AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of getting published through commercial publishers, ebook publishers and self-publishing I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology, acronyms and manuscript formatting. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication.
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published eight novels (combination of mass market and trade softcover) since 2003, and have contracts for six more books through 2009. I've also published short stories in regional and national magazines as well as freelance feature articles.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America.
Publications Books: Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing; Magazines: Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, many others.
Education/Credentials My educational background is limited to real life experience of publishing novels commercially for the past five years.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Book Buyers Best Award for Paranormal, 2007, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2006, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Best Historical Chronicle Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Expert: Cathy Clamp Date: 4/10/2008 Subject: Query letter
Question My friend and I are working on a book project and we're stuck on how to include both of our names in the heading. Is it feasible to include both of our names and information in the query letter? If yes, then what is the proper format?
Thank you.
Answer Hi, Kris! Well, a lot depends on whether you're planning to show both names on the cover of the book or are going with a joint pen name. You'd want to show your real names as the letterhead, but you'll need to choose ONE address for the agent/publisher to send mail to. Trust me when I say that if you have two addresses, they'll get confused. The simplest way to solve it is to hire a Post Office box at the post office, or a Mailboxes,Etc. or other such place that has private boxes. It's a business expense, and both of you can have a key to check the mail. The agent or publisher really doesn't care WHAT address you use, but you should pick one that you'll have for years and years (another good reason for a box.)
The proper format would be (for example):
Kris Smith and Becky Jones
w/a Kris Jones
P.O. Box 123
Anytown, NY 10010
Then, again, pick a phone number that's THE contact phone number, even if it's one of those disposable Tracfones or Verizon throw-aways. Each of you pitch in a few bucks to keep it active and there's another business expense to take off taxes!
Does that help a little? Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!
