The Curse of the Manuscript Eating Slushpile Monster
by Cindy Appel
Available eBook formats:
title:
The Curse of the Manuscript Eating Slushpile Monster
author:
Cindy Appel
genre:
Non-Fiction, How To
isbn-
13:
978-1-60174-060-1
length:
24000 words. Approximate reading time 69 to 97 minutes.
price:
$3.99
~This funny guide for serious writers will make you laugh while you learn how to improve your manuscript's chances of surviving the submission process.~
According to the 2004 National Education Association's Reading at Risk study, 15 million Americans have attempted some kind of "creative writing".
Very few of these writers have had their work successfully published.
Are you one of them?
Want to know how you can improve your chances?
This funny guide for serious writers will make you laugh while you learn how to improve your manuscript's chances of surviving the arduous submission process. Find out how "Only You Can Prevent Formatting Follies" and how to avoid those "Prose Pile-Ups on Publication Road". After all, every writer longs for a "happily ever after" ending, right?
Your Manuscript = Your Business Card
Have you ever been on a job interview? Have you ever attended a business convention? Have you ever owned and run your own business? If you've done any of these things, then you probably have encountered business cards.
A business card has a dual purpose. First of all, it tells people who you are. It says, "I'm Joe Blow, licensed plumber," or "I'm Betty Buys-a-Lot, personal shopper." Secondly, a business card tells a potential customer or client what to expect from you and your service. "Pipes unclogged in five minutes flat or double your money back." "Hate shopping for your mother-in-law's birthday? I can help!"
Pretty basic, right?
So, what is a writers business card? Why, his or her manuscript, of course.
Remember, the editor is a busy person. She wants to read your manuscript and quickly make up her mind if her publishing firm can use your services. She needs to be convinced from the very first line, the very first paragraph, the very first page that you are who you claim to be--a capable writer--and that you can deliver the goods--a complete, publishable manuscript.
Your job is to make your business card as professional as possible. No sprinkled lavender cologne, no fancy fonts, print faces or paper colors. Remember, this is a professional presentation--not your teenage daughter's diary. Act like a professional and you will be treated as such.
Read the first chapter of The Curse of the Manuscript Eating Slushpile Monster.
Cindy Appel's non-fiction articles and inspirational essays have appeared in over forty publications. Her day jobs include manuscript evaluator, book reviewer and copy editor. Cindy speaks to writer's groups on professional manuscript presentation and answers publishing and writing related questions for readers of her monthly e-newsletter. More information about her editorial services and non-fiction and children's works can be found on her website.
Visit Cindy Appel at http://www.cindyappel.com
Uncial Press is an imprint of GCT, Inc.
© 2008