From Query to Publication...Recalling the Process
I was so excited to receive the email that said my query for "Freedom...Under Cover" had been accepted by the Editorial Staff at Cobblestone Publishing!
Harriet Tubman was the theme for the May, 2004 Issue of Appleseed's Magazine; and I had an idea!
This lens will walk you through the journey that led from my original idea for the article, to first contact with the Appleseed's staff, and on to the final printed issue that included not one; but two articles written by yours truly!
I hope the story of my journey will be helpful to those of you who dream of becoming a published author, and are looking for more insight about the path it takes to get there!
The Completed Issue
Appleseed's Magazine
Freedom Quilt
Freedom Under Cover...
Freedom Under Cover...
Let's Make a Quilt S...
Let's Make a Quilt S...
The Publication Process
The Idea Comes Toget...
Thinking About The R...
The Query ...How Sha...
The Articles...Ready...
Appleseed's Magazine
Step by Step... Publication Is a Process
I wrote my first story when I was 8 years old...I vividly recall the title, and the main character; but the plot remains shrouded in ancient memory!
What I do recall is the passion I felt for writing the story!
I think I was born reading! I have always loved books, the dictionary; encyclopedias...and as time moved on; I began to work as a volunteer in my school library.
What I do recall is the passion I felt for writing the story!
I think I was born reading! I have always loved books, the dictionary; encyclopedias...and as time moved on; I began to work as a volunteer in my school library.
My Favorite "Light Reading!"
My Love For Reading Continued to Grow Deeper....
Not only did I love to read, I loved to teach about the things I read!
Especially the stories I read from the Bible. I taught Sunday School, Youth Groups, Vacation Bible School...I was insatiable when it came to creating art projects, lesson plans and room decor that helped me tell the stories.
Especially the stories I read from the Bible. I taught Sunday School, Youth Groups, Vacation Bible School...I was insatiable when it came to creating art projects, lesson plans and room decor that helped me tell the stories.
I Scoured the Bible Book Stores...Looking For Inspiration
When I couldn't find what I was looking for; I would create my own!Little did I realize, I was honing my skills and fueling my passion for writing. I studied my genre without even realizing I was doing it!
My theme, purpose, identity, and passion were all being refined...with the turn of every page; with every step into a Christian book store, with every story I wrote that helped me teach a principle; I was becoming the me I was destined to be.
I was an aspiring author!
Harriet Tubman Was a Fascinating Character Who Captured My Interest, As Well As My Respect!
I've always loved trains...they were part of some of the happy memories of my childhood that I wanted to cultivate; and turn into something that would transform my thinking about myself.
I love the Underground Railroad as a metaphor for the journey of the escaping slaves. It fueled my passion for abstract thinking and writing.
You know; similies, homilies, metaphors and more!
I was always a "little chicken" while I was growing up; and I loved the bold courage and incorrigible spirit of this woman who fought against overwhelming odds to live the life of freedom about which she dreamed.
Not to mention the genius of weaving the tale through the threads of a handmade quilt!
I love the Underground Railroad as a metaphor for the journey of the escaping slaves. It fueled my passion for abstract thinking and writing.
You know; similies, homilies, metaphors and more!
I was always a "little chicken" while I was growing up; and I loved the bold courage and incorrigible spirit of this woman who fought against overwhelming odds to live the life of freedom about which she dreamed.
Not to mention the genius of weaving the tale through the threads of a handmade quilt!
The Plan Comes Together...
The internet opened a new world of opportunity.I spent endless hours in the library...until I bought my computer, and was able to bring the internet home!
That ended my treks to the library in the cold and snow! The ability to work from home gave me even more time to read, and search the net.
The recurring theme in my research was crafting, creating patterns, the Bible, and how to become a published author.
I read about the different genres, how to submit a query, word counts, and the vast amount of information that is available to teach you about the publishing industry.
An HGTV Episode of Simply Quilts Was Another Step in the Process
Episode QLT-540 told the story of quilter, Ozella Robinson Williams.
Jacqueline Tobin and Serena Wilson from HGTV's Simply Quilts share the story of a special code that was passed down from Wilson's aunt, Ozella Robinson Williams.
The story that Ozella shared captured my attention...
She told how her ancestors had included secrets signals in quilts they made. Sewing was an everyday activity for many of the girls, so they chose to use that activity to their best advantage.
It was a fascinating episode that introduced me to the secret codes in handmade quilts...
