4 books that changed my life by Leanne Dyck

What are the books that changed your life?

Here's my answer...

I can't remember life without a pen. And before that I told stories to puppies and kittens. When I wasn't telling the stories I was listening to them. All this listening and all this writing inevitably lead me to want to write a book.

1st Question:  Can I write a book?

It seemed like an unreachable goal. In a blog post I wrote 'even a short book is over 100 pages'.

So how did I achieve this goal?

By writing one short story after another.

an audio book a collection of knitting-themed short stories

published in 2006

2nd Question:  Can I sell my book?

is a short (approximately 35,000 words) mystery 

set on Mayne Island 

published in 2009

As I wrote the final chapter, I worked on the marketing plan. I envisioned my target reader and devised plans to reach her. These plans included a book launch featuring Mayne Island musicians. This book served as an introduce to the publishing industry. I learned what is involved in the publishing and marketing of books. I sold over 200 copies (through several bookstores and directly to readers). Maynely A Mystery was a Mayne Island best seller.

3rd Question:  Can I find a publisher?


The success of Maynely A Mystery inspired me to take (what I viewed as) the next step--finding a publisher for The Sweater Curse a novella-length paranormal thriller. Novellas are challenging to place. I searched the Internet. Bono Bookstore (imprint of Decadent Publishing) taught me how to work with a publishing house. My writing benefited at the hands of skilled editors. I worked with other authors to develop marketing plans for our books. 

Link to a YouTube video of me reading from this book

4th Question:  Can I build a writing career?

Novelty Yarn taught me that I could write a book.

Maynely A Mystery taught me that I could market a book.

The Sweater Curse taught me that I can find a publisher.

You, dear reader, taught me that I can build a supportive community.

And now I'm ready to work with publishers to build a career in writing.

(photo by Leanne Dyck)

More...

Please click this link for my complete publishing history

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Next post:  July 17th (around 5 PM) 

(a clue from me to you) Logline:  An operation to increase intellect fails, but the experience teaches a man with down syndrome that there are more important things than intelligence. 

The book is... 

(photo by Leanne Dyck)

Picture Books in Canada

'Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable is one of many Children's Literature Roundtables across Canada. We are a varied group of educators, librarians, parents, authors, illustrators and other professionals who meet 5-7 times between September and June to celebrate and promote children's literature. Our programs are varied and offer something to everyone. Children's literature enthusiasts are always welcome.' -quote from the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable website 

For more information, please click this link and this one 

  Sharing my author journey...

A black blanket, studded with a sliver moon and twinkling stars covered the earth...

Christa's publisher -- not by Leanne Dyck

photo by L Dyck

Christa was proud of her story. She believed it was her best work; she believed it was important; she believed it would be easy to find a publisher.

But I have to find the right publisher, she told herself. 

Finding the right publisher required Christa to do some detective work. She poured over the books in her home library and those at her local library and bookstore.  She sought out books that were similar to her own -- in subject matter and theme. Once found, she recorded the publisher's name and web site in a small notebook she carried. She bought Quill and Quire and read reviews of other books newly released by other publishers. 

One publisher stood book cover and type face above the rest. Christa spent hours on their web site. She closely studied their submission guidelines. Christa was advised to query first and then wait six months for a reply.

Christa carefully crafted her query letter and, hoping -- dreaming -- for the best, she sent it to the publisher.

Seven months later, the publisher contacted Christa and asked for three sample chapters.

"Oh, my gosh," she sang. "This is it. They want me."

It was love at first reply. Christa didn't even look at any other publisher. All the books she bought bore her publisher's  logo.

One's good, but more manuscripts will sweeten the deal, she told herself. So Christa revved up her computer and plowed through manuscript after manuscript.

She emailed her publisher and asked...

I have more manuscripts. Can I send them to you?

Her publisher wrote back...

Sure. Why not. Send us a sample...

So Christa sent more pages to the publisher and her dreams grew richer and more vivid. 

Not only will they accept my manuscript but they'll treat me like a rock star, she told herself. They'll send me on an all expenses paid vacation to their province. They'll rent me a room in a five star hotel. They'll give me a VIP tour of their publishing house. They'll see me for what I am -- a valuable prolific author.

A few days before Christmas -- three years after Christa's first contacted them -- her publisher (not) sent her a letter in the mail. It wasn't full of Christmas cheer. 

Thank you for sending us your work but...

Christa's relationship with the publisher was over before it had really started.

I asked Christa if she had any advise for other authors.

She said, "It's okay to get excited if they ask for a sample. But a sample isn't a manuscript. If they ask for a manuscript, it's okay to get even more excited. But a manuscript isn't a contract. Wait until after you've signed the contract to celebrate. But even then things can and do go wrong. Don't get carried way by your dreams. Keep writing and submitting. Don't put all your money on one pony. Submit to more than one publisher, at a time. And remember, just because one publisher sends you a rejection letter doesn't mean another one will."

To date, Christa has yet to sign a publishing contract for any of her novels. When asked if she is still writing, Christa smiled and said, "Yes, of course. Writing is my passion."

When asked if she was still looking for a publisher for her novels, Christa said, "I am working on new projects but I'd never trash my old manuscripts. I believe in them. They are good. I will find a publisher for them. I. Will."

And with an attitude like that, I know she will achieve her goal.

photo by L Dyck

More on publishing...

For me, publishing with a small press was a positive experience. I know working with them took my writing to the next level.

To learn more about this route, read Anne Goodwin's article:  Making Small-Press Publication Work For You

Sharing my author journey...

This week I've been playing detective.