7 Characteristics You Need To Get Published - Part Two

An article written by Elana Johnson, Carolyn Kaufman and Suzette Saxton

(Be sure to check out Part I from yesterday!

You've perfected your masterpiece and begun the submission process. Perhaps you have a partial, or maybe even a full, in the hands of an agent. You obsessively check your email every five minutes and jump each time the phone rings. In short, you no longer have control over your own project, which can leave you feeling discombobulated. Now what?

The following characteristics will help you through the times ahead - and improve your odds of reaching publication.

Characteristic 5: Professionalism

Understand that publishing is a business, and that agents and editors are trying to find books publishers—and eventually readers—will want to spend their hard-earned money to buy. That means you need to conduct yourself like a professional. While this might seem obvious, you must treat everyone you deal with, from agents’ assistants all the way up to publishing heads, with courtesy. Even if you don’t like what they’re telling you.

Never send hate mail back to agents or editors. (You might be surprised how often publishing professionals have to deal with this.) Also realize that form responses are normal — if you had to read hundreds of queries every month, you’d send them too! Don't take rejection as a personal attack—it's just business.


Characteristic 6: Patience

It takes patience to see your dream of being published come true. Not only patience to write the book—which doesn't happen in a single sitting—but patience to wait for responses from beta readers, critique groups, and then agents, editors, and publishers. Some respond immediately. Some are a little slower, but will respond eventually. And some won’t respond at all. In each case, your patience will be tried.


Characteristic 7: Luck

Before you decide that you’re doomed because you’ve never won the lottery (or even a door prize drawing), you need to know that we’re talking about the kind of luck you make for yourself. There is an old Chinese tenet, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” So first, be prepared. And then cultivate your own luck. Lucky writers behave in ways that create good fortune in their lives. For example, they read agent and industry blogs (like this one!) to get a feel for what different agents like. They notice and act upon chance opportunities, follow their intuition, look for the bright side of every situation, and are certain their future is promising. Their outlook becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy, creating the perfect environment for “luck” to flourish. Remember, it only takes one positive response!


Put All Those Characteristics Together: Indomitable Spirit

Incorporating these seven traits will result in the indomitable spirit necessary to succeed in the publishing industry. What is Indomitable Spirit? It’s an attitude or state of mind in which you are impossible to frighten or defeat. Never, never, never give up on your dreams.

“People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

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About the Authors
Elana Johnson finished college against nearly-impossible odds, a struggle much like dealing with the publishing world. Visit her at http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/ for more publishing insights. Visit psychologist/writer Carolyn Kaufman at http://archetypewriting.com/ and learn more about how to use psychology accurately in your writing. Find “The Bone Setter,” Suzette Saxton’s most recently published work, here: http://www.mindflights.com/item.php?sub_id=4283.

7 Characteristics You Need to Get Published - Part One

An article written by Elana Johnson, Carolyn Kaufman and Suzette Saxton

This article was referenced in the last QT newsletter, but I think it bears some repeating. In my mind—which is a pretty scary place to be—when I wrote this with my colleagues, I split the characteristics into two groups. So the first installment is below, and the second half will come tomorrow.

The first three characteristics deal with the writing process--the qualities you need to obtain to write the best book possible. The fourth, perseverance, is an overlapping quality you need to not only produce the best work you can, but also what you need to find the literary agent and editor who can bring your brilliance to print.

Agents and editors deal with hundreds of queries, synopses, proposals, and chapters every month. Whether you realize it or not, your approach to the process has a lot to do with whether or not your work will ever reach publication. Here are the 7 characteristics necessary to achieving your dreams!

Characteristic 1: Commitment to Growth

The first thing every real writer needs is a willingness to learn and grow. All agents or editors—no matter how busy—are interested in quality work. The first step: write the best book you can. That means you’ll probably need to brush up on grammar, syntax, sentence structure, and plotting. Don’t give someone an excuse to reject your work because you’ve either never learned or forgotten how to write in an active voice.

