photo credit: Univ. of D.C./State Education Agency
| I'm Stephanie. I'm
the one sends you occasional e-mail devotionals and a word of encouragement
as God gives it to me. In 2001-2002 I had both of my legs amputated. I
have now written my story down for all to read. The title of the book
is "The Fire before the Glory". I was wondering if you would
be willing to read the book and give me some constructive criticisms.
If you don't have time or would rather not read it, I completely understand.
Also, I was wondering who is your literary agent and if you wouldn't mind
me getting in contact with them.
Stanice: Congratulations on completing your manuscript. Awesome tenacity and determination indeed. The first step in attracting an agent or publishing house is a well-written and organized book proposal. This is what sells your project to an agent and what the agent needs to have to be able to do his or her job of selling your manuscript to a publishing house… and what the editor of the publishing house will need to have to present to her team at the house…including marketing, etc. So it is vital in the nonfiction process. I suggest as my perspective agent, at the time, suggested to me, “get a copy of How To Write A Book Proposal by Michael Larsen. Follow it to the tee.” While you are doing that, also get a “2006 Writer’s Market” published by Writer’s Digest Books, i t lists well over 8,000 markets to sell your work… publishers and agents are included, of course. It lists who is looking for what and how to present it to them, etc. I found the publisher of my first published book in the 1998 Writer’s Market. My second publisher came another way. So we won’t put God in a box of course. While you have a “working title” know that the publishing house does market test groups etc., to help determine what the final title will be. I Say A Prayer for Me did not start out with the title…it was like a gift from God the way it happened. So what I’m saying is flexibility and patience is one of the great strengths that you will develop in the publishing process…the first patience. As far as to your request for me to read – could not possibly as my projects are many and DUE. I’ve been doing everything but writing what my agent is waiting for. My son and The Holy Spirit is all over me about this… I can no longer use the excuse of “I just moved—AGAIN.” Also a friend of mine, Jackie Jones, would be an EXCELLENT choice of editors to edit and coach you through your manuscript. She has had an illustrious career including Editor for The Washington Post and professor at PENN STATE. She loves the written word and she is just plain good. Her website. Let her know that I referred you. You want the manuscript to be the absolute best it can be…giving
agents and publishers NO REASONS to turn it down and EVERY REASON TO
publish… clamor to publish it—even. That’s always
my goal in everything I write. My desire is best summed up by the words
of Oswald Chambers--“…My utmost for His Highest.”I
pray you receive this with the heart of helpfulness that it is given.
God is blessing you, right now. "What inspires you to write?" Stanice: Gratitude and my fervent desire to fully use my gifts and talents so that God gets as much glory as possible out of this life that He so graciously spared—compels me to write. For me, compelled begets inspiration. While procrastination is one of my weaknesses, discernment and faith are two of my strengths. Thus, when the pain of not writing becomes greater than the pain and toil I often find within the act of writing—then, I write. Writing is my cross and reward. I feel led to share this e-mail exchange between an aspiring author and myself. I know that some of you will be able to relate to her and will also be encouraged by the ministry that happened through the exchange.
My Response... Hold on to His promise, _____. My words are empty, my sister. They fade even in the speaking…or writing…BUT GOD’s WORD is Alive, Real, and Everlasting. Keep writing…keep hoping…keep moving forever forward. Heavenly Father, I pray for my sister and all writers who aspire to
have the works that you have birthed in them published. Help them, help
me, to continue to write, send the works out, and trust YOU for the
results. Hone our skills, put people and resources along our path that
will help us reach the highest level in our craft so that our ministries
will be effective, loving, and draw men, women, and children to YOU.
