WRITERS INFORMATION NETWORK
The Professional Association for Christian Writers

A ATTITUDE -- ANGLE: (has to do with the Idea!) Authors trying to sell a book must be able to hook an editor with an unusual or fresh angle about the subject. Angle = the narrow, sharply defined approach to a subject that gives the editor a reason to perk up and tune in. Think of how you'd describe the story to a friend on a 30-second elevator ride. Pay attention to the way the stories on the nightly news are described during a 10-second commercial break on an earlier show. Listen carefully to the way radio news broadcasts relate the top stories of the day.

B BENEFITS -- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (has to do with the Author!) Showcase your expertise, awards, affiliations, endorsements and interesting tidbits that connect you to your book topic. Show them the areas of strength and diversity that set you apart¾and beyond the competition. What do you bring to your writing to assure that it will stand out from the crowd and leave a powerful impression on your editor and readers? You must be qualified to write on your subject, and it's better yet, if you have achieved a certain notoriety in your chosen field. What features do you bring to the table that nobody else has experienced quite like you? Your short author bio should illustrate your strong points as an author with something to say.

C CLINCHER -- CONSUMER CONNECTION (has to do with the Market!) What about timing/current event interest, something in the news, a key aspect of your book meets a "felt need" in your readership NOW? Who are the 25,000 potential readers? Why will they be interested? Use demographics, trends, facts to show how and where to reach your reader.

D DYNAMITE 1-PAGE SYNOPSIS (has to do with Overview and take-away!) Get the whole theme of your story down to a maximum of 200 words or less, in 5 short paragraphs. It's not easy to write tight. Mark Twain summed it up best when he said, "If I had more time I would have written less." What will your reader take away after reading the book? Writing is about rewriting. And re-writing. Writing well takes time.

E ENDORSEMENTS (has to do with Publicity, Promotion!) Getting well-known, credentialed people to review and endorse your book before it goes to the publishing house is essential. At the very least, two endorsements are needed. Who do you know that is a key player in your field of interest that might give your book enthusiastic praise? Testimonials, recommendations, and endorsements all play a part in your credibility and give your book the high-profile nod it needs to attract a publishing house. How hard will you work? How many media contacts do you have? Does your topic lend itself to publicity and promotion?

© 2003 by Elaine Wright Colvin, Writers Information Network