Their story suddenly became connected to the history of the Underground Railroad.
Jacqueline Tobin and Serena Wilson from HGTV's Simply Quilts share the story of a special code that was passed down from Wilson's aunt, Ozella Robinson Williams.
The story that Ozella shared captured my attention...
She told how her ancestors had included secrets signals in quilts they made. Sewing was an everyday activity for many of the girls, so they chose to use that activity to their best advantage.
It was a fascinating episode that introduced me to the secret codes in handmade quilts...
Their story suddenly became connected to the history of the Underground Railroad.
- Simply Quilts - Episode QLT 540
- Author Jacqueline Tobin met quilter Ozella Robinson Williams a few years ago.
Through oral tradition, Williams' family had taught her a secret code, which incorporated quilt patterns to help slaves escape bondage in the pre-Civil War United States.
According to Williams, this code had been passed down through several generations, and with the help of Tobin, Williams relays the story of the code in a book titled "Hidden in Plain View."
Alex Anderson Hosts Simply Quilts on HGTV
I love to watch Alex on Simply Quilts! She is a wonderfully gifted quilter, a personable host; and I love watching her show!The episode about the secret code in the quilts was a part of bringing my idea together for the magazine article for Appleseed's Magazine.
Alex Anderson, Simply Quilts, HGTV (c)
All rights reserved
I Have An Idea!
I'm an avid crafter, seamstress...read-a-holic; so I typically find myself busily enjoying more than one activity at a time!
I would sit at the computer and read about writing while I was watching Alex teach about quilting! Now, THAT'S living! : )
I had been studying guidelines for various magazines, and the submission process for queries about articles you would like to write for a particular publication.
I had been perusing the pages of Cobblestone Publishing for months! They have many different magazines for children of various ages, and they cover a wide array of subject matter.
I had been browsing the theme list for Appleseed's Magazine, and remembered that one of their upcoming themes was going to be about Harriet Tubman.
I would sit at the computer and read about writing while I was watching Alex teach about quilting! Now, THAT'S living! : )
I had been studying guidelines for various magazines, and the submission process for queries about articles you would like to write for a particular publication.
I had been perusing the pages of Cobblestone Publishing for months! They have many different magazines for children of various ages, and they cover a wide array of subject matter.
I had been browsing the theme list for Appleseed's Magazine, and remembered that one of their upcoming themes was going to be about Harriet Tubman.
Eureka.... That's It!
What a perfect combination for a story!The story of the clues in the quilts would be a perfect article for the issue about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad!
Inspiration had hit me like a lightning bolt; and I was off and running! I checked the due date for the queries, and sure enough; I had enough time to submit a query!
So, I started to think on paper...
How should I present my idea? This was my first query, so I was really excited, and really, really nervous about submitting my idea!
I created page after page of layouts that I could use to submit my query...
Writer's Guidelines For Appleseed's Magazine
- Cobblestone & Cricket... A Division of Carus Publishing
- Writers' guidelines for APPLESEEDS, a 36-page, multidisciplinary, nonfiction social studies magazine for children ages 8 and up
(primarily in grades 3 & 4)
Includes theme list for 2008, 2009
Illustrator's Guidelines for Appleseed's Magazine
- Illustrator's Guidelines for Appleseed's Magazine
- If you would like to be considered for illustration assignments for our magazines, please send photocopies, tear sheets, or other non-returnable samples of your work to:
Ann Dillon, Art Director
Cobblestone Publishing
30 Grove Street, Suite C
Peterborough, NH 03458
(603) 924-7209 Ext. 218
Please keep us updated by sending us samples of your latest work periodically.
I Sketched, and Wrote, and Designed, and Thought, and Dreamed.....
All I could think of was the possibility of writing a story for one of the largest publishers in the country!I was so excited, and nervous... I thought I had a good idea; but I wasn't sure how the publisher would feel about it!
I was suffering from major insecurity about presenting my idea; but my passion for the story and my desire to become an author wouldn't allow me to give up.
I kept writing, planning, and creating what I hoped would be a query that was acceptable, and of interest to the Editorial Staff at Cobblestone.
Ready...Set...Go!
That was it...I had done my research, included the list of my intended resources, the proposal for the overall idea...
I had followed the guidelines in sharing my query idea with the Editor...
Now, it was time to wrap it up and send it out!
I made copies of everything! I saved the documents to a floppy disc, and kept record of the sites I had used as reference.
