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I'm a day late and a dollar short this week with my posts. The last week was filled with volunteering and the annual St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Craft Fair. I'm a tole painter as well as flower arranger and decorator of special projects. Last year the fair raised $21,000 so we aren't the typical "little old lady" group. This year's inventory amounted to less than last year so the profit won't be as much. However, it took up three of my days. Tomorrow we'll culminate the event and donate leftovers to nursing homes and other craft sales.
To catch you up on book progress, the Charles Russell book should be in route to the printer soon. I've been working on a Frederic Remington book. Today I emailed the Amon Carter Museum with a list of paintings/sculptures I want to use. Should have done it before writing the manuscript. Actually, I did check their website and found the pieces I wanted to use. Today was a different story. We'll see if they still own them.
My advice is to check before writing. I may discover I've included some items the museum no longer owns and will have to start all over or at least delete some pictures and add others. Hopefully they'll get back to me quickly.
Even though the week provided little writing time, I managed to write two pages of the manuscript and an article for a small town paper on Sunday. The month is almost over - YEA! I'll have more time in November provided our two trips don't interfere. I'll babysit my twin grandsons November 3rd through 6th. Visit a Dixieland Jazz Festival in Clearwater, Florida, Thanksgiving week. Should have an article idea after we visit the Circus Museum and see my husband's father's picture with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Band.
In the meantime I'll get a head start on Christmas decorating and baking. Since my husband has knee surgery on December 21st and comes home on the 24th, I should have plenty of writing time at the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011.
When I counted up my submission for 2010 last week, I discovered I'd met my goal of one a week. I know many other people submit much more, but that was my goal. Not all received acceptances, however, one included a book. Guess my time was well spent.
What writing goals do you make? Be reasonable. Don't expect miracles. But keep plugging along.
Showing posts with label Charles Russell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charles Russell. Show all posts
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Pelican Final Submission and more
We returned from our Alaskan cruise tired from late dinners and late night Dixieland Jazz music by three bands. Although we loved the cruise, we now need to recuperate and get back in gear.
The mailbox contained the Amon Carter CD I’d been expecting. That means I’ve worked all day on producing all the documents Pelican Publishing requires for final submission of HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE’S ART.
Besides the special CD format of the single-spaced manuscript I downloaded, I included the introduction telling how to use the book, dedication, book description, bibliography, timeline, credits page and the pictures. I printed two double-spaced copies of the manuscript and copies of permissions.
I was surprised to learn Pelican listed my “new contract” on their Facebook page. I guess the marketing trail has already begun.
Actually, it will begin on July 22 when I sit with three other writers on a panel of “first book” authors for the Northern Colorado Writers group. I’m hoping for a good turnout even though I haven’t books to sell at this point. I’ll be included in Pelican’s 2011 Spring catalog.
I’d like to also write a flyer of how to incorporate the book into school curriculums that I can hand teachers after a presentation. I have a head start with all my museum docent experience and the introduction I wrote for the book.
I’ve ordered books from Amazon on Frederic Remington. In other words, I’ll be working on a similar book with his art as the subject. As soon as Russell gets underway, I'll querry Pelican on Remington.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that someone will now show interest in my other children’s books - a picture book on moving toddlers, a fictional autobiography of one year my father kept me against my will in Chicago when I wanted to live with Mom and brother and an adventure fiction book where three kids go "through the picture frame" of Georges Seurat's pointilist painting and encounter many Paris attractions/obstacles while trying to capture the painting's monkey.
Plan now for your future books. Write an introduction, description or jacket flap, dedication and timeline if writing non-fiction.
The mailbox contained the Amon Carter CD I’d been expecting. That means I’ve worked all day on producing all the documents Pelican Publishing requires for final submission of HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE’S ART.
Besides the special CD format of the single-spaced manuscript I downloaded, I included the introduction telling how to use the book, dedication, book description, bibliography, timeline, credits page and the pictures. I printed two double-spaced copies of the manuscript and copies of permissions.
