Bundle Package

By Ora Rosalin and BeyonceRosalin

INCLUDING A BONUS INTERVIEW WITH ORA
An entire combination of all our short "HOW TO" books is finally here.

Overview of What You Will Learn:
Book One: Query Perfection13
Book Two: First Five Pages33
Book Three: Writing a Gripping Plot Line58
Book Four: Show Don’t Tell72
Book Five: Characterization50

Version Two: All in One86
Book One: Edit Your Manuscript with a Machete and Flamethrower98
Book Two: Developing Your Distinct Voice in Fiction115
Book Three: Fascinating Scenes129
Book Four: Infuse Emotional Impact into Your Writing143

Version Three: All in One160
Book One: Pacing Your Novel160
Book Two: Fiction Writing: Dialogue177
Book Three: Overcome Writer’s Block200
Book Four: World Building215

By Ora Rosalin and Beyoncé Rosalin

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ora Rosalin
• Release date: Oct 24, 2014

Ora Rosalin

I am a writer. I would like to make a profit off this, who wouldn't? But even if I didn't the fact that people can view my words makes me a happy camper. Writing calms me and helps me meditate. Whatever I write I hope it is good and among deserving eyes.

Book preview

About the authors:

Ora Rosalin and Beyoncé Rosalin have teamed up to write a whole lot of books in hopes of one day of becoming famous. Yes, they aren’t ashamed of saying so. In each book they provide a P. S. chapter for their readers (who of which they adore). If you enjoyed this book do not forget to rate it on smasshwords and tell all your friends.

Let us know what books to write next. Or if you have any questions about this method send us an email: [e-mail]

Connect with Us Online:

Facebook: https://www. facebook. com/OraRosalin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RosalinSisters

BUNDLE PACKAGE

By Ora Rosalin and Beyoncé Rosalin

Book One: Query Perfection

Chapter One: Introduction

Writing a query letter has the same importance as writing your manuscript. It is what will get you through the door in the world of writing. You want the agent to tell you that they are impressed and want more from you. The only way to do this is to make a damn good query.

First things firsts, we need to understand and accept that just like most things, getting an agent is hard. You will get rejected. Less than .2 percent of authors get a yes on the first time emailing agents…and that is saying something. But not to worry, some of the most successful writers have at least one, two, or maybe even three rejection letters. What got them in the door was that they kept trying and try, improving their queries and manuscripts.

There are several ways to publish these days. Either through online magazines, self-publishing, print-on demand, or publishing houses. Most authors, however, want to publish their novel with a traditional publishing house, like Random House. This is possible, but a small percentage of authors are able to have the chance.

Agents and editors work together for the benefit of the author. They are like best friends in this industry and their tastes are relatively the same. Think of it as if you received a book recommendation from a friend. So if an agent likes you, most likely their editor would too. First, you need to get through the submission process and get a literary agent. Whichever projects they don’t think publishers will buy, they will put to the side without a second thought. Their main goal is to save both your time, and the publisher’s time.

It is usually best to begin querying agents first before you think about venturing out yourself. I know how it is, you want your book out there and you want to skip the middle man. However, contacting publishing houses about your self-publish book is not necessarily a good idea. Don’t get me wrong, it can work, but consider this. You will not only look more professional, but you’ll be taken seriously if you have an agency to back you up.

Note: A handful of publishing houses will not require agented submissions. But most traditional houses will demand on it. Besides, if you are able to get a book deal, your agent will be able to negotiate your percentages on royalties, and the contract. Publishing houses are known to pay out smaller advances to writers without agents.

So let’s just say you still want to manage by your lonesome. Well, if this is the case, I would suggest aiming for smaller, independent publishing houses. They probably would give your manuscript a chance and you may have it reviewed without getting an agent. But, again, you’ll be on your own when negotiating and you might sell yourself short. As an inspiring writer you should know what you are getting into before signing anything other than your autograph on print books.

Like most things in this world, there are people who get book deals without an agent. This is not unheard of, especially because publishing as we know it is changing. For example, you may have heard of Amanda Hockings who made a million dollars by publishing her fiction series on Amazon Kindle, and in the end landed a book deal; or, how about writers who are discovered through their blog or Vlog on YouTube.

For those interested in self-publishing, understand that it takes a lot of work to promote your book and get people to buy it. It is almost like being on American Idol. No one knows who you are, and you probably don’t make it to the next round, but with persistence you finally make it to the finishing lines. Another thing to consider before self-publishing is cost. Calculate how much it would be to order your books, get a professional cover, editor, and so on. If you have faith in your book/series, then go ahead. Otherwise, begin with querying agents.

