Brochures, Resources and Info for Writers/Speakers
NOT JUST ABOUT WRITING
Authors have so much more to do than write. We edit, rewrite and revised some more. We format and make
sure everything is right before sending it off to the editor.
If an editor
likes it, there may be minor or even major edits/rewrites asked for. Editors don't really buy your article or story, they
buy their vision for it and how to make it best fit their readership.
There
is always marketing and promotion to do. There are markets to check out, downloading writer's guidelines and reading what
the publisher publishers. There is much more to being a "writer" than writing.
Most of all, being a published/successful author takes determination, working hard, reworking, learning the craft
and being willing to take criticism and advice to make that writing shine.
PRESS
RELEASE KIT 1. Bio - profile style using your own quotes 2. Good quality Photo 3. Page with cover blurb synopsis
of each manuscript 4. List of awards 5. If you have (or can get them) use quotes from published authors about
your work.
These days,
check to see if you can send everything through their website or by email.
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The following booklets help you write and market your work professionally
as well as overcome the fear of speaking. (Something almost every author ends up getting asked to do.
Do I As An Author, Graciously Handle Critiques?
Eccl. 7:5 GW It is better to listen to wise people who reprimand
you than to fools who sing your praises.
As an author I want others to like what I write. But I long ago, learned
to value honest critiques. Without that feedback I live in the illusion that what I write is wonderful. It isn't. Writing
is a process, a refining process. Only as we're willing to put in the hard work to rethink, rip apart, edit--and do it all
again--will our writing be the jewel God intended.
So it is with our lives. We don't always need those who falsely encourage.
What we need are those who love us enough to be honest. We need to be willing to put in the hard work needed--allowing God
to rework and remake us into a jewel for Him.
How often, Lord, do I throw your gifts
back into your face,
Not appreciating what you've given,
Because my eyes seek another,
A distant prize, or I permit discouragement
to seep in?
How often do I despise the abilities
and talents you've created in me,
Refusing to use, even abusing them
out of ambition or pride,
Desiring another's abilities and talents,
While unwilling to learn and grow proficient
in my own,
Unwilling to rejoice in my own God-given
creativity?
How often, Lord, do I jealously seek
the dregs of another's talent,
Instead of scaling the heights of my
own?
Lord Jesus, forgive.
Help me recognize, develop and use
the abilities and talents you've given me.
You gave them to me for a reason.
Help me to use them to share the message
of Grace
With a people who need forgiveness,
peace and hope.
Amen
WRITING
FROM THE HEART
(10
STEPS TO PUBLICATION)
1. RESEARCH
Read, Remember,
Research until ready to write
2. SUMMARIZE
Plot: And then what happened
Theme: Take away message
Motivation
Focus/slant
Characters: who are they, age, background, feelings,
conflicts, relationships,.
Setting: Where, when,
Chapter by chapter: action (may change as you
write)
3. WRITE
4. READ & REWRITE
Cut 1/3, Look for deadwood, substitute active
for passive verbs, passages, etc.
Cut anything which doesn't directly relate to
the story
Write for brevity: Who, What, When, Where, Why
& How
Clarify,
Simplify
5. REST
Let someone who'll be honest critique your MS
6. RESEARCH the MARKET : Where
to send MS, List several choices
How much to send: Query, Proposal, Complete
Writer's Market, Writer's Digest
Other sources & market books
7. READ TO EDIT:
Consider suggestions from reader.
Rework,
Restate for better transition and flow
8. PREPARE FINAL DRAFT
9. MARKET UNTIL IT SELLS
10. REJOICE!!!
WHEN A WRITER SPEAKS
For those who prefer the anonymity
of writing, speaking may loom as a frightening cliff, but it isn't...not if you break it down and look at it as you do your
writing.
First of all, change your focus. Fear emanates from looking at yourself. Look upward. God gave you your talent,
your abilities. He's not going to fail you. Look outward, focus on the audience who wants to hear what you have to say, wants
to glean the secrets of your success.
Second, As when writing, plan. Outline or write down the points you want to
make. What is your theme? What is your plot? In other words: in your speech, talk or workshop, what do you want to say first,
second, third, last? What do you want the audience to "take away" from the session?
Third: Like a written story, a
speech needs a beginning where you grab the listeners' attention and make them want to listen. Use examples not only of your
successes, but also of your failures that the audience might identify with you.
Fourth: The middle of your speech
gives the "meat" of the information. Get the audience involved with questions or "hands on" worksheets.
Fifth: End
your talk with encouragement and practical helps. Be sure to leave room for the questions which are sure to come.
One,
two, three, four, five. There you have your speech, your talk, your workshop. Think of your talk as a manuscript not only
as you write it, but also as you work on it. For, like a manuscript, rewriting is important, as are smooth transitions. Rework
until you know just what you want to say.
Then practice. Record your speech so you can hear how you sound. Practice
in front of a mirror so you can see how you look. If possible, practice in front of family or friends who will give you honest
feedback.
As you practice, you'll become more confident in yourself and in your material.
When the big day
arrives, stand up front, take a deep breath, breathe a prayer, and smile. Remember those strange faces staring back at you
want you to succeed as much as you do....
