Battle of the Sexes

I'm curious if you have any information, even an educated guess, as to how many (non-General Authority) LDS authors are male vs. female. I'd also be interested in your take as to why you think there are more men than women, or vice versa (depending on what your answer to the first question is).

Uhmmm, I have no idea...

But a quick check of my 2011 published fiction list (published thus far this year, including both LDS and national publishers) turns up 90 female authors and 36 male authors.

My guess is non-fiction would be opposite this, but I don't know for sure.

As to why there are more women writing fiction then men?

• Women need something to do when the kids and housework make them crazy?
  
  
• Women are better multi-taskers?
  
  
• Men are busy working themselves silly at their day job?
  
  
• Men are less willing to accept the usually paltry financial payoff of writing?

Readers? What think ye?

To Outline or Not To Outline by Rebecca Talley

Writers are not only passionate about their writing, but many are just as passionate about whether or not to outline.

There are as many reasons to outline as to not outline. And, there are as many outlining techniques as there are writers. You have to ask yourself if you are an outline writer or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer. No one can tell you what kind of writer you are, you have to make that decision yourself.

Some writers feel that using an outline curtails their creativity and boxes them into writing the story a certain way. Other writers feel that an outline allows them to be more creative because they’ve already made sure the storyline fits together. Then there are the writers who do a bit of both, they have a general outline but allow themselves freedom to explore other plot lines as they write.

It doesn’t matter what kind of writer you are, only that you use a system that allows you to make the most of your creativity.

Perhaps, the word outline conjures up memories of high school or college classes that required the Roman Numeral way of outlining. While that is certainly one way to outline, it’s definitely not the only way.

One way to outline is to write a narrative synopsis of the story and then write a few sentences for each chapter. You can then see your story as a whole as well as picture what will be included in each chapter.

Another way is to outline each scene within the chapter. You can write down the scene goal, the obstacles faced in the scene, and the ending disaster for that particular scene.

You can use notecards and write a synopsis on each card for each scene. This allows you the ability to move around scenes and chapters.

Some writers use a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft’s Excel and write a sentence for each scene on each row. You can also include what characters are in that particular scene. This method allows you to not only move scenes around, but you can also save your original outline if you need to go back.

Another way to outline is to use a notebook and dedicate each page in the notebook to each chapter. You can write a few sentences to describe what happens in that chapter, which characters are involved, notes about the scenes, questions you need to answer, and specific details you want to include.

Something that’s been useful to me is writing a one-sentence description of my story. I keep that sentence close by to keep me on target as I write. I go back to that sentence over and over again.

The most important aspect is to use what works best for you. You can even combine some of these suggestions to create your own outlining system. Don’t feel like you have to stick with one system throughout your writing. Experiment to find what works best.

Rebecca Talley grew up in Santa Barbara, CA. She now lives in rural CO on a small ranch with a dog, a spoiled horse, too many cats, and a herd of goats. She and her husband, Del, are the proud parents of ten multi-talented and wildly-creative children. Rebecca is the author of a children's picture book "Grasshopper Pie" (WindRiver 2003), three novels, "Heaven Scent" (CFI 2008), "Altared Plans" (CFI 2009), and "The Upside of Down" (CFI 2011), and numerous magazine stories and articles. You can visit her blog at www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com.

Publishing Artwork

I have a photograph I would like to get published of the Sacred Grove. Do you have any suggestions on how to publish art? Who is the best publishing company? Is Deseret Publishing the best route?

I am not an art publisher. At one time I worked for a company that distributed artwork, but later decided to drop the art and focus on books.

There are some companies that specialize in publishing LDS artwork. I did a post showing some of them from the 2010 LDSBA convention. You could try contacting them.

You might also Google "lds art distributor" and go from there.

Readers, any suggestions?

Need a Writing Prompt?

Why not write a Christmas short story and submit it to the 5th Annual LDS Publisher Christmas Short Story Contest!

I know some of you have been working on your stories all year because you've asked me about the contest.

Well, it's time!

Details here.

I'm Really Not Sure How to Answer This...

I got this email in April:

I found your blog on bookcovers and I'm submitting a book this week to Deseret Books and am now completing the second book of the trilogy. There are no LDS perspective book out like these. My first book has taken me fourteen years, and now I will produce the second and thied in the next three months and they are bestsellers. What can we do for each other? I have cover illustrations in mind for books two and three and have a sketch for book one. If I don't hear from you in the next 24 hours, Deseret will get first crack at an unprecedented experiential trilogy. Thank you in advance for indulging me.

And this one in May:

Hello, I was just turned down by deseret publishing on my first book of this project. I'm 75% done with the second book and will then immediately complete the third of the trilogy. There has never been books like these as they are unique and experientially based. Can you help me?

Both were from the same person.

Where do I even begin? Clearly, you need to do more research on how to query and how to submit.

1. I don't do a blog on book covers. I do a blog on helping authors get published. I did a contest for book covers awhile back...?
   
   
2. If it took 14 years to write the first book, I have absolutely no confidence in your ability to write two more books in only three months.
   
   
3. Until they are published, you have no idea whether they will be bestsellers or not.
   
   
4. If you are going to publish traditionally, cover illustrations are not your responsibility. The publisher designs the cover, not you.
   
   
5. If you want control over the covers, you'll need to self-publish, in which case, you won't be contacting publishers.
   
   
6. You never, ever, ever tell a publisher they only have 24 hours to decide to look at your manuscript.
   
   
7. I'm not a publisher. I write an advice blog for authors.
   
   
8. If I were a publisher and this was a real submission to me, I would not indulge someone who so clearly does not know what they are doing. I would not even respond. I'd click "delete"—end of story.
   
   
9. You do not know what other authors are submitting. You cannot claim that your manuscript is "unprecedented." The publisher may have rejected many manuscripts similar to yours or they may have something just like it in the process of being published.
   
   
10. If you sent Deseret Book an email similar to the one you sent me, I'm not at all surprised they turned you down—for all the reasons I listed previously.

Can I help you? Yes. An author's first job is to write a very good manuscript. Their second job is to research industry standards and learn how to submit a query and/or manuscript properly.

