From the Ground Up

Sample mags and the learning process

2010-01-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

I don’t mind admitting that I’m an amateur.

While none of us at WWC is a stranger to writing, and in fact quite a few of us have experience on the business end of publication, none of us has done what we’re doing right now: starting a publishing house.

This is going to be an awesome and exciting year for us, starting with a learning experience like no other.

Right now we’re putting together a sample magazine. This is an exercise in writing, editing, layout, and design. What better way to learn to work together than going completely hands on with a project that should prove to be fun…and will also give us a chance to explore some areas that are (so we think) outside of our capabilities?

Oh, I’m not playing favorites in the least. I want my editors to learn layout. I want my graphic designers to try their hand at editing. Why? Because to my way of thinking the best way to excel in your own position, is to understand what those around you are doing….at least a little bit.

OK, that’s thinking outside the box. But then again, Written World Communications isn’t a company that’s well…usual. In the least. And you know something? I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Question: What have you done to stretch yourself lately?

Time for a change!

2009-12-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

All right.

Up until now, this blog has been about my own adventures related to writing and publishing. Today this blog changes to a little different focus. Today, this blog reflects a dream...From the Ground Up.

Over the past year I've been working towards creating a publishing house. A traditional, royalty paying publishing house. The project is completely and utterly insane (or so some would have me think). Can I, and a small group of individuals, with very little start-up cash, begin publishing not just print books and magazines before the end of 2010?

Well, we think we can. And just to make it all fun, I'm inviting you along for the ride.

My name is Kristine Pratt and I am the CEO of Written World Communications, LLC. We're planning on launching five different magazines and four different book imprints over the next few years. A little...daunting? Well, we'll find out.

I'm inviting you to come along with us. Ask questions along the way. Share your insights, offer your opinions, just don't throw the rottens in that bushel basket by the door. I'm saving those for the naysayers.

Are you ready for this?

I certainly am!

Question: What's the craziest dream you've ever pursued?

Anime / Manga style Artist Wanted!

2009-06-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Are you the artist we're looking for?

If you've been reading this blog for awhile you'll already know I'm Kristine Pratt and I'm one of the partners over at Written World Communications, a fairly new company. While for the moment we're offering author services and website solutions, in the next two years we're expanding into the publishing industry through the creation of five new magazines. The first of which we'd like to release this fall.

Where do you come in? Well the first magazine is called "Gambatte!" and is a mag written for anime / manga fans BY anime / manga fans. For this magazine we need a website so we can launch properly and get started taking submissions. For this website and for the first advertising we would like some original artwork. We're looking for a fresh new character that captures the spirit of Gambatte that can be used (perhaps in different poses) for the website, business cards, brochures, and advertising copy.

Because we're a new magazine and have no idea what to expect at this point for sales we really have a small budget for art. But in addition to your pay you can expect to be featured prominently in our first issue as an original artist with a chance to showcase your work. We're also willing to work a deal that would involve free advertising if you so choose for your freelancing.

To give you a feel for the magazine, this is an idea of what we're about.

Gambatte! will feature more than just your usual reviews. We're looking for fans who want to show their love for anime / manga. We want to see fanfiction and fan art. We want to teach about Japanese culture in a fun and interesting ways. We want to talk cosplay, showcasing not just the costumes but giving some how to tips. We want to see original work done in the style of anime / manga. We foresee this being 90% freelance written with the other 10% being regular columnists.

Gambatte! is a mag that you'll be able to read online, that you can download and read at your convenience, and will also be available in print edition for an extra charge. Right now we're looking at publishing 4 times a year with the first issue being available in October of 2009.

If you're interested in working with us, then we'd like to see your work. Send us either some samples of work in attachment to this email or provide URLs so that we can check this out online. Please let us know what you would charge for an original image in three different poses. We're open to all media types so give us some ideas what you would charge for black and white and color images. We'd like to hear by June 21, 2009.

Also, if you're interested in writing for us, do let us know. We don't have formal submission guidelines just yet but we're really interested in hearing your ideas.

Any questions, please ask. You can reach me at kristinepratt at gmail dot com. We can't wait to hear from you!

tha mi Sgith

2009-05-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

A century ago I stumbled into a tiny shop that held only treasures from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This treasure trove occupied me for ages and when I left I had purchased something that was far too tempting to pass up. An album for a group called “Silly Wizard” large and flat, a vinyl record meant to be played at the audacious speed of 33 1/3. Anyone remember that?

The song that captured my heart was Hame, Hame, Hame / tha mi Sgith. This translates out to “Home, Home, Home, I am Tired.”

This has been my song for the last week in the wake of Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference (CCWC). Oh don’t get me wrong. I adore conference. I love meeting new people. How cool is it hearing about their projects, listening to their pitches? How utterly awesome and amazing it was to be on the other side of the table as Padawan Agent.

