Frequently Asked Questions From Writers

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How did you go about finding an agent?

I used several online resources including QueryTracker, Agent Query, and Absolute Write's Background and Bewares Forum to compile a list of agents acquiring contemporary romances. From there I double checked each agent's website to ensure they were accepting queries and what their requirements were.

Verbal pitch or query letter?

I'm a far better writer than orator, so I queried agents via email. The added bonus is email is free.

Plotter or pantser? 

Somewhere in the middle of those two is where I land. I'm a huge fan of Michael Hauge's Six Stage Story Structure and use it as a guide to establish the major turning points of the story. I wing the rest of it from there.

Do I need a degree in Creative Writing or an MFA to sell to a big five publisher?

Nope. 

Best piece of advice?

Remember your story is like a house. The roof, walls and foundation are all story structure. If you receive feedback regarding plot holes, inconsistent timelines, or a lack of conflict, you'll want to heed those warnings. But your wall color, draperies and flooring selections are your voice. If someone doesn't like your character's hair color, eye color, job status, etc., then don't worry about it. At the end of the day, it's your story. No one else can tell it like you can.