I was surprised to learn Pelican listed my “new contract” on their Facebook page. I guess the marketing trail has already begun.
Actually, it will begin on July 22 when I sit with three other writers on a panel of “first book” authors for the Northern Colorado Writers group. I’m hoping for a good turnout even though I haven’t books to sell at this point. I’ll be included in Pelican’s 2011 Spring catalog.
I’d like to also write a flyer of how to incorporate the book into school curriculums that I can hand teachers after a presentation. I have a head start with all my museum docent experience and the introduction I wrote for the book.
I’ve ordered books from Amazon on Frederic Remington. In other words, I’ll be working on a similar book with his art as the subject. As soon as Russell gets underway, I'll querry Pelican on Remington.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that someone will now show interest in my other children’s books - a picture book on moving toddlers, a fictional autobiography of one year my father kept me against my will in Chicago when I wanted to live with Mom and brother and an adventure fiction book where three kids go "through the picture frame" of Georges Seurat's pointilist painting and encounter many Paris attractions/obstacles while trying to capture the painting's monkey.
Plan now for your future books. Write an introduction, description or jacket flap, dedication and timeline if writing non-fiction.
Friday, June 4, 2010
More publisher requests
I received email confirmation this week that my contract with Pelican Publishing has been executed and sent to accounts payable who will issue the first advance check. Now I wait for a certified letter with check. Yea!!
Of course, that means more work for me. I found five attachments on the email - Welcome Pelican Author, Promo Questionnaire Part II, Sales Material, Author Advance Book Order and Pelican Fact Sheet. Also they suggested I go on the website to find instructions for the procedure to send in a newly formatted copy of the manuscript on CD as well as two hard copies.
Although each attachment had something for me to do, I'll start with the Promo Questionnaire Part II. I received the first promo materials along with the unsigned contract. Some of what I've discussed in this blog pertains to those. I consider each question carefully to see how I might contribute to sales and promotion.
The General Questions were easy - my name, title of book, occupation, how often I check my email/voicemail and the best method of short-notice contact. The next question brought me up short: What would I like to be known as - the foremost authority on ____? Unfortunately, I'm not the "foremost authority" on anything including Charles Russell, the subject of my book approached from the art appreciation aspect. Granted, I probably know more than the average person about the artist and his works, but I can't claim that title.
Giving interactive art tours is my forte, but, I'm not the foremost authority there either. Since I've taught others to teach in a museum atmosphere, I finally listed "Art Appreciation Tour Trainer." If you have a better suggestion, please let me know.
Other General Questions included: What memorable nickname would I give myself? What qualifies you to talk about the subject?
Next came General Media Questions - Among all the people knowledgeable about the topic, how are you different? What are you willing or qualified to discuss that others are not? Why should people care what you have to say? The rest of the questions in this section really didn't apply to me or my topic. If you want to know what they are, make a comment.
Now we come to Broadcast Media Questions. Of the twelve, one posed the most problem. This could be important since I've already been asked by a large local writer's organization to appear on a panel of first book authors. "What do you think are the five most important or best questions the media could ask you during an interview?" I queried my writer's group with this one. Many of their suggestions apply to me. I divided the list into three focuses - writing, Charles Russell and art appreciation.
On writing - When did you begin writing? How did you learn to write? What other kinds of writing have you done? Why did you start later in life? What does it take to get something published - book or magazine?
On Russell – Why did you write about Charles Russell? Why is Charles Russell’s art important? Where can one find Russell’s works? What did he paint? What did he do besides paint?
On art appreciation – What experiences have you had in teaching art appreciation? Why is art appreciation important? How do you involve students in looking? What do you expect to accomplish with a book on art appreciation? For what ages is the book written? Is the book for children only?
I may reconsider some of the questions before I send in the questionnaire. Start thinking now about how you might help in the sales and promotion of your book.
Now that I have these questions, I better work on the answers!
Of course, that means more work for me. I found five attachments on the email - Welcome Pelican Author, Promo Questionnaire Part II, Sales Material, Author Advance Book Order and Pelican Fact Sheet. Also they suggested I go on the website to find instructions for the procedure to send in a newly formatted copy of the manuscript on CD as well as two hard copies.
