OCCRWA Proudly Presents:
May 12, 2008- May 23, 2008
Q IS FOR QUERY, A IS FOR AAACK!
with Laurie Schnebly Campbell
Why is it so hard to write a query letter? Well, because an author’s entire career depends on the response!
That may be a slight exaggeration, but it doesn’t make the job any less daunting when a writer who routinely creates lyrical prose is suddenly forced to create a sales tool. Sitting down with the editor or agent in person for a two or three-hour chat might do the job faster, but since that isn't always possible, it's important to have a sales tool that covers the same material in just 250 words.
Find out how to craft a query letter for ANY set of circumstances:
• Approaching an editor or agent who judged your entry in a contest
• Meeting ‘em (by plan or accident) at National or a local conference
• Picking a name at random (and why this should be a last resort)
• Switching from non-fiction to fiction writing, or vice versa
• Capitalizing on a recent success with this manuscript or another one
Since most writers aren’t the naturally outgoing type, convincing someone to request a manuscript -- even in a letter -- doesn’t always come as easily as creating fascinating plots and characters.
This workshop shows how to make writing the query a whole lot easier than writing the book, complete with critiques for randomly drawn people willing to share their work.
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www.BookLaurie.comLaurie Schnebly Campbell used to wish she could write books as easily as she wrote query letters, and wondered why other writers found sales pieces so challenging. Then she realized that queries come naturally to anyone whose day job is in advertising, and felt a lot less smug. After her second novel beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” Laurie started teaching writers what she learned from her day job and from her master’s in counseling. She loves teaching anyway, but the side benefit is that it gives her an excuse to avoid cleaning house!
Enrollment for this class is now closed. Please consult our online class schedule for other learning opportunities. Thank you.
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