As promised last Wednesday, here are agent Elana Roth's recommendations for word count.
The sweet spot for Young Adult fiction is 50,000-70,000 words.
Middle Grade fiction: 40,000-60,000 words.
Fantasy is longer because prose is styled a certain way.
Picture Books need to be under 1000 words.
If you submit an adult novel for 150,000, she will roll her eyes.
Adult fantasy: 120,000.
Mystery and Thriller: 80,000 and up.
As a wrap up to some of the good tidbits she offered, be sure that when you write your query you "know what your book is. Don't give all the crazy plot details." Also, she said to be sure to "include those sample pages."
Happy writing!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
TV Tuesday: American Idol
Years have passed since I watched American Idol. After this season's first show, I tuned in.
After all, Steven Tyler was a judge.
STEVEN TYLER!
In the past, I never liked the early shows that exemplified what happens in America to kids who are told they can do and be anything. C'mon, people, the skills aren't always there. Don't lie to your kids and encourage them to humiliate themselves on reality television. If someone can't carry a tune in a bucket, don't tell him he can.
Fortunately, this is not the case with the top 11 contestants who will all be on tour this summer. They are talents. Each one of them is different. Each one brings something special to the stage.
During last week's elimination round, the judges showed just how different this season is.
Casey, Casey, Casey.
I agree with the judges that you should not have been out last week. (I don't even think the bottom three was accurate.) You were saved by judges for another performance, but I'm really concerned about your health. Please take care of yourself. Your style is unique and it's fun to watch a performer who feels the music from the top of his furry head to the tips of his toes.
In the spirit of this year's kinder, gentler American Idol, I'd like to address the remaining contestants.
I'm certain they are far too busy to read my blog, but in case they wander across it or can somehow feel the vibe across the cosmos, these are my wishes for them.
Lauren Alaina: You are precious. They've totally glammed you up the last couple of weeks. I hope you're enjoying it like every girl your age deserves to enjoy prom and other dress-up opportunities. Have fun, but please stay true to yourself. Don't let anyone steal your inner sparkle.
Paul McDonald: Your voice is instantly recognizable. Your quirkiness is endearing. I know I'd download a few of your songs. Please don't turn out to be creepy or anything.
Pia Toscano: You are Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. You are the stuff movie songs are made of.
James Durbin: I love your devotion to your "angel" wife and child. I also love how you rock the stage. Not only would I download your songs, but I would go to your concerts. Rock on, Durbin!
Jacob Lusk: Your talent, like Pia's, is legendary.
Haley Reinhart: That husky voice is unforgettable. I wish you luck because I'd love to have a few of your songs on my playlist.
Thia Megia: You have the talent, and when you have the life experience you will be a superstar. In the meantime, I expect "them" to make you a Disney princess. Please don't go the way of the other Disney musicians. Stay that sweet girl who wears the cutesy sweaters--at least on the inside.
Stefano Langone: Mmm-mmm. I love your sexy voice. In order to remain on the show, listen to the judges and open your d#$%ed eyes. Got it? Connect with the audience. Those girl want to pretend you're singing to them. Don't hide from them, baby.
Scotty McCreery: Many people love your deep voice--which is remarkable--but I also love that you showed what it's like to be a man, even though you're seventeen. When you apologized to that boy during Hollywood Week and said you should have stood up for him, I knew you were a country singer. We like our country singers to be as pure of heart as the lyrics they sing. Please don't lose that.
Naima Adedapo: From the first show, I loved your heart. I was so proud of you last week when you didn't miss a note and gave a concert-style performance that showed who you really are and hinted at what amazing potential you have. You are a performer. I hope to see your show one day.
What do you think of the contestants this year?
After all, Steven Tyler was a judge.
STEVEN TYLER!
In the past, I never liked the early shows that exemplified what happens in America to kids who are told they can do and be anything. C'mon, people, the skills aren't always there. Don't lie to your kids and encourage them to humiliate themselves on reality television. If someone can't carry a tune in a bucket, don't tell him he can.
Fortunately, this is not the case with the top 11 contestants who will all be on tour this summer. They are talents. Each one of them is different. Each one brings something special to the stage.
During last week's elimination round, the judges showed just how different this season is.
Casey, Casey, Casey.
I agree with the judges that you should not have been out last week. (I don't even think the bottom three was accurate.) You were saved by judges for another performance, but I'm really concerned about your health. Please take care of yourself. Your style is unique and it's fun to watch a performer who feels the music from the top of his furry head to the tips of his toes.
In the spirit of this year's kinder, gentler American Idol, I'd like to address the remaining contestants.
I'm certain they are far too busy to read my blog, but in case they wander across it or can somehow feel the vibe across the cosmos, these are my wishes for them.
