Nathan Bransford - The Forums

Never read a Star Trek book but I enjoy the movies. Being a 37 year old, Star Wars hit me right when I was seeking to understand a bigger picture so the original Trilogy and The Force is a little like Religion to me. I even started an essay on the subject. I always have dozens of essays "starte...

I read your Query and was overwhelmed with all the info. Then, I read your from the heart--flowing off your fingertips--message to Mira and was like Wow! Holy SH*$^%! This paragraph with some revisions could be your opener. The Goodfellas comment says a lot. "A perfect title would be "Neve...

That's some pretty tough stuff. My book is a memoir as well and I am currently rewriting my query and proposal in 3rd person because I recently heard it would have more impact. Post or send your Query via email. I'd like to read it. Quick question. Did you switch back to 1st person when talking abou...

Made me want to read and pick up the book for sure. Not sure if you need to say the voice came through the dirt from above as we know the man is 6 ft under. Also, I think it reads fine without the last sentence in the 2nd paragraph. I don't think we need to know how others will see him for now. I li...

I read somewhere to not admit or broadcast being a rookie or first-timer so I'd take out the part about this being your first novel. They'll figure that out soon enough. By saying that directly it sort of sounds like an apology and doesn't come across as you being confident in your work.

Good luck!

I bought my domain name and then put my blog on it.

Brilliant! That's what I need to do. Why didn't I think of that?

There is a book called Get Known Before the Book Deal that details building your "Platform" before landing a book deal. The book is up to date and has some great information. I think it makes sense to start having some web presence. If you are serious then definitely get your own domain na...

In reading the other posted Queries, I think having more action in the beginning would be good. Juice up a first paragraph with action, details, and character as much as you can before launching into the background stuff. Just my two cents. Sounds like a great story. Tough-gay-gang guy! Love it! I t...

After reading the posted Queries for fiction novels and reading sample queries for Informative Non-fiction, my brain is sort of twisted on which way to go for a memoir. Starting with action seems to be have much more impact. Anyone else out there pitching a memoir? It's taken 3 years to write my 250...

Maybe Kapow could be a different font on the book cover. Bigger and bolder.

Bookstore Scenario:
Kid walks through rows and rows of books.
Kid's head is slumped and his eyes scan the nothingness until....
KA--F*$%N--POW!