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thePEBBLE - 03/17/05 - How To Sign With A Literary Agent
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TODAY'S TRIVIA - - -
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Which is more nutritional: brown eggs or white eggs?
When did the Internet come into being?
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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY'S TRIVIA - - - -
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How did the Easter bunny get his start?
Back to the Saxons for the Easter Bunny. They
worshipped the goddess Eastre by the earthly symbol
of a rabbit or hare. Eventually, 18th- and 19th-century
German immigrants brought the custom of the Easter
bunny to America. It was widely ignored by other
Christians until after the Civil War. (In fact, the holiday
of Easter was not widely celebrated in the US until
after that time.).
What about Easter eggs?
The exchanging of eggs in the springtime is an ancient
custom dating as far back as the Egyptians, who buried
eggs in their tombs. The Greeks also placed eggs on their
tombs. From ancient times, the egg has symbolized rebirth.
So when the Christian church began to celebrate the
Resurrection in the second century, the egg was a natural
symbol. In those days, wealthy people covered gift eggs
in gold leaf, while peasants dyed theirs by boiling them
with flowers and herbs.
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I'LL SEE IT WHEN I BELIEVE IT!
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There are a lot of ways to become a failure,
but never taking a chance is the most successful.
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Ken
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There is an unsubscribe link at the very bottom of this
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thePEBBLE CONTENTS:
1. STRANGE BITS AND PIECES!
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2. TITLE ARTICLE - - -
How To Sign With A Literary Agent
by Suzanne Falter-Barns
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3. MEDICAL COLUMN by Karin Henderson
Bioburden: How Much Is Too Much
How Many Bugs (Micro-organisms) Create A Problem
PART 5 of 11
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4. THE SAGA OF PINEHILL by Ken Darby
At the cabin
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5. OBSERVATIONS OF OUR BUSINESS
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6. THINK ABOUT THIS TODAY!
7. HA! HA!HA!
8. CONTACT INFO
9. THE LAST LINE - - - - -
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STRANGE BITS AND PIECES!
The long fibres that are found in bananas are excellent in
making paper. The long fibres that are found in the banana
plant can make the banana fibre paper approximately 3000
times stronger than regular paper.
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TITLE ARTICLE - - -
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How To Sign With A Literary Agent
by Suzanne Falter-Barns
If you're interested in publishing a book and gaining a
market presence and income from it, you'll need a
literary agent. They are the grease that keeps the
oft-rusty wheels of publishing moving. Every day, they
eat lunch or talk to editors and acquisition people in
publishing houses all over the world, all the while
pitching them on the new hot 'properties', as your
manuscript will be called.
Generally speaking, you need an agent (though there are
literary lawyers and others out there who would
disagree with me.) I've had four agents, some fine, one
useless, and one downright criminal (though eminently
likeable.)
Here are some tips I can pass along that will help your
search for this important part of your team.
* Make sure you're selling something marketable. It
could be you're the only person out there who wants to
read about your Aunt Tillie's days as a pickle packer.
Before you approach an agent, find out what problem
your book solves and who it will appeal to. Research
similar titles on Amazon.com and look for gaps in the
marketplace. Go to bookstores and see what's hot (and
what's not.) What's not is on the remainder shelf;
what's hot is placed up front and center, with massive
piles of the book in sight. Give an agent a good reason
UP FRONT to get excited (before they even read your
mss)
* Make sure your book idea or manuscript is in top
shape. There is no substitute for excellence. it helps!
You've got to have an awesome concept, and an even
better title.
* Make your book proposal as professional as possible.
(Book proposals are only for non-fiction books, those
other than novels.) You'll want to include a lot more
than just what the book's about. You'll need to include
any market research you've done on who'd buy the book,
ideas for unusual places the books could be sold, or
ways to tie it in with 'special sales' (that's
pub-speak for big wholesale orders) to certain
industries, or connections with your workshops,
speaking gigs, web site, etc.. You'll also want to
include an impressive bio, merchandising ideas, a
sketch of the competitive marketplace and publicity
ideas. (If this sounds daunting, worry not. See my
blurb at the bottom.)
* Establish your credibility. If you're writing
fiction, let them know you've either had unique life
experiences that will make your book especially
interesting to the media. (If you're writing about your
white water rafting exploits, did you have a great
experience related to this you could spin on air?) If
you're writing non-fiction, are you a PhD or do you
have a masters, or lots of great professional
experience? It's tougher to sell a great book written
by someone who's got no credentials in the field to
back them up, but it can be done.