We are learning daily that writing is a ministry that you’ve entrusted
to us and only the Holy Spirit can empower us to carry it out. We love
you and we thank you for the gifts and talents you’ve birthed
into us—now use it all to YOUR GLORY. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
So be it! As a post note, Chosen Ones, It seems that God entrusts us with disappointment, heartache, discouragement so that we can look to Him and have the Holy Spirit remind us, Take heart do not be discouraged neither be dismayed for I am with you and I STILL have plans for your life to give you a future and a hope. This my beautiful child will be emblazon your testimonies on the hearts of others who will be where you are. Oh, when we give it all to Him and watch Him mold it all into insight, empathy, wisdom, and joy that makes our ministries so effective--so supernatural. Thus we all triumph but ONLY in and through Jesus. "And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD. " Jeremiah 23:4 (King James Version) Exchange with
aspiring author (I pray God meets you in the reading): Stanice: Thanks, Daphine for taking the time to visit my site and send me such encouraging comments. Publishing could possibly be THE SLOWEST industry there is to be in but perhaps that’s why God chose to plant me in it…so as to seek, exercise, and grow my patience. Thus, it is starting to spill into my everyday living. Congratulations on completing your
manuscript and sending it out into the world. Now on with your lesson
in letting go and letting God. God is blessing you, right now, Stanice: Hey Daphine…Upon reading your words of disappointment, What fills my mind is the words of Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11-14 Hold on to His promise, Daphine. My words are empty, my sister. They fade even in the speaking…or writing…BUT GOD’s WORD is Alive, Real, and Everlasting. Keep writing…keep hoping…keep moving forever forward. Heavenly Father, I pray for my sister and all writers who aspire to have the works that you have birthed in them published. Help them, help me, to continue to write, send the works out, and trust YOU for the results. Hone or skills, put people and resources along our path that will help us reach the highest level in our craft so that our ministries will be effective, loving, and draw men, women, and children to YOU. We are learning daily that writing is a ministry that you’ve entrusted to us and only the Holy Spirit can empower us to carry it out. We love you and we thank you for the gifts and talents you’ve birthed into us—now use it all to YOUR GLORY. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. So be it!
Stanice: Yes. Meaning your style—your signature. Like Stevie Wonder say… the way he sings a song…the way that no one else can sing a song. If someone were to try, it was be an imitation of Stevie. When you read a Toni Morrison passage – you know it’s her. Her style…her voice. Hi Stanice, I'm emailing you, because I am curious to know how difficult was it for you, if at all, to get your manuscript accepted by Walk Worthy Press. Did you have to have an editor read it and edit it before you submitted it? Stacey Minor Stanice: Hello Stacey, God made what could have been rugged edges smooth. I had and still have the email series, Food for the Spirit, and my publishing mentor friend, Patrice Gaines, forwarded her agent some of my emailed stories. The agent got on the list and started reading them. Then asked my friend to have me send her more work. Which I must be honest, my fear of rejection kept me from being obedient. So one day I was at work and the agent called and asked hadn’t I got the message and if so why didn’t I comply. Well, I did—then. A week later I had a contract for her to represent me as my agent. But I had to do a proposal first—along with sample chapters; but that’s more of a nonfiction thing… for fiction you have to have the whole book written. WWP bought the rights to publish what would become I Say A Prayer For Me—which was based on my email series. Yes, I had editors take a look at. I was working for USA Today at the time and thus, God had surrounded me with many top-flight editors with a heart to help me; plus my writing professor edited some of the stories, and my son who had a degree in English/Journalism concentration. Plus, my secretarial, proofreading, and copy-editing experience helped me to make it the best it could be even before the editors got to it. It made it more of a joy than a chore to edit me. God worked all these people and experiences together for the good of the project. It’s a ministry…is the way I look at my writing. Thusly so, I give it my all as unto the Lord. I hope that this helps you. Be encouraged and if you put God first
in everything that you do, He will guide your path and crown you with
success. He has a path just for you. It may not be like my path but
bottom line…Jeremiah
29:11-13 is for you. I have a writing question for you: As an avid reader (when I get or steal moments throughout my hectic days as a stay-at-home wife and mother of three) I am always reading and especially after reading your book, I wonder if the stories come to the writer in chronological order or do you just write and then arrange them after you have completed the work? I am bursting with things that I want to share (creative non-fiction, of course) but just cannot let go of the whole perfectionist thing. I know that is just a spirit that is trying to keep me from starting; that and the one that causes me to rip up sheets that I do eventually spew out but don't think they are "writer" material. T-Max Stanice: Allow
the stories to pour out of you however the order. In my case, my stories
started out as emails and then the Lord used the editors at Walk Worthy
Press/Warner to give them order. And even now, mine…my book is
not linier. Go to the articles section of my website and click on the
article that is posted on The Good Girls Book Club re: the birth of
my book. Keep writing. I
will pray about doing an writing workshop online; that will allow me
to work within the international parameters that the Lord has given
me. I also totally forgot to ask you what did your writing mentor, Tom F., mean by his statment about first books are not publisher material? Forgive me for not quoting him exactly, I don't have the book handy (still in my prayer closet ; =), so I hope you get the gist of my question. TIA Stanice: He meant don’t get my hopes up… his concentration with me was fiction. I did write that first novel while in north Carolina and pretty much it sucked. If I had sat each character down for an interview they would have all answered questions in pretty much the same voice. They were not individuals yet. With their own past, hopes, desires etc. there was even a dog in my story and if he could have talked…the same would have held true J. Although, Tom and I both admitted that there were some glimpses of genius throughout my novel. However, now that I look back it was probably a series…it was about three stories-in-one…and there should have been only one. Perhaps this helps. My first nonfiction, published, as did my 2nd… so there you go…my experience.