Research local or online writing workshops and sign up for a writing conference or two to jump start your creative juices and brush up on what it takes to become a published author. Join a critique group to help yourself develop a critical eye for grammar, sentence structure and plot in the writing of others. Then apply what you learn to your own writing. When you view writing as a life-long learning experience, you've taken the first step to becoming published.

Characteristic 2: Humility

Completing a project is an accomplishment, and one you should be proud of—just not too proud to miss places you still might be able to improve. Chances are, you did forget a comma somewhere. Or spelled a word wrong. Or didn't tie up that loose end. Or tried to cram in too many subplots. Or something. When you share your work with critique buddies, really listen to their feedback. If an agent is kind enough to offer advice, thank him or her and then consider making the changes to your manuscript.

Characteristic 3: Self-Confidence

On the flip-side of humility is self-confidence; you’ll need both in equal measure. Not to be confused with arrogance—there is a difference! Getting published is usually an uphill battle. Everyone along the way will have an opinion about your work, and not all of those opinions will be positive! Most agents reject between 95% and 99% of all queries they see, and editors are even harder to win over.

Even after you make it through the gauntlet of agents, editors, and other decision-makers, you’ll have to face book reviewers and bloggers. You must believe in yourself enough not only to go through the whole process, but also to endure the onslaught that follows. Once you've acquired the skills of a writer, a sense of self-confidence will help you recognize that your hours of research, learning, and growing are going to pay off.

Characteristic 4: Perseverance

Once you've produced the very best story you can, built your self-confidence, and balanced it with humility, it’s time to submit. Research agents and editors and only submit to those who are a good match for your project. And don't just submit to one agent or editor. Or two. Or even ten. Keep going until you find one who loves your work!

And don't stop writing while you submit. Maybe your first book won’t make as big of a splash as you’re hoping. Maybe your second—or your fifth—novel will be the one to land that dream agent and publishing contract. Author Dan Brown published three books before he scored a worldwide bestseller with The DaVinci Code.

Watch for the second half of this article to be posted tomorrow. I think it deals more with qualities you need when you're ready to begin the agent hunt. In the meantime, since it's the New Year and all, set a writing goal for this year. Maybe to be more committed to excellence in writing, gaining humility or building up your self-confidence.

Be sure to read Part II, coming tomorrow!

Meet The QT Blog Team!

Now that the blog layout is done and we're ready to go, you'll want to subscribe so you can get updates in your favorite blog reader.  We'll be posting several times a week, and we don't want you to miss important industry news (including agent contests and announcements), hot writing and publishing tips, a soon-to-be announced QT Blog contest, and ways to use QueryTracker.net, QueryTracker Forum, and RallyStorm to help you become a better writer, find an agent, and get published!

As the members of the new QT Blog team, we wanted to introduce ourselves!

H. L. Dyer

I am 35-years-old, married, and I work as the Clinical and Academic Director for the Hospitalist Program at a pediatric teaching hospital near Chicago. I love that I can now combine my work as a pediatrician with training future physicians.

I'm also seeking representation for my novel, The Edge of Memory. In addition to all things literary (which includes grilling my legion of test readers), I enjoy experimental cooking and composing impromptu parodies to annoy close friends and family.

Elana Johnson

I wish I could experience my first kiss again, tell the mean girl where to shove it, and have cool superpowers like reading minds and controlling fire. To fulfill my desires, I write young adult science fiction and fantasy.

Using my boring human powers, I graduated from Southern Utah University with Summa Cum Laude honors in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics. I started my teaching career as an upper grade music and art specialist. After a four-year stint in 3rd grade, I am currently the technology specialist.

In my world, Oreos and bacon would be the only food groups. Everyone would drive 10 over the speed limit. Winter would be eliminated as a season, and Jeff Probst would be President. As it is, I live with my husband and two kids in central Utah, get cited when I drive too fast and eat Oreos only on special occasions. I blog about what constitutes a special occasion—as well as my writerly journey toward publication—at http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/.

Carolyn Kaufman (who posts as “Archetype”)

I’m a clinical psychologist. Though I used to do therapy, I currently teach college full-time in Columbus, Ohio. A published nonfiction writer, I also run Archetype Writing: Psychology for Fiction Writers.

