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Write to an author: Editor's Notes #264 June 27, 2018 |
| Hello, because I lack the time to make it shorter. —Blaise Pascal In this issue: 1. Write to an author 2. Tickled my funny bone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 5. A special offer 1. Write to an author From time to time I like to write to an author. Usually I write just to say thank you for a wonderful book. Sometimes I have a quibble about something. Overwhelmingly I write out of a deep appreciation for the author’s work. Here are my personal guidelines for writing to an author. 1. Have something of substance to say. 2. Be specific. It helps that I obsessively take notes while I read. I do this on small bits of paper where I note page numbers or key words for topics or questions I have. Those small bits of paper are my book marks until the book is finished. 3. Write by hand. My handwriting has taken a dive since I moved to computerized communication, but for something as personal as a communication with an author, I like write by hand. 4. Take the time to make a rough draft. This is the hardest advice for me to follow. I’m usually so overflowing with ideas that I just want to pour out my heart. But it’s always better to write a draft. 5. Send something beautiful. I am blessed to live in an artistic community, and I have a drawer full of blank cards illustrated by local artists. If I didn’t have this option, I would try to send a pressed flower, a poem, or, if I think the author will like it, a piece of humour. 6. Ask for nothing in return. Of course I can also write to an author to ask for an interview or the answer to a question I think the author may have. But for the sort of letter I’m talking about here, I just want to make contact. I know writers are busy, and I don’t want to be a stalker. 7. Send the message to the correct place. I usually check two resources: the publisher’s Web site and the writer’s Web site. I call the publisher to ask how to send a letter to the author. Sometimes I have to put a letter inside another envelope and both need postage. Sometimes the author has contact information on the Web site. (Some authors prefer to get fan mail through an agent.) As an editor who also writes, I’ve been on both sides of this exchange, and I can tell you that authors love to hear from readers. Which author would you write to? =========== 2.Tickled my funnybone "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." --Mark Twain (With thanks to Albert Hall) =========== 3. Interesting Web site Expressing gratitude makes others feel good, and it’s good for you, too. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/me-you-us/201512/the-power-grateful-heart =========== 4. Writing prompt A letter to an author does not have be sent to be useful. Putting your thoughts about a book into written words helps to focus your mind. Write a few paragraphs about a book or an author you admire or about a book that unsettles you. =========== 5. A special offer for subscribers to Editor’s Notes from a designer SJBarnes Design: book covers, typesetting and more! I am pleased to offer 15% off all book design services for Editor’s Notes subscribers until September 30, 2018. This includes cover design, interior design, ebook design and more. Please mention the code “EDITORSNOTES” in your email. sjbarnesdesign@gmail.com http://sjbarnes.com/ =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
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