Query letters net one nibble

Well, in order to garner representation by a literary agent, a writer must submit query letters to agents who deal in the particular genre you are writing: for me, that is fantasy.

There are a host of agents, most of which are based in the Big Apple, and I have begun this tedious process.

The first step is to construct the best query possible. It must be brief and be able to 'hook' the agent with the premise sufficiently that the agent requests more. I think I have done this adequately. I received a request from an agent who wanted to see a bit more of my manuscript.

Happily, I submitted the asked for pages and sat back to wait...patiently. After two weeks I got a reply: "sorry, not for me."

Oh well; I 'm glad I submitted to more than one agent. The process takes time and I have all the time it takes. I am busy writing Part II of the story and will keep you all informed on what happens next.

Quest-Part I: The Road to Falsbad is an e-book now

As of today, there is an e-book of Quest available on Amazon.com for download to your Kindle or Kindle app on your iPad or PC.

I am excited and hopeful that the reception for this latest book is favorable. From the early reviews it appears that my fans approve. Let's hope so. It would not hurt my feelings for the book to become popular.

That fate lies with you, dear reader. Spread the word.

Editor's Preliminary Comments

Well, I received the manuscript from my editor, complete with grammar corrections, scene improvements, and her personal observations. I was thrilled to see what she had to say after reading the entire story.

"I am dying for the movie of this. And the barbie dolls of the characters, haha. Lunchboxes. stickers."

I have tried to create a story that entertains the reader. If at the same time I am able to make an emotional connection...well, all the better. As far as I am concerned, that is the best affirmation of my labors.

While I believe I have written a good story, I had no idea that it could generate such an emotional connection with the reader. I am pleased.

Of course, writing the story is only a small part of the equation; I must find and secure the representation of a literary agent. Then the agent must find a publisher interested in taking a chance on an unknown author. To borrow a line from a more successful author: the odds are not in my favor (apologies to Suzanne Collins).

Poor odds or not, I shall endeavor to persevere. With the support of my fans and positive affirmation from my editor, I believe I will see Quest in bookstores someday.

To help make that happen I will need all of you to spread the word. Once I get the manuscript cleaned up, I plan on releasing it in e-book format through Kindle or Nook while I wait for a traditional publisher. Stay tuned for more information.

In closing I would like to share a comment from my editor: "Dang, you're going to be rich and famous before long." "...[W]ow, I had a good time." From her mouth to a NY Times literary editor's ears.

Feedback

I appreciate the positive feedback I have received regarding the proposed book cover art for my newest book: Quest, The Road to Fallsbad (working title).

Unless I get a flash of inspiration, I will stick with the final version of the cover. It seems to be the one most people were interested in.

Thanks again for the good input. And, for those of you who do not know which cover I decided on, this is it.

Cover Art Redux

After showing the initial draft for the book cover to my wife, she made a suggestion that was uncharacteristically imaginative: "Use a sword to replace the 'T'."

I agreed. Then, after some manipulation, I ended with this. What do you think?

Quest has new cover art

They say you can't judge a book by its cover. That may be true, but it certainly helps to have a cover. The Quest, my latest novel project, now has draft cover art. Here it is. Tell me what you think.

Well, I have been busy revamping my tired, old website with a fresh look and some new information. If you are of a mind to check it out, do so at: www.rlkeck.com and let me know what you think.

I have posted excerpts from my published works, as well as some short stories and the first chapter from my latest project: The Quest.

Anyway, the website, much like this blog, is a work in progress and subject to change without notice. There is one thing I would like to know from you, my faithful reader: if I published my works in e-book format (Kindle or Nook), would you be interested in the download?

Let me know. If the demand is big enough...