This page is specifically for writers and aspiring authors who are curious about the industry, perfecting their craft, navigating the query trenches, and want to join me on my personal journey to publication. Below I’ve included posts linked directly to my Substack, featuring tidbits and advice on my experiences along the way. I aim to post a couple of times per month at most. If you’d like direct access, please consider subscribing for the free newsletter.
Also, if there are topics you’d like me to cover, please send me an email or DM me on Instagram @sfpauthor and I’d be happy to respond.
I used to assume all I had to do was write the book, land an agent, and the publishing house would whip my manuscript into shape using their in-house editing team. Sadly, that’s not the case. Nor has it ever been. In fact, writers need to be resourceful now more than ever.
For those of you unfamiliar with the recent allegations involving Mia Ballard’s novel, Shy Girl, and the ongoing controversy, I’m here to break it down and follow up with some advice on editing tips in these uncertain times.
This is the fun part!
And, arguably, the most important part of your query.
You get 150-300 words to boil down your 300+ page manuscript into a concise paragraph that seduces an agent and leaves them wanting more. Your entire query should be between 300 and 450 words or one page single-spaced. Over-explaining signals a lack of confidence to the agent, so keep it tight.
An Unlikely Vessel is a work of satirical speculative fiction, adding levity to a grim and timely topic.
In a post-Roe world, a woman needs a miracle, and the universe delivers a dose of cosmic karma. Trigger Warning: Miscarriage/abortion.
This post is for fiction authors seeking representation in trade publishing. Please note that all of the information I’ve included below is widely available online if you know where to look. I’m sharing my personal journey because I know how overwhelming this part of the process can be and want to help fellow writers. Since there’s a lot to cover, I’m splitting the query into three separate newsletters: the introductory paragraph, the blurb, and the bio. This post will focus on the introduction portion.
Lately, while drafting my third WIP, I’ve found myself in a writing rut. So I thought, what better way to stay productive and let the creative juices flow than by starting a Substack? Yes. Procrastination is my middle name. But on a serious note, I’m here to share my journey to publication and beyond, while also building a supportive community of other writers/readers. Hi! I’m Sarah, a writer and aspiring author who writes suspense fiction and reads almost anything.
S. F. Prescott 