I enjoy working with journalists, and I’m often quoted by the media as an expert resource in psychology. I’ve appeared in magazines like Marie Claire and Seventeen, newspapers like The Boston Globe, and books like Andrea Kay’s Work’s a Bitch and Then You Make It Work.

I write science fantasy and urban fantasy, sometimes with romantic elements. I’m currently seeking representation for my novel. My nonfiction book, Nervous Breakdowns and Psychopathic Killers: The Writer’s Guide to Psychology is represented by Kate Epstein of Epstein Literary.

When I’m not writing or teaching, I can usually be found tinkering with websites, taking photographs, or torturing myself at the gym.

Mary Lindsey

I write paranormal fiction and live on the Texas Gulf Coast with my husband, three kids, two dogs, my daughter's pet rats, an Australian Bearded Dragon and dozens of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. (The roaches are long story—don't ask.)

My young adult paranormal romance, SOUL PURPOSE, is represented by the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Prior to attending University of Houston Law School, I received a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Drama from the University of Houston. I’ve taught drama and playwriting in a large public high school and English in a private school. Currently, I teach acting to children and teens at a private studio. I'm a member of The Writer's League of Texas, SCBWI, RWA and WH-RWA.

Suzette Saxton

I am a freelance writer with both fiction and nonfiction publishing credits, and a member of several worldwide critique groups. Prior to starting my writing career, I worked many years for a diverse range of organizations, including Waldenbooks and Marriott International. I left my earlier careers to be an at-home mom and focus on writing.

Most of my books target the very youngest of readers and often stem from time spent playing with my own children. When I’m not writing, I like to build stone walls, make faux flagstone floors, and take long walks up our little canyon to look for our resident wolverine. My prized possession is a first edition Edgar Allen Poe graced with my great great grandfather’s 1907 signature inside the front cover.

My story, The Bone Setter, was published in the Summer 2008 edition of Mindflights ezine and recently re-released in their best-of-the-best Volume 3 print edition.

Our Dancin' Elvish Selves

In the spirit of the holidays (and our sometimes-wacky personalities), we wanted to include a shot of us all together...

RallyStorm Upgrade!

If you've been watching the past few days, you may have noticed that the look of the QT Blog is changing as we get ready to start bringing you articles, updates, and industry news.  Keep an eye on this spot for introductions from the new team members (including me)!

I had to sneak out here before then to remind you to check out RallyStorm if you haven't lately.  Patrick upgraded the site today (what a great Christmas gift to us all!) with a new look and lots of new features.

The community hosts plenty of fantastic forums, including many for writers.  And don't be afraid to join a forum that already exists -- it's a friendly community, and the more the merrier!

New Life For This Blog

Some of you may have noticed that I am the world's worst blogger. A group of dear friends from QueryTracker and RallyStorm have also noticed and have graciously volunteered to help. Each of them is a talented writer with plenty to say and lots of great ideas for making this blog more informative and enjoyable for everyone, so of course I jumped on the chance to have them join in. For me, their offer was a Christmas Miracle.

I'll let them introduce themselves and tell us a little about their writing and their query experiences.

Again I thank them, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Essential QT Blog Posts

THE CALL

• Fielding the Call: A List of Questions to Ask by Carolyn Kaufman and Elana Johnson
• You may also be interested in Elana Johnson's e-book, From the Query to the Call

DANGERS

• Writer, Beware the Plagiarist by Carolyn Kaufman
• Safeguarding Your WIP by Suzette Saxton

PITCHES

• The Dreaded Pitch – What to Include in That One Line by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of Nancy Coffey Literary
• The Oral Pitch by Mary Lindsey

PLATFORM

• Building YOUR Platform by Carolyn Kaufman
• Interview with Get Known Before the Book Deal author Christina Katz on Platform
• Interview with Literary Agent Kate Epstein on Platform

QUERYING

• Cover Letters for Snail Submissions by Elana Johnson
• Writing the Query Letter Part 1 - The Hook by Elana Johnson
• Writing the High-Concept Hook by Elana Johnson
• Writing the Query Letter Part 2 - The Setup by Elana Johnson
• Writing the Query Letter Part 3 - The Conflict by Elana Johnson
• Writing the Query Letter Part 4 - The Consequence by Elana Johnson 
• Writing the Query Letter Part 5 - Everything Else by Elana Johnson