1. Go to your local public library and check out some books on how to query and submit manuscripts to publishers.
   
   
2. Read them.
   
   
3. Follow their advice.
   

And lest anyone think this is an unusual query, let me just say that during my summer vacation, I received no less than four very similar emails. (Which causes me to wonder if I am being punked.) This one, however, offered the most teaching moments.

Move Over, Seventeen?

Hi, I'm thinking of starting my own LDS magazine for the young women. In this recession, would it be feasible to start something like this on my own?

I'm not an authority on magazines but there are similarities between a small niche magazine and a small niche book publisher.

In my opinion, launching a new print magazine is going to be difficult, expensive and very risky for one person to try to do (unless you're independently wealthy with lots of money to burn).

In any economic climate, a print magazine in a niche market is risky business. A magazine targeted at LDS teen girls is even more risky because you not only have to convince the girls that your magazine is cool enough for them to read and discuss with their friends, but you also have to convince their parents that you're safe and aren't promoting anything contrary to LDS standards.

Like launching a small publishing company, you'll face issues of promotion and marketing (letting your potential readers/subscribers know you exist), distribution (getting the product to market), and advertising (it's hard to sell ads for an untried magazine).

You're also going to have to answer questions in the minds of the subscribers:

1. Are you competing with the New Era?
   
   
2. How is this different from the New Era?
   
   
3. If I read the New Era, why do I need anything else?

I'd suggest you look into creating an e-zine, or website. You won't make any money from subscriptions, but it's less investment up front and if you can prove your traffic, it'll be easier to get ads.

If the website is a success, then you might want to consider a print magazine.

Any readers out there that have experience with launching a magazine? I'd love it if you'd chime in.

A Guide to Signing at Costco by Tristi Pinkston

I was very blessed to have my sixth novel, Dearly Departed, picked up by Costco. I signed there regularly from the end of June to the end of August, and had a fantastic time. I'd like to share with you some of the things I learned during those two months in hopes that they'll be helpful to other authors who will also be given that opportunity. Keep in mind that these are things that worked for me, and as you go into the stores, you may find your own ways of attracting customers. There are many ways to skin a cat, as the saying goes—although I never have understood why anyone would want to skin a cat.

Preparation:

There are a few things you can do at home before you ever go to the store that will help ensure your success. Eat a good meal with a lot of protein. Dress in nice, but comfortable, clothing. Wear supportive shoes. Yes, ladies, it's tempting to wear your cute new high heels, but I really advise against it—your feet, ankles, knees, and hips will pay the price. I also found that I became very warm in the store, so after my first few visits, I started wearing my hair up in a clip rather than down. That helped me not overheat. You know what your body needs—honor it and prepare to take care of it.

Supplies:

I recommend that you prepare a bag or a box with the following things—

• A cute tablecloth. Costco does provide one, but sometimes they are dusty or a little bedraggled, and if you bring your own, you can be sure that it's in good condition and goes well with your book.
  
  
• A table decoration of some kind. I was given a cute statue of a bookworm, and I sat him on my table at every signing. Not only did he give a little more visual interest to the table, but the little kids just loved him and would often stop to pat his head, which made their parents pause for a moment, which gave me the opportunity to speak with them.
  
  
• A water bottle. You'll be talking a lot, you'll get thirsty, and you will want to keep yourself hydrated. [LDSP: and breath mints]
  
  
• A handout. This may be one of the most important things you can bring. I'll discuss this in more detail below.

At the Store:

Try to arrive fifteen minutes early. When you let the manager know you're there, they will ask an employee to help you set up, and that usually takes a few minutes. You want to start your signing on time to fit in as many actual sales opportunities as possible, so by showing up a little early and getting set up, you can begin when you're supposed to.

Put plenty of books on your table. It sometimes feels easiest just to grab one small stack from the table, but you want your table to look abundant. This also gives you, and your customers, a subliminal message: "I expect to sell a lot of books today." That will create an atmosphere that is very conducive to sales.

Have everything you need out on the table. Signing pen, bookmarks, newsletter sign-up sheet—have it all accessible so that when you need it, you don't have to stop and dig for it.

The Actual Signing:

Now that you're all set up and ready to go, it's time to have some fun!

Personal interaction is the best way to bring people over to your table. Some authors have already created such a name for themselves that they can sit quietly behind their table and they will get mobbed by scores of rabid fans. Other authors, though, are still working on building up their name recognition, and they do that by interacting with the public. Stand, rather than sit. When you stand, you are many times over more likely to attract attention. Smile and say hello to everyone who passes. And ... here's where handouts come into play.

Think of something you can bring with you to give people as they go past. I did bookmarks at first, and handed out hundreds per signing. But that wasn't the best use of marketing money. Even though I did get a number of sales, the bookmarks were around six cents each, and if I handed out two hundred at a signing, it was adding up to $12.00 per signing for bookmarks. I was also afraid that the customers would just toss the bookmark at their earliest opportunity, and that would be a waste. So I came up with an idea that was unique to my books. I made up a black-and-white flyer on a half sheet of paper that showed the cover of my book and a catchy blurb, and then at the bottom was a recipe. This tied in with my book because at the end of the Secret Sisters Mysteries series, we're releasing a cookbook that will feature the foods mentioned in all the books.

Then, as people went past, I would say, "Hi! Would you like a free recipe?" If they said yes, I would hand it to them and say, "There's also some information on there about my new novel." In this way, I got my information into their hands, called their attention to the fact that there was more on the sheet than just a recipe, and opened up the door for a conversation. Coming in at two for a penny, the fliers were more cost effective, and because people love to keep recipes, I decreased the likelihood that it would just be thrown away.

When They Say No ...

Customers in Costco are very busy. I know that when I shop in there, I put myself in battle mode. I have a list, I know where I'm going, and I walk fast. My mom has often complained that she doesn't like to go there with me because I walk so fast, she can't keep up. That's just the mentality of the Costco shopper. We know we need to have a firm objective or we'll get lost in the hustle and bustle.

As people pass your table, they are very often in this mindset, and they will often say "no" before they even know what you want. This isn't an uncommon exchange:

Me: Hi there! Would you like—

Them: No!

