Craftie Ladies of Suspense

Wow--Lisa's recipe sounds delicious! I feel exactly the same way about crockpots--it's just wonderful having dinner all ready at the end of the day. I'm definitely going to try that recipe!

Have you ever wondered how a writer, working away at a first manuscript at home, ever makes contact with the right publishing house and gets her book sold? I'm asked this question a lot!

If you'd like to write for Steeple Hill, you can look up the writing guidelines at www.steeplehill.com. Look down at the bottom of the page, and click on "writing guidelines." Once you get there, page clear down to the bottom, where you'll find a variety of Steeple Hill links to click--one for each of the types of inspirational novels they publish. For instance, click on Love Inspired Suspense, and you'll find information on the types of books the CRAFTIE LADIES write. There are certainly no "formulas" to learn, but rather, you'll find some helpful basic guidelines about story length and content, the publisher's address, and the names of the editors, so you can send your material to the right place.

What if you're interested in different publishers? One can find out how to submit to them by researching them online, or by checking books like Writer's Market or Jeff Herman's Guide. Be aware that some houses require an agent, and some don't. Some want just an initial query letter; some will accept that letter plus some chapters and a synopsis.

Another option for gathering information is to join writers organizations, such as American Christian Fiction Authors, or the Faith, Hope & Love Chapter of RWA. There, you'll find wonderful networking opportunities. Information on regional and national conferences, where you can take workshops and also request appointments with editors, so you can tell them about your manuscript. And you'll also be able to find out about upcoming contests, which can be very helpful--in a variety of ways--on the journey toward becoming published. I'll talk about that a bit more next Sunday.

Until then...best wishes to you all!