I've heard a lot
about your book! Look forward to reading it some day! :) (by the way,
do you have any advice for an aspiring author?) Jenn Stanice: I suggest that you go to my website where I have a "Stanice on Writing" Q&A column. I also have a page of Writer Resource links. Habakkuk 2:2 Then the LORD answered
me and said: "Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That
he may run who reads it." That is the Word that the Lord etched
into my heart when first I made a decision to write to His glory...and
thus I pass it on to you. Dear Ms. Anderson: I am sure you do not remember me, however, I met you last year at my hair salon in Northwest Washington, DC (Twists and Turns). I was extremely inspired by meeting you and at the time asked you about publishing options and strategies for a book I was writing. I have finished that book which is entitled "I'm Better Now: A Cynic's Journey from Fear to Faith." It is the story of my spiritual journey and I am seeking a publisher. I don't have the resources at the moment to hire an agent so information on publishers that don't require agents is very important to me. Stanice: I do indeed remember you. Congratulations on completing your manuscript! That is a BIG accomplishment... Also agents? Legitimate agents, You don’t pay them up front. They get 15% of the deal and your royalties for the life of the book…should they negotiate the sale of your manuscript to a publishing house at the end of the sale. Also every writer should have The Writers Market which list publishers of every genre, who the editors are, what they are looking for.
Ms.Anderson, I appreaciate you taking the time out to respond to my e-mail. I have one more request. How do I get my writings (poems) out there to be seen, read or heard. I would like help in what direction I should take my writings. I know when I write I write from my heart, but I would like help in others areas as well. I "know" that "GOD" is leading me to help others. I know that he will lead me where i'm supposed to go, but if you could help me in the mean time (smile) I would greatly appreciate it. I have not yet moved to Marrieta, I still reside in San Francisco. If you have any info in my city, please e-mail me with it. GOD BLESS Damita L. Hudson Stanice: Hey there, Damita, We may be teaching a class in what may be close proximity to your area. danville, cali. We are working on the logistics now and to see if there are enough people interested enough to register. A friend of my co-teacher is looking into it. I will send you the class info anyway…and perhaps you can circulate too. Right now the first class is scheduled for Washington, DC on Sept. 25th. But we know that with God all things are possible. In the meantime, here is some info that may prove helpful:
Go to www.walkworthypress.net and check out the submission guidelines. Also you might want to get the book, How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen. That way you can go through either an agent or straight to those publishers that don’t deal with agents only. Most of the big houses look at agented submissions only. Also every writer should have The Writers Market which list publishers of every genre, who the editors are, what they are looking for. That’s what I used to find the publisher of my first book—I say a Prayer for Me is my second book. I prayed and went through it with diligently. Also go to my website’s Q&A column for writers and the writer resource links page I have posted.
In the meantime, I pray…Father God help Damita, get into place. Open doors of opportunity for her to hone her writing talents that You have given her. Grant her outlets for her work and let it all be to and for Your glory. We thank you, right now for what you have done and are about to do in her life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. So be it!