Although each attachment had something for me to do, I'll start with the Promo Questionnaire Part II. I received the first promo materials along with the unsigned contract. Some of what I've discussed in this blog pertains to those. I consider each question carefully to see how I might contribute to sales and promotion.
The General Questions were easy - my name, title of book, occupation, how often I check my email/voicemail and the best method of short-notice contact. The next question brought me up short: What would I like to be known as - the foremost authority on ____? Unfortunately, I'm not the "foremost authority" on anything including Charles Russell, the subject of my book approached from the art appreciation aspect. Granted, I probably know more than the average person about the artist and his works, but I can't claim that title.
Giving interactive art tours is my forte, but, I'm not the foremost authority there either. Since I've taught others to teach in a museum atmosphere, I finally listed "Art Appreciation Tour Trainer." If you have a better suggestion, please let me know.
Other General Questions included: What memorable nickname would I give myself? What qualifies you to talk about the subject?
Next came General Media Questions - Among all the people knowledgeable about the topic, how are you different? What are you willing or qualified to discuss that others are not? Why should people care what you have to say? The rest of the questions in this section really didn't apply to me or my topic. If you want to know what they are, make a comment.
Now we come to Broadcast Media Questions. Of the twelve, one posed the most problem. This could be important since I've already been asked by a large local writer's organization to appear on a panel of first book authors. "What do you think are the five most important or best questions the media could ask you during an interview?" I queried my writer's group with this one. Many of their suggestions apply to me. I divided the list into three focuses - writing, Charles Russell and art appreciation.
On writing - When did you begin writing? How did you learn to write? What other kinds of writing have you done? Why did you start later in life? What does it take to get something published - book or magazine?
On Russell – Why did you write about Charles Russell? Why is Charles Russell’s art important? Where can one find Russell’s works? What did he paint? What did he do besides paint?
On art appreciation – What experiences have you had in teaching art appreciation? Why is art appreciation important? How do you involve students in looking? What do you expect to accomplish with a book on art appreciation? For what ages is the book written? Is the book for children only?
I may reconsider some of the questions before I send in the questionnaire. Start thinking now about how you might help in the sales and promotion of your book.
Now that I have these questions, I better work on the answers!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Non-fiction Requirements
OOPS! Where did the week go? The holiday messed up my schedule and I'm a couple of days late and dollars short. But, here goes on another requirement by publishers.
Little did I know when I wrote a non-fiction book that I might be required to pay for the museum permission to use art photographs. I discovered (for this publication) authors not only acquire and pay for permissions to use same, but, they also pay for the print run of said photos. It isn't horribly expensive but still a surprise.
I contacted the Amon Carter Museum about permission. However, being rather organized as I am, I found I jumped the gun. Amon Carter required the print run number and possible publication date. I emailed the editor. That's when she informed me to delay any museum contact until I received the returned, signed contract, even though the contract had a deadline and a request for permissions by that deadline. At least that is how I read it. I’d already received the museum contract but I tabled it until a later date. Signature and pre-payment were required.
In the meantime, Amon Carter explained that three of my painting requests were no longer their possessions. I knew about one after attending a retrospective of Russell's work at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). There was "The Hold Up" a major piece I used in my book. Credits claimed ownership by a local collector. I contacted a DAM docent friend from years past when I served as a DAM docent. She gave me the phone number of the collector because she knew his wife as an active member of the museum.
Imagine my excitement when he agreed to let me use the painting at no charge. He even sent me a print ready photo. In our discussion I named the other two paintings Amon Carter no longer owned. "I know the collector. I'll contact him." Now, a month later, I have print ready photos of all three paintings and permission to use at no charge from the generous collectors. Also permission to use one on the cover. Amon Carter charges an additional fee for cover usage.
I learned a lesson. I doubt there was any way to know my responsibilities in this situation beforehand. Perhaps, if I'd researched a little more, I might have discovered the expense. However, market guides don't include that information, a contract does. Next time I'll know what to expect and so will you!
