I finally gave in last weekend, and let the boys put up the Halloween decorations. The china cabinet is now full of my horror babies, faux fall leaf garlands are hung here and there, and skeletons, witches, and other ghouls grace every corner…
Today, I’m going to share another installment of our popular column, World’s Worst Book Proposals and Query Letters. Yes, we can learn from others’ mistakes! Featured below are real quotes from query letters (and two book proposals) submitted to us over the past few months…
Your article about the purpose of a press release was right on the money…
Starting a freelance writing career can be challenging. Creative careers often attract individuals fueled by passion, without the business acumen to sustain their efforts. Learning how to attract and retain clients, while remaining fulfilled by your work, is a delicate balance that can be achieved by avoiding these common beginner mistakes…
I have friends that want to know how to make their story come to life. There are many that want to write children’s books. Can you recommend an editor as well as a company that has illustrators to work with as a package?
At the end of 2013, I quit my publishing job after 12 to pursue the life of a freelancer. I announced my plans across social media and, although it wasn’t intended as a pitch, I quietly hoped the announcement would lead to some interesting (paid) work. Soon after, a local independent arts venue contacted me to say they were fans of my blog…
IF YOU DON’T WANT N*DE PICS OF YOURSELF CIRCULATED, DON’T TAKE THEM!
Arizona’s New Law Against Revenge P*rn
“If (individuals or websites) shared or re-published any of the images of n*de celebrities that leaked online earlier this month, (they) could be charged with a felony under a new Arizona law…”
GETTING BANNED CAN OFFER A TREMENDOUS BOOST IN BOOK SALES!
Top 20 books they tried to ban
“As Banned Books Week starts in America, we look at 20 books that were famously banned…”
I FEEL SORRY FOR THIS WOMAN…BUT I DON’T THINK THIS RULING WILL STAND.
Rape victim’s lawsuit shows the limits of website immunity law
Judge: CDA Section 230 isn’t “all purpose get-out-of-jail-free card” for websites.
“… appeals court ruling yesterday may join the small batch of precedents that set out the murky limits of CDA Section 230. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has allowed (PDF) an alleged rape victim to sue ModelMayhem.com, a site she says was used by her attackers…”
DID YOU KNOW THERE’S A FIRM THAT MONITORS SOME COLLEGE STUDENTS’ ONLINE ACTIVITY?
Social media policies of student-athletes criticized
“Last year, UNC softball players were not allowed to post any of their photos from Halloween on Franklin Street to Facebook – at least, not without a coach’s permission.”
I THINK GOOGLE MAY NEED MORE EMPLOYEES SOON!
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) said it has sent Google 100 million takedown notices
“And, now they’re complaining ‘that the internet search firm does not respond quickly enough.'”
Fall is, by far, my most favorite time of the year! Shorter days, cooler weather, and a crispness in the air that I wish I could bottle up and save for next summer! But, the best part about fall is our WritersWeekly.com fall 24-hour short story contest…
This author wanted to move their book elsewhere after getting upset with his current publisher. That author admitted up front that the graphics in the book were pulled from the Internet without permission…
Thanks for the contest!! I will totally enjoy the book I won, BOOK PROPOSALS THAT WORKED! Real Book Proposals That Landed $10K – $100K Publishing Contracts.
Alvena
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I’d like to enter my daughter in the 24-hour contest. Can I do that?
EDITOR’S RESPONSE: If you want to enter your minor child in the contest, you will need to do so under your name. We can only work with the parents or guardians of children.
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Hi,
Thanks for putting on the contest. They are always fun to write. I would like the Query Letters That Worked book.
Thanks,
Shelby
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Hi Angela!
Thanks so much! I’m thrilled and honored my story, “Stash,” received an Honorable Mention in the Summer 2014 24-Hour Short Story Contest. I used the link in the previous email to request my ebook prize, but just wanted to send you another “thank you” email as well. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
Thanks again!
All my best,
Cristine
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Angela,
Had a great time in the 24-hour short story contest. Looking forward to the next one. For my honorable mention prize, I would like to claim – “New Writer’s Guide to Just About Everything” by Sherry Ramsey.
Thanks again,
Richard
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I saw my name on the grab bag list for the summer contest. I’d like to get the ebook “A to Z on How to Write Science Fiction: a Study and Reference Guide” by Phil Lewis. Enjoyed the contest and looking forward to the next.
Jess
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Angela,
Thanks again for an awesome contest! Even though I didn’t win (one of the top 3 prizes), that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try just as hard in the fall!
For my price, I’d like to request The Easy Way to Write and Sell Ebooks by Kristina Seleshanko.
Best,
Devon
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YEAH! I WON something! I won a grab bag prize and I would like mine to be The Complete Guide to Writing and Selling Magazine Articles. I was shocked to see my name. Thank you very much.
Gwen
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ABOUT THE QUARTERLY ONTEST
1st prize: $300
2nd prize: $250
3rd prize: $200
+ 85 other prizes!
Read more HERE.