Chapter 2: Quick Perfection Overview

Researching the perfect agent can take some time and can get frustrating. While you are putting your submissions together, make sure you have coffee, tea, or a bottle of scotch…to relax. As human beings, let’s face it, we get lazy. So, if we are in a rush, or frustrated the quality of our work diminishes and that’s when rejection letters will come. This goes for both our query letters and manuscripts.

The best time to begin querying is when your project is finished. You have been through ten drafts and you feel confident in someone reading it, or even someone spending their hard earned money on it. This doesn’t imply that you don’t want to change a few things over time, but it implies that you have worked you butt off and would like an agent to help you find a professional editor. So, how does one know they are finished? That’s the thing, you don’t. I have never met an author who didn’t want to change or add something to their manuscript, even after it was published. What you do need, in order to feel complete, are beta readers. These are people who can give you feedback that is both honest and helpful. Beta readers will let you know what’s missing and what you should take out. If you agree then steal their ideas.…that is what they are there for. However, if you don’t agree, then simply glance over those certain harsh comments. Your goal is to have no major concerns about your precious work. For instance, if you give the book to a few of your trusted friends and they read it and say The beginning is so boring or my favorite --The character is a Mary Sue/Gary Stu. Through rewrites, you can fix these problems. But you’re not finished quite yet. After revisions, give it to even more beta readers. If they come back with smiles and ask for an autograph, then your manuscript is ready to go… or at least 90% ready.

A good way to make an impression on your query letter is to address the agent of choice. You always want to use their name (and if possible last name). This personalizes your message and shows you have done research. Agents take writers more seriously under these conditions. Unlike recommendations for a job, generic letters addressed: To Whom it May Concern or Dear Literary Agent will make it look like you are emailing a mass of letters. Remember you want to impress the agent, so make sure you correctly spell their name.

Think of a query letter like pitching a business idea to angel investors. Don’t waste their time. They have busy lives and a lot more other queries to look at. Therefore, don’t have an opening paragraph introducing yourself. Cut to the chase introduce the hook of your manuscript right away. Your goal is to draw your agent in as though you were writing a book. First sentence is the most important. Add some sarcasm in there or a little humor.

A great way to look professional is to study other successful query letters. Experienced authors, most of whom have impressive writing credits, have mastered the art of querying agents; therefore you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Instead of watching your favorite so, tape it and spend time studying actual query letter examples that other writers have used to land their literary agents.

When beginning your query, explain why you have chosen to write this particular agent. Learn everything you can about them before making a pitch. The more information you can discover, the more likely you will find the right person and achieve success. A few solid things to know about an agent would be what other books or genres they represent. Once you have discovered that information, be sure to reference these specific books in your query and, also, briefly explain why your book would be a good perfect fit in that group. Just be aware that you may be wasting your time if your manuscript is not similar to the genre the agent represents.

Show that you care about the agent by explaining why you think she or he will like your book. Avoid making your query seem vague and untailored to the specific person, almost like you copied and pasted. For instance, if you read something interesting on her blog or website, mention that. If their favorite’s folder is filled with books that are similar to yours, then tell them. This, right here is gold. Maybe her favorite author has the same writing style that you do? If so, let it be known.

Well, what about querying several agents at the same agency? This is not the best idea, if it is done all at the same exact time. If you query one agent and they are not interested but believe your idea has potential, then they will give it to a fellow agent in the office. That person will review the query and if they, too, are not interested then usually a rejection from one literary agent means a no from the entire agency.

This next advice is up for debate. Ultimately, it is up to you as a debut author to decide for yourself. Some writers believe that a person should mention whether the query is a simultaneous submission. It is not necessary unless the agent say they love your idea and that they want you to send your entire manuscript. If this was the case, it still wouldn’t be necessary, at least not until you have signed a contract. By default, they will assume multiple agents must be considering it. Check their submission guidelines; rarely an agent request to be informed if it is a simultaneous submission. Otherwise, a good word to use is exclusive. Not only would they feel special, but they will understand not too many agents have viewed your precious manuscript.

Lastly, for those of you who want to re-query an agent after rejection, please consider seriously editing your manuscript. After the first no, you only have about a 50/50 change of getting your work read. Some agents will re-review a query out of the kindness of their hearts, but most agents are set firmly in their answer. Almost like a strict parent, when they say no, it means no. However, no one knows the future and whether the agent will read it again, so just cross your fingers and send it anyway…you will never know if you don’t try.

Chapter 3: Common Questions

A reputable literary agent is important for a number of reasons. They will help you sale your book rights for top dollar. Literary agencies have a network of contacts at their fingertips. They literally have close relationships with professional editors at publishing houses. This is mainly because they know what expert editors are searching for, and they are professionals at sending your submissions to the perfect people. Furthermore, editors know that manuscripts by literary agents have already passed a screening process. Note: Agented submissions tend to go on top of the huge waiting pile.