I pulled all of my resources together, fine tuned the proposal, and was ready to send it on it's way to New York City!
I put it in the mail box and walked away with an amazing sense of accomplishment. I really wanted the assignment, but at that point, I was happy just to have pulled my idea together and created the presentation that made me FEEL like an author!
I had followed the guidelines in sharing my query idea with the Editor...
Now, it was time to wrap it up and send it out!
I made copies of everything! I saved the documents to a floppy disc, and kept record of the sites I had used as reference.
I pulled all of my resources together, fine tuned the proposal, and was ready to send it on it's way to New York City!
I put it in the mail box and walked away with an amazing sense of accomplishment. I really wanted the assignment, but at that point, I was happy just to have pulled my idea together and created the presentation that made me FEEL like an author!
Dear Miss Ogle....
I remember the moment vividly...the initial response came in my email box.
Dear Miss Ogle,
We are happy to accept...
That's all I saw for the moment...I was jumping up and down, laughing, crying; I was so excited!
Cobblestone Publishing; Appleseed's Magazine...had ACCEPTED my story idea and given me the assignment to write the article!
Once I calmed down enough to go back and actually READ the acceptance letter; I got another big surprise.
Not only did they want me to write the article, they also wanted me to do a how-to article for the craft department of the same issue!
"How-to Make a Quilt Square"
It fit perfectly with the story, and since I was a seamstress...it made perfect sense...
And made my day... What a thrill!
Dear Miss Ogle,
We are happy to accept...
That's all I saw for the moment...I was jumping up and down, laughing, crying; I was so excited!
Cobblestone Publishing; Appleseed's Magazine...had ACCEPTED my story idea and given me the assignment to write the article!
Once I calmed down enough to go back and actually READ the acceptance letter; I got another big surprise.
Not only did they want me to write the article, they also wanted me to do a how-to article for the craft department of the same issue!
"How-to Make a Quilt Square"
It fit perfectly with the story, and since I was a seamstress...it made perfect sense...
And made my day... What a thrill!
Now Came the HARD Part
Magazines have an established format, so they also have established guidelines about what will fit into the available space within each issue.
That translates to the need for a "word count."
Your article must fit within the space allotted, so it is essential that your article is written according to Editorial Guidelines.
Sounds simple enough, right?
That translates to the need for a "word count."
Your article must fit within the space allotted, so it is essential that your article is written according to Editorial Guidelines.
Sounds simple enough, right?
Not So!
Once I began to actually write the article based on that word count, I was amazed at the effort that goes into fine-tuning!
I had done a LOT of research about the subject, and had a lot of information to share. The difficulty came in being able to utilize all of the details that I wanted to include in the story.
Keeping in mind that I was writing for 7 - 8 year old children!
I had done a LOT of research about the subject, and had a lot of information to share. The difficulty came in being able to utilize all of the details that I wanted to include in the story.
Keeping in mind that I was writing for 7 - 8 year old children!
So I Cut and Polished, Drafted & Crafted...
...and cut and polished some more!
I gained a new respect for all writers!
I kept at it, until I finally had a final draft that I felt maintained the integrity of the story, while meeting the requirements of my specified word count.
I gained a new respect for all writers!
I kept at it, until I finally had a final draft that I felt maintained the integrity of the story, while meeting the requirements of my specified word count.
Moving On.... Now I Was An Expert!
She says laughingly; with tongue in cheek...
Little did I know!
I have been a crafter for years, so putting the instructions together was simple enough...the problem came when it came time to send my final product to the Editors.
I had scanned images from the resources I used, and they were safely tucked away on floppy discs and in the hard drive of my computer.
Little did I know!
I have been a crafter for years, so putting the instructions together was simple enough...the problem came when it came time to send my final product to the Editors.
I had scanned images from the resources I used, and they were safely tucked away on floppy discs and in the hard drive of my computer.
The Written Article
The original article and instructions was simply a matter of mailing in the written articles... Request for Images and Resources....
I ran into some difficulty when I received a request for the images that I had used as samples.I was a rookie when it came to terminology like ...
"MB's"
At that time, I was using DIAL-UP internet service...YIKES! I know what that means now, but at that time; I didn't understand the limitations of the services I was using!
I knew that it was about the size of the pictures I was sending, but that was ALL I knew about it...
I sent the images in email; but they kept "timing out". They were large files, and the speed of my internet service was too slow to transmit the images!