But by the end…oh I was ready for home.

In the last week or so I’ve been struggling to get my feet under me again. I had totally underestimated the energy it takes to be faculty. I had never considered that from the moment I entered the building for breakfast until I left for the night, usually 12 – 15 hours later, that I was working. And my appreciation for the editors, authors, and agents who work at these things soared considerably.

This week I’m finally getting back to work after sleeping a lot more, playing a lot more with the kids, and generally recovering. But much as I love being “hame, in my ain countree” I can’t wait until my next conference, and the chance to do it all over again.

What about you? Tired after conference or exhilarated and ready to work?

Just What Do You Mean by "NO?"

2009-05-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

"I'm sorry to inform you that your manuscript...."

As an agent-in-training, I get to experience every aspect of publishing. I love it. Every day I’m learning something new! Every day I get to deal with fantastic people and read the most amazing and interesting things.

Every day, I also have to say ‘no.’

This is probably the hardest thing I’ve had to learn in the last year. But..simply put…not every book an agent sees is ready to go into print. To be very blunt here, most of the books aren’t.

When I say ‘no’ to a manuscript I’ll word it differently depending on what I’ve seen. I take a lot of time and effort to put the right wording with every query or proposal that’s turned down. This is why, as a writer, it’s so important to pay attention to the reasons why. What you think might be a form letter might be – in part. But whatever text is chosen, it’s done so with great care. And more often than not, I try to take the time to make this personal enough so that you know what the real deal is.

“This novel isn’t quite ready…there…whatever words I’ve chosen” means just that. The writing isn’t polished enough, the descriptions might not be enough or might be too flowery or maybe that dialogue is stilted or not quite right. This one I dislike because it means you’ve sent it too soon. I’ve seen such fantastic ideas that hold so much promise and lost their chance simply because the manuscript needs more work. DO take the time to have others read your work before submitting it. DO listen to the advice you’re given. DO read your story out loud to make sure it flows and has the right cadence to the dialogue. A few extra days to polish can make so much difference.

“This didn’t really grip me…didn’t hold my interest…pull me in” means just that. Your book MUST compel me to keep reading. Keep me reading until I hit that last page and leave me wanting more. Anything less isn’t going to make it. If this was your reason it’s time to go back and polish again. Don’t quit just yet!

“This is too similar to something we already have.” This one is SO important and in fact I rejected a stunning manuscript today for this reason. This is one I would have put under contract had we NOT had a manuscript that was like it. What does this mean? No, no two manuscripts are exactly the same. But say we have a client with a book on parenting a Special Needs child. Then someone comes to us with a book about Special Needs children in general. They’re not the same, they might be very different. BUT they would be sent to the exact same market were we to try to sell it. It’s not fair to either author to pit these books against each other for that publisher. And how would the publisher like us to send them two books for the same open spot on their list? Not cool all the way around. If this was your book, take heart. Keep it in motion. Seriously. This is really not time to give up!

"We're sorry but we're not working in a market where we feel we can represent..." means just this. Every agent knows a certain percentage of the publisher out there. Quite honestly there's just too many publishers for anyone to have contacts in all of them. Sometimes we just have to be brutally honest...we can't do the job for you that you're asking us to do. Here again...keep sending that manuscript out. Just because we don't have the right contact, doesn't mean someone else doesn't.

So...sometimes we say 'no.' We're not out to get you...we're just trying to be as honest as possible. After all, I love seeing books get into print. I'd love to see YOUR book get into print. Don't give up quite yet, OK?

What about you...seen any good rejection letters lately?

Seriously…THAT’S How You Use THAT?

2009-04-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

Screwdriver
Originally uploaded by axle_13

“Mom, what in the world are you doing?”

Obviously my son never saw someone trying to use a nail file as a screwdriver. But then, he also has never watched MacGyver. Good thing too.

He watched me a moment as I very tediously removed the tiny screw and eased open the back of the toy that needed batteries replaced. “Why didn’t you just get a screwdriver?”

The question was a fair one, the answer somewhere along the lines of, “I didn’t know where one was and didn’t want to take the time to look.” The uncomfortable feeling following that thought hinted that perhaps it would have taken me less time to find the right tool for the job and use it than it had to use a nail file for the same task.

Tools were designed for a specific purpose. Sometimes we come up with other uses (think Duct tape) but for the most part, using the right tool, properly, saves time in the long run. Something I should have realized with my nail file endeavors.

Writing works the same way. Recently I’ve picked up a book on how to use Word properly and I am completely and utterly amazed.

