by: Shalla de Guzman
SHALLA CHATS with author Michele Scott
?A Publisher wants my Book! Now what??
First off, who?s Michele?
Michele Scott writes two new mystery series coming soon to your local book stores, the Wine Lover?s and the Quarter Horse Mystery Series.
She started writing seriously in 1991 and after 12 years and almost as many manuscripts, finally got the call.
She majored in journalism at USC but always knew from the time she was a little girl that she wanted to write fiction.
She lives in San Diego with her husband and three children.
She grew up in San Diego where her family raises Quarter Horses and she worked in the wine industry for a period, all the time working on her writing.
Shalla: Michele got the call last year and now her first book, MURDER UNCORKED, comes out May.
Hi Michele, do you mind if we jump straight into the technicalities?
Michele:
Not at all.
Shalla: Great. We like to know about agent-house negotiations like? How much time before things worked out and contracts were signed?
Michele: In my situation everything happened very fast.
My agent was waiting to see the first book, which I didn?t know she wanted to do as a series, and she wasn?t my agent at that point.
Once she received the manuscript she read it in a day, signed me, and then asked if she could give Berkley a two week exclusive, which of course I said yes.
The day before the two weeks were up they made an offer, but they wanted a series, so I was asked to write up a short synopsis for the next two books, which I did in a couple of hours and by the end of the day we had a deal. With the horse series it was kind of the same situation.
Berkley, my publisher was given a 24 hour exclusive. Then my agent sent the work out to three other houses.
Two came back with an offer, but one was with the same parent company as Berkley, so we had to withdraw the proposal because Berkley wanted it, too. I wound up signing again with them for three books in that series as well.
Shalla: Did you have ongoing communications with both agents and editors? Or did you just talk to your agent and let him/her finalize things with the publisher?
Michele: I let my agent do all the talking.
That?s her job and she knows what she?s doing. I now have a relationship with my editor whom I speak to often.
Shalla: When you finally got your editor, how did the editing process of your manuscript begin?
Michele:
She read through the manuscript, and wrote a page of notes, and then detailed each change.
I was lucky because most of the changes were minor.
There was only one area where I really had to make a significant change.
There was also something I personally wanted to change and so through e-mail and a few conversations over the phone we were able to get it done.
We?re both pleased with the changes and once she read over the revisions she didn?t ask me to do anything else.
Shalla: Did your original title get changed?
Michele: Yes it did.
I originally had the title GRAPES OF DEATH.
My dad came up with it and I really liked it. I?m not good at titles. The new title is MURDER UNCORKED, which I think is cute and works well.
I don?t think Berkley will change the title on the horse mystery.
The title is SADDLED WITH TROUBLE.
My agent came up with it and I love it. So, I?m hoping they don?t change it.
Shalla: What was the timeline on revisions?
Michele: I had about six weeks to do them in.
I did them in about three weeks.
Shalla: Is the publishing process like what you expected?
Michele:
Yes and no.
It takes a really long time from the time I signed the contract to the time it hits the stores will be a year and a half. But this is average from what I?ve now learned.
It?s a slow process and that is something I?ve had to accept.
You know as writers we want to see our babies out there, but we have to be patient and that can be hard.
Working with my editor is great, and what I hoped for and expected.
She?s supportive, fun, and really great at what she does.
There?s also a lot that goes into marketing that I kind of figured on, but I would say that I now spend half of my time on the marketing/business side of things.
Shalla: Finally, any tips out there for the writer out there whose dreaming to get to where you are now, (published)?
Michele:
Yes.
Sit down and write.
I don?t care if you only have five minutes a day?write everyday. That?s how you get a book done.
Once that book is finished write another one.
Study the craft.
Read books on writing, the business, and books in and out of your genre. READ.
Don?t expect to write that first book to be published, In fact, you may not want to send it out.
I know you?re saying??What??
But think of it this way?it takes a doctor years to be an MD, a lawyer has to go through years of law school and tons of exams, a musician has to practice everyday, etc.
You get the drift.
My first book sits in a box in the garage, and it is so bad.
I thought when I wrote it that it was great, but it?s not, and neither was my second book.
My third one was better, and it got better from there.
It took me eight manuscripts. Learn the business, learn the craft and sit your booty down and write.
If you love writing, you?ll write no matter what and inevitably you will get better.
Tenacity pays off in this business.
Also, always have another pair of eyes?someone who knows the business, and can be completely honest with you?not your mom or husband.
Shalla: Thanks so much! So, do you have a website in case we like to get more info?
My website will be up in July. However if readers would like to get on my newsletter they can e-mail me with the caption of NEWSLETTER in the title box and I will be certain to notify them when the book is released, and when the website is up.
The website will be a lot of fun and there will be one page available to view in a month. There will be recipes, wine pairings, info about wine and horses, as well as excerpts from the books and recommended articles and links for writers.
Also, if readers want to do this, I will gladly send them out a free recipe and wine pairing. When the website is up, please go to michelescott.com.
Also, I will be speaking in April to the San Diego chapter of SISTERS IN CRIME, in September at the OCC RWA chapter and also in September at the KISS OF DEATH conference in San Antonio.
