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What to do after pitching to agents and acquisition editors?

Coach Teresa here… to say “I’m sorry that I’ll have to miss being with you at WNBA-SF Chapter’s signature event on March 24, 2012.  Special thanks to WNBA-SF Chapter fellow pitch-coaches Mary E. Knippel and Tanya Egan Gibson, program chair Lynn Henriksen and co-president Linda Lee for providing  bios of the agents and acquisition editors so that I was able to create handout material for tomorrow, and Mary E. Knippel and co-president Linda Joy Myers for taking care of duplicating material and bringing to event tomorrow.”

“I wish my colleagues, all the authors who will be pitching, agents and acquisition editors, and luncheon keynote speaker Meg Waite Clayton a most wonderful day at our signature event ‘Meet and Speed Date with Agents and Acquisition Editors.’”

After you pitch . . .

What to do if an agent or acquisition editor has asked you to send a portion of your full manuscript or the entire manuscript?

If he/she has asked you to email the submission:

  • Make your email subject line” to the point”  (Example:  follow-up on our meeting at WNBA event on March 24      Another example:  Thank you for asking me to send my manuscript)
  • Use salutation; pitch in 1 to 3 sentences (do not assume that agent/ acquisition editor remembers everything you told her/him); state what you are attaching  (first 3 chapters?  first 50 pages?  book proposal? (for a how-to book also known as prescriptive nonfiction);  ask when you can expect a reply;  your “thank you”; signature block with your full name and contact information and website/blog/facebook/twitter/YouTube address.  Be sure to use paragraphs in the body of your email so that your message doesn’t look like a block of text.  Email yourself to preview.
  • The attachment—use industry standard format (Cover page showing your book title; genre; word count; your full name; your contact information.  Manuscript pages — 1” margins; double spaced; 12-pt. font; header on each page contains book title and  your full name; each page numbered)

Multiple agents and/or acquisition editors have asked to read a portion of your manuscript or the entire project?

  • Show your professional self.  If more than one person asked to read a substantial portion of your manuscript (investing their time),  you be honorable–give one agent an exclusive reading period (typically 2 to 3 weeks); let that agent know that other agents are waiting to read.

What to do if no agent or acquisition editor has asked to see your work?

Despair not.  Polish your pitch and query other agents.  How do you find other agents?  Read acknowledgment pages of books similar to yours; authors usually thank their agents and editors.  Go to Association of Authors’ Representatives’ website and search in their database.

Books that can help you refine your pitch and/or build your writer’s platform:

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

Break Through the Noise: 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message by Elisa Southard

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW by Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Cheering for you!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Coach Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams!”

http://wnba-sfchapter.org

2012 March 24 in San Francisco “Meet and Speed Date with Agents, Acquisition Editors, and Publisher”

signature event of  Women’s National Book Association–SF Chapter

Meg Waite Clayton–keynoter at luncheon (optional)

More info and registration: http://wnba-sfchapter.org

Lynn Henriksen chairs event

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Mary E. Knippel, Tanya Egan Gibson will coach registrants on how to pitch 8:00-9:00am.

 

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WNBA colleague Ann Steiner, Ph.D.MFT, CGP (author of Starting and Sustaining Groups that Thrive: Workbook and Planning Guide) highly recommends Dr. Paul Watsky’s workshop March 23-25, 2012.  Dr. Steiner says:

Dear fellow writers, artists and creatives,

Would you like a weekend devoted to exploring the challenges and rewards of practicing your creative art?

This workshop provides a safe place to deal with such common emotional obstacles as identity, follow-through, isolation, motivation, negative self-talk, and rejection.

This weekend workshop is offered by the Jungian analyst and San Francisco poet, Dr. Paul Watsky. Please forward this announcement to interested colleagues and contact Dr. Watsky directly if you have any questions.

