As an active member of the Maryland Writers’ Association, I’m always excited when I get the opportunity to speak to a new chapter. So it was with great pleasure that I drove out to Sykesville on a Saturday afternoon to speak at the Carroll County chapter of the MWA. I did a presentation called “Pitching, Querying, Proposing: How an Author Goes from Shy to Sold.” Here’s the description that was publicized:
You’ve experienced the satisfaction of working hard to learn a craft and producing a quality piece of writing—but now what? If you ever want anyone to read your work outside of your immediate circle of family and friends, you’ll need to get published. Though self-publishing is always an option, this talk focuses on how writers generally approach the submission process. Find out who really decides what gets published, how to approach them without getting the proverbial door slammed in your face, and what these gatekeepers expect from you besides your very best work. You’ll also get tips that will make your pitches, queries, and proposals more effective for best results.
During my talk, I gave attendees insight into who really decides what gets published, how to approach them without getting the proverbial door slammed in your face, and what these gatekeepers expect besides your very best work. I also offered tips for writing more effective pitches, queries, and proposals. There were a lot of new faces in the crowd but I was also happy to reconnect with some old friends, including Frederick chapter officer and fellow blogger Kelly A. Harmon and client Jack Downs (who shared with me the exciting news that the Ambitious Enterprises query letter review service helped him find a publisher for his novel! Congratulations again, Jack.). Chapter President Regina Sokas had this to say:
Ally’s presentation was the best of what the MWA is all about—writers from all levels, genres and disciplines coming together to frantically scribble notes. Seriously, Ally was thorough, detailed, professional yet approachable. Pure gold.—Regina Sokas, MWA Carroll County chapter president
The group currently holds meetings from 1-3pm on Saturdays at different locations including Sykesville and Eldersburg, MD. Learn more about Carroll County MWA at www.carrollcountymwa.org.
Founder of The Writer’s Ally, Ally E. Machate is a bestselling book collaborator, award-winning editor, and expert publishing consultant who loves using her insider knowledge and experience with the publishing industry to lead serious authors toward success. She and her team live to help make great books happen, whether that means showing a writer how to improve a manuscript, get an agent, or self-publish; or coaching an author on growing her platform to sell more books. Since 1999, she has supported hundreds of authors on their publishing journey and takes pride in serving as their books’ best ally.
Leave a Reply