This isn't something to take personally. To quote the Madagascar penguins, just smile and wave. (You don't really need to wave, though.) Just turn to the next passing person. Most customers will be very appreciative of the thing you're giving them, and will be polite in their refusals, if they aren't interested.

After the Hand-off:

I believe that in any book signing situation, there are three steps the author should take in feeling out the customer and introducing their product. It has a lot to do with feeling out the customer's interest level and showing respect by not being pushy. If you offer your information in a non-pushy way, that customer is likely to remember you kindly, and they may purchase from you down the road, even if they don't today. If you're pushy and in their face, they will remember it, and they will tell their friends, and you'll build a reputation opposite to what you want.

The first step is what I think of as the introductory step. At Costco, I'll greet people with an invitation to accept a recipe. As I hand over the recipe, I tell them there's also a blurb on there about my new book. If they take the recipe and keep walking, I leave it at that. However, if they pause, we go into the second step.

This is to give them my quickest pitch about the book. In the case of Dearly Departed, it's: "My main characters are three little old ladies who infiltrate a nursing home to solve a murder." If they are still engaged, I then say, "It's a lighthearted mystery comedy, a ton of humor all the way through, without any language or graphic violence." At this point, they generally either thank me and keep walking, or they start to ask me questions.

It's important to break up your pitch into sections like this so you can give just the right amount of information to meet the interest level of the person. I can't tell you how many times I've:

• been at a store and had an author or salesman give me a much longer pitch than I wanted to hear
  
  
• been at a store and wanted to know more, but the author or salesman had prepared a pitch that was so short, I was left wanting, and they didn't seem to know what to say after that

Be respectful of your customer's time and don't try to make them listen to more than they want to hear, but be prepared to have long conversations as well.

When Not to Approach:

To go along with our discussion of being respectful, I'd like to suggest that you not approach the following groups of people—

• People on the phone
  
  
• Mothers who are currently wrestling with screaming children
  
  
• People who are visibly upset

In each of these instances, step back and give them space. They're dealing with something bigger than their decision whether or not to buy a book, and to intrude would be rude and thoughtless.

Taking Note of Your Target Audience:

My book is about an elderly Relief Society presidency, so generally speaking, the people who buy my books are middle-aged ladies. When I am approaching people, I tend to naturally gravitate toward those ladies in my marketing efforts, and find myself more rewarded. However, this is not to say that we should ignore everyone else—it's just saying that we need to be aware of which demographics are more likely to buy. I had a great conversation with a guy studying film making at UVU with an emphasis on horror. That may be about as different from what I do as you can get (except erotica) but we had a great conversation. He didn't buy a book, but he took my information, and I was able to share some things with him that he found helpful. I also sold a book each to two Goth girls wearing plastic bras. It surprised the daylights out of me that they were interested because I hadn't pegged them as people who would want what I had to offer, but they came up to me and asked me to sign two copies. This shows the importance of smiling and greeting everyone who passes, even if you think they aren't likely to purchase.

Sometimes It's Not about Sales:

During my two months at Costco, I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Several of them were aspiring authors who needed some guidance in how to take the next step. Some of them just needed someone to talk to at that moment, like the lady who was planning her husband's funeral. To me, a successful signing isn't measured by books sold. It's measured by lives touched, both me being helpful to someone else, and the things I learn from the people I talk to.

Taking Care of Yourself:

We've talked about standing up, but now I want to talk about sitting down. It's important that you not push your body further than it can go. If you're not used to standing on hard floors for long periods of time, work up to it gradually. Sit down during slow times. Stay hydrated. Make sure that you're not hurting yourself. It's wonderful to have this Costco opportunity—it's something only a small percentage of authors get to do—but approach it wisely and make sure you're not hurting yourself. Know your limits and honor them.

Bringing Helpers:

You might find it helpful to bring someone along to help you, especially if you're in one of the larger stores. I did several signings alone, and at other times brought my mom, my son, or my husband along, and in each case, found that having a helper was a good idea. They could hand out fliers to people while I talked to prospective customers. They held down the fort while I ran to the bathroom. They could refill my water bottle. Having a helper there can increase your productivity. It's something for you to feel out for yourself, but I found it to be a good thing. And when it came to my son, it seems no one could resist his cute little face. Nearly every person he approached took a flier.

Most Importantly ...

Have fun! You're there to celebrate this awesome accomplishment—you are a published author and you have landed a spot in one of the most coveted sales venues in the nation. Enjoy it. Enjoy the people. Enjoy the chance to share what you love to do. If you find that nothing else I've said strikes a chord with you, I hope this does—leave the stress behind and just appreciate the moment. Your talents are being given a showcase. Your name recognition is about to skyrocket. Your opportunity for future sales is going to increase exponentially. You are planting seeds for a bounteous harvest later on. The expression "joy in the journey" is completely applicable here—even if you have a slow day, you are paving a path for your future as your information gets into people's hands. I did a signing at Swiss Days in Midway and was told over and over, "I saw your book in Costco." You become recognized, and in this industry, that's a good thing.

My book is no longer being carried in Costco—you need to hit a certain sales bracket in order to remain in the store over an extended period of time, and because my book is a little more specialized, that didn't happen. But I know my experiences there are going to help me in a ton of other ways, and I'm so happy for the chance I had to be a Costco author.


Tristi Pinkston is the author of eight published books, including the Secret Sisters mystery series. In addition to being a prolific author, Tristi also provides a variety of author services, including editing, coordinating blog tours, and online writing instruction. You can visit her at www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com or her website at www.tristipinkston.com.

You Need a Distributor to Get Your Books Into the Stores

I am self publishing a new book [an LDS non-fiction book], how can I get my book into Deseret Bookstores????

That is the $24,000 question! And the biggest challenge for self-publishers. How do you get your book into the store and on the shelves.

My #1 suggestion is that before you spend a lot of money printing a garage full of books, you find a distributor. In addition to DB, a good distributor will have accounts and relationships with all the smaller independent LDS bookstores, will represent your book at the LDS trade shows, and may even be able to get your book into Costco and Walmart.