I hope to meet some of you. If you will be at any of those venues, please come and say hello.
I LOVE to talk with other writers.
Best wishes and cyber fireworks to Michele. We at Shalla Chats send our best.
Please come back and talk with us again.
About The Author
Shalla de Guzman writes multicultural, literary novels with a chick lit tone. A former writer and producer of a health and fitness cable show, Shalla is currently writing her next top secret, future best-selling novel. She is a member of FF&P RWA Chapter and the President of the ShalladeGuzman Writers Group. Please visit Shalla at www.shalladeguzman.com You may use this article as is, with links etc. Thanks.
|
Using Private Label Articles To Create Profit Pulling Article Directories
Using Private Label Articles To Create Profit Pulling Article Directories
by: Allan Wilson
By far one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to profit from private label articles is to use them as the foundation for creating your own article directory however NOT in the way the general crowd are doing it.
I'm talking about NICHE article directories such as Home Improvement Article Directory, Health Article Directory, etc.
Why Niche?
Because everyone and their dog in recent months have tried to start their own article directory and almost all of them are struggling to make them work.
They are all making the same mistake. There are already plenty of big successful article directories online and competing against these guys is always going to be tough work.
But going niche gives you the edge.
My reasoning behind this is the same as in any over saturated market.
Take the popular field of online dating. There are...
Using Private Label Articles To Create Profit Pulling Article Directories
Horse > Using Private Label Articles To Create Profit Pulling Article Directories
Round?em Up! Take the Family on a Modern-Day Cattle Drive Vacation
Round?em Up! Take the Family on a Modern-Day Cattle Drive Vacation
by: Peter Shannon
Looking for a rewarding and memorable family vacation idea? A cattle drive may be just the thing. We?re talking about real ranchers on real working cattle ranches. Ranch vacations are a good way for them to help support the ranch. But it?s not all business with them. They want to share their way of life and educate people about a quickly disappearing aspect of our American history and culture.
Don?t worry if you?ve never sat in a saddle before. Sure, some riding experience is helpful but the activities are geared for whatever skill level you have. All the ranches provide horse riding instruction for anyone who needs or wants it. .
In general, the more experience you have, the more you can expect to get into the thick of things on the cattle drive. Less experienced riders put in the back or at the sides. But that doesn?t mean you will be bored. There?s still...
Round?em Up! Take the Family on a Modern-Day Cattle Drive Vacation
Horse > Round?em Up! Take the Family on a Modern-Day Cattle Drive Vacation
Miscellaneous Racing Sports
Miscellaneous Racing Sports
by: Joel Noah
Racing is a sport that has been in existence literally for thousands of years. It?s certainly progressed since the days of the chariot races in ancient Greece but the drive behind racing still remains the same. When people race, regardless if it?s cars, boats, horses or themselves they do it to win. Being declared the fastest is the ultimate goal.
Races have progressed significantly since their inception. History shows that the first races were on foot; two or more men racing one another to determine which was the fastest. We still have foot races today and they can be incredibly competitive with challengers vying for the prestige of Olympic gold medals.
Races involving cars have gained popularity in recent years. Motor sports fans can attest the fact that watching a Formula One or NASCAR race can get the blood pumping. The drivers race at breakneck speeds with an incredible amount of precision....
Miscellaneous Racing Sports
Horse > Miscellaneous Racing Sports
My Top 3 Betfair Trading Secrets
My Top 3 Betfair Trading Secrets
by: Sam Chim
Are you sick of losing your money on Betfair?
Over 80% Betfair Members LOSE money, are you one of them? If you are then I?ve got some good news for you. I?m going to share my top 3 Betfair Trading Secrets with you for free.
Before I share my secrets with you, I want to make sure that you are familiar with the term ?Betfair Trading?. This is when we do not just back or lay bets, we trade them??to GUARANTEE a profit. All you need to do is back at a high price and lay at a lower price on the same outcome in an event. If you want to learn more about this method, I recommend you to take a look at my website (provided below).
Now that I?ve got that out of the way, I?m assuming you know how to trade on Betfair now. Here are My Top 3 Betfair Trading Secrets:
Tip 1:
Study the market you are going to trade and stick with it until you completely ?master? it. For example, I specialise...
My Top 3 Betfair Trading Secrets
Horse > My Top 3 Betfair Trading Secrets
Romantic Weekend Getaways
Romantic Weekend Getaways
by: Steve Gillman
Romantic weekend getaways can be a second honeymoon or your first vacation together. When you don't have the time or money for a long trip, try one of the following.
Luxuriate Together
Spending time at a nice hotel is the most obvious and common romantic weekend getaway, and with good reason. It is wonderful to be waited on and relax in a hot tub together. The best hotels for this will have a pool, a hot tub (preferably in the room) and even a lounge where you might be able to go dancing.
In Michigan, this might be the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. This is where they filmed the Christopher Reed movie, "Somewhere In Time." There are no cars, so you'll have see the island together by horse carriage.
Romantic Weekend Getaways - Outdoors
If you both enjoy getting outside, you may want to consider a camping weekend. Whether you want to really rough it, and put on the backpacks,...
