What NOT to do when you query agents or editors.

1.   Dear Agent/Editor a)   Why are you contacting this person if you can’t even bother to learn their name? This will only show them that you didn’t do your research. If you don’t know their name, do you know their guidelines and what they do and don’t accept? Not a good start. And if you do use their name, please, for all that is good in this world, do not misspell it. b)  ...

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Character Interview: Lilly, Flank Hawk’s Scout

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Six Reasons You May Need A Blog by Kim Smith BLOGS AND BLOGGING In today's Facebook-fueled world, some folks are saying that blogging for writers is dead. That it was a great way to connect five years ago, but now? Not so much. Well, I am of the opinion that blogs by and for writers are still viable. I am of the opinion that blogging and the world it created is still pretty relevant in the...

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Lady Luck is in the networking

By Monty Wheeler  He walked with Lady Luck awhile, which is how they might say Monty Wheeler came to sign a publishing contract for his formal verse. He’d suffered the pains of rejection until deciding he’d had enough. Writing would be pure pleasure and hobby. Firm in the mindset that he’d never submit works again, he set out to enjoy life. Life—like the world—changes. Never fear changing...

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Private Critique Group Writer's Pen

Seeking new members The PEN is for serious writers seeking publication. We are looking for writers of fiction (novels or short stories). We are open to most genres: Young adult, fantasy, sci-fi, light horror, romance, steampunk, mainstream, etc. Absolutely NO pornography, Satanism or mockery of any God-based religion. Members must be willing to post something (chapter/short story) by the 4th...

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Private Critique Groups Since 2005 Authors by Design (AbD) offers to its members the option to join or create their own private critique groups for free. That means no paid memberships, the only requirement to join an AbD critique group is to be an active AbD member. What are private critique groups? Private Critique Groups, unlike public groups, can only be viewed by the members you chose...

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Author Spotlight

Kim Smith Kim Smith is a long time member of Authors by Design and writes in a variety of genres including her bestselling mystery series featuring Shannon Wallace available at Red Rose Publishing. She has several short romances there as well. Her YA time travel can be found on Amazon and is called A Mirror in Time. To learn more about Kim Smith visit her at her blog Writing Space where she...

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