Now before you think I’m new to computers, I’m not. I’ve been using Word faithfully for years. What I never realized is that all over this program is a wealth of buttons and shortcuts I never knew existed. Keyboard shortcuts have left me in awe. And the click of a button on the page sets me up for tracking changes? Who knew?

Before I get too sidetracked on the wonder of Word I’d like to make my point. Knowing how to properly use your tools cuts down time when it comes to getting your work done. This is time that can be spent polishing a few more words before bed or writing an extra page or two before picking up the kids from school.

So take a little time to learn how to not just USE your tools as a writer, but to MASTER them. The library is full of books on computing. And honestly, the time spent learning how to really put your program to work for you, will really pay off in the end.

What tools have you mastered for the sake of your craft?

The Unexpected Life

2009-03-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

It's late and I should be sleeping.

We're midway through Spring Break in Colorado and I'm discovering what it means to work at home with five kids underfoot. This is the first time my writing career has been challenged in just this way and I'm wondering whether I'm staying afloat or merely treading water.

I live by my whiteboard these days. I list off all the things I have to do. This includes everything from answering queries, to checking in with both my bosses, the copyedits and market research and all the other minutiae of a life well absorbed by the publishing industry.

At the same time...I have to remember to find that balance. It's vacation for the kids after all. And if I let it, I'll be at my computer working (yes I'll admit it) like I did today for 12- 14 hours.

The other day I spent three hours in the park with the kids. Does that make a vacation? Well, not really. So when the copyedits are turned in at some point in time tomorrow (or today as the case may be) it'll be time to lay aside the projects in favor for something that I would mark in black on my board, the color I use for "Do This NOW." Maybe we'll bake cookies. Or take a walk. Or some other thing that involves making a memory or two so when the kids are older the first thing that comes to mind about dear old mom isn't, "Well, she worked a lot."

And you know something? As much as time can be of the essence in the publishing industry...I suspect that the business of writing won't go anywhere until the cookies get out of the oven.

How do you balance work and family?

Cowgirl for a Day!

2009-03-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

I hope that none of you mind a short post today…no of course you don’t. Everyone loves a short blog post, right?

I just wanted to let you all know that I’ve done my first ever stint at guest blogging over at Terry Burns’ website. I’m truly honored by his trusting me with his blog for this limited time (and yes, I should have told you all this yesterday, but it’s still posted).

Terry has been wonderful to me in teaching me what I need to know to become an agent. One of these days I’ll sit down and give you all a closer look into that corner of my life. For now, why don’t you wander on over and see what I had to say. And if you liked what I said, drop a comment.

So, who out there has guest blogged before? What did you like best about it?

Seven Pounds of Plot

2009-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Is it ever right to make the wrong decision?

Seven Pounds is a movie that slipped by my notice when it first came out, but caught my eye when I had my chance at it at the local sticky foot theater over the weekend. Here was a movie that was provocative, disturbing, and yes brought me to tears more than once. I love Will Smith in serious roles.

But the most fascinating aspect of this movie isn’t something most people would notice.

In the last few weeks I’ve been going through Jeff Gerke’s ebook, How to Find Your Story, very thoroughly in an attempt to really study plot. What I expected to help me with my own novels (and YES it did….) turned out to have added benefits. It gave me eyes to see the marvelous intricacies of plot that are not normally seen in a movie.

Seven Pounds didn’t attempt to quite follow the usual Hollywood formula. While I don’t want to give away the ending let's just say when the moment of truth comes the decision that’s made is opposite what has been accepted standard of plot writing. Not that this hasn’t been tried before (anyone remember Mosquito Coast?) but it rarely WORKS. What follows is absolutely heartwrenching, yet, amazingly, there is still a feeling of rightness to it.

Don’t get me started on the moral issues this movie raises. I’m not talking about that. What I’m saying is that, for this storyline, for this PLOT, the right decision was made. To go the accepted route would have required the viewer suspend disbelief to the point where the movie would have been corny and lost all its forward momentum. This was plotting at it’s best. Plain and simple.

What movies do you think exemplify plotting in way that stands out?

What God Has Planted

2009-02-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

I think I’m trying to absorb the publishing industry.

I started out a writer. One of those dreadfully earnest kinds that showed up at conferences clutching one-sheets as if they were the Golden Ticket and everybody with the label of “editor” or “agent” were Willy Wonka.

That lasted until about two years ago when someone nudged me, whispered in my ear that I was looking at things from the wrong angle entirely. That I should be an agent.

Now I’m not given to listening to random nudgings from strangers…oh wait a moment. That was God. Only, at that time He and I weren’t on the best terms, so I tended to fight anything He had to say. So I doggedly pushed forward on what I thought I should be doing. But oddly enough from that point onwards when I attended conferences my feet led me anywhere but to what would get me published. In fact, back last September they led me straight to Terry Burns.

