Non-fiction clips helpful for fiction writers?

M.A.Gardener · Oct 25, 2005

I have some non-fiction clips in a portfolio that I was going to list on my query letter for fiction writing. My aim is to show a potential agent or publisher that I'm disciplined and will get the work done. Would this be helpful or just a distraction? Also, I have an M.S. in Technical Communication - would this be good to list?
Thanks! :Sun:

m.a.

WVWriterGirl · Oct 25, 2005

I've been wondering this same thing. Anyone got some advice?

Jamesaritchie · Oct 26, 2005

clips

Nonfiction clips are not as good as fiction clips. Many who write nonfiction very well can't write anything approaching good fiction. But any clips are better than no clips, and if nothing else, nonfiction clips do tell an agent you know how to write a coherent sentence, and how to use grammar and punctuation. This is no small thing.

PattiTheWicked · Oct 26, 2005

When I've sent out queries for my fiction stuff, I always include in my "about the author" paragraph something along the lines of "My work has appeared in Twinshelp, Pediatrics for Parents, and Gaea's Cauldron." I figure it shows that I'm capable of stringing together a coherent sentence, which gives me a leg up on all the queries that come from complete illiterates.

cwfgal · Oct 26, 2005

Jamesaritchie said:
Nonfiction clips are not as good as fiction clips. Many who write nonfiction very well can't write anything approaching good fiction. But any clips are better than no clips, and if nothing else, nonfiction clips do tell an agent you know how to write a coherent sentence, and how to use grammar and punctuation. This is no small thing.

I agree.

Beth

Non-fiction clips helpful for fiction writers?

M.A.Gardener

WVWriterGirl

Inked Mom

Jamesaritchie

PattiTheWicked

Unleashing Hell.

cwfgal

On the rocks