Hooks, Queries and Proposals: Angling to Land a Contract
Who is this Class for?
This class is for you if you:
- are unsure what a hook, query letter, or proposal is as it relates to your writing goals.
- are not sure what content goes into queries or proposals.
- need to learn how to format queries or proposals.
- have struggled to get your work accepted.
- want to appear more professional to editors.
- want a refresher and tips on how to improve your chance for publication.
Workshops
- Choosing the Correct Hook – Every great fish tale begins with a hook. Join this hands-on workshop, where you’ll find the right angle for your Hook, helping you gear up for writing the Query and the Proposal.
- Reeling in an Editor: The Query – Master the dos and don’ts of pitching your ideas. Learn techniques for hooking the editor, selling your ideas, making a good first impression and asking for the assignment. Bring an idea and craft a quality query during this workshop designed to help you net an editor.
- Stocking Your Tackle Box: The Proposal – Don’t try to worm your way out of crafting a book proposal. Join this hands-on workshop, where we will tackle the components together. Assemble a summary and synopsis that will catch the attention of an editor or agent.
Master Class Teacher Kim Peterson
Writer/Freelance Editor/Writing Mentor
Kim Peterson mentors aspiring writers. She has taught writing for 29 years, working extensively with published authors and those seeking careers in writing, editing and publishing. Last fall, she began her 16th year teaching in the online professional writing program of Taylor University (Upland, Indiana). Kim, a freelance editor, also copyedits and proofreads for WhiteFire Publishing. She leads two online writers’ groups — one for mixed genres and one for writers of children’s books and articles.
Working as a freelance writer for 40+ years (She started young!), Kim has written for Indiana newspapers and various periodicals and websites, including AppleSeeds, Encounter, Evangel, Vista and devotional markets. Her work has been published in anthologies such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, Rocking Chair Reader, the Moments series, and, most recently, The Cat in the Christmas Tree.
A recipient of a Highlights Foundation Scholarship, Kim spent a week studying with multi-published children’s authors at the Highlights campus.Kim says of her childhood, “My mom made reading a priority. She surrounded me with books. When my morning chores were finished, she let me disappear up our cherry trees with a good book and a thermos of juice. I don’t climb trees anymore, but I can still disappear into a great story.”
Find out more about Kim and the class through the Q&A on our blog.
Find Kim at:
Website/Blog – naturewalkwithgod.wordpress.com/welcome
Facebook as KimandSean Peterson – facebook.com/dovecote
Bonus! Special Guest Speakers
Katherine Easter, Acquisitions Editor
Zonderkidz
Katherine Easter is an acquisitions editor for Zonderkidz, a children’s imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. She graduated from the University of Denver Publishing Institute in 2013 and has spent the last ten years editing and publishing award-winning children’s books. She acquires everything from board books through YA and especially loves projects with a strong voice and poignant message. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband and cat, where she enjoys taking short walks to the bakery and long walks to the library.
Deborah Wuehler, Senior Editor + Director
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Deborah Wuehler has been the Senior Editor and Director of Production of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine for nearly 20 years. She is wife to Richard, with 8 children and one grandchild, and lives in northeast Colorado. Deborah is an author, conference speaker, and devotional leader. She writes for The Homeschool Minute newsletter, hosts the Hey, Mama! Homeschool Show podcast and has written several reading plans for the Bible app (Bible.com) called Homeschool Moms Teach the Psalms.
Subscribe
Sign up for a weekly newsletter with the latest blog posts and exclusive content. In your inbox every Tuesday!