When: Friday evening, March 23rd – 25th

Where: Inverness, CA

Workshop Size: Limited to Twelve Participants

About the Workshop Leader

Paul Watsky, Ph.D., ABPP is a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years’ experience in his field, an analyst member of the CG Jung Institute of San Francisco, and a widely published poet, whose debut collection, Telling The Difference (Fisher King Press) was published in 2010. Before becoming a psychologist he taught English literature full time as an Assistant Professor at San Francisco State University, and has continued to teach and lecture through the public programs of the CG Jung Institute and various other organizations.

For Information and Registration please call: 415 346-0253

 

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Speaking of creative art . . .  Mary E. Knippel’s book The Secret Artist – Give Yourself Permission to Let Your Creativity Shine is scheduled to debut by late Spring 2012!

 

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams!”

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

As editor/story consultant, Coach Teresa helps her clients polish their manuscripts by identifying their themes, universal archetypes, front-story and back-story.  http://writingcoachteresa.com

Her novel Love Made of Heart is used in college composition classes. Thank you, Teachers & Students!

Author / Story Consultant / Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan -- photo by Cyberspace Guru Linda Lee

 

Coach Teresa, what happened on Saturday Feb. 18, 2012 at San Francisco Writers Conference?

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here . . . this is what happened from my POV. Please tell me and my colleagues your point of view by submitting comments to this blog post.  How? Click on the blue title bar of this post, scroll down to get the boxes, fill in boxes and click on “submit comment” button.

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Story Consultant & Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Elisa Sasa Southard of Go-With-Sasa at Lori's Diner on Powell Street in San Francisco to fuel up before Day III of helping SFWC attendees

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authors & independent editors Kate Farrell, Mary E Knippel and Wendy Nelson Tokunaga--photo by author & independent editor Teresa LeYung-Ryan

 

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historical novelist Liz Newman receives cheers and advice from Story Consultant & Writers-Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Mary E. Knippel answers questions with smiles at SFWC Independent Editors Central

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Shannon Johnson receives cheers and advice from Story Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan at SFWC Independent Editors Central--photo by Tara Farquhar

 

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At lunchtime, we heard announcements of scholarship winners! Congratulations to winners!  Cheers to generous benefactors!

Martin Yan said lovely words about vibrant Shirley Fong-Torres, about how she smiled, how she enjoyed meeting her fans.  Martin reminded us to smile when we’re autographing books.  Smile.

Elizabeth Pomada introduced Laurie Fox (famous literary agent who also writes novels)–more about Laurie in another post (she is another super kind soul).  Laurie introduced Lolly Winston. Lolly delivered a heartfelt speech about her encouraging teachers and her perseverance. She is funny, sweet, and serious.

What a memorable hour–from picturing Shirley’s smile through Martin’s tribute; hearing Elizabeth speak fondly of Laurie; Laurie speaking fondly of Lolly; Lolly expressing her appreciation for relationships and the craft. So beautiful.

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Marty Castleberg & Linda Lee & Richard Santos inspire writers at SFWC

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presenters-authors-teachers Tanya Egan Gibson & Holly Payne meet up at SFWC and shine!

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Danine Manette shine at SFWC--photo by Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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author / presenter / SFWC Marketing Director Barbara Santos with presenter / SFWC Volunteer Director / cyberspace genius Linda Lee

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Lynn Henriksen and Shulamit Sofia at SFWC (look who are sitting in back row! Sheldon Siegel, Elisa Sasa Southard and Kate Farrell!)--photo by Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Historical novelist Daniel Roddick receives Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan's editing advice on first 2 pages of his manuscript

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Lisa Marie Pontier receives encouragement on her story from Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Nina Amir gives advice to author at SFWC--photo by Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

 

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memoirist and novelist Ann Tashi Slater with independent editors Mary E. Knippel and Gabrielle Harbowy--photo by Story Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Agent Gordon Warnock answers questions from author while Mark Hopkins rep and Elizabeth Pomada go over details for autograph party--photo by Coach Teresa

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Andrew Rose chats with Kimberly Edwards & Sheila McDonald--photo by Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Margie Yee Webb & Michael Larsen & Harvey Pawl & Kimberly Edwards & Elisa Sasa Southard inspire writers--photo by Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Martha Alderson & Elisa Sasa Southard & Lynn Henriksen & Nina Amir all love to encourage writers at SFWC