Stanice, thanks again , for your kind words of encouragement. I have been getting a little impatient with this publisher thing. A lot of people are asking me about the book, and some have read the draft and like it very much. Oh, i meant to ask you if you knew someone who might want to read it and give me their opinion. Butch Jamieson Stanice: Hey Butch…You should sign up for our class, The Book Within. We cover getting your book out there and more. Also, my co-instructor, Patrice Gaines (author of Laughing in the Dark and Moments of Grace, as well as former Washington Post Reporter) will also critique up to 10 pages of your work for the additional $25.00 fee.
I know a few writer/editors that can possibly edit your entire manuscript…preparing it for the next step…but get ready...it will cost though…not sure but the going rate starts at approximately $300 plus…based on the number pages, and other factors. But well worth it, if you want publishers to take your work seriously. Also, you may want to write a book proposal to get to an agent who will represent and negotiate a sale of your manuscript to publishers. Most large houses will look at only agented work. Also you want to get the Writers Market published by Writer’s Digest which is the writer’s resource for paying markets for mags and book publishers…2005 edition is out now. It’s a writer’s MUST have.
Bottomline, do not get discouraged. God will lead as you surrender the project to Him… It’s not an easy process but a necessary one. Don’t give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens. If you want more info on the class and registration form. Go to my website www.stanice.com or www.patricegaines.com
Hi Ms. Anderson, I met you last November at UMES at an Alpha Nu Omega program. I am a member of this organization and am a recent graduate of Delaware State University. I praise God for your obedience. I kept your book for 8 months before I started reading it. I really believe it was God ordained because at the time I picked up your book to read, I was at the end of my rope. Your book speaks to my very soul and spirit. It really inspired and challenged as well as bring me comfort and peace. There's so much going on in my life right now and I really needed to make sense out all this madness. I will be attending University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall...The things you so boldly articulated where things that I wanted others to see in regards to my life. Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where it seems like we're the only ones there....or God has already spoken on the matter...Continue to be all that God has called you to be and I will step outside of my comfort zone, my shell, and be in effect in the earth... Thank you so very much... Stanice: Hello Chosen One…How blessed I am that you took the time to send me an email sharing your experiences with my book. God promised way before I finished that He had already assigned the readers and that He would meet you within the pages. He is faithful!!!
Continue to press your way, my young sister. God is just enlarging your territory and giving you a blessed testimony…that you will share to the ends of the earth. You’ve inspired me to keep writing and keep trusting God for the outcomes in this life He so graciously spared.
Also contact my son, Mike Tucker,
Jr., Founding Editor of YARDstyle Magazine. It's free to students 75+
and growing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Someone
in your organization, present or alum of HBCU, should query him about
writing an article about the Christian alternatives to Greek soroities
and fraternities on HBCU campuses. Send an e-mail to mike@yardstyle.net.
More people should know. His magazine is national. www.yardstyle.net
From pages 223-224 I cried,
I wanted to bawl, I wanted to weep, I wanted groan and moan this morning
on the train. I felt your pain and I felt your joy this morning. Even
though I did not go through what you went through but just hearing how
GOD brought you out, how HE never left you nor forsake you...HE was
right there all the time waiting patient in line. As I right this e-mail
tears fill my eyes. I just want to thank GOD for you and thank HIM for
putting you through the trials and through your hurt and joy I am able
to reach out to GOD and to realize that my life is in HIS hand, I am
in HIS control. THANK YOU 100% for obeying the voice of GOD and for
not giving up on HIM. I pray that GOD will continue to bless you abundantly.
Thank you, Claudette Brown Stanice: Hello Claudette: How blessed I am that you took the time to send me an email sharing your experiences with my book. God promised way before I finished that He had already assigned the readers and that He would meet you within the pages. You are yet more proof that He is faithful!!! I needed this word this morning. Your words encouraged me, uplifted me, assured me as if a gentle voice from the Lord saying, "Stanice, I am still ordering your steps. Everything in my time, in my way and oh how perfect that way is. Keep trusting me baby girl. Your next book is being birthed even as you take in these words from Claudette...that I directed her to speak into your life. Including her blessing. Receive it and be glad." And so Claudette I receive it and am glad. God is blessing you right now, as you have no idea how your obedience in sending this email has blessed and fortified me in my standing on and in the Lord today. Expect unexpected blessings to rain down into your life and you continue to live in Him. He loves you so very much and has tremendous plans for your life.
