Editors, Agents, Contests, and More

Today is the 1000th post here on the Craftie Ladies of Romance. One thousand! Wow.

When you've managed to post that many times, you must have a lot to say.

So, first, you need to know there's a contest that Lyn Cote and Lynette Eason are putting on over at Goodreads, and the prize happens to be Love Inspired books from authors on the blog. Please hop over there to see what's going on. Over 200 readers have already entered their names! The link is posted on the sidebar.

All month we've been doing a "What We're Thankful For..." We've done readers, writers, and today, we're doing both editors and agents. Some of our Crafties are listing their thankfulness below: others are doing it on the comment portion.

Editors

“I'm so thankful for my editor, Emily Rodmell, who pulled me out of the slush pile and gave me a chance! I'm thankful for my agent who helped me get my foot in the door with another publisher and who does her best to make sure I have the best deal possible. I'm very thankful God placed these people in my life when He did. His timing is always perfect and I'm thankful for that too!”

Lynette Eason


“I’m so grateful for editors who take the grist of our stories and help make them sing.”

Cara Putman :-)


“I'm so thankful for my editor, Emily Rodmell, who took a chance on my stories and helps to make them shine. God bless! Thanks also go to the many "hands," from line editor to copy editor, who work so hard to ensure our stories are their very best.””

Christine Johnson


“I'm thankful for the wonderful editors at Love Inspired, In particular, Emily Rodmell and Joan Marlow Golan as well as Marsha Zinberg in Toronto, Canada. This last spring, my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given two months to live. I had three books and a novella under contract. As soon as the word got out about my situation my pressing deadlines vanished. I was told to take all the time off I needed and contact them when I was ready to write again. Their notes and words of encouragement showed me how much they care as people, not just as editors.”

Patricia Davids


Agents

“For my agents, Nalini Akolekar and Karen Solem, I hold the deepest gratitude. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. When my spirits dip, you lift them up. When I ask silly questions, you answer with great patience. Thank you!”

Christine Johnson

My agent, Michelle Grajkowski, has been a true blessing in my life. Alternately cheerleader, taskmaster, career counselor, bulldog advocate and dear friend, she is always squarely in my corner. When I went through a three and a half year dry spell in my career, she never once made me feel as if she had lost faith in either me or my writing. I’m not sure I could have kept going through that scary time if she had not been there, encouraging and adamantly believing in me.

Winnie Griggs

“One of the literary agents I had queried, Pam Hopkins, called me and asked for a 'revise and resubmit' about an hour before an editor from Harlequin called and offered to buy the book. I knew right then I wanted Pam to represent me. Why? Because she was right. The pieces of the story Pam wanted tweaked where identical to the pieces the editor wanted revised. Also, anyone can deliver good news. Delivering bad news is an art. Pam was encouraging without being unrealistic and tough without being unkind. I am thankful for her support and encouragement every day. I call her my, 'crazy buffer.' Believe me, she doesn't get paid nearly enough!”

Sherri Shackelford


Regina Scott is incredibly thankful for her agent, Emily Sylvan Kim of Prospect Agency. Publishing can be a challenging business, and Emily is always in Regina’s corner, encouraging and helping her envision new ways to go forward.


Both Editors and Agents

“I'm thanksful for being able to write for Love Inspired Suspense and work with my wonderful editor Emily Rodmell. She always makes my stories better. I'm also grateful for Deidre Knight, my agent, who believes in me and in my writing.”

Debby Giusti

“I want to thank my editors for all their hard work. Your input is invaluable and appreciated.I'm a better writer because of you. I also want to thank my agent, Steve Laube. I appreciate all your wisdom and support over the years.”

Margaret Daley

“I'm so thankful for my wonderful editor, Emily Rodmell, who makes all my books better--and makes me proud to see them on the shelf. And I'm thankful for my amazing agent, Natasha Kern, for believing in me and my work, and for being my cheerleader.”
Missy Tippens

“I’m so glad to have agent like Steve Luabe in my corner to remind me of all I can do and all I have time to do and to reign me in when my ideas go amuck. I’m also glad to have an editor like Tina James to guide me so my stories are the best they can be.