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Women's National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter members-authors-presenters (back row: Margie Yee Webb, Lynn Henriksen, Tanya Egan Gibson, Verna Dreisbach; center Mary E. Knippel, Nina Amir, Apala Egan, Jane Omerod; front row: Elizabeth Pomada behind Barbara Santos, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Linda Lee, Elisa "Sasa" Southard, Joan Gelfand) at SFWC --photo by Don Hudson who says Western Women Save the World

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authors Joan Gelfand & Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Cara Black having fun at SFWC autograph party--photo by Adam Hertz

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Elisa Sasa Southard & Shari Dunn & Margie Yee Webb at Thai dinner on Powell Street in SF after inspiring registrants at SFWC Day III

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Sincerely

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams!”

http://writingcoachteresa.com

to preview the exercises for Day 1 & Day 2, go to Amazon books

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

As editor/story consultant, Coach Teresa helps her clients polish their manuscripts by identifying their themes, universal archetypes, front-story and back-storyhttp://writingcoachteresa.com

Her novel Love Made of Heart is used in college composition classes. Thank you, Teachers & Students!

 

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I invite everyone referred to in this post (especially the authors who have been coached by yours truly,  22-Day Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan) to introduce yourselves by submitting a comment to this post. To do that, click on the blue title bar of this post, fill in the boxes, then press the [ submit comment ] button.  I cheer for you.

22-Day Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan helps authors with their pitches at "Speed Dating with Agents & Acquisition Editors" at WNBA's signature event

22-Day Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan helps authors with their pitches at "Speed Dating with Agents & Acquisition Editors" at WNBA's signature event

Andria Wagner
Barbara Brunetti
Belinda “Bee” Hylinski
Brittany Pettibone
Nicole Pettibone
Danny Garon
Diana Franco
Jennifer Hewitt
Joan Steidinger
Kimber Simpkins
Rasa Gustaitis
Ronnie Lovler

How to Pitch a Novel, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, or How-To Book to Agents and Acquisition Editors

Saturday March 26, 2011

This morning colleague Jane Glendinning and I had a chance to catch up since October last year when I met the delightful writers (and saw Sarah Clark!) at California Writers Club Berkeley Branch.

Jane and I had shared  an adventure when Oakland public libraries were in danger of severe budget cuts.  This morning 7:40am our walk from BART Embarcadero station to Sinbad’s Restaurant was another adventure in San Francisco.  Rain. Puddles.  We were on our way to help authors pitch their projects at the WNBA signature event “Meet the Agents & Acquisition Editors”

WNBA executive board and committee members at Meet the Agents 2011 March 26

The reward was working with fellow members at Women’s National Book Association. Jane Glendinning and Birgit Soyka helped Meet-the-Agents Event Chair Judith Marshall and  Chapter President Lynn Henriksen set up while Treasurer Christopher Payne and beloved Vicki Weiland greeted attendees at registration.  VP Kate Britton had worked miracles pulling online registration data.  Mary Jo McConahay took photos (We are so happy for Mary Jo. Two years ago at this same event, Mary Jo met agent Andy Ross.  Her book, Maya Roads, will be published on August 1, 2011.)

Teresa LeYung Ryan & Judith Marshall  cheer for Mary Jo McConahay (middle)

Teresa LeYung Ryan & Judith Marshall cheer for Mary Jo McConahay (middle)

Tanya Egan Gibson, Mary E. Knippel and yours truly Teresa LeYung Ryan helped authors fine-tune their pitches.

Karen Folger Jacobs & Diane LeBow I always get a kick seeing you two power-women.

Talking Tagline Coach Elisa Southard couldn’t be there because she was at the Bay Area Travel Writing planning retreat. Diane LeBow also headed to that meeting after the pitch fest.

Mathilde Schmidt and Carla Danziger – great seeing you both.   I met new member Janine Kovac.  Welcome aboard!