Deseret Book and most other bookstores are usually unwilling to work directly with an author. It just takes too much time and costs too much money for them to have accounts with every individual author. They use distributors—who represent hundreds of books/items and make ordering more cost effective. Distributors also act as a bit of a screening agent because they won't take a book they don't think they can sell.

There aren't a lot of distributors that focus on the LDS market. I have a few listed HERE. Like small presses, distributors can come and go quickly, so do your research to make sure you're dealing with a legit business.

One caveat: Simply having a distributor doesn't mean they can get you into Deseret Book, or any other store, for that matter. As an author, you need to help drive the customers into the stores to request your book. If a store is getting frequent request for a title, they'll stock it.

LDSP 2011 Christmas Short Story Contest

It's that time again! Announcing the 5th Annual LDS Publisher Christmas Short Story Contest.

I know I said this would post on Monday, but I just realized I'll be out of town then. So here we go!

And, YES, we've done five of these contests. I can't believe it.

The best stories of the first two years were compiled into a collection, Stolen Christmas and Other Stories of the Season.

I'm hoping we'll have enough great stories this year to add to those from 2009 and 2010 to produce a second collection.

Submission Rules:

• FOLLOW rules carefully! I hate it when I have to reject a story because the submission rules were ignored.

• Write a short Christmas story in any genre. Stories should be positive and family friendly. I reserve the right to refuse any story I deem inappropriate for this blog/book.

• Maximum word count: 3,000; no minimum.

• Story must be previously unpublished. Stories published anywhere other than your personal website or blog are ineligible. (That includes books, magazines, e-zines or other contests.)

• Stories submitted for previous years' contests are also ineligible for this contest. (But may be selected for publication in the book.)
  

• Paste entire story into an e-mail. NO ATTACHMENTS, please.
  
  —Put "Contest: Title of Story" in the subject line of your e-mail. (Example: Contest: A Christmas Gift for Mary)
  
  —At the top of the body of your e-mail, type your name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, word count and whether you are a published or unpublished author (defined below). (Example:
  
  LDS Publisher
  123 My Street
  My Town, ST 00000
  123)456-7890
  ldspublisher@gmail.com
  word count: 1990
  published author
  
  —Skip a line, then put the title of your story
  
  —Skip a line, then paste in your story.
  
  

• "Published"—as in published author—is defined as someone paid you money or comp copies (in the case of magazines) for any story or book written by you. (So either a publisher paid you, or you self-published and people bought your book.)

• If you are a published and/or agented author, check with your publisher and/or agent before submitting. They will want to know the information listed under "Book Details".
  

• You may submit more than one story. Send each submission in a separate e-mail. Include all your info, as outlined above, with each e-mail/story.
  

• SUBMIT your story any time between NOW and Saturday, September 24, 2011.

• I will post the stories beginning on September 19th, in the order that they arrived. Comments will be turned off on these posts until time to vote.
  

• We will have Reader Voting for the best stories, as we have done in previous contests. The winner is guaranteed a spot in the book. Voting will take place September 26–30th. I will post voting rules then.

• You may tell your friends that you've submitted a story and to please go vote, but DO NOT tell them which story is yours. We want the stories to win on merit, not personal popularity.
  

PRIZE: Publication in the next LDSP Christmas Anthology

• There will be four winners:
  Readers' Choice/Published Author
  Readers' Choice/Unpublished Author
  Editor's Choice/Published Author
  Editor's Choice/Unpublished Author
  
  These four winners are guaranteed a spot in the anthology.

• As usual, I reserve the right to not award one of the Editor's Choice awards if I feel none of the stories deserve it.

• Other stories in the anthology will include my choices from this and previous Christmas contests held on this blog, selected based on providing a variety of stories and book size.

• Anthology will probably be published for Christmas 2012, depending on the number of quality submissions received. All authors to be included in the book will be notified before publication.

Book Details (Read Carefully):

• By submitting a story to this contest, you are agreeing to all the conditions below.

• Authors shall give LDS Publisher One-Time Publishing Rights for inclusion of story in the as yet untitled Christmas story compilation. This is the non-exclusive right to publish your story in this compilation, in various formats, and to retain your story in the compilation until LDS Publisher takes the compilation out of print.
  

• Authors shall retain all other rights and copyrights to their stories and may sell this story to any other party with a publication date after release of the compilation.

• Compensation for use of story in this compilation shall be: one free e-book copy of the published book sent to author upon publication; author's name listed in the Table of Contents and on the first page of the story; and rights to use this compilation as a publishing credit. No royalties, advances or other monetary compensation will be given to any author. Author may not print or sell the e-book files.
  

• Compensation exception: If sales of the book exceed costs to produce it, LDS Publisher shall notify authors and arrange an equal royalty split between all authors, illustrator and typesetter. Conditions and terms of royalty and payment shall be determined at that time.
  

• LDS Publisher shall assume no rights to any future works by author.

• LDS Publisher shall have full editorial rights to the stories included in the compilation, including, but not limited to, title changes, editing for space and content, design and layout of book, title of book, and book cover.

• The compilation will be available for purchase online in both print and e-book formats at a TBA future date.

• The compilation may or may not be made available to bookstores at discounted pricing, but in any case, no marketing will be done by LDS Publisher to guarantee placement in any bookstore.

• Authors agree to help spread the word about the contest and the book by any or all of the following methods:
  
  —Word of mouth to friends and family
  
  —Website/blog buttons, links, posts, etc
  
  —Facebook, My Space, Twitter, or other networking sites or forums
  

Help spread the word! Post about the contest on your blog, in your forums, and e-mail all your friends.


Buttons for your blogs:

Standard Sidebar (220px)

<div align="center"><a href="http://ldspublisher.blogspot.com/2011/09/ldsp-2011-christmas-short-story-contest.html"><img src="http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff111/LDSPublisher/2011CmasButton_220.gif" /></a></div>

Smaller Sidebar (125px)

<div align="center"><a href="http://ldspublisher.blogspot.com/2011/09/ldsp-2011-christmas-short-story-contest.html"><img src="http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff111/LDSPublisher/2011CmasButton_125.gif" /></a></div>

I'm Back—and Accepting Submissions!