* Hook up with a star. Can you get a celebrity
endorsement, or a testimonial or foreword from a highly
placed industry star? This will help an agent feel they
can sell your work.
* Find the niche no one has explored. They're out
there, even in your chosen field. This is especially
true for non-fiction, though niches apply to both
genres. The best niche comes from your own passions and
interests. what's really You?
* Do not send your manuscript! Send a one page letter
describing your project and why you are the person to
write it, plus your proposal (non-fiction only) or a
few sample chapters of your manuscript (fiction.) Offer
to send the rest right away if they are interested.
Make sure everything is spell-checked, double
spaced, with correct margins, etc..
* Hand pick the agents you submit to. DO NOT SEND
MASS MAILINGS TO AGENTS. It won't work, and is a waste
of time and money. Instead, research who to approach
and pick the 5, 10, 20 or so who actually sell your
type of work. Agents stick to niches themselves, and
one way to find that niche is in various resource
guides like Writer's Market, the LMP (Literary
Market Place, in all big libraries), or the Writer's
Digest 2002 Guide to Literary Agents. (I have several
other techniques I share in my Self Help Author's Crash
Course, which is on sale at the moment. See below.)
* Make your letter great. Your pitch will be placed
in a pile with the other cold submissions that arrived
that day (maybe 25 -50) and an assistant will thumb
through them, spending about 10 seconds on each one.
This means if you have a personal contact, you mention
it in the first sentence. Trim your description
of your book into a meaty, mouth-watering paragraph.
Add a bit on why you are the person to write it. And BE
SURE to let them know you hand picked them, out of all
the agents out there, because of the great work they've
done for authors X, Y and Z. In fact, you predict they
will have similar success with your property, as they
did with Book X they just sold to Q Publisher, etc.
In other words, make it personal, a little witty, and
smart
* Don't use old contact info and call to see that
the agent you're contacting is still at the address you
have before you send anything
* Don't ever pay an agent to evaluate your book. This
is not how standard agents work, and is illegal.
* Give the agent one month to evaluate your work.
Then follow up by phone or email. Many will tell you
how they like to be contacted in guides such as The
Writer's Market and those listed above. Continue to
follow up, until such actions are ridiculous.
You'll probably get some kind of response, especially
if you're letter is great
* Follow up and ask for referrals. If you're lucky,
you'll get the intended agent on the phone. They may
seem interested, but just won't commit. (A standard
line is "I'm not taking on any new clients right now.")
So ask if they know any agents they might recommend, or
someone who is expanding their operation. Then send a
thank you note if their info has been helpful.
Agenting is a small world, and many people stay in it
for life. They'll remember when you reappear at their
door years later. And this time it may open
* Be persistent. You may have to go through several
lists of hand-picked agents, before you get the bite
you need.
* Work your personal connections. Be exhaustive,
thinking of anyone you know who might connect you with
other agents, or even authors. Most authors will want
to see the project you're pitching, and may not feel
comfortable sharing their contact with you but many
may.
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For information on how to create your own
publisher-ready book proposal that agents will sit up
and pay attention to, drop by Suzanne's site,
http://www.getknownnow.com/ and get her free
listing of 25 Top Self Help Literary Agents.
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For a spiritual journey to live as your Maker wants
http://www.spiritual-underground.com
Find information and knowledge that, while in plain
sight, has been hidden from man for centuries. If you
are on "the path" this is for you.
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If you don't like an observation or criticism of your character,
chances are very good they are true. In the quiet of your day
meditate on such things. The truth will be shown.
---- Ken Darby
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MEDICAL COLUMN - - - -
by Karin Henderson
Bioburden: How Much Is Too Much
How Many Bugs (Micro-organisms) Create A Problem
PART 5 of 11
Common groups of disease causing micro-organisms
include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. (This group also
includes protozoa, but we don’t hear too much about
these. Nevertheless, they do raise a lot of concern
from time to time.) Please remember that bioburden
contents are positive as well as negative. There are
some bacteria that we need to help us digest food.
Normally they are in our gut and don’t do any harm.
