Five Goals for Writers to Start 2013 off Right

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Last January I set goals in different areas of my life. The goals I set for myself professionally were met and exceeded beyond what I could have dreamed. As we turn another page on our calendars, it’s time for more dreams and goals. Here are five goals you can set for yourself right now to get ready for what 2013 will bring!

5 goals for writers in 2013

  1. Clean your desk (or office/work space). This is what my desk looks like after the chaos of Christmas and lots of family and friends visiting. (Don’t ask why there are Easter eggs out. I have no idea.) My first goal is to get my space back and evaluate if it’s working for me. One thing I know that isn’t working is the very uncomfortable desk chair. Getting a new one is at the top of my to-do list.
  2. Order business cards. If you don’t already have some, start 2013 off feeling like a professional. Business cards are the quickest and easiest way to tell someone about yourself and what you do.
  3. Update your about page and social media profiles. Make sure the information is accurate and reflects who you are and what you do. If you need a new head shot, make it happen.
  4. Decide what conferences you want to attend and set goals to get there. You may need to save money, prepare a book proposal, or recruit extra help at home while you are away. If you can only attend one this year, you need to evaluate your options, think about your goals, and decide which one is best for you.
  5. Set writing and publishing goals. Want to increase website views? Connect with more Facebook fans? Self-publish an e-book (or two)? Network with new writers in your niche? It doesn’t happen by accident. Being a writer takes work. And even though it’s easier than ever to see your dream of a book come true, it’s also up to you to do more of the work if you go the self-publishing route. (If you are interested in self-publishing, Erin and Teri Lynne lay out everything you need to do to get from idea to product in their book, Self-Publish. I highly recommend it.)

Think about what goals you have and make a plan to reach those goals. 2013 could be your most fruitful year as a writer!

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Recommended Writing Resources

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I often get asked what books I would recommend on writing and publishing. Here are my favorites:

These are affiliate links. If you purchase through my link I will receive a small percentage of the price at no extra cost to you.

 

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How to Create a One-Sheet

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If you are attending a writers conference or pitching your book to an agent, you need a one-sheet. A (very) condensed version of your book proposal, a one-sheet gives basic information about you and your book.

Your one-sheet should have the following information:

  • Your contact info and a picture. Include your social media links (Twitter, Google+, and Facebook).
  • Your elevator pitch. When someone asks what your book is about, you should be able to answer in one to two sentences. This is your elevator pitch.
  • The “back cover” description of your book. This is a longer, more detailed description of your book.

You can also include:

  • The estimated book length.
  • Your target audience.
  • A positive quote from someone who read your book.
  • If you have an agent, include his/her contact info.
  • If you have published your book as an e-book, give the stats of how many times it has been downloaded.

A one-sheet is an easy way to introduce someone to yourself and your book. You can be creative, but make it easy to read and navigate.

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Get Your Book Published: Agents

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First, you need to read this post from Mary DeMuth at Write Uncaged–How do you know if you’re ready for an agent?

Now, if you’re ready . . .

Here are five steps to finding your agent:

Step 1: Find lots of agents. Check out the following links for over 100 names of agents.

Step 2: Narrow down your list. Check out their websites, follow them on Twitter and/or Facebook, and read their blogs. Make a list of five to ten agents who represent authors in your genre, have a working relationship with publishing houses you are interested in, and those who you think could be as excited about your book as you are. Take the time necessary to do this step well. Research, research, research.

Step 3: Try to get a referral. Do you have any common friends who could give you a referral? Don’t be pushy, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Step 4: Write a query letter. Actually, write a few query letters. You can Google “query letter” and get lots of help. I found this post from Nathan Bransford to be one of the best. Make sure you read each agent’s requirements for query and follow them closely! Try to make the process of picking you as easy as possible.

Step 5: Wait. This may be the hardest part. The publishing process is a long journey. After you’ve sent your query letters and/or emails, you wait. While you’re waiting, keep writing, editing, getting feedback, and building your platform. Keep getting better.

Finding an agent can be intimidating, but following these five steps will help!

What agents do you follow on Twitter, Facebook, or by reading their blogs?

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Get Your Book Published: Writers’ Conferences

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If you want to get your book published, it may require a team effort. You need an agent and a publisher. How do you find an agent and/or publisher? One ways is at writers’ conferences. A couple years ago I attended the She Speaks Conference near Charlotte, North Carolina. I learned so much about writing, building a platform, and the publishing process at that conference. Plus, I made friends who have the same aspirations for writing I have, and we still support and encourage each other.

 Picture from a bloggers breakfast we had–Standing: Lisa Boyd, Mary Snyder, Teri Lynne Underwood, Me, Emily Freeman. Sitting: Laura Lee Shaw, Cindy Bultema, Victoria Jenkins, Julie Sanders

According to The Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2012, there are over 100 Christian writers’ conferences in the United States. When I asked on Twitter and Facebook, the following four conferences were the most highly recommended:
You can visit each conferences’ website for information about the dates, cost, location, speakers, workshops, and the agents and publishers who will attend the conference.
If you’re attending a writers’ conference for the first time, here are a few tips:
  • Find out how to set up meetings with agents and publishers. Do this ahead of time so you know what to expect and who you will meet. Research the publishing houses and agents who are attending to see which ones fit you/your writing project best.
  • Make sure to closely follow the guidelines they give if you want to present your book proposal in a meeting. (I highly recommend you have your proposal professionally edited before presenting it to an agent or publishing !)
  • You will also want to have copies of your one sheet, in case you meet an agent in a casual setting.
  • Perfect your elevator pitch so you can tell anyone who asks about your book.
  • Don’t judge the success or failure of the conference based on getting your book idea picked up by an agent or publisher. The more you learn about writing and publishing, the closer you get to your dream of being published. Every contact you make, piece of advice you get, and lesson you learn will help you achieve your goals.

Have you ever been to a writers’ conference? Would you recommend it? What advice would you give to someone attending for the first time?

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