I finally finished my manuscript- 'Southerland Skye'.
With a multitude of interruptions on a daily basis, the story took more than a year to write.
I would like to thank the wonderful Madalyn Stone in New York for editing my manuscript and giving me some very nice feedback.
My journey to get this published has really just begun. I need a fabulous synopsis, and a perfect query letter, or my novel will never be seen by an agent.
These are the two items an agent will look at first, and the toughest for me to write.
Most want a small synopsis, which explains the whole story in one to four paragraphs. My synopsis was twelve pages when I first wrote it, and I've been whittling it down ever since.
I've revised my query letter almost daily and read it to my bf and mom so many times, they're avoiding me now.
I recently spoke with publishing consultant Martha Bullen. She gave me some great insight on how and who to pursue, leading me in the right directions for getting my manuscript published. But, I still need to write a best selling query.
Here's what I have so far, it will most likely change by tomorrow. I would like your honest opinion. It helps to have perspective from other people.
Southerland Skye Query:
If anyone knows what it's like to grow up in a dilapidated shack with dysfunctional parents, six
siblings, two hound dogs, a bunch of stray cats and an uncle that just got out of prison, it's Southie
Hawes.
Southie tells the story of her life growing up in Boone County, West Virginia, the dynamics of her
eccentric family and the often crazy situations they get themselves into. This includes the moonshine
still, an illegal marijuana grow, the worst prom ever and her sisters not-so-perfect wedding that no
one will ever forget.
After her older brother joins the Marines, he encourages her to move out to California and stay with
him while she goes to college. Southie yearns to get away from Boone County and when she
discovers she's been accepted to Humboldt University, she believes this will be her chance. But
leaving will mean she's have t spend time away from her new fiancé, Gavin. Still, she can't resist the
temptation. Against her family's wishes and a promise to Gavin that she'll be back in a year, she
moves to California to stay with her brother.
While in college, she meets Drake, a rich student who has a bad reputation with the girls. He
takes a serious interest in Southie who tries her best to keep him at bay. But with his good looks,
seductive charm and brutal honesty, he might just change her mind about moving back to West
Virginia, Gavin, and everything else she holds dear.
Southerland
Skye is 120,000 words and is a work of fiction. An endearing saga that spans fifteen years as Southie grows from a child to a young adult.
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Now I'm working on my synopsis and trying my best to get it under two pages.
Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.