Little did I know when I wrote a non-fiction book that I might be required to pay for the museum permission to use art photographs. I discovered (for this publication) authors not only acquire and pay for permissions to use same, but, they also pay for the print run of said photos. It isn't horribly expensive but still a surprise.
I contacted the Amon Carter Museum about permission. However, being rather organized as I am, I found I jumped the gun. Amon Carter required the print run number and possible publication date. I emailed the editor. That's when she informed me to delay any museum contact until I received the returned, signed contract, even though the contract had a deadline and a request for permissions by that deadline. At least that is how I read it. I’d already received the museum contract but I tabled it until a later date. Signature and pre-payment were required.
In the meantime, Amon Carter explained that three of my painting requests were no longer their possessions. I knew about one after attending a retrospective of Russell's work at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). There was "The Hold Up" a major piece I used in my book. Credits claimed ownership by a local collector. I contacted a DAM docent friend from years past when I served as a DAM docent. She gave me the phone number of the collector because she knew his wife as an active member of the museum.
Imagine my excitement when he agreed to let me use the painting at no charge. He even sent me a print ready photo. In our discussion I named the other two paintings Amon Carter no longer owned. "I know the collector. I'll contact him." Now, a month later, I have print ready photos of all three paintings and permission to use at no charge from the generous collectors. Also permission to use one on the cover. Amon Carter charges an additional fee for cover usage.
I learned a lesson. I doubt there was any way to know my responsibilities in this situation beforehand. Perhaps, if I'd researched a little more, I might have discovered the expense. However, market guides don't include that information, a contract does. Next time I'll know what to expect and so will you!
Friday, May 21, 2010
It's Gone
With several sighs of relief, the contract I've been working on is in the mail. The fact it weighed just short of a pound tells you how much information the publisher required. I've covered some and will continue to update you on things you can do before you receive a contract so the process flows quickly once that prize arrives.
Not all publishers list so many details to be completed. Perhaps it is because this is a non-fiction piece. At any rate, don't be disappointed if you aren't asked for all I've mentioned! Much of the information related to promotion and marketing. Almost all publishers today expect authors to help in both those areas, more so than in the past.
One surprise question involved the inspiration for the title. Luckily, Debbie Dadey attended our critique meeting the night I searched for a new name. She suggested "How the West Was Drawn" because researchers view Russell's paintings to see how the "real" West looked in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I added the part about Cowboy Charlie's Art since that was one of Russell's nicknames and because young children are always interested in cowboys. The question remains, "Will they keep the title?" We'll see.
Next, consider "advance quote leads." Since my main bibliography source passed away a few years after I met him, I wondered whom I could ask. Finally, I chose people who have interest in children and art -teacher/children's author (Ellen Javernick who just published "The Birthday Pet), former librarian/children's author (Debbie Dadey) and a museum curator. All three gave me great quotes.
Plan now who could help promote your book even before it comes out.
Not all publishers list so many details to be completed. Perhaps it is because this is a non-fiction piece. At any rate, don't be disappointed if you aren't asked for all I've mentioned! Much of the information related to promotion and marketing. Almost all publishers today expect authors to help in both those areas, more so than in the past.
One surprise question involved the inspiration for the title. Luckily, Debbie Dadey attended our critique meeting the night I searched for a new name. She suggested "How the West Was Drawn" because researchers view Russell's paintings to see how the "real" West looked in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I added the part about Cowboy Charlie's Art since that was one of Russell's nicknames and because young children are always interested in cowboys. The question remains, "Will they keep the title?" We'll see.
Next, consider "advance quote leads." Since my main bibliography source passed away a few years after I met him, I wondered whom I could ask. Finally, I chose people who have interest in children and art -teacher/children's author (Ellen Javernick who just published "The Birthday Pet), former librarian/children's author (Debbie Dadey) and a museum curator. All three gave me great quotes.