If You Are An Aspiring Author....
Don't be your Editor's worst nightmare!
I had the best intentions...all my writing was finished and in place; but the diminished capacity of my communication system became a real nightmare; for me AND my Editor!
As the deadline grew closer and closer, and I continued to struggle with unsuccessful attempts to transmit my images; I grew completely and deeply STRESSED!
I had the best intentions...all my writing was finished and in place; but the diminished capacity of my communication system became a real nightmare; for me AND my Editor!
As the deadline grew closer and closer, and I continued to struggle with unsuccessful attempts to transmit my images; I grew completely and deeply STRESSED!
Can You Imagine How My Editor Felt?
Here I was, with a prime opportunity to become a regular contributor to a national magazine, and I didn't realize I was using a communications system that was related to a dinosaur!
Aside from the fact that I was using dial-up, I didn't know anything about megabytes!
YIKES!
Trust me, I cried!
Aside from the fact that I was using dial-up, I didn't know anything about megabytes!
YIKES!
Trust me, I cried!
After the Fact...
The information finally made it to the Editor...but it was a more difficult endeavor than it should have been!
I studied about photos and images...
I read about graphics, and the various file extensions that are part of the process of formatting images...
I read about dial up, and high speed internet...I upgraded my internet service...
It was a good learning process, but it was one I should have pursued BEFORE I submitted my first query! I'm not an expert, but I now have enough understanding of the process to be able to communicate in images, as well as in text!
I'm happy that I didn't know how much I didn't know BEFORE I submitted my query. Even though it was a challenge; the articles were successfully completed, published and printed.
If I had known then that my system was challenged, I wouldn't have sent that particular query at that particular time. I learned more about the writing process through those challenges than I did by all the reading I had done ABOUT writing!
Great credit goes to the Editorial Staff at Cobblestone Publishing..
They are seasoned professionals, and I have the greatest respect for them, and the duties they perform that are an essential part of publishing a great magazine...consistently!
I read about graphics, and the various file extensions that are part of the process of formatting images...
I read about dial up, and high speed internet...I upgraded my internet service...
It was a good learning process, but it was one I should have pursued BEFORE I submitted my first query! I'm not an expert, but I now have enough understanding of the process to be able to communicate in images, as well as in text!
I'm happy that I didn't know how much I didn't know BEFORE I submitted my query. Even though it was a challenge; the articles were successfully completed, published and printed.
If I had known then that my system was challenged, I wouldn't have sent that particular query at that particular time. I learned more about the writing process through those challenges than I did by all the reading I had done ABOUT writing!
Great credit goes to the Editorial Staff at Cobblestone Publishing..
They are seasoned professionals, and I have the greatest respect for them, and the duties they perform that are an essential part of publishing a great magazine...consistently!
Harriet Tubman...Conductor of the Underground Railroad
Well, as you can see; the articles were successfully written and published, but my portion of the process wasn't as smooth as it should have been!I give great respect to the Editor I was working with. She was very kind; in spite of the fact that my delay pushed her portion of the publishing process to the very closing days of her deadlines.
After the publishing process was completed, I determined to learn everything I could to prevent that scenario from ever being repeated again!
I didn't have anyone to call for help...so, naturally I turned to my never-fail system; I resorted to the library and internet!
As I Said Before....
If you are an aspiring author...
DON'T BE YOUR EDITOR'S WORST NIGHTMARE!
BE PREPARED!
Study, and learn about the things you need to know...before you present your project ideas!
DON'T BE YOUR EDITOR'S WORST NIGHTMARE!
BE PREPARED!
Study, and learn about the things you need to know...before you present your project ideas!
The Other Side of That Admonition Is....
Never, ever, ever give up on your dream!
To date, "Freedom Under Cover" and "How-to Make a Quilt Square" are the only articles that I have submitted to any publishing house.
It's not that I don't have ideas...I have about a million of them!
But, what I have learned is to plan, structure and prepare!
I have been working on numerous projects for many years, and as I continue to develop them; I continue to hone my skills.
Not only the writing; but my computer, crafting and sewing skills as well!
After all, they are my subject matter; so it serves me well to learn all that I can about the parts they play in my overall plan.
Everything I write is founded in my Christian faith, so it's easy to build around that theme, and write in that genre!
To date, "Freedom Under Cover" and "How-to Make a Quilt Square" are the only articles that I have submitted to any publishing house.
