Book Blurb Friday #25: Coltrane's Promise

TGIBBF! Thanks for checking in for this week's Book Blurb Friday.


My last post offered links to contests being offered by two national magazines, Good Housekeeping and Family Circle. One of my commenters, June Freaking Cleaver, proved her genius (something of which her readers are already aware) by saying this:

"The GH theme is pretty vague - a theme related to women. I think they should have included "who read Good Housekeeping."  My first task is to look at the stories that won last year, to get an idea of what they want. . ."

So true! Before you submit to any market, provide yourself with a solid understanding of what your target publishes before you submit. The idea of throwing something out there to "see if it sticks" will only annoy the editor on the receiving end.

Don't assume you know what a magazine wants just by the title, either. Read the magazine so you know the preferred tone. For instance, one magazine devoted to cats might look for humor, while another eschews funny for fancy.  Your chance for acceptance (or contest win) goes up if you write to the preferences of the publication. Remember, they're selling to a target market, too.

I know, I know. This topic has been beaten to death. But there's a reason for that, right? It's because even though we all know better we still sometimes opt for the "see if it sticks" method.

My most embarrassing rejection is rooted in not paying proper attention to market research. Get this: I did the research and still didn't get it right! I read the (horror) magazine cover to cover and submitted a story. True, my tale wasn't nearly as graphic as those in the magazine, but it was still a good story. And it was horror. It even had a nifty surprise ending. What's not to like, right?

Well, the (extremely kind) editor responded with a few nice comments about my writing and the suggestion that I "read the magazine" before submitting again. I felt so embarrassed to have submitted something I knew wasn't a great fit (Oy! What was I thinking?), but I was crazy lucky he took the time to send me a personal note. I didn't deserve the note, or his time, but I value both.

What is your most embarrassing rejection? C'mon, share. I'll laugh WITH you.

On to BBF!

Welcome to Book Blurb Friday, where 150 words must sell your story!

If you are new to this blog, please click HERE or click the tab under the blog header for details of the Book Blurb Friday meme.  This is the shortened, abridged version:

Write a book jacket blurb (150 words or less) so enticing that potential readers would feel compelled to buy the book.

Below is this week's "book cover," generously offered for our creative blurbs by Kathy Matthews. My book blurb follows:

Coltrane’s Promise

(150 words)

Laramie Coltrane, one of the country’s wealthiest and most colorful cattlemen, died as he had lived: rich, arrogant, hated, and on the back of a purebred horse.

Deke Hayes, sheriff of Gold Rock, Montana, compares hunting for clues in Coltrane’s murder to poking a hornet’s nest. His angry suspects include Coltrane’s four sons; his wife, socialite Monica Rayburn Coltrane; and his mistress, stripper Honeydew Melons. Further complicating the investigation is the arrival of journalist Shawna Medlin.

Shawna stakes her claim as Coltrane’s only daughter and she has the DNA to prove it. Coltrane made her a promise long ago, and she aims to hold him to it, even from the grave.

While Shawna is relentless in her pursuit, Deke realizes he must protect her from becoming a second victim. Whoever killed Coltrane has Shawna in the crosshairs and will stop at nothing to prevent her claiming—and exposing—Coltrane’s promise.

This photo made me feel so many things! Thanks, Kathy, for sharing this awesome photo.

Please put your name and link in Mr. Linky, below, if you are participating in Book Blurb Friday. If you have no blurb to share, please do not install a link. It will be treated as spam and removed. Thanks.

Please scroll past the Linky widget to see our "book cover" for next week.
 



Here is our "book cover" for next week's Book Blurb Friday #26, provided by Lynn Obermoeller:

The stories generated from this photo should be pretty awesome. I've already got a few ideas fermenting. Thanks, Lynn!

Enjoy your weekend!
Lisa