The Next Step

During my last blog I talked about finishing my novel, and I asked the question - and now what? Finishing a novel is only the first step in a long list of things that need to be done. Not only do I need to re-read it, comb through every sentence and finally allow someone other than myself to read what I've written, but I also need to write a query letter, a synopsis (of varying lengths) and a series over view.

Did I mention that I've never written a query, a synopsis or a series over view?

So, in preparation, about five months ago I started buying books on the subject, reading blogs, and referring to agent/publisher websites of all the dos/don'ts of writing these things. What did I learn?

The publishing industry is a very fickle bunch. Everyone wants something different and the most important thing is to find the right person and research exactly what that one person wants from you. However, I did find some similar themes along the way, including.....

1. Be clear, concise and to the point.
2. Do not include information about secondary characters.
3. Don't be crazy

I seriously found this part of writing my novel the most frustrating. Just the thought of compacting a 60,000 word piece of work into three paragraphs in itself seems an almost impossible task, but then you're also expected to make it sound interesting and clever, while giving just enough away to make the reader want more.

I think there are seven versions of my query letter saved on my computer, and lets not even discuss the synopsis. However, after much groaning and moaning (mostly consisting of me sitting at my computer after my children have gone to bed, knocking my head against my desk) I completed all the different pieces.

I have a query letter.

I have a synopsis.

I have a series overview.

I am officially prepared for almost anything that someone might request to see when reviewing my manuscript.

Notice how I said almost anything?

Am I ready for someone to read it? Judge it? Scribble all over and inevitably reject it?

......

......

Yes. 



So here's to putting yourself out there, to following dreams and never giving up.

The Girl with Hearts

Henrik Rylander, the newly minted Captain of the New York Rangers, doesn’t just take part in Manhattan’s dating scene- he owns the exclusive rights to it. Last week, finding panties tied to the wipers of his G55 might have made him laugh. But amid the chaos of photo shoots, and interviews that accompany his blooming career, he’s also been straddled with the extra burden of keeping tabs on his young, struggling brother. Despite the admiration his bachelor prowess earns him with his team mates, it just isn't as fun as it used to be, especially when he realizes he's lost the respect of his family.

            Before Henrik can recant his legend status, he encounters a fiery-eyed beauty from his past with an undeniable proposition. What starts out as a secret, mutual agreement for vengeance against Leila's cheating, miscreant ex-boyfriend, consisting of sex, lies and the bathroom wall at the Regency turns into the shock of his lifetime. Did he really just devirginize the little sister of the most volatile enforcer in the National Hockey League? He was officially the worst best friend ever.

His luck finally hits rock bottom when Leila reappears at her brother’s door step, an erratic mess, pleading for help. Determined to ditch his soul-less horn dog stigma, Henrik embarks on a mission to befriend the one girl who wants to forget he even exists.