New writer, YA genre. Need some tips!

theresa.mcclinton · Feb 14, 2012

Hey everyone! I was referred to this website by a friend of mine. She told me this community has great resources, so here I am.

My debut novel, The Stone Guardian, is a Contemporary YA Fantasy Romance, complete at 81K words. I queried a few agents, not a huge amount, and got back letters saying, "Sorry, this isn't for us." So I took a second look. Why are they rejecting me, besides the fact that I'm up against a vast amount of higher skilled competition? Also, there were typos, typos that my editor and myself didn't see. Yikes.

I have a request for a beta reader up in the appropriate thread

I'm learning as I go alone, but obviously need some help. I'm not afraid to say that I'm new and don't know everything, and I'm a fast learner with a high work ethic and a strong drive. So if you can give me any tips, I'll take them, and I won't waste them.

Other than that, I'm just glad to be here.

Thanks!

alleycat · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome.

FlyBird · Feb 14, 2012

Greetings and welcome!

CACTUSWENDY · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome to AW. Hope you enjoy your stay with us.
How do you like your popcorn?

If you go to the bottom of the page to the 'forum jump' you can scroll down and find all the areas of this place. After you post 50 posts you can use the SYW areas to get help there. The password for some of the areas is…..vista. A word to the wise, it would be a good idea to participate first in helping others before you think about posting your own work. After you have been around here for awhile, then post something of your own for help. Good luck.

regdog · Feb 14, 2012

Take some time and read the Newbie Guide and the Stickies found
at the top of Forum pages. They are your best guide to learning about
Absolute Write.

Don’t forget to read the FAQ regarding posting pictures at AW.

Members who want to start a thread in Share Your Work to have work critiqued need
50 posts. Don’t make a mad dash to reach your 50 posts. Take some time to greet fellow newbies,
critique other members’ works, or join a discussion.

lookitsandrea · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome! I am new here as well. I hope you get all the help you need here!

theresa.mcclinton · Feb 14, 2012

Thank's for all of the tips! I'll look around and try to help out!

thehairymob · Feb 14, 2012

Nickie · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome to the forums, Theresa.

Leanna · Feb 14, 2012

Hi Theresa, welcome!

Tepelus · Feb 14, 2012

Hello, and welcome!

TikaaniM · Feb 14, 2012

Greetings. There's a lot of people here who qualify to help.

Mark G · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome to Absolute Write!

I recommend the following books, which have helped me greatly and continue to help me:

Your First Novel: An Author Agent Team Share the Keys to Achieving Your Dream by Ann Rittenberg and Laura Whitcomb (Paperback - Sep 8, 2006)

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King (Paperback - Apr 13, 2004)

Also, check to see if you have a local writers' group in your area on meetup.com; sometimes face-to-face meetings for Read & Critique can really illuminate what's going on.

Sometimes agents/publishers know within the first few paragraphs (or maybe the first paragraph) enough to decide to reject a book. So, the first page is the most important. The first words are the most important. Build up 50 posts here so you can put the first 1000 words on the SYW (Share Your Work) section, and see what the critters say. In prep for that, look at what other people have submittted and what other critters have said about each submission. Write your own critiques, to give people in the SYW a sense of your voice, so that when you submit something, people already know you.

Hope that helps!

LLW · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome, Theresa! Best of luck on your publishing journey!

VP_Benni · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome Theresa

~Amber~

theresa.mcclinton · Feb 14, 2012

Hi everyone. First, I want to say TY for all of the kind words of support! You all are amazing. I was going to delete this post due to me finding a beta partner, but with all of the nice 'welcomes' and words of advice posted, I didn't want to tare it down.

So, I've found a beta partner. Thanks for all the posts!

PortableHal · Feb 14, 2012

Congratulations on finding your beta, Theresa. Good luck with your novel!

Silver-Midnight · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome and congrats on finding a beta-reader.

Mary K. Norris · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome!

AFord · Feb 15, 2012

Best Wishes with your writing goals, Theresa

ArtsyAmy · Feb 15, 2012

Welcome from another newcomer, Theresa! Glad you found someone to help out. Happy writing!

Deizelcore · Feb 15, 2012

Welcome!

seedling · Feb 15, 2012

Welcome! And congrats on finding a beta partner!

sxoidmal · Feb 15, 2012

Good luck to you and your beta, Theresa. I was looking around for books on writing and tripped upon one you might be interested in:
Writing Great Books for Young Adults, Regina Brooks (2009)

Mumut · Feb 15, 2012

Welcome, Theresa. I think you are doing the right thing by looking for an agent. I've had a trilogy (YA Historical Fiction) published in Australia and the first is now out in Canada/USA but the editor has masacred it! I obviously didn't get the best publisher. I should have tried my hardest for an agent and that's what I'm doing now for my next book. It's a slow process - I wish there was a single form to fill in and send to all of them. As you've obviously found out, though, each one wants something different. But keep going. The thrill of getting published is worth it!
Best wishes.

New writer, YA genre. Need some tips!

"Crossing Realms of YA Romance."

Still around

An old, sappy, and happy one.

The Scavengers

"Crossing Realms of YA Romance."

If I had a brain I'd still be dumb

Not too old to learn

And so...

Author of Reborn to Bite

likes a colorful font

"Crossing Realms of YA Romance."

Not-so-new

Eat. Write. Sleep. Repeat.

You know U R a book lover when ...

This is not a user title

Nascent

Well begun is half done...