It's not that I don't have ideas...I have about a million of them!
But, what I have learned is to plan, structure and prepare!
I have been working on numerous projects for many years, and as I continue to develop them; I continue to hone my skills.
Not only the writing; but my computer, crafting and sewing skills as well!
After all, they are my subject matter; so it serves me well to learn all that I can about the parts they play in my overall plan.
Everything I write is founded in my Christian faith, so it's easy to build around that theme, and write in that genre!
The Road Ahead....
Then along came Squidoo!
What more could an aspiring author ask for?
Okay...so that one made me chuckle!
A fully equipped studio of my own; video equipment, even FASTER internet, a support staff, a driver, a personal assistant...
LOL...that'll do for starters!
As you can see, Connie's got a great big dream!
What more could an aspiring author ask for?
Okay...so that one made me chuckle!
A fully equipped studio of my own; video equipment, even FASTER internet, a support staff, a driver, a personal assistant...
LOL...that'll do for starters!
As you can see, Connie's got a great big dream!
I Have a Dream... Do YOU?
If you are reading this lens, it just may be that you also carry the dream of becoming a published author.Let me be the first to encourage you to
Pursue! Pursue! Pursue!
Make your days count...do something everyday that will teach you more about the publishing industry. There are many components to the process, so don't feel as if you are wasting your time when you feel bogged down in some of the mundane activities.
It's all a part of the overall process, and eventually, those activities will pay off. One day you will find yourself equipped to meet the requirements of your forthcoming assignment!
One day, YOU will be in just the right place, at just the right time, thinking about just the right project that will lead to your own lightning bolt of inspiration...
And you will be ready for it!
"How I Wrote the Query to Cobblestone Publishing For Freedom Under Cover"
...by Connie Walcott (C) 2007 All rights reserved
For the Moment....
I have to say that I fall into the annals of those who have become known as "one-hit wonders!"But then...not to fear; I'm working hard everyday, writing, crafting, planning, dreaming, researching...
When it comes to working on my dreams of becoming a (regularly!) published author...
Rest assured...I'm only getting started!
I have one down; and am following my own admonition to
PURSUE! PURSUE! PURSUE!
There's more to the story, but this will get you started! Just watch for the green Squidoo star that says this lens has been updated...then stop back to see what's been added!
As you can see, I LOVE to write; and will ever updating, changing, and re-arranging so that all my works are a true reflection of the ever growing, and ever changing ME!
Are You New to Squidoo?
Check out my Squid Angel lens ...and some of my groups;
to learn more about you can become an author yourself!
Write within the modules of Squidoo...come on and join me...you can do it!
to learn more about you can become an author yourself!
Write within the modules of Squidoo...come on and join me...you can do it!
You Are Cordially Invited.....
Once you've browsed a while, I think you'll find that Squidoo is the place to be for more than just aspiring authors!Once you've discovered the many ways you can use Squidoo to promote your own driving passion,
I invite you to join me...just follow the link to accept my personal invitation to become the newest member of the community at Squidoo.
You'll enjoy the camaraderie of some of the finest lensmasters in the world, and you'll make money while you promote your business, your ministry, your non-profit agency...or even your SELF!
It's a simple registration process, then you're on your way! I'm only an email away if you need any help along the way...don't hesitate to ask. After all, that's what being a Squid Angel is all about!
Once you get registered, just take a look at my lenses and join some of my groups... I'll be happy to have you as part of my Squidoo family!
Together, we can create some great lenses, as well as raise money for some awesome charities!
It's that easy! So let's get going...here's the link to get you there...
Yes, Connie...I'm on my way right NOW!
Writing at Squidoo is a Full-Time Passion!
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littlespark
Hei, Really your writing and publishing experience is very interesting and informative. Writing a story at the age of eight is amazing one. I enjoyed to go through the lens. Thanks. It is my pleasure to share with you about Scholastic Book Publishing on on Scholastic Book Publishing Please stop by to know about Scholastic Book Publishing. Posted May 02, 2008 |
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geetoo
Good lens. The facts in this lens are very intriguing and informative. I enjoyed to go through your lens. Keep on posting. A similar informative site about Basic Books Publishing on Basic Books Publishing Please step into this site to surf more information about Basic Books Publishing. Posted April 28, 2008 |
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Sergeantrom
Awesome lens, inspiring, easy to read and informative. Congratulations on the article with Cobblestone! Posted January 17, 2008 |