Lauren Alaina: You are precious. They've totally glammed you up the last couple of weeks. I hope you're enjoying it like every girl your age deserves to enjoy prom and other dress-up opportunities. Have fun, but please stay true to yourself. Don't let anyone steal your inner sparkle.
Paul McDonald: Your voice is instantly recognizable. Your quirkiness is endearing. I know I'd download a few of your songs. Please don't turn out to be creepy or anything.
Pia Toscano: You are Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. You are the stuff movie songs are made of.
James Durbin: I love your devotion to your "angel" wife and child. I also love how you rock the stage. Not only would I download your songs, but I would go to your concerts. Rock on, Durbin!
Jacob Lusk: Your talent, like Pia's, is legendary.
Haley Reinhart: That husky voice is unforgettable. I wish you luck because I'd love to have a few of your songs on my playlist.
Thia Megia: You have the talent, and when you have the life experience you will be a superstar. In the meantime, I expect "them" to make you a Disney princess. Please don't go the way of the other Disney musicians. Stay that sweet girl who wears the cutesy sweaters--at least on the inside.
Stefano Langone: Mmm-mmm. I love your sexy voice. In order to remain on the show, listen to the judges and open your d#$%ed eyes. Got it? Connect with the audience. Those girl want to pretend you're singing to them. Don't hide from them, baby.
Scotty McCreery: Many people love your deep voice--which is remarkable--but I also love that you showed what it's like to be a man, even though you're seventeen. When you apologized to that boy during Hollywood Week and said you should have stood up for him, I knew you were a country singer. We like our country singers to be as pure of heart as the lyrics they sing. Please don't lose that.
Naima Adedapo: From the first show, I loved your heart. I was so proud of you last week when you didn't miss a note and gave a concert-style performance that showed who you really are and hinted at what amazing potential you have. You are a performer. I hope to see your show one day.
What do you think of the contestants this year?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Writer's Wednesday: Agent Elana Roth on Query Letters
To give us an idea of just how difficult an agent's job is, agent Elana Roth from Johnson Literary Agency gave attendees at DFW Writing Conference copies of 20 actual query letters (names and titles changed) to accept or reject. It's a tough job! I had one letter unread when time ran out. Some of the queries were obvious rejections due to word count, typographical errors, or sheer weirdness. Others were more difficult. Some letters were well written...but didn't explain concept clearly or didn't hit a specific market.
Proving my incompetence as an agent, I "rejected" one of her client's letters. To my credit, even Elana Roth said, "This letter sucks." It has "big paragraphs" and "it rambles." BUT it had a great concept. Yeah, I was so caught up in form, I didn't think about that part.
Lesson learned: Well written letters get rejected. Requests are made when concept is clear and author knows where it belongs in the market. So, be sure you nail those components when you submit.
She also talked about sending good prospects to other agents. Until then, I'd not understood why an agent would pass on something he or she thought would sell. Then she explained, "If I don't want to read a book 18 times before sending to an editor, then the author deserves someone who does."
Lesson learned: Believe an agent who says it's good but not for him or her. I've read books I knew were good, but I never wanted to see again. Why not give agents that same freedom?
For more information about Elana and the biz, check her out on Twitter @ElanaRoth. I love when she tweets as she reads queries.
Next week: Elana Roth's take on word count.
Yesterday was her 30th birthday, so from half-way across the continent and the internet: happy belated birthday!
Proving my incompetence as an agent, I "rejected" one of her client's letters. To my credit, even Elana Roth said, "This letter sucks." It has "big paragraphs" and "it rambles." BUT it had a great concept. Yeah, I was so caught up in form, I didn't think about that part.
Lesson learned: Well written letters get rejected. Requests are made when concept is clear and author knows where it belongs in the market. So, be sure you nail those components when you submit.
She also talked about sending good prospects to other agents. Until then, I'd not understood why an agent would pass on something he or she thought would sell. Then she explained, "If I don't want to read a book 18 times before sending to an editor, then the author deserves someone who does."
Lesson learned: Believe an agent who says it's good but not for him or her. I've read books I knew were good, but I never wanted to see again. Why not give agents that same freedom?
For more information about Elana and the biz, check her out on Twitter @ElanaRoth. I love when she tweets as she reads queries.
Next week: Elana Roth's take on word count.
Yesterday was her 30th birthday, so from half-way across the continent and the internet: happy belated birthday!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
TV Tuesday: Mad Love
But that's no reason to ignore it.
For example, just because I love traditional brownies doesn't mean I shun a tasty morsel of chocolate simply because someone swirled it with caramel. Duncan Hines is good, but Ghirardelli is fresh and oh-so-scrumptious.
Mad Love is about a group of New York singletons looking for love. A couple find it and connect the group. They drink beverages in a public place and the guys even work together.