Plan now who could help promote your book even before it comes out.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Outline, description and "teasers"
Next on the list of requirements by the publisher is an outline, book description and "teaser" facts for history or non-fiction. My book is a non-fiction/history interactive picture book on Charles Russell, the sculptor/painter.
Usually by the time my manuscript is complete, I have an outline. I've written a book from an outline as well as without one. Hopefully, if your book is finished, you already have what you need. Since my book is based on 13 Russell art objects, the outline was easy - list the pictures. If I tell anything about them, I'll have written the whole book; it's only 1890 words.
The other two requirements present some problems. Again, I'm not sure what kind of description the publisher wants - an elevator pitch description, a jacket flap description or something in between. I've done all three. They can take their pick.
The "teasers" required more thought and my searching for interesting points. Which really wasn't all that hard since I think the book consists of interesting points. I've come up with fifteen, some more interesting than others. I hope they meet the editor/marketing department's wishes.
Now I'm waiting for the developing of my recently made publicity shot. The sooner I send in the contract, with a picture attached, the sooner I can order the digital pictures, for the most part, from the Amon Carter Museum and get the show on the road. If all comes in by this summer, the publisher predicts a Spring 2011 publication date. I'm crossing my fingers, toes, eyes - anything that crosses! Actually, I've said a few prayers.
Usually by the time my manuscript is complete, I have an outline. I've written a book from an outline as well as without one. Hopefully, if your book is finished, you already have what you need. Since my book is based on 13 Russell art objects, the outline was easy - list the pictures. If I tell anything about them, I'll have written the whole book; it's only 1890 words.
The other two requirements present some problems. Again, I'm not sure what kind of description the publisher wants - an elevator pitch description, a jacket flap description or something in between. I've done all three. They can take their pick.
The "teasers" required more thought and my searching for interesting points. Which really wasn't all that hard since I think the book consists of interesting points. I've come up with fifteen, some more interesting than others. I hope they meet the editor/marketing department's wishes.
Now I'm waiting for the developing of my recently made publicity shot. The sooner I send in the contract, with a picture attached, the sooner I can order the digital pictures, for the most part, from the Amon Carter Museum and get the show on the road. If all comes in by this summer, the publisher predicts a Spring 2011 publication date. I'm crossing my fingers, toes, eyes - anything that crosses! Actually, I've said a few prayers.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Autobiography/Resumé/Photo
I'm a day late. Sometimes "life" gets in the way. Again this blog concerns some things you can do even before your manuscript is accepted.
Not all publishers require the same elements. My contract with Pelican Publishing for HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN - COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART sent a checklist of 23 items. Their promotional/marketing questionnaires are extensive. They requested an autobiography, resumé and uncopyrighted photo.
Be sure you check with the photographer before you use a photo. In my case, I ran into a problem. After paying for modeling portofolio pictures, I was informed the photographer owns the rights and I must get license from him before using the pictures. So, I now have about 250 digital pictures I can't use. Bummer.
Resumé brings up the question of how much and what focus they want. The Author Promotion Questionnaire asks for residence locations, occupations, personal intrests, education, sports activities, skills or other special pursuits. The information will be used for press releases, dust jackets and author biography sheets. Guess I'll put it all and change it if need be after I work with the editor for a while.
The autobiography presents more questions. It states a "complete" autobiography and resumé. Because autobiographies are 1st person and dust jackets are 3rd, how should I write it? How long is "complete?" I've decided to write both 1st and 3rd. Perhaps I'll save them some time in converting it to what they want. If anyone has a comment, I'd appreciate it.
In the meantime, before you write your autobiography, check this list for samples of author biographies: http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/home.html.
Not all publishers require the same elements. My contract with Pelican Publishing for HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN - COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART sent a checklist of 23 items. Their promotional/marketing questionnaires are extensive. They requested an autobiography, resumé and uncopyrighted photo.
Be sure you check with the photographer before you use a photo. In my case, I ran into a problem. After paying for modeling portofolio pictures, I was informed the photographer owns the rights and I must get license from him before using the pictures. So, I now have about 250 digital pictures I can't use. Bummer.