It’s their normal habitat. Problems start when they
leave their designated area and move into another
“home” and start to grow. Now they are labeled unwanted
or harmful. What is important is that NO harmful
micro-organisms should be in these unwanted areas. In
some cases, even a few might prove to be damaging,
depending on many things.
As we usually associate the term “bioburden” with
disease-causing micro-organisms (pathogens/bugs), we
need to have some way of measuring potentials harm or
any possible damage. Eventually this knowledge is used
to eliminate their “supportive environment” or at least
make is as unfriendly as possible.
The pathogens are instinctively in survival mode. So it
doesn’t take them too long to find a way to resist the
power of some antibiotics. Our culture and lifestyle
have created a huge demand for antibiotic coverage when
it maybe not needed. We now face situations where some
micro-organisms are very resistant to many kill methods
via antibiotics. Combinations of these drugs often have
to be administered. One good example is “Methicillin
Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus” or commonly known as
“MRSA”. What this really means is that an infection
caused by the bacterium called “Staphylococcus Aureus”
does not respond to the antibiotic called Methicillin.
This bacterium has already found a way to protect
itself and stay alive in the presence of this
antibiotic. That is mutation! And that is discovered
when the bioburden of bacteria is high and should be
reduced by such a strong antibiotic, yet the microbes
continue to thrive.
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Karin Henderson is a registered nurse and is thePEBBLE's
columnist for our MEDICAL COLUMN.
We appreciate her input very much. Thanks Karin.
You can send Karin questions at
mailto:kflh@shaw.ca
Health Information Newsletter.
http://www.prescotts-inc.com
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THE NET'S BEST KEPT SECRET
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THE SAGA OF PINEHILL
by Ken Darby
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Eloise Henry, age 18 when the story began
and David Wylie, age 20, were selected by a
stranger in town to take a dangerous trip,
together. The idea was that each was to take
only the clothes on their back and go
anywhere in the world where the stranger
took them. They were to be left there to find
their own way home. They had no money,
no identification, and no idea where they
were. If they arrived back home, there
would be a million dollars waiting in each
of their bank accounts
The story deals with their adventures along
and leads to the only way they could survive.
The story leads to many friends, many
adventures and many places.
As you read enjoy. It continues . . . . . . .
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For those who like the thoughts and ideas proposed
in this story, you might like to subscribe to
http://www.spiritual-underground.com
(It is a simple donation of $4.94 per month and
helps us spread the word.)
Many, many thanks to those of you who support this
work. It allows others to learn. Thank you.
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That day went fast. They all got so busy doing
their separate things they didn't notice the day
disappear. The evening fire didn't last quite so
long this night.
The following day was another gorgeous day. It
was the kind that comes out of romance movies,
warm, bright and promising.
Yet they all knew this day was going to bring
trouble. They sensed it as if it were in the air.
This was Sunday, the day following some long, late
parties where much liquor was consumed, mostly by
young people.
The family rose a little later and by the time
they finished breakfast and were sitting out on
the porch it was past 10 in the morning.
They were sitting there sipping coffees when
the call came. It came in the form of a motor boat
speeding across the lake directly at them. It came
in too fast, missed the pier and, because of it's
speed beached itself. The driver was hollering
"Mr. Henry, Mr. Henry." He repeated that over and
over. Sam sat and watched the man get organized
enough to get out of the boat. The man then ran
full speed up the walkway to the porch. "Mr.
Henry," he spoke loud, fast and puffed out,
"please come quickly. There's been an accident.
I ran over one of my buddies with the boat out in
the middle of the lake. He's bad hurt. Please come
and help!"
Sam rose and spoke quietly. "You return to
your friend. I'll be along shortly."
"You don't understand Mr. Henry. He needs you
now. I think he's going to die."
Again Sam spoke quietly. "You return to your
friend. I will be along shortly."
"Mr. Henry, please come now. It's bad."
"Sir. I will repeat this only one more time.
Return to your friend. I will be along shortly."
The man's concern over his friend blinded him
to the answer Sam had given him. Even when he
asked the second time he did not hear the answer.
There was nothing wrong with the man's ears. The
problem lay in his head and in his attitude. He
was demanding. It was just the kind of thing
people do when they need help and when they are no
longer in trouble they talk negative about you as
if you were a monster.
The man looked dejected. He did not know what
to do. He walked back to his boat, thinking. Then
he had an idea and tore down to the boat. He
worked hard at getting it off the beach. It was no
small feat, yet the man was motivated. The idea he
had was that he knew where a doctor lived, and was
on his way. He had drawn the conclusion that Sam
was in no hurry and that possibly he was not
coming.
