Like I mentioned in my post on September 2nd (“Are You The Next Ted Dekker”), I think the next best selling author could very well be reading this blog right now. That person may be you. And, if that’s the case, I want to give you the chance to break through the noise and get noticed. This business of publishing is tough to break into. I understand that, and I want to help you, or at least give you a chance to be heard. How am I going to do that? Well, I’m going to do something that other agents would call me crazy for doing: I’m going to invite you to send me your novel proposal.
It’s crazy, I know. An agent asking for submissions? Well, this could be a gamble that pays off for both of us, so I’m willing to go the extra mile or two.
Now, before you hit SEND on that email to me, you need to understand that there are ground rules that I’m putting in place for your sanity and mine (mostly mine). I’m going to outline them here, but I’ve also created a summary of these guidelines that you can DOWNLOAD HERE AS A PDF. Please take the time to read them carefully. Because of the large number of submissions I am expecting, you must follow the guidelines detailed on this one-sheet. If you do not follow these instructions, your submission will not be considered. No exceptions. It’s not that I don’t like you; I just need some guidelines to help make the process smoother for both of us.
So, let’s get started, shall we?
Right now I’m interested in, and will only consider, submissions that meet the following criteria:
- Full length, adult works of Fiction. That means novels with a word count of 80,000+ No short stories, short story collections, anthologies, young adult novels, screenplays, or blog entries stapled together and delivered in a Trapper Keeper will be considered. I am not interested in non-fiction works at this time, so please no business, self-help, 7 Steps to (fill in the blank), spirituality books, etc.. They will not be considered.
- Works that can be published as Suspense or Thriller. I am not interested in children’s books, romance tales, or Amish stories (especially Amish romance). Other than those limitations, you may mix genre as long as your story has strong suspense elements. Remember, I’m looking for the next Thriller writer.
- Works that have not been previously published. Goes without saying, but I’m just saying.
If you were able to check all three boxes then continue reading. If you were NOT able to check all three, you stand at a fork in the road. You can either change your plan or wait until next time to see if you’re what I’m looking for, but please do not try to slip through with something that I don’t want. It’ll only make me grumpy.
For those who are on to the next step, here’s the “what I want and how I want it” part. Please read this next section very carefully.
All submissions must include the following elements delivered as a PDF via email to kevin dot kaiser@creativetrust.com on the deadline (11/15/2009, described below). Please do NOT send hard copy materials unless I specifically request them. Here’s what I want:
- A cover letter, which describes who you are, why you want to be a published writer, and how you are working your face off to make that ambition a reality. I also want to know how far along you are with your manuscript (i.e. “40,000 words are written”). Your letter should also include all of your pertinent contact information, including: address, phone, email, and any online links (i.e. blog, website, social network sites). Your cover letter will be my first impression of you.
- A synopsis of your story. The synopsis should encapsulate the story arc, theme(s), character(s), and plot of your novel. It should also include the estimated word count of your manuscript, if your story isn’t already complete. The synopsis should not be more than two (2) typewritten pages, 1.5 spaced. I’m not looking for a chapter by chapter outline. I want to see that you know how to talk about your story in broad brushed strokes. Remember, no more than two (2) pages.
- The first 10,000 words of your story. Self explanatory. I’m not concerned with the format as long as you don’t get weird on me. Personally, I like 1.25” margins all around, 1.5 spaced, and in a 12 pt font. But that’s just me.
Your next question is probably, “When can I send my stuff?” Glad you asked. I will accept all submissions on one day only. That day is Sunday, November 15th beginning at 12:01 a.m. CT and ending at 11:59 p.m. CT. Any submissions that are sent early will be deleted and not considered. That will give everyone two months to get everything together.
On Monday, November 16th, I will begin compiling all of the submissions for judging (I’ll thankfully have some highly talented help). During that week you will receive a “I got it!” email stating your submission was received. I expect that we will need through the end of the year to read and judge your submissions. My current plan is to select one (1) person by the first of the year (January 2010), but keep in mind that all of this is fluid. It’s never been done before. We may need more time…or less. I may find five phenomenal writers. I may find none. That remains to be seen. But, one promise is that every submission will be read and considered.
If I do find a writer (or writers) that I think is ready, I will contact them regarding next steps. At that same time I’ll make an announcement on my blog about who “made the cut.” My current plan is that, for simplicity’s sake, that will be my only communication with everyone post-submission. So, if you email me after 11/15 about your submission, expect me to ignore it. Watch my blog for announcements and updates, since I plan to have a few along the way. Also, just to answer this before someone asks, I unfortunately won’t be able to give everyone a written or verbal critique simply due to the volume I’m expecting (One of me, a few hundred of you. You get it.).
There you have it. You have two months to get it all together. I’m excited to try this experiment and see what happens. I hope this is an opportunity for us to help each other. I hope this is a chance for you to shine. I hope this is the break the right person needs.
If you have any questions, and I’m sure there will be several, please post them here as a comment so everyone can see (it may be a FAQ). I’ll answer them all right here. Good luck. Can’t wait to see what you guys can do.