RESEARCH

• Be a Google Ninja: Finding ANYTHING on the Web Part I by Carolyn Kaufman
• Be a Google Ninja: Finding ANYTHING on the Web Part II by Carolyn Kaufman
• Turning Grief into Gold by Suzette Saxton

SYNOPSES

• Quantum of Synopsis - Novel Synopsis Basics by HL Dyer
• In Short: Writing a Novel Synopsis that Rocks by HL Dyer

WRITING WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS

• Writing Under the Influence of Children by Suzette Saxton

The QT Blog Team

H. L. Dyer

H.L. Dyer works as the Clinical and Academic Director for the Hospitalist Program at a pediatric teaching hospital near Chicago. She loves that she can now combine her work as a pediatrician with training future physicians.

Her  novel, THE EDGE OF MEMORY, is represented by Katherine Boyle of Veritas Literary Agency. In addition to all things literary (which includes grilling her legion of test readers), she enjoys experimental cooking and composing impromptu parodies to annoy close friends and family.

Mary Lindsey

Mary Lindsey writes paranormal fiction and lives on the Texas Gulf Coast with her husband, three kids, two dogs, her daughter's pet rats, an Australian Bearded Dragon and dozens of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. (The roaches are long story—don't ask.)

Mary is represented by the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Her young adult paranormal romance, SHATTERED SOULS (Philomel/Penguin), is scheduled for release Fall 2011.

Prior to attending University of Houston Law School, Mary received a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Drama from the University of Houston. She's taught drama and playwriting in a large public high school and English in a private school. Currently, she teaches acting to children and teens at a private studio. She's a member of The Writer's League of Texas, SCBWI, RWA and WH-RWA.

Elana Johnson
Elana is the author of FROM THE QUERY TO THE CALL, an ebook that covers everything you need to know about querying and securing a literary agent. She will be speaking at a conference in April 2010, covering the topics of querying the national market and writing a killer query letter.

Elana is represented by Michelle Andelman at Lynn C. Franklin Associates.

She wishes she could experience her first kiss again, tell the mean girl where to shove it, and have cool superpowers like reading minds and controlling fire. To fulfill her desires, she writes young adult science fiction and fantasy.

She runs a personal blog on writing as well as a query critique blog.

Carolyn Kaufman

Carolyn Kaufman has a doctorate in clinical psychology and teaches college full-time in Columbus, Ohio. She is represented by Kate Epstein of the Epstein Literary Agency and her first book, THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO PSYCHOLOGY: How to Write Accurately About Psychological Disorders, Clinical Treatment and Human Behavior (Quill Driver Books) is slated for an autumn 2010 release.

In addition to her work on the QueryTracker.net Blog, she runs Archetype: Psychology for Fiction Writers, where writers will find articles about psychology tailored to their needs. They can also ask her their writing/psychology questions and read the answers on the Archetype Writing blog.

She is often quoted by the media as an expert resource and has appeared in magazines such as Marie Claire and Seventeen, newspapers like The Boston Globe and The Plain Dealer, and books like Andrea Kay’s Work’s a Bitch and then You Make It Work.

Suzette Saxton

Suzette Saxton is a stay-home mom of three children, two of them beautiful and one of them a teenager. She writes fiction for children of all ages and is represented by Suzie Townsend of FinePrint Literary Management.

You can find Suzette volunteering at the school library on Wednesdays, mentoring teen writers through the Literati Outreach program on Saturdays, and reading to her own children every day of the week. Though occasionally she can be forced to take a walk in the lovely little canyon in which she lives, at all other times you can find her writing.

The Bone Setter, her short story inspired by a dream, was published in Mindflights Magazine's ezine and later republished in their print edition. She has a special love of dark fairy tales and very old nursery rhymes. You can find Suzette on Twitter, Facebook, her personal blog, or her website.

Last updated: April 3, 2010