Resumé brings up the question of how much and what focus they want. The Author Promotion Questionnaire asks for residence locations, occupations, personal intrests, education, sports activities, skills or other special pursuits. The information will be used for press releases, dust jackets and author biography sheets. Guess I'll put it all and change it if need be after I work with the editor for a while.
The autobiography presents more questions. It states a "complete" autobiography and resumé. Because autobiographies are 1st person and dust jackets are 3rd, how should I write it? How long is "complete?" I've decided to write both 1st and 3rd. Perhaps I'll save them some time in converting it to what they want. If anyone has a comment, I'd appreciate it.
In the meantime, before you write your autobiography, check this list for samples of author biographies: http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/home.html.
Monday, May 3, 2010
First contract tip
Some of the questions asked were, "Do you have a blog? How often do you post? Do you have a web site? How often do you update?"
In other words, you need to have both a blog and a web site. I suggest you start before you receive a contract. My timing was perfect. I took a blogging class on Monday. I also signed up someone to create my web site on Monday. On Wednesday, I received the contract.
I might also suggest you check all bases. Such as, I thought once an art museum owned a piece of art, they kept it. Not the case. Two of the pictures I used in my book were sold and they have no idea who purchased them. While touring the Charles Russell exhibit this past summer at the Denver Art Museum, I discovered one of my pictures was now in a Denver man's collection. As a prior docent for the DAM, I'll probably be able to obtain permission and picture file. Lets hope so. Will my having to replace the pictures negate the contract. We'll see.
I also didn't realize this publisher would ask me to provide the permissions and picture digital files at my expense. I have no problem with that since I get an advance. Cost is fairly minimal $25 per picture or, if the publication is educational, $15 per picture. Mine is educational.
For more information on why to have a blog, check out this Writer's Digest article.
More to come on Thursday.
In other words, you need to have both a blog and a web site. I suggest you start before you receive a contract. My timing was perfect. I took a blogging class on Monday. I also signed up someone to create my web site on Monday. On Wednesday, I received the contract.
I might also suggest you check all bases. Such as, I thought once an art museum owned a piece of art, they kept it. Not the case. Two of the pictures I used in my book were sold and they have no idea who purchased them. While touring the Charles Russell exhibit this past summer at the Denver Art Museum, I discovered one of my pictures was now in a Denver man's collection. As a prior docent for the DAM, I'll probably be able to obtain permission and picture file. Lets hope so. Will my having to replace the pictures negate the contract. We'll see.
I also didn't realize this publisher would ask me to provide the permissions and picture digital files at my expense. I have no problem with that since I get an advance. Cost is fairly minimal $25 per picture or, if the publication is educational, $15 per picture. Mine is educational.
For more information on why to have a blog, check out this Writer's Digest article.
More to come on Thursday.
Friday, April 30, 2010
IT CAME!
Little did I know when I wrote the last post what would happen within a couple of days. The post ended with "It will come" meaning a book contract. It came! Wednesday night after a day of being out of pocket, I opened my emails about 10 p.m. and found a contract for my children's book HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN - COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART. My first book contract!
Now I face a few weeks of filling out forms and a deadline of June 25th. I'll post the kinds of things you need to know once you receive a contract as a first time book author. You can begin the process before you receive a contract and be ahead of the game.
First off - keep a current list of all your magazine, etc. publications with article titles and dates published. I have a partial one but now need to update it.
Writer Kathryn Lay wrote a small book available from her web site called "The Organized Writer" is a Selling Writer. Find her at www.kathrynlay.com. She also has an interesting blog.
Now I face a few weeks of filling out forms and a deadline of June 25th. I'll post the kinds of things you need to know once you receive a contract as a first time book author. You can begin the process before you receive a contract and be ahead of the game.
First off - keep a current list of all your magazine, etc. publications with article titles and dates published. I have a partial one but now need to update it.
Writer Kathryn Lay wrote a small book available from her web site called "The Organized Writer" is a Selling Writer. Find her at www.kathrynlay.com. She also has an interesting blog.
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