Sam had searched the man's thoughts. He saw
the scene unfolding as the accident happened.
These boys and several of their chums had been up
late drinking, most of the night. This morning
they thought they could water ski while the day
was young and quiet.
They had gone out to the center of the lake
and the first chap to get on skis was a relative
newcomer. He had dropped one ski and was now on a
single ski. He thought he was doing great and had
all his attention on maintaining his balance. The
whiskey had him thinking he was better than he
was. He began to swing out over the wake to the
far side of the boat. Then he thought he would do
it like the pros. He cut pretty good and came back
over the wake at a good speed. He did not see the
oncoming boat until it was too late. He attempted
to correct and turn back but that caused him to
fall. He had just come up far enough that his head
was about to break water when the oncoming boat
hit him. Instantly it broke ribs, arms legs. Then
as the boat continued the engine caught him. The
prop ripped through him worse than a shark bite.
It tore him wide open and knocked him unconscious.
The offending boat stopped and came back.
There was nothing anyone could do for the man.
They were afraid to touch him. His stomach area
had been ripped open and his innards were
beginning to come out. The man's head had been hit
and it was bleeding profusely. The water was red
with blood. The man was frothing through the mouth
and nose. It was a terrible, sickening sight.
Several in the man's boat fainted.
The boat that hit him told the others he knew
a way he could get help. He said he would be right
back. That man was the man that had come to the
Henry's to get Sam.
That man had been so sick in his insides he
was no longer thinking reasonably. Sam let him go.
Looking at Mazunta, they both knew they would go
together.
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TOMORROW - - - At the cabin
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OBSERVATIONS OF OUR BUSINESS
Many of you have become interested in following what
we are doing in our business.
It is a way of seeing some of the good things and not so good
things that happen to us along the way.
While it may not replicate your story, neither may it be replicated
by you, it does keep you updated on some of the trials and
tribulations of doing business on the internet.
We thought we would keep it up.
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TODAY'S REPORT:
Not too much to report today. A little of the same old same old.
I am still working on the renewing of thePEBBLE site in
preparation for The Saga of Pinehill hitting the bookshelves.
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For ads that work go to
http://www.the-pebble.com/PAGES/advertis.html
AND get a free Profit Pulling Report
"SCOTCHING"
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THINK ABOUT THIS TODAY!
"Look at your past. Your past has determined where you
are at this moment. What you do today will determine
where you are tomorrow. Are you moving forward or
standing still?"
---- Tom Hopkins
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HA! HA! HA!
An old preacher was dying. He sent a message for an
IRS agent and his lawyer, each of them church members,
to come to his home. When they arrived, they were
ushered up to his bedroom. As they entered the room,
the preacher held out his hands and motioned for them
to sit on each side of the bed. The preacher grasped
their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled and stared at
the ceiling.
For a time, no one said anything. Both the IRS agent
and the lawyer were touched and flattered that the old
preacher would ask them to be with him during his final
moments. They were also puzzled; the preacher had
never given them any indication he particularly liked
either of them. They both remembered his many long,
uncomfortable sermons about greed, covetousness and
their avaricious behavior that made them squirm in
their seats.
Finally, the lawyer said, "Preacher, why did you ask
the two of us to come?"
The old preacher mustered up some strength, then said
weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how
I want to go, too."
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
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THE LAST LINE - - - - -
"Forgive everyone who has ever hurt you in any way.
Let it go."
---- Brian Tracy
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AN INTERNET BUSINESS MAY NOT BE FOR YOU!
OR, THEN AGAIN, IT MIGHT BE! Go have a look. We
have laid out the steps and methods in a clear and
to the point series of short letters. Send a blank email to:
mailto:professional@rr-email.com
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REMEMBER! - IF YOU SEE IT IN thePEBBLE - IT IS SO!
Live like a child. Take each opportunity as it appears.
Don't save up for a better opportunity.
---- Ken Darby
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business growing. http://www.thenewsshop.com
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© 2005 thePEBBLE PUBLICATIONS
http://www.the-pebble.com
thePEBBLE Publications
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Box 6, Site 270, R.R.2
Carvel, Alberta T0E 0H0 Canada
1-780-968-3847
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