I was doing a spot of writing this afternoon, doing the eight-millionth rewrite of my query letter/synopsis and updating my agent tracker based on conversations with my Editor. After seeing my extensive agent tracker (which made him laugh), he let me know who is respected in the industry, which led me to Folio Literary Management and a man named Scott Hoffman.
Mr. Hoffman’s writing voice and apparent attitude energized me and I couldn’t query fast enough. I hope he feels the same; we’ll see.
In any case, that’s not what caught me. After the query was sent through their website, I got a timeline in which to expect a reply, a confirmation e-mail, and a free, 48 minute interview between Scott Hoffman and bestselling author Brendon Burchard on what I should be doing between now and when I get a guaranteed reply.
For those of you who have ever queried, this is unheard of. Below is a tiny summation of that interview: http://foliolit.com/thankyouforquery/
Block time. Disappearing from the grid for days, weeks, and months at a time. This would be great for some people and awesome in theory, but in my current line of business, it’s called AWOL. I’ll have to stick with the few hours here and there I can fit in. What it comes down to is the difference between a hobby and making a career.
Reasonable money advances. Money shouldn’t matter if it’s a mission in life. In the beginning it won’t be life changing money. Personally, I want to at least make as much as I am now.
Platform. BUILD. Go to conferences and collect cards. Press palms. Make yourself a part of the literary community. Blog. Facebook. Eventually your platform will grow. As an Iowan, I feel compelled to say, “If you build it, they will come.”
Consistently add value. You need to get your message out there and regularly. Make people expect more from you… perhaps crave you.
Envision and define success for you as an individual, not by what someone else has accomplished.
At the end, I can’t even begin to tell you how refreshing it was. Coodos to you, Folio Literary Management!
Brad