Valerie Mihalache, it was wonderful seeing you.

The 11 agents/acquisition editors/publishers included WNBA members Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen (who are co-founders of San Francisco Writers Conference and Writing for Change Conference), Laurie McLean, Jennifer Joseph, Amy Burkhardt, Andy Ross, Brooke Warner, Georgia Hughes, Gordon Warnock, Jeanette Perez, and Peter Beren!Zoe Fitzgerald Carter with Lynn Henriksen+Judith Marshall+Mary Knippel--photo by Mary Jo McConahay 2011-03-26

Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, author of Imperfect Endings, gifted us with a candid talk about her publishing journal, the folks who helped her share her remarkable story with readers, and what she’s working on now.

Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan and Agent Laurie McLean

Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan and Agent Laurie McLean

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW is available through Amazon.  Read success stories (on Amazon) from writers who have finished the 22-day workbook I created to help fiction and nonfiction authors gain a competitive edge.  Whether you want to be your own publisher or sell rights to another publisher, attract readers and more readers now!  http://writingcoachteresa.com

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/is-there-a-book-to-help-a-writer-build-platform-and-fanbase/

Build Your Writer's Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days

Getting to talk to an agent or an acquisition editor is a valuable experience.

What does an agent do?  What does an acquisition editor do?

An agent represents the author.  Agent earns his/her commission when he/she lands a publisher for the author.  An acquisition editor buy authors’ works for the publisher he/she works for; publisher offers the author a contract (publisher buys/author sells the rights to publish); agent gets his/her 15% commission.

“Meet the Agents and Acquisition Editors” a signature event of Women’s National Book Association (WNBA-SF Chapter)

Saturday, March 26th, 2011  9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Space is limited (we sold out last year) – register by March 15th, 2011

Sinbad’s Restaurant, Pier 2, San Francisco

$50 WNBA member, $65 non-member, or $75 at the door

8:00 to 9:00 am Bonus:  Coffee and “How to Pitch Training” included from 8:00 to 9:00 am.

Coaches Teresa LeYung Ryan, Mary E. Knippel and Tanya Egan Gibson will help you with your pitches.

Coach Teresa’s examples of pitches from last year’s event: http://wnba-sfchapter.org/2-more-examples-on-how-to-pitch-to-agents-acquisition-editors-publishers-at-wnbas-signature-event/

Build Your Writer's Platform & Fanbase Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan **     Creativity Mentor Mary E Knippel **   Tanya Egan Gibson**

Saturday March 26, 2011 You’ll get a chance to meet:

Amy Burkhardt of Kimberley Cameron & Associates

Andy Ross

Brooke Warner is Senior Editor at Seal Press

Elizabeth Pomada is a partner in Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

Georgia Hughes is editorial director at New World Library

Gordon Warnock is a Senior Agent with Andrea Hurst Literary Management

Jeanette Perez, Senior Editor, acquires for the HarperOne imprint based in San Francisco after six years at Harper Perennial.

Jennifer Joseph publisher and editor of Manic D Press

Laurie McLean is an agent at Larsen-Pomada Literary 

Michael Larsen is a partner in Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

Peter Beren

Bios, more info, registration: http://wnba-sfchapter.org/

New this year!

Keynote Luncheon – 12:30 – $30.00 – Menu selections on WNBA website.

WNBA author Zoe FitzGerald Carter will share her journey to the publication of her memoir, Imperfect Endings, recently optioned for film. Join us for lunch and rub elbows with agents and acquisition editors.

Note:  Must be registered to attend
See you there!  Tell your writer-friends.

Sincerely,

22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan
http://writingcoachteresa.com

Build Your Writer's Platform & Fanbase in 22 DaysBuild Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW Available through Amazon.com   Check out the reviews on Amazon!


To comment on this blog post or any of my posts or to contact me, just click on the blue title bar of the post, fill in the boxes and press “submit.”

What Is a Talking Tagline for Writers of Fiction and Nonfiction?