Sound familiar? Yes, it's a smidge like the traditional Friends (I miss you!), but it's a doppleganger for the other CBS show How I Met Your Mother.
Do I care? Not really.
In fact, with the exception of Barney Stinson, I may prefer Mad Love. Time will tell.
Mad Love is sugary sweet with the couple consisting of American Pie's Jason Biggs and Sarah Chalke (How I Met Your Mother, Scrubs). Eh. It's fun to be in that just-fell-in-love stage, but honestly, who really likes to see other people enjoying that rush when you're not? It's human nature (or maybe just mine) to hope they fall on their faces and recognize the other person has bad hair days and zits like the rest of the planet's population.
The foils to the lovesick duo are the reason to watch the show. The comedic pairing of Judy Greer (13 Going on 30, 27 Dresses and many more) and Tyler Labine (Reaper) is hilarious. While hating each other, they accompany their best friends in life.
What is so intriguing? I'm waiting for them to pause between insults and realize they're totally hot for each other.
Because, although I may not enjoy watching people gush all over each other while they're in that fresh love stage of a relationship, I do like the electricity of watching sparks fly in what might possibly turn out to be perfection or disaster.
Mad Love is a weekly installment of a modern-day Taming of the Shrew.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday Favorite: Spring is almost here!
We met some friends at the lake. My family has the Trabin (trailer+cabin), and our neighbors two doors down decided to open their Relaxi Taxi this weekend, so we pulled up chairs on their deck, grabbed cold beverages, breathed in the allergens, gazed at the view, and...relaxed.
The experience was delicious.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
TV Tuesday: The Bachelor
My friend Sonia Gensler and I decided to write about TV Tuesday. We rarely watch the same shows, but we talk about them when we're together. Our friend Lisa Marotta is obsessed with The Bachelor. (I think she views it more as a comedy than a reality tv show.) Although Sonia and I don't watch it, Lisa caught us up on the details, so I was rather excited to learn about the finale.
See, there's a reason I don't watch The Bachelor. Okay, there are many reasons, but one in particular is that I was marred by a show called Married by America. I watched every single episode and was distraught that no one married in the end. Seriously, with a name like that, you'd think you'd see a wedding, right?
Since I was teaching Romeo and Juliet at the time, I thought the show was a modern take combining American Idol type voting with the ancient tradition of matchmaking. I pretended to watch the show purely to discuss Americanized matchmaking versus the way Daddy Capulet paired Juliet with Paris instead of Romeo. The kids saw through me and knew I just liked the trainwreck. They understood what I didn't: Romeo and Juliet as well as the contestants on Married by America were doomed.
And a lot hasn't changed in reality television. I read an article that Brad proposed to Emily on The Bachelor but that after the show, things haven't worked out. Gasp! No! He considers them still engaged, but she's just not ready to move to Texas. Really? What did she think was going to happen if she was selected?
And what do we think is going to happen when we watch these shows? Are we hopeful romantics or bloodthirsty voyeurs?
See, there's a reason I don't watch The Bachelor. Okay, there are many reasons, but one in particular is that I was marred by a show called Married by America. I watched every single episode and was distraught that no one married in the end. Seriously, with a name like that, you'd think you'd see a wedding, right?
Since I was teaching Romeo and Juliet at the time, I thought the show was a modern take combining American Idol type voting with the ancient tradition of matchmaking. I pretended to watch the show purely to discuss Americanized matchmaking versus the way Daddy Capulet paired Juliet with Paris instead of Romeo. The kids saw through me and knew I just liked the trainwreck. They understood what I didn't: Romeo and Juliet as well as the contestants on Married by America were doomed.
And a lot hasn't changed in reality television. I read an article that Brad proposed to Emily on The Bachelor but that after the show, things haven't worked out. Gasp! No! He considers them still engaged, but she's just not ready to move to Texas. Really? What did she think was going to happen if she was selected?
And what do we think is going to happen when we watch these shows? Are we hopeful romantics or bloodthirsty voyeurs?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday Favorite: art
I'm that person who touches everything in a store and then leaves without buying anything--only to come back a week or year later to purchase it.
It took me three years to finalize a flooring choice in our home so that the people could complete what they started--three years ago before we even moved in. A portrait of Santa Clause still hangs in our entry way because I like it better than other options I've found since December.
My husband told me recently I needed to decorate. He said he was embarrassed to have people visit. Eek.
But I want to be surrounded with things I love. Or that have a story. I don't want my house to look like I walked into a shop and bought the room.
So, imagine my surprise--and the ladies at my office--when I bought this picture on a whim and finally hung it on the hook that had been bare for months. Aloof? Regal? Wondering? The lady gazes into the distance above my computer screen.
I've heard it said that one should only have things around that speak to you. I don't know what she said, but the lady in the picture must have been convincing.
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