ultimate Query Letter Tool Kit by Writer's Relief, Inc. The paperback sells for $14.99 and the Kindle version is $3.99.)
5. If your book is non-fiction, learn to write a book proposal. (See How to Write a Book Proposal, by Jody Rein and Michael Larsen. The paperback sells for $19.99 and the e-book edition is $14.99.
Q. Can you give me some writing tips?
A. Here is a quick list:
1. Read, read, read books in your genre or field.
2. Take a class on the type of writing you want to do.
3. Set aside time to write each day.
4. Create a quiet area in which to write.
5. Join a writers' critique group to get feedback on your work.
6. Revise, revise, revise!
7. Have your completed manuscript edited by a professional editor in the topic about which you are writing.
For a lot more detailed information, check my blog (the link is in the navigation bar) and subscribe to the following blogs:
- NY Book Editors (www.nybookeditors.com)
- David Farland (www.mystorydoctor.com)
- The Write Practice (www.thewritepractice.com)
- Reedsy (www.reedsy.com)
Q. How can I find out if you will be doing any book signings or appearances?
A. Check under Speaking in the navigation bar for any currently scheduled events. These days, most of my speaking is on Zoom, so it doesn't matter where you live.
Q. What is your email address?
A. My email address is [email protected]
Q. What are your thoughts on censorship and book banning?
A. I don't believe in censorship. Book banning is ridiculous for the most part. We live in a free society. If a person doesn't like what someone says, don't listen to him or her. If a person doesn't like a book, don't read it.
Q. If I buy one of your books and send it to you, will you autograph it for me?
A. Of course I will. My address is on the Contact page. Be sure to include your return address and the name of the person to whom you want it autographed (if it's not you).
Q. Do you teach any courses or seminars?
A. Yes, I do. My program, Publish Your Way to Prominence, shows entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, and other experts how to write, publish, and market books based on their expertise so they can become go-to leaders in their niches, attract a high level of client, charge higher fees, and have more free time. For detailed information, go to www.topwritingcoach.com.
A. I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was in the 4th grade. I was an avid reader, and I wanted to write stories like the ones I read. Since I rode and showed horses and loved westerns, my early attempts were about the Old West, though I never got past Chapter 1. I didn't seriously pursue my writing until after I graduated college.
Q. Where do you get your story ideas?
Story ideas are all around us. They are in the news, in our family histories, in the lives of other people you know, and in our imaginations.
Q. I need an agent/publisher. Can you tell me the name of a good one?
The type of agent or publisher you need will depend on the genre of material you write. The best places to look are the following:
1) Writer's Market (See your library or local bookstore)
2) Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents (29th edition)
Another great source is your local bookstore. Follow these steps:
1. Go to the section where books like yours are shelved. See who the publishers are.
2. Make a list of the book titles and publishers.
3. Look them up in Writer's Market or Jeff Herman's Guide.
a. If the publisher does not take unsolicited material, call to find out who represented the book like yours.
b. Check both books and the Internet for information on this agent to see if he/she is accepting query letters.
4. Learn to write a query letter. (See The Ultimate Query Letter Tool Kit by Writer's Relief, Inc. The paperback sells for $14.99 and the Kindle version is $3.99.)
5. If your book is non-fiction, learn to write a book proposal. (See How to Write a Book Proposal, by Jody Rein and Michael Larsen. The paperback sells for $19.99 and the e-book edition is $14.99.
Q. Can you give me some writing tips?
A. Here is a quick list:
1. Read, read, read books in your genre or field.
2. Take a class on the type of writing you want to do.
3. Set aside time to write each day.
4. Create a quiet area in which to write.
5. Join a writers' critique group to get feedback on your work.
6. Revise, revise, revise!
7. Have your completed manuscript edited by a professional editor in the topic about which you are writing.
For a lot more detailed information, check my blog (the link is in the navigation bar) and subscribe to the following blogs:
- NY Book Editors (www.nybookeditors.com)
- David Farland (www.mystorydoctor.com)
- The Write Practice (www.thewritepractice.com)
- Reedsy (www.reedsy.com)
Q. How can I find out if you will be doing any book signings or appearances?
A. Check under Speaking in the navigation bar for any currently scheduled events. These days, most of my speaking is on Zoom, so it doesn't matter where you live.
Q. What is your email address?
A. My email address is [email protected]
Q. What are your thoughts on censorship and book banning?
A. I don't believe in censorship. Book banning is ridiculous for the most part. We live in a free society. If a person doesn't like what someone says, don't listen to him or her. If a person doesn't like a book, don't read it.
Q. If I buy one of your books and send it to you, will you autograph it for me?
A. Of course I will. My address is on the Contact page. Be sure to include your return address and the name of the person to whom you want it autographed (if it's not you).
Q. Do you teach any courses or seminars?
A. Yes, I do. My program, Publish Your Way to Prominence, shows entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, and other experts how to write, publish, and market books based on their expertise so they can become go-to leaders in their niches, attract a high level of client, charge higher fees, and have more free time. For detailed information, go to www.topwritingcoach.com.