Every year at the exciting San Francisco Writers Conference, Talking-Tagline Teacher Elisa Southard and Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan (yours truly) show writers of all genres how to hook attention–in person, in emails & voicemail, on their websites, blogs, facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other social-media forums.  Hook attention with your talking-tagline!

When someone asks: “Elisa, what do you do?”  Elisa responds with: “Through my book Break Through the Noise, I help professionals power up their marketing messages.” (she doesn’t say “I’m a writer” because… what if the other person doesn’t ask her more questions. )

When someone asks: “Teresa, what do you do?” Teresa responds with: “Through my book, I help writers build their platforms and fanbase in 22 days.”

As a novelist and memoirist, Teresa says: “Through my book Love Made of Heart, I inspire adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas.” (When I was newbie, my playwright friend Kim McMillon would invite me to parties.  Someone would come up to me and ask “So, Teresa, what do you do?”  I would answer “I write novels.” Then the other person would ask “Are you published?” and I would shyly say “Not yet.” Where did that conversation take me? Nowhere.  Many times, the other person would corner me and tell me what he/she writes (a monologue).

Here are other examples of  how to engage with the talking-tagline:

As a travel writer, Elisa says: “I help people turn curiosity into confidence when they travel.”

As a guest speaker to schools, Teresa uses: “Through my book, I help survivors of family violence find their own voices.”

Talking Tagline Teacher Elisa Southard and Build Your Writers Platform Fanbase Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan at SFWC 2011

Elisa Southard says: "Break through the noise" and Teresa LeYung Ryan says: "Build your writer's platform & fanbase in 22 days."

*** This year our interactive presentation at SFWC was publicized as: Get a Grip: Be Your Own Best Promoter ***

Writers who:

  • were in our session
  • received one-on-one coaching from us
  • bought the CD or MP3 of our session http://www.vwtapes.com
  • learned Talking-Tagline from us at other conferences or workshops . . .

… here’s your chance to tell tens of thousands of my fans what your Talking-Tagline is. Click on the title bar of this post, fill in the boxes and press “submit.”

Also, Elisa and I are both on facebook.  Request

Break Through the Noise bookcover

to be “Friends” and remind us where you met us.

Elisa loves Twitter, so, connect with her that way too.

More resources to help you and your writer-friends gain a competitive edge in the publishing industry:

http://breakthroughthenoise.com Watch Elisa’s interview on television–how to deliver your talking-tagline for any profession. Helping you create your talking-tagline is Elisa Southard’s unique talent. Get Elisa’s book Break Through the Noise, 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message

Build Your Writer's Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days front cover

http://writingcoachteresa.com You will giggle when you see how fun it is to build your platform and attract more fans while you’re writing your project. Order my workbook from Amazon  Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW . Why 22 days? When you stick to a program, you develop new habits. Look at the reviews from writers who have used the program.

I say:  Reach out, not stress out!  Help your fans find you!

Let’s hear your talking-tagline.  Click on the blue title bar of this post to get the comment box, fill in all the boxes and press “submit.”

To read other posts in my blog (about writing contests, publishing opportunities, more tips on platform-building), click on [ Home ] and scroll down  OR key in words in the search box to find specific posts. Example: if you key in the words: poetry anthology 2011 into my blog’s search box and click [search], you will see my post containing info about the  Las Positas College Anthology and other contests for other genres (Thank you, Poet Laureate Deborah Grossman!) To read the entire version of a post, click on the title bar of that post.

To see my website for all my books, go to:  http://writingcoachteresa.com

http://sfwriters.org — future San Francisco Writers Conference, San Francisco Writers University, contests, scholarships, recordings of past conferences.

http://www.sfwritingforchange.org – for authors of non-fiction – Writing for Change Conference.

Saturday March 26, 2011 in San Francisco  “Meet the Agents & Acquisition Editors!”
Teresa LeYung Ryan, Mary E. Knippel and Tanya Egan Gibson will coach writers before they pitch at this event. http://www.wnba-sfchapter.org/

Reach out, not stress out!

