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: 4/6/2008 Subject: Well, you did say you didn't mind questions :)
Question A quick one - when I do write a query letter, would it be okay if I only gave my address and email address? Because of my anxiety problems, I can't use the phone. Thank you!
Answer Sure, but you should probably state in your query that you don't HAVE a phone. Many agents prefer to talk to their clients by phone or meet them in person before offering representation. If that's not something you can do, they'll need to know. But you don't want to give a negative impression that could affect their decision about the book at the outset, so if you just say you don't have a phone, they'll either contact you in a letter or by email to try to set something up. I have some author friends who have similar anxiety problems, but I'm not sure how they worked around that issue. I'll ask around and see if I can come up with some suggestions for when telephone contact is inevitable. :)