I was wondering if you had any tips on writing? I have always wanted to be a published author but writing has never been one of my strong points. I am usually a verbal person. I have been working on a memoir, but continue to hit dead ends. I will read and crumble the pages and trash it. How did you master the art of writing? You have a way with words that leave me in awe! Do you have any advice on how to gather my thoughts and transform them on paper? Any advice would be helpful. I look forward to meeting you soon here in Texas! You have been such an inspiration to me. I want to thank you for taking the time out to email me and talk to me. You have inspired me to tell my story. I just have to get over the fear of public speaking! I am so shy it is ridiculous, but I am praying on that because I believe many women can relate to my story. Again, Thank you! Shanetra Brown Stanice: Remember this paradigm: If the desire is to write is not accompanied by the actually writing than the desire is not to write. So write something everyday. My mentor had me get up at 4 a/m. every morning and write something...anything...just write. To get into the habit of writing and I felt to seal the commitment to the vision God had given me. Sometimes I made it up sometimes I didn't but I did my best. Bottomline before I left north Carolina I finished my first manuscript for a novel. Of course it wasn't good as my teacher said it wouldn't be but I finished. Discipline, perseverance and a whole lot of prayer I finished. Then I knew I could finish anything. In the meantime, if you have a nonfiction book in mind, purchase, How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen. I got mine through amazon.com. My agent suggested it. And jot down ideas and notes that come to you in a notebook. If you follow this book to a tee like I did...the results will be phenomenal. You will begin to see your book through the process. Also visit my website's page of Writer/Reader Links. 
One book that the Lord laid on
my heart to write is my life story. It is similiar to yours in a lot
of ways, and I too, through the power and grace of God have overcome.
I know that my testimony was not for me alone, but to be shared, to
help the millions of women that are Stanice: As far as with
the writing of my true stories in I SAY A PRAYER FOR ME, I obeyed God's
leading through the whole process and left the outcome to Him. Some
family members cut me off; but then again I was pretty much cut off
from them anyway. I can not soften a heart, God can and as we saw in
Pharoah, He hardens hearts. These things are too great for me to understand
so, I write trusting that God is leading me, giving me discernment and
tenderness of heart. My motive is to heal and be healed not to hurt
nor to harm. But how a person takes whatever is not mine to figure out.
I trust God and am not afraid.
Praises to God!!! Thank you for sharing your website and book with me. I must say that your testimony is powerful and truly encouraging. I'm thoroughly blessed by your work and words. I see myself going down the same road of not having enough faith in my work. I have a 200 page manuscript that I've held on to for the last year. You see, I desire to have it published but lack the faith that I can do all things through Christ whom strenghtens me. I ask that you keep me in prayer. Again, thanks for sharing. In His Love, Tonya Allen Stanice: Thank you, Tonya
for taking the time to email me such encouraging words. And congratulations
on your manuscript. Now, get it out because it can't bless anyone...with
you holding it back. You will be accountable just like me for your gifts
and how you use them. Go for it! You have nothing to lose and everything
to gain.
I began the process of writing
something everyday since I received your e-mail with that suggestion.
Some days it flows and some days it doesn't. This is usually based on
my spiritual condition and how my work day has went. I begin a new journal.
Some days I Stanice: Yep, it's a struggle mark. Consistency for me, mean 3-4 days per week too. Sometimes more. At least I was writing compared with thinking about writing. So don't be so hard on yourself. This is the paradigm that helps me with anything I want to do If the desire to write is not accompanied by actual writing; then, the desire is not to write. In other words, talk is still cheap. I believe that the How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen will help flesh out your projected book. Also, to see the marketing, and
promotional, interacting with readers and bookstores and you can always
volunteer to help me at one of my events. Cause it's important that
regardless of the support your publisher gives you...and I get most
than many because of my relationship with my publisher and God's favor...you
still have to go that extra mile to promote the book that God gives
you to write. Check my calendar
for opportunities. I pray that this is helpful.