Sincerely,

Build-Your-Writer’s-Platform Coach Teresa

What's Teresa's talking tagline for her novel Love Made of Heart?

What's Teresa's talking tagline for her novel Love Made of Heart?

Break Through the Noise, 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message

A Week of Wearing 3 Hats – Writing Career Coach – Author -  Publisher

As Writing Career Coach

I presented “Build My Name, Beat the Game” to delightful writers at the Redwood Writers Conference.  Writers in my session, please scroll down until you see my post/column entitled “Redwood Writers Conference Pure Joy” and follow instructions please to build your names.

There’s post-conference work for me.  I’ll email colleagues and follow up on our conversations; I’ll email writers in my session some coaching notes; I’ll pitch my workshop to other organizations.

Do you know a non-fiction writer who wants to go to a writers’  conference but can’t afford it? Encourage her/him to ask family and  friends to chip in (what better Christmas gift or birthday gift!).   Check out Writing for Change Conference.

As Author

I’m writing down “gems” as they pop into my head.  Gems in the form of dialogue, metaphors, descriptions, hooks, and story-questions.

I had a chance to chat with Martha Engber at the Redwood Writers Conference and read the jacket copy of her novel  The Wind Thief.  I started reading it when I got home Saturday night and have been reading a little everyday.  What lovely prose and sensory details! What a gifted writer.  Tanya Egan Gibson is another gifted writer; I’m also reading her novel How to Buy a Love of Reading. My reading well-written books can only make me a better writer.

As Publisher

I’m updating Build My Name, Beat the Game: 22 Days to Identify & Develop My Writer’s Platform to Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention so that I can take the next step in publishing the next edition–and that is letting Nancy Mulvany create the index.

This evening I attended a Business and Leadership program at the Commonwealth Club on “iPad Revolution and the Future of Digital Magazines” with Matthew Davis of Zinio and Matt Carlson of Hot Studio, two pioneers in this emerging field.  Kevin O’Malley, President, TechTalk/Studio was Moderator (Thank you, Kevin, for inviting me.  The program was enlightening).

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

Coach Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name/platform.”  

To comment on any of my columns (blog posts), just click on the blue title bar of the post, fill in the boxes and press “submit.”  Please click here http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/ for Home Page of my blog.

A client called to tell me he read my blog post about fun events for writers in October and asked if I would recommend his going to Martha Alderson’s plot workshop on Saturday.  He said he had pitched his novel to agents; more than one agent complimented on his narrator’s voice but they felt that the manuscript is not ready for acquisition editors’ eyes.  One agent told my client that the manuscript has “too much back story.”  “Aah,” I tell my client, “too much back story means not enough front story, and, you need front story to plot character growth.  Learning how to plot from Martha, the Master, is priceless. Go. You’ll thank yourself.”

For writers who couldn’t go to Martha’s workshop at Capitola Bookstore on Saturday, check her schedule http://www.blockbusterplots.com for future workshops.  She’s teaching a 5-day Plot Retreat in November 2010

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I’m reformatting the second edition of my workbook Build My Name, Beat the Game with the help of Perfect Pages, by Aaron Shepard.  I’ll be subscribing to Aaron’s newsletter.  www.newselfpublish.com Also, I’m using a wonderful reference book –  Indexing Books by Nancy C. Mulvany.  http://www.bayside-indexing.com

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I was at the San Francisco Public Library-Main Branch for a Women’s National Book Association board meeting when I saw the flyer for the exhibit on “Iris Chang and Her Unfinished Dream.” San Francisco Public Library exhibition documents the life of the late author and her work exposing the truth of the Nanking Massacre; on view in the Chinese Center, Main Library, October 2 – December 2, 2010.

http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1002855001

On Sunday October 17, 2010  1:30-3:30pm Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Library Film Screening: Iris Chang–The Rape of Nanking,   the full length docudrama (103 minutes, in English with Chinese subtitles, 2007) made for the 70th anniversary of the Nanking massacre, tells the compelling and courageous life story of Iris Chang, a young woman who at age 26 dedicated her life to teaching the world about the forgotten holocaust in World War II.  Followed by Q & A with Iris Chang’s parents and Dr. Peter Stanek, president of the Global Alliance for Preserving the History of World War II in Asia.