It's been a nice long summer and I really needed the break. Did a lot of reading and sleeping and thinking. A lot of thinking. Especially about this blog and whether or not it has a future.

See, the issue here is, I've already said a lot of what needs to be said about publishing. Like many authors, I sit here looking at a blank screen with no idea of what to talk about that would be fresh and new and worth your time to read.

However, based on the emails I get (even when I'm on hiatus and forget to post the "best ofs" as promised), there still seems to be a need/interest/desire for a blog like this.

Also, the industry is changing. With more and more authors going indie and the huge upsurge in ebooks, a lot of tried and true principles have now been turned on their heads. I'm interested in these trends but as I'm no longer directly involved in the daily operations of a publishing company, I'm not quite the rabid info-hound I was when I started this blog.

So I'm back, but with some changes.


Magazine Style Format
I'll still continue to answer questions sent to me by readers, but I'm also moving toward creating a "magazine" type blog, with articles from other writers and bloggers. If you blog about writing, publishing, or industry trends and you want me to take a look at a particular post for re-posting here, send me an e-mail with the URL link to that specific post. I'll also do my own searching of other blogs for good info and then re-posting those blog posts here (with permission, of course).

Like any submission process, some posts will be accepted and others will be rejected. I'm looking for good writing and keen insights that I think will appeal to my readers here. "Payment" for submissions is a byline, photo, short bio and link to your blog. (See example here.)


Short Story Contests
Second, I'll continue to host Short Story Contests but with less feedback than previously promised. Submissions to these contests will get a review sheet on their story, but not a line edit. And yes, I'll still publish collections (like this one), once I get enough good stories to fill one.

As a follow-up on previous contests, there were not enough Book of Mormon stories to print a collection, so that has been tabled (at least, for now). The second Christmas collection is still being collected. It will not be available this year, but probably in 2012.

(And speaking of Christmas collections, this year's Christmas Short Story Contest will be announced on Monday, September 5th, 2011!)


Sponsors/Ads/Link Swap & Etc
Still doing the "Win These Books" monthly comment contests much the same as before. For updated information, read Win a Book and Sponsor the Contest.

You can also still purchase an ad on the sidebar. No more tradesies (sorry). Your ad button must be square. See Ad Space Info for details.

I've added some link lists (see far right sidebar). "Blogs for Writers" and "Author Resources" are blogs/websites that I think contain useful info for writers. I'm also willing to swap links with any LDS author. See Link Swap for details.

Lastly, I've added my recommendations of Essential Books for Writers. This is an Amazon store and every book in the store has been personally read and vetted by me. Not all the books will appeal to all writers, but these are ones that I think have enough useful info to be worth the price. I'll be adding books on a semi-regular basis.


The Other Blogs
The LDS Fiction blog will remain the same. I'd sure appreciate help finding LDS fiction authors—especially with all the indies out there now. If you are—or know of—an LDS author with a new release, please send me an e-mail. Read Your Book on This Site to see the info I need.

LDS Author Network needs help, too. I may be revamping this in the near future. If you're a published LDS author, LDS publisher, LDS service provider, LDS association or forum, read Getting Your Post on This Site for a description of the info I need to create your post.

LDS Author Events & Contests will be going by the wayside soon, unless someone wants to volunteer to be the Admin for it. It's just too hard for me to keep on top of that info.


That's it for now! Thanks for stopping by.

September 2011 Prize Sponsors

It's September and we're back to the blog! A new month, a new group of great sponsors!

Please take a moment to learn more about our wonderfully generous sponsors.

Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys

As a young widow, all Elaina Bryant wants is a fresh start. Determined to put ten painful years behind her, she returns to her hometown and moves in with her sister, Natalie. Elaina soon accepts a job working at a small bookstore owned by the handsome Ryan Hill and his mother. Despite her reluctance to become romantically involved with anyone, she is drawn to Ryan and finds herself falling in love.

But someone isn't happy with Elaina s new life and is watching her every move. Elaina's plans for a new start are crashing down around her. She knows she will have to find the answers on her own before she can ever overcome the past and enjoy love and happiness again. But how can she protect those she loves when she doesn't know whom to trust?


Stephanie Humphreys was born in Utah, to an American mother and Canadian father. The family moved often when she was young and by the time she celebrated her thirtieth birthday, she had moved thirty times. All those different locations gave her ample opportunity to observe people and discover interesting characters for her stories. At an early age, Stephanie discovered the joy of the written word. Her biggest dream was to be a novelist.

She and her husband Rick have a combined family of six children. She still stays involved with the theatre by serving on her community’s cultural arts board, and she supports literacy by serving on the public library board. She has always used books to escape the pressures of life, explore far-away places, and learn new things. When she isn't writing she loves to spend time with her family, sew, embroidery and read. Stephanie lives in Alberta, Canada.



Hang 'Em High by Tristi Pinkston

Book #3 in the Secret Sisters Cozy Mystery series!

When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith's dude ranch in Montana, she's excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort—one must have a break from time to time.

But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check—especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit—Ida Mae decides to investigate.

Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time?



With her crisp writing style and attention to detail, Tristi Pinkston pulls her readers into the pages of history and helps them feel the emotions that fueled the events of that time. She has been hailed as one of the most talented historical fiction writers currently on the market.

Jeff Needle's review for AML, said, "This kind of writing can only come about when the author has thoroughly researched her subject and worked very hard to put herself in the place of her protagonist."

Hang 'Em High is Tristi's seventh book.




Pumpkin Roll by Josi S. Kilpack

Book #6 in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series!

Sadie Hoffmiller is in Boston, Massachusetts, with her favorite leading man, Pete Cunningham, as they babysit his three young grandsons. When the boys insist that Mrs. Wapple, the woman who lives across the street, is a witch, Sadie and Pete are anxious to distract the boys from such Halloween-induced ideas. However, it gets harder and harder to explain the strange things that keep happening, particularly after Sadie learns the eccentric Mrs. Wapple has been attacked in her home.

As the unexplained occurrences escalate, Sadie finds herself embroiled in yet another mystery with life-or-death consequences. Can Sadie discover whoever—or whatever—is behind the mystery before anyone else gets hurt? Or will this be Sadie’s last case?