I have been praying on my dream
to write and eventually (whatever that means), I want to write a book
to share my God Gifted testimony with others (and other type of urban
action books). You will be one of my role models/mentor. I know that
I have asked you for information before, but what are the preliminary
steps (courses, keeping a personal journal, writing workshops and seminars,
etc.) that I should take? I don't have a time frame Stanice: ...remember this paradiam: If the desire is to write is not accompanied by the actually writing than the desire is not to write. So write something everyday. My mentor had me get up at 4:00 am. every morning and write something...anything just write. To get into the habit of writing and I felt to seal the commitment to the vision God had given me. Sometimes I made it up sometimes I didn't but I did my best. Bottomline before I left north Carolina I finished my first manuscript for a novel. Of course it wasn't good as my teacher said it wouldn't be but I finished. Discipline, perseverance and a whole lot of prayer I finished. Then I knew I could finish anything. So for now that's it but we will keep in touch.
Please keep me in prayer regarding being consistent in my daily writing. I had a good past 5 days and I am taking it a day at a time. Mark I am a life coach as well as an aspiring writer. Currently, I write a motivational series, "Gotta Get You Movin" that I send to my friends and family. I started writing this series as a means to relieve stress. Myfriends tell me that my writings are good enough to be published in a book, and I feel God is enlarging my territory in that area. I have also been hired as a consultant and writer for a new online magazine, Inner Cosmetics, www.innercosmetics.com. Because this is my first time writing for a larger audience than my group of friends, I am excited yet nervous. Is there any word of wisdom that you could share with me as new writer? Thank you for any wisdom you share. Peace and Blessings, Dawn Stanice:
Congratulations....Hey Dawn...Go for it girl. God says in His Word "Make
the most of every opportunity."You've been prepared for such a
time as this, my sister in Christ Jesus, so go for it! This is your
time of elevation. Thank you Jesus for Dawn...thank you that she was
birthed to bring you Glory and to know you intimately. The two go hand
in hand.
I have just finished my book of poetry…. Should you have any suggestions on where I should go from here, please let me know! Carmalita Hawkins, Tallahassee, FL Stanice:
Congratulations on completing your first book of poetry. You might want
to check out some of the links I have up on my website for writers.
Also the Writers Market. You can purchase or borrow from library. It
has thousands of publishers, what they are looking for and how to contact,
etc. Also categories include, poetry. I used that book to find my first
publisher.
I'm about to write my first novel, I would love to get some insight on how to publish my manuscript. My life story reflects some of the things that went on in your life. My story will consist on the relationship I now have with Jesus Christ and how He came and found me just as I was. If you could give me any advice on what steps I should take to copywrite my manuscript, and how to publish it? I would appreciate any information you have to offer. Thank your for your story and your willing spirit to tell the world. Zebulon M. Clayton Stanice:
I would suggest that you go to my website and check out the many resource
website links that I’ve listed especially for writers. The answers
to many of your questions will be answered as you do the research. That’s
what I did. You have to be willing and of course you have to write…everyday.
Be encouraged that by the time you finish your novel (as you offer it
up to God all along the way) I know that He will provide you absolutely
everything that you need at the moment that you need it.
I am working on a second novel as well as a collection of short stories. I am prepared to submit a full book proposal with sample chapters at your request. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. Renea Overstreet Stanice:
I suggest that you go to Walk
Worthy Press and read the guidelines, and if you believe that
your novel fits those guidelines do as they suggest. It would also help
to have an agent first...I don't think my publisher takes submissions
without going through an agent. I pray your manuscript gets to whomever
God has already predestined it to get to. Don't give up 5 minutes before
the miracle happens.
Do
you do anything to encourage aspiring African-American authors?
What advice do you
have for would-be authors? AOTW (Authors On The Web)
What do you think about journaling? Stanice:
I have journaled since childhood...keeping what first was considered
a diary. I didn't know there was such a word as "journaling" then--at
least not in my kiddie vocabulary. I just know that there was comfort
and excitement being able to write down what I dared not speak out loud.