Now Terry Burns is the epitome of the gentleman cowboy. He’s also one of my favorite authors (You have GOT to read Mysterious Ways). And he happens to be a literary agent with Hartline Literary Agency. Interestingly enough He does listen to God nudges so when I bumped into him he offered me an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. I would be his assistant while he trained me to be an agent.

So, not one to stall when God is hitting me upside the head with a 2x4 I accepted. And so have been immersing myself in the industry since then.

Think the story is over? Think again?

So a few months go by. My life has a few little bumps along the way, someone reminiscent of the twister that launched Dorothy into OZ. I found myself in Colorado Springs with the rest of my families. (Hey, guess what, mountains get bigger the closer you get to them….)

Well I had only been here a few weeks when my paths crossed with Jeff Gerke of Marcher Lord Press. Now I’ve gotten a bit better at listening to God nudges so this time when I had this meeting I only spent about an hour of our conversation with an internal dialogue that ran something like this…

‘Ok, go on. Tell him you want to work for him.’

‘What do you mean work for him? I already work for Terry.’

‘But you could learn so much from him. Do you have any idea who this guy is?’

‘Yes I know EXACTLY who he is, thank you very much. But he’ll think I’m crazy. What kind of person goes up and says, Hey teach me everything you know about the publishing industry, please.’

‘That’s why you offer to work for him.’

‘But I already am learning about the industry…’

‘From the agent side. Now learn the editor side…’

By this time I’m getting curious looks from those around the table so I suspect my internal dialogue was noisier than I suspected. Either that or maybe they feel God nudges too…

So, long story short I work for Jeff now. And Terry. And am learning everything I can from both. I’m beyond amazed and have no idea where any of this is leading. But I certainly can’t wait to see what God has planned for me along the way.

What has God been nudging you to do lately?

I'm only throwing the rock...the ripples are up to you

2008-08-02T12:21:00.001-07:00

Ripples
Originally uploaded by starbeard

Two dollars.

It's a small amount. Less than one of those overly sweet, delightful to look at and even more delightful to taste drinks from Starbucks.

Right now I'm asking for two dollars.

As a writer, I have come to learn the value of a Writer's Conference. The obvious is, they are the best place imaginable to learn the craft of writing. Where else can you find so many knowledgeable experts all in one place?

More than that, though, is the delightful fellowship of being with other writers. Writing is a solitary profession. And yes, those who do it, tend to look at the world a little bit differently from the rest of the world. So being able to sit down with other people who not only understand your compulsion to make lists all the time and have conversations with people who don't exist is priceless. Even more so, because they do those selfsame things.

Right now I know of three individuals who have dreamed of attending a certain Writer's Conference. All three of them are facing certain financial challenges that stand in the way of this dream. When I found that out, I said to myself, well that's sad. But I can't pay for three conference fees.

On the other hand, maybe I can start something.

So I'm keeping this simple. I'm asking for $2. A small donation that put together with other small donations can make a dream come true.

I'm also helping out by putting books up for sale. Whatever I make from the sale I'm putting straight into a fund to enable these three writers to get to conference.

My goal is $1845 by August 15th. Would you like to help?

You'd be amazed at what two dollars can do.

NOTE: I've been interviewed on the Steven Bonenberger show about this fund raiser. Do listen!

Three Weeks to go...

2008-05-12T20:32:00.001-07:00

threesixtyfive : oneforty : i walk a lonely road
Originally uploaded by Haeretik

Three hundred eighty miles stretch between me and my dreams. More steps than I can imagine as I stand here and look into the distance. It's more than a little scary...and exciting.

In three weeks I need to be in Wheaton, IL for Write to Publish. I've never been to this conference but I know it's going to big deal.

I want to use my time at the conference wisely. In order to do that I need to use my time now just as wisely.

Tonight I've put a lot of thought into the preparations I need to make for conference. I've actually been working on this for the last couple of weeks. I think the smartest thing I've done so far was purchase Meredith Efkin's e-book, Writers Conference Survival Guide. I've gone to several conferences and STILL learned new things.

The second smartest thing I've done is delegate what tasks I can. I've given the job of making my business cards to the friend who has a degree in graphic design. As time goes by I'm sure I'll find other things I can delegate as well. (You want to photocopy things for me don't you? Maybe run to Office Max?)

Lastly, I'm being realistic. My list of things I need to get done before I go, WON'T ALL GET DONE. And that's OK. Really. I've put the most important things at the head of the list and followed it with less important things and so on. If I do half of what I've set out for myself I will be amply prepared.

I'm really looking forward to Write to Publish. I have no idea how I'm going to get there (can you believe Amtrak is booked solid?) but I'll be OK. I have faith that this is something I'm meant to do. So it's all good.

Maybe this road isn't so empty after all.