Josi S. Kilpack loves to read and write, is the author of fourteen novels, the baker of many a delicious confection, and the hobby farmer of a varying number of unfortunate chickens. In her spare time she likes to overwhelm herself a multitude of projects and then complain that she never has any spare time; in this way she is rather masochistic. She also enjoys traveling, cheering on her children, and sleeping in when the occasion presents itself.

Josi and her publisher, Shadow Mountain, are giving away an iPad2 as part of the launch of Pumpkin Roll. For details on how to enter to win, visit Josi's website, www.josiskilpack.com. Entry deadline is November 1, 2011.



Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph—but who is willing to pay the price?

Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time, using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life?

Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others?


Julie Coulter Bellon loves to write international romantic suspense novels because she gets to travel to distant lands to do research and add an authentic feel to all of her books. Her favorite cities so far are Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She’s learning to play the bagpipes and though she has yet to master the instrument, she's working on it.

Julie earned a Secondary Education, English teaching degree from Brigham Young University and she currently teaches a journalism course, which keeps her on the cutting edge of current events and world news. You can follow Julie's acclaimed writing, her moose-like bagpiping and her take on everything from family to world-shaping events at her website www.juliebellon.com or her blog http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com.





CLICK HERE for details on how to win these books.

CLICK HERE for details on sponsoring the contest.

Word Counts

This is a question I get a lot:

What is the average word count for the different genres? What would you consider too long/too short?

First let me say, the word count on a book is less important than tight, good writing. You need as many words in your book as it takes to tell a good story. Of course, you can go overboard with this. A 200,000 word romance is going to have a hard time finding a publisher, as is a 7,000 word historical fiction. With that in mind, here are a few thoughts.

There is no hard and fast rule on word count. It will differ between publishers and between authors. For example, books for children usually top out around 40,000-50,000 words. But how long was JK Rowling’s longest book? The Order of the Phoenix was 257,154 words.

Debut authors usually fall on the shorter end of the spectrum, while established authors can get away with longer books.

If you've got a series, especially if it's very popular, the later books can be longer. For example, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight logged in at 544 pages (already quite a bit longer than your average teen novel) with Breaking Dawn at 756 pages.


Here are a few general guidelines:

• Short novel (children) = 10,000 to 40,000
  
  
• Medium novel (teens) = 50,000 to 75,000
  
  
• Adult novel = 80,000 to 120,000

As for differences in genres:

• Young Children = 10,000 to 40,000
  
  
• Middle Grade = 25,000 to 40,000
  
  
• Young Adult = 45,000 to 80,000
  
  
• General/Commercial = 80,000 to 100,000
  
  
• Historical = 85,000 to 100,000
  
  
• Horror = 80,000 to 100,000
  
  
• Literary = 80,000 to 120,000
  
  
• Mysteries = 80,000 to 100,000; cozies & hobby mysteries generally a little shorter, while thillers are a little longer
  
  
• Romance = 80,000 to 100,000; category/imprint romances (like Harlequin, etc.) are often quite a bit shorter
  
  
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy = 90,000 to 120,000; epic or high fantasy is usually on the longer end
  
  
• Westerns = 50,000 to 80,000

Here are some approximate for page counts:

• 40,000 = 160 pages
  
  
• 62,500 = 250 pages*
  
  
• 75,000 = 300 pages*
  
  
• 90,000 = 360 pages
  
  
• 100,000 = 400 pages
  
  
• 125,000 = 500 pages**

As you can see, this is NOT an exact science.

*Best range for new authors

**Need to be an experienced author or really, really good to publish a novel that’s over 125,000 words.

10 Steps to a Good Query Letter

Your query letter is often your first and last chance to impress a publisher. You can find tips for how to do one all over the internet. They will vary from blogger to blogger, but there are a few basic rules that all good queries follow.

1. Follow Instructions. Check the publisher's website and scrupulously follow any instructions for creating and sending a query that are posted there. This is the most important step. If there are no instructions, create a 1-2 page letter (1 is better) that is clean and crisp and follows standard business letter format. Some publishers now accept e-queries. They will state this in their instructions.

2. Finish your manuscript. A fiction work needs to be completed before you start sending queries. Make sure it’s your best work. If there are any parts that you feel aren’t quite up to snuff, work them out.

For non-ficton, a solid outline is usually adequate in the query stage, but a publisher want to see finished product before they offer a contract. Until then, you’re writing on spec. Hopefully, you write fast because “hot topics” can change quickly.

Before you call it done, have your manuscript read by at least 6 people who know something about writing in general and your genre/subject area in specific. These need to be people who will be completely honest with you and won’t pull punches. (Recommended: a good writers group; Not recommended: mother, sister, husband, best friend.) Clean up your manuscript based on the suggestions of your readers.

3. Do research. Research the publishing house you’re sending it to. Read the submission guidelines on their website. Make sure they are looking for manuscripts in your genre/area.

4. Address. Address the query to the right person, name spelled correctly. If the website doesn't indicate a specific name (John Doe) or title (Acquisitions Editor) to send your query or submission to, you might consider making a quick call to ask the secretary.

5. Introduction. Introduce yourself and your book briefly, making realistic statements about your writing ability. Tell about your book. What is the genre? Include your word count. State how you came to submit to this editor/publisher. A referral by a current author or another publisher or someone the editor personally knows is a plus. But don’t name drop unless it’s legitimate. They will check up on you.

If you don’t have a personal referral, just state how you heard about them and why you think they might like your book. Example: "I saw your company listed as an LDS publisher on the XYZ list. I went to your website and noticed that you’ve published several [genre or topic]. I believe my book will fit nicely with those…"

6. Pitch. Give a brief synopsis. Who is your target audience? Why will they buy it as opposed to the 27 others like it on the shelf? Again, be realistic. You could say, “Readers who enjoyed ABC might also enjoy this book.”

Some authors do the pitch first, then the introductory information. That's okay too.

7. Credentials. Brief description of your publishing credentials, if you have them. (Self-publishing only counts if your books were carried in bookstores and you sold more than 2,000 copies.)

Don't be afraid to say this is your first book. Every single published author had a first book.