Romantic Weekend Getaways
Horse > Romantic Weekend Getaways
What is a Secured Loan?
What is a Secured Loan?
by: John Mussi
A secured loan is simply a loan that uses your home as security against the loan. Secured loans are suitable for when you are trying to raise a large amount; are having difficulty getting an unsecured loan; or, have a poor credit history.
Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to secured loans, making a secured loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured loan.
Secured loans are also worth considering if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that luxury holiday of a lifetime.
Benefits of secured loans include:
Lower monthly repayments than unsecured loans
The ability to borrow more money
Spread repayments over a longer period of time
More detailed information??
A secured loan is a type of loan available to people with securable assets. Usually these assets take the form of property, such as a home; this is why...
What is a Secured Loan?
Horse > What is a Secured Loan?
Princess Party Ideas - Give Your Little Girl the Royal Treatment
Princess Party Ideas - Give Your Little Girl the Royal Treatment
by: John Lenaghan
If you?ve got a special little girl between the ages of about 3 & 7, then a princess birthday party could be the big social event of the year!
When looking for princess party ideas, it?s obvious to think of pink but don?t limit your imagination to pink fluffy dresses and pink frosting for birthday cakes. With some imagination, your ideas can create a very special party!
Let?s start with decorations. Helium balloons can create a stunning castle arch and once your guests are indoors then have them sit on a princess throne for a souvenir photo in an overstuffed chair which has been decorated with floral garlands, crepe paper or shiny fabric.
Activities for Princess Parties
Princesses love to wear crowns. You can buy inexpensive plastic crowns as well as fake "jewels" for each princess to make a birthday party hat. Inexpensive beading sets can...
Princess Party Ideas - Give Your Little Girl the Royal Treatment
Horse > Princess Party Ideas - Give Your Little Girl the Royal Treatment
Is Your Gambling Making You Money?
Is Your Gambling Making You Money?
by: Paul Mc
So you want to make your gambling pay?
Well would you be suprised if I told you that 99.9% of gamblers fail to make a consistent profit by gamblig?
Not suprised?
How about if I told you that a lot of these people don't have a clue about betting?
Its true!!!
Upto 90% of all bets are made by people who don't really know anything about the event they are betting on.
The others may have some idea but it is actually a very select few who actually make money by gambling.
There are ways to turn a rookie gambler into at least a semi professional one who could actually make a profit from gambling.
Below I will give a few pointers to any aspiring gambler looking to make their gambling pay and why most gamblers never make a profit.
1)
Most gamblers bet on every race.
If you go down to a race meeting yu will see hoards of people placing bets on...
Is Your Gambling Making You Money?
Horse > Is Your Gambling Making You Money?
A Publisher Wants My Book! Now What?
32 Inch LCD TV Review
32 Inch LCD TV Review
by: Roger Wembley
If you are looking for a good size TV that will go well in a living room then you should choose a 32 inch LCD TV. 32 inch LCD TVs are big enough that everyone in the room will be able to see the picture. At the same time it is small enough that it won?t take over the room. When looking for any 32 inch LCD TV you should choose a brand that is well known in the electronics industry for producing high quality electronics....
tvs A Publisher Wants My Book! Now What? Horse 32 Inch LCD TV Review
Horse > 32 Inch LCD TV Review
Unleash the Power of Listening
Unleash the Power of Listening
by: Barbara White
A vital skill in becoming an effective communicator is the ability to listen. Listening skills are not taught in school, and sadly are largely undeveloped skill in many people. To listen effectively is a powerful skill that can be learnt and practiced. You will gain more respect and esteem through listening rather than through talking
It?s funny how sometimes you associate a certain phrase with someone. I...
A Publisher Wants My Book! Now What? hearing aids Unleash the Power of Listening
Horse > Unleash the Power of Listening
Find Your Style Of Reading Glasses To Show Off Your Sense Of Fashion
Find Your Style Of Reading Glasses To Show Off Your Sense Of Fashion
by: Steve Cogger
Reading glasses or readers have evolved from those old black granny glasses of the past. Today's reading glasses offer style and glamour making them as fashionable as they are functional. The many varieties of reading glasses available match the many personalities of their wearers.
To be fashionable and feel great you need to identify what you need from a pair of reading...
A Publisher Wants My Book! Now What? Find Your Style Of Reading Glasses To Show Off Your Sense Of Fashion
Horse > Find Your Style Of Reading Glasses To Show Off Your Sense Of Fashion
Get Better Gas Mileage This Winter - Simple Tips You Can Use
Get Better Gas Mileage This Winter - Simple Tips You Can Use
by: Scott Babb
Getting the best gas mileage is harder during the winter. Here are a few simple things you can do to improve your winter gas mileage.
Maintain your car. Check your tires to make sure they have plenty of tread. Slipping tires are dangerous and they waste gas. Ask your car dealer or mechanic if you can use a lighter weight oil during the winter to reduce friction and save gas. Consider...
A Publisher Wants My Book! Now What? Get Better Gas Mileage This Winter - Simple Tips You Can Use Horse tires
Horse > Get Better Gas Mileage This Winter - Simple Tips You Can Use