LDStorymakers Conference ~ Why am I getting rejected? with Jenn Johansson

This class covered three main areas where mistakes can result in rejections. Jenn showed us areas that might be causing problems and how to turn a "No, thanks" into a "yes, please!"


Queries:
Intro paragraph: title, genre, word count, comparison, why you think the agent is a good fit
Body: Who, what, when, where, inciting incided, main conflict, antagonist, main goal.
Go to agents site, find their guidelines and personalize your query.

Approach:
Be professional
Treat writing like a career. 
Be respectful and expect it in return.
Let your writing speak for itself.
BE PATIENT

Concept & Timing:
Publishing goes in cycles
BE PATIENT

When do agents/editors stop reading?
Typos
Sloppiness
Purple Prose
Info dumping
POV shifts
Unlikeable characters
No action, urgency, drama
Telling, not sowing
No voice

Stephen king said "The first million words are practice..." that probably sounds intimidating right now, but the point is: keep writing!

THREE ways to improve your writing:

Read!

Write, write, write

Critique group