Today, after reading the post below regarding comic book culture & the media (something we'll continue to discuss as the course continues), retire next door at 12:30 to discuss the graphic novel Maus.
After our discussion, we are done with the book. Please return it to the library and move on to the next topic: Best Sellers.
From the library, select one of our libraries best-selling novels to read (or re-read) over Thanksgiving Break. See homework for more details.
Then, return to the lab to complete the following:
After our discussion, we are done with the book. Please return it to the library and move on to the next topic: Best Sellers.
From the library, select one of our libraries best-selling novels to read (or re-read) over Thanksgiving Break. See homework for more details.
Then, return to the lab to complete the following:
- Prepare your literary magazine submission. Proofread and edit and make it worthy of considering.
- Write a short query letter to your publisher. Let's use this information:
- Agent: Brad Craddock
- Creative Writing Publishing Inc.
- School of the Arts
- 45 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607
- Paragraph #1: Introduce yourself. Share any connection you have with the agent (you met him at a conference, you were a student of his, you took him out to dinner, OR you're a fan of specific authors that he or she represents.
- Paragraph #1: Name the title, genre, and word count of the work you want the agent to represent.
- Paragraph #2: Summarize your story/poem briefly. Discuss your main characters, themes, what happens, what choices the protagonist makes, what kind of poem/story it is, etc. Leave the agent with a cliffhanger ending. What will happen? Read to find out! (that sort of thing...)
- Paragraph #3: Add your writing bio. Name other works you have written or published and where/when they were published. Name any awards or related writing experience, perhaps courses taken or workshops attended, writing jobs held, etc. Keep this sort (about 1-2 sentences).
- Paragraph #3: Finally, thank the agent for his time and consideration.
- Proofread your letter. Correct your mistakes/typos.
- Use short specific sentences & paragraphs. A query letter should never be more than a page in length!
- You can use a similar tone to your writing. If you are writing humor, it's okay to crack a joke if you can. If your work is serious, your letter should have a serious tone, etc.
- Submit your letter. You do not have to submit your literary magazine selection yet. You will receive a letter from the agent soon indicating whether or not he wants you to submit it to the acquisitions editor.
Sign up again for the literary magazine. Some of you didn't do this. With time remaining in class, please begin your homework.
HOMEWORK: Read your chosen best seller. Find out a little about the book by researching when and where it was originally published, how much money did it make, how it might have been sold as an option for film or tv, or other media sources. As you read compare/contrast the book to other "school" books that you are forced to read. Is there a difference? We'll discuss when you return from your break. Have a nice Thanksgiving!
No comments:
Post a Comment