Things like how I REALLY felt about what happened during the course
of the day, or about myself and others. Observations and thoughts that
I believed no one else had but me. This practice of writing followed
me though my teen years when at one particular period was so dark as
I was raped at 14 that the journaling helped me continue to breath day
in and night out---thus getting me through the next painfully desolate
day. There was always the writing...the words....the pleas to God...in
the writing...and sometimes...just sometimes....the answers would come
in the writing...on some special days...it felt like God Himself guided
my pen and reminded me of His love...his unconditional love....the "You'll
make it through" days...which soon led to my 20, 30, and 40 somethings
and still journaling....until finally...as I looked back....my memories
so fresh....perhaps because of journaling...books began to pour out
of me....49...one published...12-STEP PROGRAMS: A Resource Guide for
Helping Professionals....now 52...book 2...life-stories...Nov. 19th
launches...I SAY A PRAYER FOR ME: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph
published by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books. So journaling was the seed...that
God watered and tended year after year...and everyone that reads the
new book that God gave me to write...and is blessed by it...is the Harvest.
I
need some advice. I have revised my book, a book about my life, and
I am ready, really ready this time to get it published. I spoke to an
editor. She has worked for a newspaper company and has edited numerous
articles. she now has her own editing business. She also edited a self
help book. Her asking price to edit my book (the hardcopy) is ten dollars
per page(pages are double spaced.What do you think about that price?
How can I be sure she will do a suffice job for that type of money.
Average $3,500 for the entire book. She will be editing for context,
grammer and punctuation. What key questions should I ask her? I do plan
to ask for recommendations. Do you think it matters that she hasn't
edited a novel? Stanice:
...about the book editing. i had friends at usatoday edit my first book
(the first edit anyway, and another friend in Florida (my private professor)
and then the publisher had someone do a copy edit. with this new book,
Walk Worthy Press and Warner
Books assigned staff and outside editors who checked for content,
etc....but I have no idea what was paid to whom. So i have no experience
with that. I would think that i would not use someone who had not done
a book before though. Also since it is a non-fiction, I suggest getting
the book, How
to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen
and writing a proposal and shopping it to an agent who can in turn shop
the book to publishers. Unless, of course, you are planning to self
publish, if that's the case i would read all the books i could on self-publishing
to see what the practices are or search the internet. best i can tell
you, my friend. hope all is well with you and just keep pressing your
way....don't give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens. Now is the
time to move forward with your dreams and start living in them. If not
now, when? I applaud your decision to let your work out into the world.
It does none of us, including you, any good to have it in a box in a
closet. I know you are pretty busy, so I will not write too much. I am a writer looking for tips on self-publishing. Help! Imani Stanice:
I have never self-published. You might want to try amazon.com. They
have books dealing with that topic. To make a long story short, my husband gave me one of your cards with your book and e-mail address on it. He passed it to me because he knows that I have been struggling to write a novel and can't really find heads or tails. But I feel that I have a real powerful story to tell and was looking for some advice. I visted your web site and looked at some of your Q&A but everybody there was wanting to know about the program or find out knowledge about N/A. Well my sistuation is a lil different but I hope you can help me as well. See I know what I want to say it's just hard getting it to look right on paper. I have things that I have written that nobodys ever seen. But I believe that there are some readers out there that may find my story rather interesting. So if you could shed a lil light my way I would really appericiate the help. Lookin forward to hearing from you. And would like to read a copy of that book of yours when it's published. Maybe one day we will meet and you can personally sign it for me. Who knows one day it may be from writer to writer. Stanice: My, my...I do hope this is not the first time that I am responding to you. I was going through my email and came across your email. I read it when you first sent but I'm not sure if I responded. Please forgive me, if I didn't. I try to keep up but sometimes I drop the ball. I have written a piece since you sent this. Actually, i toiled over it for 2 weeks and just sent it, as requested, to my publisher, Thursday night. I've attached it. Perhaps it will answer some of your questions at least about my writing experience... Also, right now I'm concentrating on nonfiction...but i will suggest a book that i strongly suggest for any serious fiction writer...it cost $40+ dollars but it's well worth it. I got mine through Amazon.com. It's called Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (5th Edition) by Janet Burroway. In the meantime, tell your story, girl. Ain't nobody stopping you but you. If not now when, if not you who? 
©2006
- 2002, Stanice Anderson
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