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She Speaks Conference Attendee 2006
She Writes...If this is your first time attending one of our Proverbs 31 Ministries conferences, then prepare to experience a life-changing conference. Listen to what a 2007 conference attendee had to say about her experience: I came to the She Speaks conference last year with one goal in mind: to make it a learning experience. My expectations were far exceeded. In addition to learning solid information about the book writing business and practical ways to manage my God given passion for writing with my life as a full time mom, I discovered the heart of my purpose. The God that created the universe works all things for good, including the creative desires inside of us. Two months after attending She Speaks, a publisher contacted me to sign a book contract. With this new step, I knew that God was taking my learning curve to a new level, one that started with the bold encouragement of Proverbs 31 Ministries and continues me forward today in His inspired plan. Jennifer Silvera If you are like me, God has placed a dream in your heart to write. Maybe this dream has been simmering for a while, or maybe you feel you'll burst if you don't do something about it now. You might be an experienced writer, but sense God calling you to a new place in your writing. Congratulations on taking this next step of faith in pursuing your dream. I believe you will be inspired and better equipped this weekend. We've planned a variety of practical breakout sessions, inspiring speakers and opportunities for you to meet with both publishers and editors. I encourage you to get the most out of this weekend. Talk with every publisher and editor you meet. Ask a thousand questions. Share with other women who likely have the same fears. Soak in every bit of teaching. And most importantly pray. Pray that God will be evident in every part of this She Speaks 2008 Conference. We are in the process of finalizing plans for acquisition editors from major publishing companies, online ministries and magazines who will be attending. They will not only address writing and publishing issues in breakout sessions but will schedule meetings with potential authors during the weekend to acquire book proposals, magazine articles and give advice as well. We are rejoicing with those who have attended this conference in previous years, presented book proposals, and are now being published! Optional Writing Peer Critique One of the best ways to improve as a writer is to get feedback from other writers. We're giving you the opportunity to have your writing reviewed by other participants of She Speaks. If you would like to participate, please read and adhere to these guidelines: 1. Bring two copies of an article you have written.
3. Keep your article under 750 words. On Friday evening, after our main session, all writers who have brought an article will meet and break up into groups of three. You'll have time to read and critique each other's articles and discuss your thoughts. This is a great way to grow your writing and editing skills. Book Proposal Appointments We are in the process of finalizing the literary professionals and expect to have the information available in the very near future. BONUS SESSION OPPORTUNITY! If you are requesting an appointment with a literary professional, we have a bonus breakout session opportunity on Friday, June 20th at 12:50 pm. Jeannie Burlowski owns a consulting practice in Minneapolis where she specializes in creating communication that convinces. Her customers include corporations, politicians, and students applying to college and medical school. Jeannie has graciously offered to share her knowledge and experience with She Speaks attendees this year. (Please note that this session takes place prior to the beginning of the conference so please arrange your travel plans accordingly if you wish to attend this special session.) How to Plan a Powerful, Effective 15-Minute Publisher Meeting (Jeannie Burlowski) You have your book proposal, and now you're about to walk into your 15-minute publisher meeting. What can you say to make that publisher excited about taking your proposal back to the office? In this workshop, you'll learn how to:
If you wish to attend this bonus session, please email shespeaks@proverbs31.org and let us know so that we can reserve your space as space will be limited. Book Proposal Requirements We want to help you make a great first impression when meeting with a book publisher. In order to secure meetings with the publishers that will be at She Speaks 2008, you will need to do the following: 1. While it is not a requirement, we strongly recommend that you order and read the book, "For the Write Reason," in preparation for your appointment. Using personal stories of successful Christian writers, agents and editors, "For the Write Reason" helps writers of all levels learn from the experience of "insiders" in Christian publishing. The book also includes an appendix with more in depth information about writing a book proposal. To order "For the Write Reason," go to the following link on our Proverbs 31 website: Purchase "For the Write Reasons" 2. Make sure to include a dynamic cover letter with your proposal. You may want to visit your library or local book store to research different ways of writing a cover letter. Our Proverbs 31 website also features several writing guide books. To view this entire selection, go to the following link: Writer Resources 3. Include a title page with the following: 4. Submit a written outline of the chapters with a 3-5 sentence description of each chapter. This should give the publisher a brief synopsis of what your book is about, why a reader would want to read it, how it will benefit the reader, and how the book is structured. 5. Write three sample chapters. These do not have to be the first three chapters of the book. Submit your three strongest chapters. 6. Proposals should be typed, double-spaced, on white paper, in a 12-point font. Put your papers in an attractive presentation folder. Notebooks are not recommended since all proposals must be mailed to the publishing companies after the conference is completed. You may also want to include your bio sheet (if you have one) or a resume that lists your accomplishments and how you can help sell your book. I can't wait to meet you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly. In His Love, NEW INFORMATION - NEW OPPORTUNITY! A representative from ParentLife magazine will be accepting query letters at the conference. If you are interested in submitting a query letter to ParentLife magazine, please place your letter in a sealed envelope and write "Rebecca Ingram Powell" on the outside of the envelope. Give the sealed envelope to the person sitting at the book appointment table which will be located right at the top of the stairs on the second floor. A member of our conference staff will be able to help you if you are unable to find the location. Rebecca has provided the following information to help you!
SAMPLE QUERY LETTER Date Dear Mrs. Skulley, A woman’s relationship with her husband’s mother has its share of tense moments, but what happens when that mother-in-law becomes a grandmother? I’d like to propose an 850-word article, “Help! Now She’s a Grandmother!” for publication in ParentLife magazine. This article speaks to new and expectant mothers about ways to deal with the often fragile in-law relationships. Using personal anecdotes and the stories of several young mothers, tips are provided that assist with dealing with one’s mother-in-law under these subheads:
I am a mother of three and the author of Baby Boot Camp: Basic Training for the First Six Weeks of Motherhood. I have written numerous articles for several publications and websites, including BabyLife magazine and Baby Talk Radio. I would be happy to send you “Help! Now She’s a Grandmother!” on speculation. Thank you for your time spent in reading this query letter. I will look forward to hearing from you. With kindest regards, Rebecca Ingram Powell
THE SEVEN KEY ELEMENTS OF A WINNING QUERY LETTER The HOOK—Begin your letter with an anecdote, fact, or question. Draw the editor in with the first sentence, and address the editor by name. The editor for ParentLife magazine is Mrs. Jodi Skulley. Explain WHAT—Take one or two sentences to explain the problem your article will help solve. Explain HOW—Take three to four sentences explaining how your article will accomplish this. Offer a TITLE and the expected WORD COUNT. ParentLife magazine is looking for articles that stay at around 850 words. Offer any ADDITIONAL MATERIAL that you can or will supply, such as photographs and sidebars. Include your previous EXPERIENCE or personal QUALIFICATIONS for writing this piece. (If this is your first time writing a query letter, state that you are a novice and are trying to break in to the writing field. Offer to send the article on speculation, which simply means that the editor may take a look at your article without the obligation to purchase it. ) Don’t forget your CONTACT INFORMATION. Include your email address and phone number with everything you send out. PARENTLIFE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL CALENDAR June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009
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