EDITOR L. DIANE WOLFE GUEST POST AND CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY

Happy Wednesday Everyone! I have treat for you today. L. Diane Wolfe, a blogger friend who is also the owner of of Dancing Lemur Press and Freedom Fox Press, is here with a guest post on what she looks for in manuscripts and the type of manuscripts she's looking for.

Now here's Diane!
Thank you for hosting me today, Natalie.

Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. began over eight years ago and through all the growth, our mission statement remains the same:

Our trademark is not just a logo – the Dancing Lemur represents optimism, enthusiasm and belief. We strive to publish works that uplift and inspire, encouraging the reader to explore and discover while remaining morally grounded.

We are looking for stories of hope. Whether fiction or non-fiction, it must end on a positive note. We feel people need to know hope still exists in the world.

Of course, it all begins with the query. When I receive a submission, I admit the first thing I look at is the query letter itself. It must be properly written and provide all of the requested information - that way I know the writer can follow directions. The pitch needs to grab and move me. I need to look at everything and get the sense that the manuscript is great and we can market it.

Once I have part or all of the manuscript, the main thing I’m looking for is voice. It’s hard to define and nail, but I know the moment I see it. The characters’ personalities crackle off the page. It’s as if they are real and alive. A great voice can elevate an average story.

Of course, I’m also looking for a compelling story. It also has to be plausible. I do

characterization sessions at schools, so I’m picky about characters staying in character. The storyline needs to flow naturally and the characters acting as they should. And I need to identify with those characters, especially the main character. If I can’t relate or feel any empathy, I’ll lose interest.

And overall grammar matters. I can excuse a couple typos. But a manuscript with poor grammar yanks me right out of the story. Most often it’s a passive voice and the overuse of was/were, have/had, etc. Or it’s a lot of telling rather than showing. (Both were issues I struggled with as a writer in the beginning, so I really note them now when reading someone else’s work.) I can’t stress enough that writers need to run their work by critique partners or an editor. In fact, our submission guidelines require it.

We’re a small publishing company, so while we can’t compete with the big boys in New York, we try to do more than the average small publisher. All covers are created in house by an illustrator with almost 30 years experience, so our covers aren’t just stock images slapped together. We send out dozens of print review copies to pre-publication reviewers such as Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. We create marketing materials such as bookmarks and postcards for each book, and these are sent out both pre and post release. We do what we can to get books into libraries and bookstores and coordinate with our authors in their promotional efforts.

Last year, we expanded with an imprint, Freedom Fox Press. Created for the author who wants more control, we feel it offers the best of both worlds between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Royalties are much higher, but a few things such as our marketing efforts are scaled way back.

The genres we publish through Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. are non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, new adult, and some middle grade. Our submission guidelines are here - http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/submission-guidelines/

Those genres are also accepted through Freedom Fox Press, along with mystery and romance. Those guidelines are here - http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/freedom-fox-press/

Right now, we are actively looking for science fiction and fantasy (adult and YA), Christian fiction/non-fiction, and paranormal romance.

We invite all of you to come dance with us!

L. Diane Wolfe owns Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and is the author of seven books, including two non-fiction titles and a NA/YA series, The Circle of Friends. Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, plus she offers book formatting and author consultation. She travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

You can find Diane at:  

http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/ - Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

http://www.spunkonastick.net/ - Spunk On A Stick

http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ - The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Diane has generously offered a 5 page critique to one winner. The manuscript should be 12 point font and double spaced. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through May 14th. If you do not need a critique, that's okay. Just let me know in the comments. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This giveaway is International.

Here's what's coming up:

On Monday I have an interview with debut author Roshani Chokshi and a giveaway of her YA multicultural fantasy THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN

Wednesday next week I have an agent spotlight interview and query critique giveaway with Ronnie Ann Herman.

The following Monday follower Jessica Lawson will be back with her agent Tina Wexler with a guest post and query critique giveaway by Tina and a giveaway of WAITING FOR AUGUSTA, Jessica's new MG contemporary.

Monday the next week I have an interview with debut author Lindsey Klingele and a giveaway of her YA fantasy THE MARKED GIRL.

Hope to see you on Monday!