Pamela Tracy

Writing for Love Inspired Historical

Yesterday, Emily Rodmell stopped by and spoke about writing for Love Inspired Historical. She's "actively seeking." That's music to a writer's ear.

Here on the Craftie site, we have quite a few historical authors who've decided to follow the call: Victoria Bylin (see the book above!), Lyn Cote (a Carol winner), Winnie Griggs, Louise Gouge, Patty Smith Hall, Eva Maria Hamilton, Christine Johnson, Karen Kirst, Jessica Nelson, Allie Pleiter, Cara Putman, Naomi Rawlings, Regina Scott, and Lacy Williams.

Most started like you... I love books... followed by I love to write... followed by How do I do it???

Today, if you have a question about writing for Love Inspired Historical (LIH), be sure to post it in the comment section. As you can see we have fourteen authors who often stop by to respond to comments. They are a wealth of talent and knowledge.

In the meantime, here are the guidelines for writing for LIH.

The LIH mission statement:
The Love Inspired fiction program features wholesome Christian romance that will help women to better guide themselves, their families and their communities toward purposeful, faith-driven lives.

So, what do you need to know about writing great books such as the following by Winnie Griggs...

DETAILS
Length: 70,000–75,000 words
Executive Editor: Joan Marlow GolanSenior Editor in charge of line: Tina James Senior Editor: Melissa Endlich Associate Editor: Emily RodmellAssistant Editor: Elizabeth Mazer

Editorial office: New York

CONTENT
Captivating historical romance: love and faith throughout the ages.

This brand in the Love Inspired imprint is a series of historical romances featuring Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in a variety of historical time periods.
Love Inspired Historical should be complex stories rich in period detail that will sweep readers into the past and absorb them from page one.

We are open to seeing manuscripts set in the following time periods: biblical fiction, Americana (e.g., Westerns, post-Civil War, etc.), European historical eras (e.g., Tudor, Regency and Victorian England, 18th-century Scotland, etc.) and 20th century (turn of the century through World War II). We are also interested in stories featuring missionaries abroad in exotic locations during various historical periods.

Each story should be set in the past, and focus on an emotional, satisfying and mature romance; however, the characters should not make love unless they are married. Even if characters are married, lovemaking must occur offstage. Any physical interactions (i.e., kissing, hugging) should emphasize emotional tenderness rather than sexual desire. Please avoid any mention of nudity.

All stories should focus on one hero and heroine who meet as early in the book as possible. The hero and heroine should be on the page together in the first chapter—the first page is even better. By the end of the story the main characters should be in a committed relationship.
In addition, we are looking for opening chapters that are compelling and grab the reader's attention from the first line of the story. Some ways to create effective openings are to employ dialogue, keep paragraphs short, or open with a dramatic situation. Ineffective openings tend to occur when there is little or no dialogue or the author focuses on background and setup (e.g., heroine is in a car/bus/train/plane, reviewing the reasons why she is returning to or leaving her hometown).

Drama, mystery and even a touch of humor all have a place in the series. Foul language and swearing do not. Paranormal or horror elements are not acceptable. Conflicts cannot be solved purely by divine intervention (e.g., an angel arriving to save the day). Any subplots should come directly from the main story. Secondary characters can also help contribute to a substantial and gratifying story.

An element of faith must be present in the books, and should be well-integrated into the plot. The conflict between the main characters should be an emotional one, arising naturally from the story. The progression of the story will incorporate the faith journey of each protagonist, whether struggling to accept faith or simply being active in their church community. By the end of the story, hero and heroine must be both believers and members of a church community.

Because Love Inspired sells to both CBA and ABA bookstores, we must adhere to CBA conventions. Christian characters in the stories may not consume alcohol, play cards or gamble. Other taboos include explicit scatological terms, Halloween celebrations or magic. Lying is also problematic in the CBA market, and characters who are Christian should avoid lying or deceiving others. Exceptions can be made but they must be approved by an editor.

We are looking for authors writing from a Christian worldview and conveying their personal faith and ministry values in entertaining fiction that will touch the hearts of believers and seekers everywhere.