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Kim McMillon informed me that she will be teaching a playwriting workshop once a month at UC Merced (a part of the Merced Writers’ Center). http://kimmcmillon.wordpress.com/ The class is the first Monday of every month. Also, Kim asked if I would be interested in conducting “Major League Tryouts with Writing Career Coach Teresa to Build Your Writer’s Name/Platform” I would have to say “I’d love to.” Thank you, Kim!

Did you that Kim is the producer of a wonderful blog talk radio show?  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onword and click on “Writers Sanctuary”

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I was reading colleague Yolande Barial’s blog (I knew about her advocacy in regards to bicycle-helmet-safety for children  http://yolandebarial.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/bicycle-helmet-locks/) and was surprised and humbled by her post about my work as a writing career coach. http://yolandebarial.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/bicycle-helmet-locks/ Thank you, Yolande!

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I critiqued colleague Elisa Southard ’s keynote speech for the Redwood Writers’ Conference http://redwoodwriters.org/redwood-conference/.  I hope you’ll be able to hear the speech yourself on Oct. 30, 2010 because Elisa is a generous teacher who helps writers turn into their best advocates.  http://breakthroughthenoise.com/

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I gave advice to author Nina Amir http://writenonfictionnow.com/ on her new book proposal.  She emailed to say: “Teresa, I can see now why everyone raves about your work… you are phenomenal and very giving.”  This writing-career coach definitely appreciates the acknowledgment.  It’s fun to help hard-working authors who want to help writers.

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Kim McMillon asked me to help MamaCoAtl update their new blog http://16daysofartivismforthehealingofviolence.wordpress.com to commemorate United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.  http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/violence/

What does a typical week look like for a writer/writing career coach/publisher? That’s it.

This coming week:

Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan
Author / Writing Career Coach / Publisher

Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name/platform.”   http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

GraceArt Publishing is the publisher of Build My Writer’s Name, Beat the Game:  How Do I Create a Platform to Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention? (the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook)

To comment on any of my columns (blog posts), just click on the blue title bar of the post, fill in the boxes and press “submit.”  Please click here for my blog http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Sunday August 1, 2010

I’m organizing photos from yesterday’s Northern California Storybook & Literature Festival.

Women's National Book Association members at No CA Storybook & Literature Festival 2010

Women's National Book Association members Margie Yee Webb, Mary E. Knippel, B. Lynn Goodwin, Sarbjit Rai, Teresa LeYung Ryan

audience for Fiction Authors Panel photo by Nathan

I had a good time on the panel with other fiction authors. Gail, thank you for moderating. Nathan, thank you for taking photos. Delightful audience.

front Gail, Nathan+back row authors Jeff, Laurel, Tanya, Teresa, Jack speak at No CA Storybook & Literature Festival

authors Jeff Carlson, Laurel Anne Hill, Tanya Egan Gibson, Teresa LeYung Ryan, Jack L. Parker with Library Specialist Gail McGrath & Library Advocate Nathan

author Teresa LeYung Ryan thanks Jamie Finley who orchestrated the storybook & literature festival

author Teresa LeYung Ryan thanks Jamie Finley who orchestrated the storybook & literature festival

Cheers to the Friends of the Roseville Library

Authors Susan Osborn & Margie Yee Webb cheer for the Friends of the Roseville Library

Also I presented “Transform Your Personal Experiences Into Potent Stories” Thank you to the participant-writers.  Here are some comments from them:

I asked: What did you value most about the workshop?

  • “Verbalizing what my readers will learn from my story.”
  • “Good comments & tools from Teresa for moving forward.”
  • “Handouts so organized.”

Your next steps with your stories?

  • “Bring my stories out and start again—with your ideas for tools”
  • “Find a publisher.”
  • “Re-read my favorite novel & mark it up. Thank you, Teresa!”

