Charting a Course

I've just finished writing an author proposal for a non-fiction article (or short book) for a piece I wrote last year about animals that live upside down. I think it's a great early childhood introduction to Creationism and unique animals. The submission document was five pages long and included a 500-word biography (I don't have that much to say about myself!) and three separate summaries of the piece--one 300 words or less, one 100 words or less, and one 30 words or less. I resisted the temptation to write one summary of 30 words and call it a day since a summary of that size would fit all three categories. (Not a good way to start a relationship.)

I also began making submission charts for the two pieces I'm currently ready to begin submitting. I found this idea in a magazine for writers. It points out that a chart of the top ten places you'll submit each manuscript not only helps take the sting out of rejection but also cuts the lag time between rejection and re-submission. I guess after ten rejections you say, "Okay, Lord, I get it." The two pieces I'm wanting to submit are Which End Up? (aforementioned animal composition) and October Bell, a story about adoption that I'm quite shamelessly knit to. It's the one I can't quite push out of the nest yet. However, I hope to do so this month!