If you’re submitting non-fiction, this would be where you describe your expertise in the area. Example: a nutritionist writing about a new weight loss program. Life experience is also a credential, if it applies to the subject area. A formerly 300 pound homemaker can speak to weight loss as well.

8. Conclusion. If you have some good marketing ideas, you might do a 1-2 sentence pitch on that. Otherwise, just say something polite and end the letter.

9. Clean Up. Run the spell check. Let it sit for a day, then print it out and read it to make sure you haven’t left out words, etc. Print your query in an easy-to-read font: 12 point type, Times, regular spacing. If you e-query, do a virus check before sending it. Also, do not attach a document file as your query letter. Just copy and paste it straight into the body of the e-mail.

10. Include SASE. If you're submitting my regular mail, include a SASE. I know some of you don't believe in SASEs, but if you want to make a good impression, do it.

If you e-query, put the editor’s e-mail address in your address book so the reply does not bounce back. Also, if you have any of those annoying programs that make people “register” before they can send you e-mail, TURN IT OFF. Or get a separate e-mail address just for submissions, and don’t give out the address to anyone but editors or publishers. (An address like cutiepie@xyz.com is probably not the best for creating a professional, businesslike impression.)


If you need more specific help, ask your published writer friends if you can see the query they used to get their book accepted. But don't cookie-cutter it. You are original. Your book is original. Your query should be original, too. (And whatever you do, don't buy one of those software programs that writes your query for you!)

From the Archives, 5/1/06

Going On Vacation...

I'm taking a summer vacation, so I'm suspending the Comment Contest for July and August. I'd still appreciate your comments but there won't be any prizes until September.

Even though I'm on a break, you'll want to check back here a couple of times a week because I'll be doing a "Best of"—posting some of the more popular and/or more informative posts a few days a week through the rest of the summer. And there's always the possibility that Jeff will show up again, or I may have a few other guest posters from time to time.

You'll want to start working on your Christmas stories (limit 3,000 words) because we'll have our annual contest when I come back in September!

And keep checking the LDS Fiction blog, as usual. I will still be posting new releases over there.

Oh, and the winners of the June comment contest are posted here.

Understanding ISBN Numbers

How do I go about getting an ISBN for my book? Does that come after I find a publisher or do I have get it myself?

First let's define what an ISBN is—and we're going straight to the source, Bowker, the U.S. ISBN Agency, for ISBN assignment and registration:

They say:
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products, such as audiobooks. (It is not the barcode on the book, but is used when creating the barcode.)

The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.

A typical ISBN number has 13 digits and represents five unique entities. For example, the ISBN # 978-12-34567-89-0 is broken down to represent the following:

• 978 is the prefix
  
  
• 12 identifies a geographic grouping
  
  
• 34567 identifies a specific publisher
  
  
• 89 identifies a specific title or edition (each edition—hardback, paperback, ebook, audio, etc—needs it's own ISBN #)
  
  
• 0 is a check digit that is created mathematically to validate the ISBN #

Your publisher will provide the ISBN number for your book.

If you're self-publishing, you will need to get your own ISBN. Some printers provide them (like CreateSpace and others). They generally sell them at discounted pricing, however, your number will usually link your book to them as the publisher of record. If you're only publishing a handful of titles, this is the way to go.

If you're going to set up your own publishing company and are fairly confident you'll be publishing 10 or more titles yourself, then you can register your company with Bowker, the US ISBN Agency and get ISBN numbers straight from them. They are pricey. Single ISBN #s cost $125 each. The price drops significantly if you buy them in batches of 10 or more.

Missionary Fiction?

Quick question, do you know if lds publishers are interested in fictional stories about missionaries?

Of course. Why wouldn't they be? As long as it's well-written and not preachy, has intriguing characters that readers can relate to, an interesting plot line, and upholds LDS beliefs and standards, most LDS publishers will give it a look.

There's even some precedent for interest by national publishers. I know there are some I've heard of recently but Google is not my friend today. The only one I can recall off the top of my head is Charlotte's Rose by A.E. Cannon published by Wendy Lamb Books (imprint of Random House).

[Readers, if you can think of some other titles of fiction with LDS characters published by national publishers, leave the titles in the comments section.]

Just remember, good fiction needs to be good fiction. No one wants a preachy book or a thinly disguised version of the missionary discussions. It has to be real.

June 2011 Prize Sponsors

Last month's prize winners announced HERE.

Please take a moment to learn more about our wonderfully generous sponsors.

If I Should Die by Jennie Hansen

One morning on a routine jog, Kallene’s running partner, Linda, confides that she’s filing for divorce. The next morning, she’s gone without a trace, leaving behind her frightened young daughter. Since Linda’s enraged husband refuses to notify the police, Kallene steps in to initiate a missing person search, not knowing it would soon become a murder investigation—or that she’d soon fall for the charming lead detective.

With Linda’s handsome brother also on her mind, Kallene must navigate the rapids of a double romance as well as the deepening suspicion in her upscale Utah neighborhood. Intrigue turns to danger as Kallene faces the consequences of hasty judgments. And when startling new evidence casts Linda’s murder as the work of a determined killer, Kallene needs the intervention of unlikely heroes to avoid being the next victim.



Jennie Hansen was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She lived in many farming and ranching communities in Idaho and Montana. Her family moved more than 20 times as she grew up. Born the fifth of eight children, Jennie had a ready supply of playmates during her childhood. Her brothers and sisters are still among her closest friends. She married Boyd Hansen of Rexburg, Idaho, and over the next ten years they became the parents of five children. They have made their home in Utah since their marriage.

Jennie graduated from Ricks College in Idaho then continued her education at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been a receptionist, a model, a Utah House page, freelance magazine writer, newspaper reporter, editor, library circulation specialist, mother and grandmother.

She has twenty published books to her credit, three stories in compilations, and has two more books currently under contract. Her published books include: Run Away Home, Journey Home, Coming Home, When Tomorrow Comes, Macady, The River Path, Beyond, Summer Dreams, Chance Encounter, All I Hold Dear, Abandoned, Breaking Point, Some Sweet Day, Code Red, High Stakes, Wild Card, The Bracelet, The Emerald, The Topaz, and The Ruby. She is one of three contributors to The Spirit of Christmas along with Betsy Brannon Green and Michele Ashman Bell. Jennie also writes a monthly review column for Meridian Magazine.



