Need advice (and support!) re: my book

I may have mentioned on here that I'm writing a children's book. I now have enough completed to send with a query to an agent. I have never been published. Would you send your sample chapters out even though the book's not complete? I feel like it would give me more incentive to write if I do get positive feedback from her. Now I put off writing with any of a dozen excuses: Survivor's on, American Idol's on, I'm tired, I'm hungry, Daisy is sitting on the keyboard...

I can't say about agents, but I know publishers want a completed *edited* manuscript nowadays. it was different a couple decades ago, but now they want it all nicely done. Changes still get made, but I'd have it completed before you send a query with chapters. And at least one round of editing done.

I don't know how fast you type, but set aside one hour a day, as often as possible. So, even at three times a week, you're still making progress. Set the VCR/DVR to record your programs (God knows, I have plenty of them myself, but I've managed to write four short-novel length manuscripts).

Typically agents and editors like to see the first few chapters and the *last* chapter... so they know where it's going. So, finish it.

What age group are you aiming for?

Set some time aside... I know about distractions (I'm ADD), but I make myself do it. I use a kitchen timer to force myself to set the time aside (no getting up until the timer goes off).

Hope that helps... good luck! I know you can do it.

Amanda

Writing a childrens book! Wow, you're talented!
Sending lots of and support so you'll keep busy at it!

I just wanted to say good luck. I'm rather interested in the process. I've been thinking about diving in and writing some history.

Thank you all for your advice and support. The girl in my story is thirteen, so I'm aiming for a young-adult market. When I was a teenager, I actually submitted a cover letter and synopsis for a different book directly to Dell Publishing House. I didn't have a clue what I was doing I just typed it out on a manual typewriter because I didn't have a computer and mailed it in. As I recall, I didn't even address it to anyone in particular. Would you believe they actually took the time to make critique my work, make corrections and suggestions? They didn't even give me a rejection. I put the book away and never responded to them. My cousin, a librarian, told me how rare it was for a publishing company to do something like that. She said I should have at least written them a thank letter for all they did and resubmitted with their suggestions. Looking back, I wish I would have.

That's neat. I don't know if they would take that sort of time now days.

Did you work on a chapter yesterday? Maybe visiting TCS should be a reward for that? And if you didn't, I hope by the time you come back and post again you can say that you did finish a chapter.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

That's neat. I don't know if they would take that sort of time now days.

Did you work on a chapter yesterday? Maybe visiting TCS should be a reward for that? And if you didn't, I hope by the time you come back and post again you can say that you did finish a chapter.

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You're very preceptive! I do visit TCS when I should really be working on my manuscript. TCS is just so darn fun! I will try to do better. After today, you won't hear from me unless I've finished a complete chapter.

Writing a book is a very rewarding experience. I wrote a family genealogy book several years ago and had it published. It was a lot of hard work, but very much worth every hour spent. Good luck with your endeavors.