The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals - Softcover

Allen, Moira Anderson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1581157436 ISBN 13: 9781581157437

Publisher: Allworth, 2010

Synopsis

Every writer wants to publish as widely as possible, and this book gives writers the tools to achieve a competitive edge and break into a wide range of markets. The second edition has been updated throughout and expanded to cover e-mail pitches, letters of introduction, pitching to international markets, how to pitch agents at conferences, and new markets such as greeting cards. This sprightly guide enables readers to expand their markets and increase sales by learning how to make the perfect pitch to magazines, publishers, corporations, and other potential clients. This indispensable resource provides writers with successful approaches to such topics as how to craft a query letter, create a nonfiction or fiction book proposal, approach newspapers with a column or syndication idea, get corporate freelancing jobs, and win a writing grant. Interviews with experts in a variety of fields and dozens of new examples of successful pitches, queries and proposals enliven and illustrate the text. Beginning and experienced writers will find this the perfect one-of-a-kind, desktop reference for developing the market approaches they need to sell their work.

Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

About this title

About the Author

Moira Anderson Allen has been writing professionally for more than 30 years, contributing to such publications as Writer's Digest, The Writer, Byline, and Entrepreneur, among others. She is the author of seven books (including Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer, Allworth Press, 2003, 2011) and more than 300 published articles. Her versatile background includes technical writing, corporate editing, corporate newsletter directing, and operating her own publishing firm. A long-time instructor of freelance and creative writing at community colleges, Allen is often a speaker at writing conferences and workshops. She lives in Columbia, Maryland.

Review

In the book’s Introduction, Allen writes that the publishing world was a tough place for writers back in 2001, but it is tougher now. Indeed, the pace is faster, competition is greater, and the industry’s expectations for writers are pushed further and further.
 
So how can Allen handle cover it all? With eight books in one, that’s how. This new edition covers the basics of proposals and queries, syndicated columns, how to market your book, understanding self-publishing, and writing for business. The inclusion of social media and ebooks are, of course, the newest sections.
 
Writer’s Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals does a great job covering book manuscript preparation, the delicate dance of submission, and the perfect pitch. The sample documents and resources will encourage you to promote your work as an author, and to explore freelance writing as a way to expand your book’s visibility.
 
Allen is author of dozens of books and hundreds of freelance articles. She is the ideal person to guide you on your path to success in publishing.
 
  —Helen Gallagher, NY Journal of Books

“In The Writer’s Guide to Queries, Pitches, and Proposals, Moira Allen offers writers practical advice (and great examples) to help them get their work published. A great source for the writer’s bookshelf.”—Elfrieda Abbe, Publisher, The Writer
 
“This book is an excellent resource for beginning and experienced writers, packed with useful tips and practical examples. In addition to covering essential topics such as writing queries for articles and books, syndication, and writing columns, it also discusses alternative publishing methods, grants, networking, and other opportunities for writers. Highly recommended.”—Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Founder, Inkspot
 
“Whether you write articles, novels, nonfiction books, business material, or something in between, The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, and Proposals is brimming with valuable information for you. Allen and a host of experienced writers offer everything from submission basics to venturing boldly into cyberspace. This should be required reading for all writers!”—Karen S. Wiesner, award-winning author of From First Draft to Finished Novel: A Writer’s Guide to Cohesive Story Building

About this edition

• Publisher: Allworth
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1581157436
• ISBN 13: 9781581157437
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 288