Blog for Bristol Services Intl.

An author wrote to me, concerned that his book’s sudden switch in direction may be a problem for readers.
The answer is simple: do you offer a thread of continuity anywhere? If, at the outset on the new section, this is the same locale only a century later, or same date but in another country, or same dog but in a different park pestering different characters, then the reader sees a thread of connection. Their brain says, “Okay, same place (or day or dog), new era (or place or characters), let’s see what’s going on.”

Remember, readers are very familiar with stories whose parts seem very separate until “Wham!” somehow they collide into a central plot. The key is having some small thing that is a tenuous thread between them. It can be locale (same place, different time), family (same family, different offshoot or different generation), some big turmoil (same war, different front or battlefield), an object (anything that can end up in someone else’s hands at a different place or time), etc. Just a thread is all we astute readers need. And then we’ll willingly (most of the time!) jump right into the other section, trusting our author to pull the fabric of the story together later.

TONE/GENRE: If we don’t go along so willingly, this can be caused by any number of reasons. For instance, if the overall tone of the original section of the book varies greatly from the next section, now that can be a problem. The reason is that the reader might not have even started your book if that second tone had been there at the outset. It is like starting a fantasy (which I like) and then being switched off to a modern romance (not my preference in reading at all). That wouldn’t be fair and, most likely, I’d quit reading–never a good thing! Potential publishers will, likewise, be turned off by that much of a genre switch–they won’t know what audience would be appropriate for marketing. And marketing is their primary focus.

TIME VARIABLES: Jumps in time will always have tonal variations simply because in each era people speak and think differently. Yet most of the time the author’s voice will still be consistent even while writing for various eras, so there is an underlying author’s tone that will carry us readers through.

Bottomline: Just keep in mind the reason that you have both these plots going simultaneously in the same book and keep hints of that reason and their similarities apparent to your reader as you write.

QUESTION (from one of my editing clients):
Do I look for endorsements before I submit the book? What do I tell these folks? Will they want to endorse something that isn’t printed, or accepted? I am sure having their endorsements will help get it accepted, but which comes first…the chicken or the egg?!

ANSWER:
Getting endorsements is a great idea– it adds great impact, when you send in the proposal, if the publisher recognizes either the person or their organization. Find someone whose knowledge and ability in that fiction genre or on a subject withing the book is known and respected. Then write to them.

Whether or not it is published is not important to the prospective endorsee. You just explain why you think they are so great (you love the book they published which is similar in some way–but not competitive; you heard their super speech at a recent seminar; you’ve read all their theories on the subject; whatever fits), your background, what you’ve written and ask if there is any chance they could look over what you have … and if they like it how it would mean so much if they could let you know so you could use their endorsement.

Basically, this is a sales pitch letter to them, but you need to make it sound very personal. Which it is! Because you are asking them a really HUGE personal favor–to take time from their busy life to help you, a complete stranger, out! How will they respond? They agree (of course!), read what you have and simply love it (how could they feel otherwise?) and then send you a note about how great it is (surely!). Which you then use as part of your marketing to publishers. Ahhh … doesn’t that make it all sound so easy!

Okay, so maybe they won’t agree. They may not even answer! But you’d be surprised how often I hear that someone versed on a subject or known in a field of writing IS willing to read and endorse a manuscript from a first-time author. Sometimes, even if they don’t have the time to read it all, they will make helpful suggestions. Even that is a huge bonus for you.  

The worst that can happen is you never hear from them or they say “no.” The best? That you make a special contact and get a useful endorsement. Anything in between is still ever so useful. So plunge on and ASK!

Do YOU have special ideas or thoughts to share with the world? Or do you feel your ideas are just too personal … or not earth-shattering enough? How can you help others, improve your own writing skills and gain some writing credits in the process? Share your unique perspective with others.

First, your ideas ARE interesting and special. Why? Because no one will ever see the world the exact same way that you do. Even if someone did, they would never express those ideas in the same way. Each person is unique and your own voice will come through as you express your thoughts. Readers gain by seeing through your eyes, if only for a few sentences. So learn to appreciate that your ideas are worthwhile–and worth sharing.

For example, one writer-client of mine produced a charming little book of fun (and quickly useful) ideas that can inspire writers and improve simply anyone’s life. No fuss, no heavy philosophy–just fast and easy-to-achieve life gems. Called Brian’s List, Brian Benson has produced a great book to start his 2009.

Take a look at his site and the website of others. Consider writing a book, a blog or emails for freinds. Whatever form you prefer, but SHARE YOUR WORDS in 2009!

Any questions? Write me, Sandra Haven, at Bristol Services Intl. by clicking services@bristolservicesintl.com