But remember like I said in the previous chapter: Even if you have heard wonderful comments about an agent, resist the temptation to query them if they do not specialize in your genre. Agents are experts in their own genres, but they don’t know every genre. They have particular tastes and just like you; they probably don’t like all genres. Trust me, agents will stop reading your letter the moment they find a flaw (and this includes genre choice). Heck, they may even throw it away. In addition, agents who specialize in science fiction may not be able to sell romance. He or she may not have a clue about the genre or they may not have any connections with romance editors. The only way I know of someone sending a query to an agent outside their genre is if they had a personal connection with them. If this is the case, the agent might be willing to recommend your novel to another agent who can help you sale your book.

A great tip that I have found useful was to check the agent’s agency website to find out how they wants to receive query letters. Please do not overlook this. This is the first couple of stages, and honestly, agents are looking for an excuse (no matter how small) to not read your book. Simply put, if you can’t follow their guidelines, they won’t say yes to your book.

**

A few pointers to remember, maybe even bookmark:

1. Should I mention that I’m writing an eighteen book series?

Back in the olden days it used the answer used to be no. The reason for this was because you should worry about pitching one book, especially if you haven’t written the others yet. Besides, if the agent wants to work with you, then that would be the best time to discuss your series in progress. However, lately, agents want to know if your book is a potential series. Maybe it could be the next Harry Potter or Hunger Games. I recommend saying something along the lines of:

"This book can be either a standalone project or part of a series."

So, the straight answer to this question is: it depends on who you ask.

2. Should you mention that you have self-published books before?

If you want, and if it can help you further your career. Otherwise, just leave them out of the conversation and focus on the project at hand. Mention your self-published book if it sold ideally over 5,000 print books, or 20,000 e-books. Even if your book sold fifty, then avoid saying anything about the second-rate sales numbers.

3. How do you follow up with an agent who hasn’t responded to your submission?

Check the agency website for updates and their latest guidelines. They might have gone on leave or have switched agencies. And most likely, they may have guidelines that state how they only respond to submissions if interested. It might say:

If you don’t hear from us in so-and-so weeks, it means we are not interested in your project. If an agent replies to every submission but they don’t have a time frame for their reply, you can follow up after about three to four months. If an agent claims they respond to submissions within a certain amount of time, (let’s say four months) and you still have no reply after four months and three-quarters — then all you need to do is simply paste your original query into a new e-mail and resubmit it to the same agent. But this time add a note above the previous query. Don’t forget to be respectful.

Perfect Example:

Dear [Coolest Agent Ever],

A few months ago I sent my awesome query and haven’t heard from you since. My original note might have gotten placed in a spam folder by accident, so I am resubmitting it and pasting it below. I hope you are still accepting unsolicited queries. Thank you for considering my submission!

Sincerely, [vulnerable writer].

Chapter 4: Formatting

Do you remember when you were in high school and all your classmates complained about writing a six-page research paper that had to have at least 500 words? I know I did, heck I was one of the students who complained. Fast-forward a few years later and now I’m writing tons of books. With that said, it is difficult wring a novel, and it is even more difficult to write a series. However, it is an emotional rewarding process. So, I want to congratulate you on finishing the book, editing it and making sure everything made logical sense. Your next step is snatching up a literary agent before all the good ones are taken.  As discussed in previous chapters, the query letter is where it’s at. The hard part is fitting all of this into one page and making it interesting and informative. That’s why in this chapter I will show you an example of HOW to plan out your letter-- also known as your golden ticket.

First things first, most agencies do not accept unsolicited materials, but once you find some that does, then you can send your letter. Let’s cover the different parts of a query letter that are important:

Introduction

Keep in mind that literary agents receive endless amount of queries every day.  The key is to stand out from the pile; it’s very important.  Hook the agent with the first few sentences of the query letter the same way you want to hook the readers with the first page of your manuscript.  Of course, tell the agent why you are writing, why you feel the novel is perfect for their agency, and exactly how much your word count is.

Example:

Dear Ms. Awesome Agent, (Please include the agent’s real name).

My name is Debut Author and I am writing your agency to tell you about my completed manuscript, ‘The Next Big Thing.’  It is a science fiction/ mystery novel and has about 100,000 words.

**

Congratulations! You have just introduced yourself and your novel in just a few sentences. Use the fewest amount of words possible to get your point across. You want these busy agents to continue reading your letter, not throw it away.

Tip: Don’t leave the introduction generic. Show that you have researched each individual agent.

Summary of the Novel

Be sure to include a short summary of the novel that will skyrocket the agent’s interest and make them beg to read the entire manuscript.  Think about the perfect summary for a while, write and rewrite it. Even have a few friends read it.  Lengthwise, it should be no more than a paragraph or two, and include the most important parts of your novel.

Example:

John Smith is a proud man who had recently died and as a spirit he is now being showed how he lived his life on earth. He discovered he was