My colleagues  (Catharine Bramkamp, Laurel Anne Hill, Antoinette May, Susan M. Osborn) also presented their writing workshops.

Special thanks to Jamie Finley, Dena Grover, Gail McGrath, Lynn Brown and everyone at Roseville Libraries, Margie Yee Webb and colleagues at California Writers Club, Mary Knippel & Sarbjit Rai & fellow members of Women’s National Book Association, bookseller James Van Eaton of Winston Smith Books, friends old and new, readers and writers, and everyone who made the festival a celebration of literature.

eresa LeYung Ryan, Mary E. Knippel, Margie Yee Webb advocate for public libraries.

Teresa LeYung Ryan, Mary E. Knippel, Margie Yee Webb advocate for public libraries.

http://www.roseville.ca.us/library/

3 branches in Roseville, CA

Maidu Library & Maidu Community Center

Martha Riley Community Library

Downtown Library


Gail McGrath (Library Specialist) holding Teresa's novel Love Made of Heart, Bob Quinlan author of Earn It: Empower Yourself for Love, and Margie Yee Webb author of Cat Mulan

Gail McGrath (Library Specialist) holding Teresa's novel Love Made of Heart, Bob Quinlan author of Earn It: Empower Yourself for Love, and Margie Yee Webb author of Cat Mulan

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

As an author and community spirit, Teresa LeYung Ryan speaks out for public libraries, honors immigrant-stories, advocates compassion for mental illness, and helps survivors of violence find their own voices through writing.

“To comment on any of my columns (blog posts), just click on the color title-bar of the post, fill in the boxes and press ‘submit.’  Thank you.”

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Saturday, July 31, 2010, 10am – 5pm
Northern California Storybook & Literature Festival

http://www.roseville.ca.us/library/programs_n_events/lit_fest.asp
Maidu Library & Maidu Community Center, 1530 Maidu Drive, Roseville, CA 95661

10:20-11:20am Reception Hall - Teresa LeYung Ryan, Tanya Egan Gibson, Laurel Anne Hill, Jeff Carlson & Jack L. Parker; moderator will be Gail McGrath
11:30am-12:30pm Teresa will be autographing books at outdoor booth I-7
1:00-2:00pm Meeting Room 2 – Teresa LeYung Ryan will present her signature workshop “Transform Your Personal Experiences Into Potent Stories”

The author of Love Made of Heart will give you simple tools to craft a short story with an enticing beginning, engaging middle, and a satisfying ending. Teresa says: “My short stories were the building-blocks for my book.”

2:30-5:00pm Teresa will be autographing books at outdoor booth I-7

noon – 1:00 p.m  buddy/colleague Mary E. Knippel will be moderating the “Healthy Living” panel – B. Lynn Goodwin, Davis Liu, MD, Jennifer Martin, Joanne Neft, Richard Simmons.

Northern California Storybook & Literature Festival 

I am so looking forward to July 31, 2010 (the same date as a loved one’s birthday)

Thank you again, Margie Yee Webb, Jamie Finley, Dena Grover, City of Roseville Library, and California Writers Club.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan
As an author and community spirit, Teresa LeYung Ryan speaks out for public libraries, honors immigrant-stories, advocates compassion for mental illness, and helps survivors of violence find their own voices through writing.

Love Made of Heart
inspires adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas that their parents suffer.  http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com

Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook.  Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name.” http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

Invite Coach Teresa to conduct “Major League Tryouts to Build Your Name” at your writers’ club or group. http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

• identify your mission statement, the scope of the project, and the perfect book title
• build your name to attract the right agent or publisher or more fans
• design and grow your blog (to showcase your expertise and experiences)

I am happy to announce that my trademark is finally being used at Love Made of Heart online store where you’ll find gift items for yourselves, women, children, moms, grandmas, babies, friends and pets. http://lovemadeofheart.com/Love-Made-of-Heart-Online-Store-&-Gift-Shop.html