Mayan Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke

The discovery of a priceless artifact puts Julia’s life in great danger! From valuable artifacts to shady businessmen, the Yucatan Peninsula becomes a dangerous vacation spot for John and Julia Evans. While on assignment for the newspaper, the Evans’ try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins, but when Julia accidentally comes upon a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it is too late. The men have seen her. As a reporter, Julia does not easily give up and her curiosity gets them in a mess of trouble. Before John and Julia realize what is going on, they are both in danger and find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan.




Linda Weaver Clarke was raised on a farm surrounded by the rolling hills of southern Idaho and has made her home in southern Utah among the beautiful red mountains and desert heat. She is happily married and is the mother of six daughters and several grandchildren. Clarke received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Southern Utah University and travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging others to turn their family history and autobiography into a variety of interesting stories.

Clarke is the author of the historical fiction series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” which includes the following novels: Melinda and the Wild West - a semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, Jenny’s Dream, David and the Bear Lake Monster, and Elena, Woman of Courage. She is also the author of the mystery series, The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, which currently includes the following novels : Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, and Montezuma Intrigue.

**Winner may choose either Anasazi Intrigue or Mayan Intrigue.



On the Edge by Julie Coulter Bellon

Dylan Campbell, a Canadian Security Intelligence Service agent, is recovering from a gunshot wound and looking for a new direction in his life. Armed with his newly found testimony in the LDS Church, he soon embarks on a routine fact-finding mission to Africa. While there he befriends Elizabeth Spencer, a beautiful American working to ease the suffering in Uganda. Their relationship is just beginning to deepen when Dylan discovers that a biological weapon has been manufactured in the private hospital where Elizabeth works. He realizes the terrorists plan to infect millions of innocent people across Canada and the United States.

Dylan must catch up with the terrorists in Greece to stop them from taking the weapon to North America. However, he is captured before he can act, and it takes every ounce of Dylan’s physical and spiritual strength to stay alive.

Can Dylan trust his heart and accept Elizabeth’s offer of help? Will he learn the true identities of his enemies in time to stop the biological weapon from being unleashed?

From the wilds of Africa to the ancient ruins of Greece, this book takes you to the edge of civilization and will keep you on the edge of your seat.



Julie Bellon and her husband Brian are the parents of eight children. Julie's greatest joy is being a mother and spending time with her family. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education—English teaching, and she currently teaches a journalism course for BYU Continuing Education. When she's not busy being a mom, teaching, serving in the community or writing, you will find her browsing through bookstores to add to her book collection, at the library borrowing books, or reading the treasures she's found.








CLICK HERE for details on how to win these books.

CLICK HERE for details on sponsoring the contest.

Contract Changes: ROFLR

Dear LDS Publisher,

I received a contract from "ABC PUBLISHING" the first part of March. I read through it and emailed this change back to the managing editor:

I understand Section 2 to mean "ABC PUBLISHING" would have right of first and last refusal. Is it possible to tweak the language in Section 2 to right of first refusal only and also that it only apply to LDS themed works?

The managing editor emailed back to say she'd forwarded my email to the COO since he's is the one authorized to answer all questions about contracts. That was on March 17. I haven't heard anything since then. Would it be okay for me to send an email asking for an update? Who should I send the email to? I don't have the COO's email.

Thanks for your help!

1. Good for you for not simply accepting that right of first and last refusal (ROFLR)! IMHO, a right of first refusal clause is okay, if it's limited by time or genre. But first and last? I'd never agree to that. If you want to read my previous posts on ROFLR, go here and here and here.
   
   
   
2. I am sure they get that question frequently and it should be a simple answer—either yes or no. Maybe they're trying to decide how badly they want your book? Regardless, it's been over a month and they should have responded by now. Contact the managing editor and ask if a decision has been made yet.

Knocking Out Writers Block

I'm curious how others get over their writer's block. I have a project I was working on and the creative juices just were not flowing. It felt like a wall that I just could not knock down. I ended up working on a new story idea that I have and I have been writing more than I have in a long time. So I'm wondering what other writers do to get past the writers block?



Every writer has their own secrets for overcoming writers block. My favorites are to use a writing prompt to get the imagination flowing or to purposely write bad prose—both options get me writing, and for me, that's the important thing.

But sometimes, even tried and true doesn't work. Here are a few links to ideas.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer's Block

How to Overcome Writer's Block—15 Tips

LEO: Overcoming Writer's Block

Creative Writing Prompts

Writer's Digest Writing Prompts

Quotes on Writer's Block


Readers, what do you find helpful?

2010 Whitney Winners!

The 2010 Whitneys were awarded last night at their annual gala. The winners are...

Outstanding Achievement Award
Rick Walton


Lifetime Achievement Award
Susan Evans McCloud

Best General

Best Historical

Best Mystery/Suspense

Best Romance

Best Speculative

Best Youth—General

Best Youth—Speculative

Best by New Author

Novel of the Year (Tie)

Congratulations to all the winners!

And a HUGE thank you to the Whitney committee, sponsors and volunteers who make these awards possible!

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Fiction Book by an LDS Author?

The last vote: Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Fiction Book by an LDS Author?

Go HERE to see the entire list of 2010 Whitney Finalists

In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Fiction Book by an LDS Author and why.

or

Go HERE to see the complete list of 2010 fiction titles by LDS Authors*

Feel free to cast your vote for any book on this list—but remember to tell us you think it was the best.

(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

*This list is as complete as I have been able to make it. If you know of a fiction title by an LDS author that was released in 2010, and it's not on this list, please let me know. Thanks!

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Book By a New Author?

The Forbidden Sea	Meg's Melody	Paranormalcy	Wolves, Boys & Other Things That Might Kill Me	Wrong Number
Sheila Nielson	Kaylee Baldwin	Kiersten White	Kristen Chandler	Rachelle Christensen

In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Book by a New Author and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

Come back this afternoon to vote for BEST BOOK OF 2010!