Welcome to the second half of the August Writers Rendezvous update. It includes a variety of things to take advantage of, including a new reality show about writers, book fairs and events, and info on how to get published.
America’s Next Great Author is a groundbreaking reality television series designed to discover a new American author. If you have never been published, you’re eligible to enter by September 15. First, nationwide tryouts where they get one minute to pitch their book ideas to a panel of publishing experts. Six finalists from vastly different places and backgrounds enter the Writer’s Retreat together for a month of live-wire challenges and spectacular storytelling. These talented amateurs have to start their books from scratch on day one of the Retreat and finish the first draft of a novel by the end of the thirty days. The pilot episode will film this fall in Newark, NJ. Anyone can submit as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. On October 1, 100 semifinalists will be invited to the filming of the pilot to present their pitches in front of the audience and the judges. The judges will name one winner, who will receive $2500 and a prominent role in the pilot. Check it out here.
On Sunday, September 18, from 10-4pm, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will hold its 15th annual Old-fashioned Flea Market in Mathews Park, and Rendezvous members Bette Bono (Neighbors) and Libby Waterford (contemporary romances) will be on hand selling and signing our books. Come and say hello! The Norwalk Library will be there too, and if you have any promotional giveaway materials (bookmarks, postcards, etc), contact Cynde Lahey to see if she will distribute them on her stand.
And that afternoon, Rendezvous member Elizabeth Chatsworth (The Brass Queen) will be signing her books alongside fantasy novelist RJ Theodore (the Peridot Shift) outside Byrds Books in Bethel, where their annual Multiverse Expo will be taking place, (September 18) from 1-5pm. Details here.
Libby Waterford is having a busy Fall! She’ll be teaching a 12-week Zoom class beginning September 22, 7-9pm called Introduction to Fiction. Bring a story idea to the first class, or work on your in-progress fiction manuscript. Students are encouraged to share up to 1000 words per week of their fiction writing for positive feedback in a supportive setting, though sharing your work is not required. $725
Indie Author Day is scheduled for November 5 this year, and the only Connecticut event will be hosted by the Norwalk Public Library on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5! They plan to host indie authors (self, small and/or hybrid press published) in person at the Library as well as presenting panels on Zoom. This is great exposure for authors, including a chance to meet your readers and other writers, who’ll be talking about writing, publishing, and marketing their books. It’s open to indie authors from around the state, and to sign up, or for more information, email Cynde Lahey at clahey@norwalkpl.org.
If you’re not in Connecticut, check here to see which library in your state is hosting Indie Author Day,
The Good Book Collective
is a website for Romance and women’s fiction writers, that aims to give readers influence over book choices and helps writers gain feedback and successfully self-publish. For a limited time, (depending on how fast submissions come in) you can send them a 75-word description and your first five pages (up to 1,250 words) for a critique by twenty readers will read your novel. The organizers guarantee a minimum of five reader responses. Cost $20, which is an excellent value. More information here.
Erica Verrillo, who publishes several newsletters for writers, recently mentioned two new agents seeking to expand their client lists with narrative nonfiction, memoir, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, women’s history and more. Allison Malecha is especially drawn to authors writing literary or upmarket adult fiction; narrative nonfiction, particularly with a historical or international dimension; social science; pop science; pop psychology; and memoir that touches on larger current issues or on the author’s field of expertise. Rebecca Sandell of Pew Literary in the UK is looking for writing on art history, architecture, and women’s history as well as unusual memoir and literary fiction. She offers a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
Verillo offers a word of caution valid for anyone – Don’t submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.
If you’re not sure you’re ready to start your publishing journey, here’s a free book The Authors Publish Guide to Manuscript Submission. It explains how to find a traditional publisher, and you can download it here.
Jason Hamilton the Content Manager for Kindlepreneur and a mythology-inspired fantasy author has written an interesting article where he goes over the various types of story structure for fiction writers. For those who like to plot their novel (and even for those who don’t), story structure is an integral part of any good narrative. Worth a read.
See you next month!
