CURRENT GIVEAWAYS

Here are my current Giveaway Contests




Upcoming Agent Spotlight Interviews and Guest Posts w/ Debut Authors & Query Critique Giveaways

Katelyn Detweiler Agent Spotlight Interview & Query Critique Giveaway on 1/20/2020

Hilary Jacobson Query Critique & ALL THE STARS AND TEETH Giveaway on 2/5/2020

Megan Manzano Agent Spotlight Interview & Query Critique Giveaway on 2/24/2020

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!

62 comments:

  1. Hi Natalie! How are you? Lovely to see L Diane here and it's good to see what L Diane is looking for in submissions.

    Denise :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love how you've outline all of this, L. Diane! I'll share...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Isn't Diane's pic adorable? She's got the sassiest pic around. I'm lucky to be an author with Freedom Fox and am excited about Bloodwalker coming out in October! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! Must be the red hair. And I am delighted to take on your next book.

      Delete
  4. Hi Diane and Natalie! Excellent article. I'll go tweet!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Natalie - great guest here .. with a professional attitude to her work ... and she has loads of knowledge ...

    Diane - love the idea of coming to dance with you at Lemur Press or Freedom Fox ... fun ideas ... cheers to one and all - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yeah, Diane! So happy that everything is moving forward for you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent article. It's always good to know exactly what a publisher is looking for. And I'm thrilled to be an author with a Freedom Fox book!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Natalie! I've missed you. Glad to be back but now I have absolutely no idea what's happening in your world.

    Diane, original art, eh? That's pretty epic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All original art and photos. We've only once used a stock photo (at the author's insistence) and we'll never do it again.

      Delete
  9. Nice to see Diane here. I had no clue that she owns Dancing Lemur Press. Loved your picture Diane :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a very helpful article. I will be going back through my ms to look for examples of telling, not showing, and work through them.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey, that's my book! Wow, I must've really lucked out with my first query and story.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great to see this small press and their quality work. Kudos!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Diane. I think what you've done is remarkable and admirable. Kudos to you for following your dream and making others' dreams come true. Great interview Natalie and Diane!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keep forgetting to mention that our youngest son is a red-head! He grew up with 4 dark-haired brothers. Wasn't easy.

      Delete
  14. Dancing Lemur is on my list for a certain story I'm working on. I know Alex has loved his experience with them. Now I just need to finish! If I get lucky enough to win the critique, does the manuscript need to be finished?

    I'm tweeting and mentioning the giveaway on Facebook. I tagged Diane in the tweet and here's the link to my Facebook page.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd be grateful for a critique of my complete YA fantasy manuscript. My email address is profrbailey@aol.com, and I mentioned this on Twitter. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  16. As always, what a great post. I love the name Dancing Lemur; it's cute, fun, and joyful. And what a wonderful mission statement. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie, that's the image I wanted to portray.

      Delete
  17. As always, what a great post. I love the name Dancing Lemur; it's cute, fun, and joyful. And what a wonderful mission statement. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great interview. I posted it on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Diane's a dynamo! I love her publishing company logo and name and I wish her tons of continued luck!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hubby and I love Alex's books. Nice to see that one here. Nice job on the interview.

    ReplyDelete
  22. That's a great mission statement. :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Ladies.
    You said the magic word, L. Diane...fantasy. My endings are happy, but the middle can be dark. I think the villain must be strong for the story to be top notch. I hear you about backstory and all the other elements of good story telling. I do have another series sitting around, perhaps I'll send it your way.
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe this is a stupid question, I didn't realize we're supposed to be querying editors as well as agents? Or do you kind of work multiple roles because it's your company?

      Delete
    2. Jamie, you can query both agents and publishers, and those who go through submissions at a publishing are usually editors.

      Delete
  24. Diane is awesome. I know any author she takes on will be in great hands.

    Waving hello to Natalie. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. You are doing an awesome job, Diane. I love that you are after stories with hope. Best wishes to you and all the authors you're working with.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Dancing lemur press is a pretty amazing name.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Informative interview. I like it that Diane is looking for stories that offer hope. As a reader, sometimes I get tired of so many dystopian themes.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dancing Lemur sounds like a great publisher. We could all do with some more positivity in stories!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great interview! I appreciated Diane's clarity and the positivity. Thanks for the opportunity at a critique!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice to meet you, Diane! It's great to hear what editors look for in the first pages they see. Especially as I revise and query, revise and query. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. May I add that Diane is a pleasure to work with. She is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Beverly. And you have been a delight of an author to work with.

      Delete
  32. Love seeing Diane here! Awesome giveaway too!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love the name of the Dancing Lemur! I also very much like they have an option for authors who want more control in the publishing process. Self-publishing is tough but the control is nice, so it's wonderful to have a little help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've tried to make it the best of both worlds.

      Delete
  34. Unfortunately, my stories have that sense of "satisfactory" ending as opposed to HEA. I have been impressed with Diane and her writing/publishing knowledge for a while though. Kudos on the imprints.

    On the covers; I always like covers that have something to do with the book blurb. If I read the blurb, and the cover isn't representative of the main plot (or is just some stock portrait or skyline) then I'm unlikely to purchase the book, no matter how intriguing the blurb. Silly, huh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I feel the same way. Nothing more frustrating than seeing a cool dragon on the book cover only to discover the book has nothing to do with dragons.

      Delete
  35. Congratulations on the success of Dancing Lemur. I love that name! Thanks for the giveaway--priceless! valbodden(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I've gradually become aware of Dancing Lemur and Freedom Fox presses via your amazing authors, like the Ninja Captain. After leaving my US publisher after my debut, I'm excited to discover other inspiring smaller presses out there. Many thanks, Diane, for giving the readers so much.

    www.rolandclarke.com rrclarke53@aol.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  37. Awesome close-up on Diane and Dancing Lemur!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you for this opportunity!! I have a MS that fits the bill!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love your logo, Diane. Very Aussie! So good to hear about your agency's vision. Focusing on our writing instead of submission and promotion is every author's dream.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Diane,
    Your offer is incredibly generous. A great opportunity for one lucky writer. stpaxton1@gmail.com Also posted on Twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  41. It's uplifting to read that positivity sells. Thanks. Would love to be chosen. carols64@live (dot)co(dot)uk

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Diane and Natalie!

    Awesome of you to share. It's great to see what Diane is looking for.

    ReplyDelete
  43. It's great to see Diane here! Appreciate the info on Dancing Lemur and Freedom Fox. Love the "hope" requirement; we all need that. I'll pass on the giveaway. Have good week!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Nice to hear from an editor who tells it like it is. So many just blow smoke.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I tweeted about the interview and contest.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I tweeted about the interview and contest.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Posted to Twitter and Facebook about this great opportunity for all writers.

    ReplyDelete
http://www.literaryrambles.com/2016/05/editor-l-diane-wolfe-guest-post-and.html?showComment=1462389088015
www.literaryrambles.com
crawl=CC-MAIN-2019-51
320175
application/http; msgtype=response
sha1:OFB2NVANHY5GPJGZMLDMULXVHAV5GGAH
<urn:uuid:9f0f4f8d-25cd-4b14-9232-6c7715506e15>
2019-12-15T01:14:23Z
172.217.7.179
application/xhtml+xml
sha1:SXSSHJWY3Y5IDU3BA5Y2IBIMC6OXTPXK
<urn:uuid:82184dee-9c61-40d3-920e-7db91686bed2>
http://www.literaryrambles.com/2016/05/editor-l-diane-wolfe-guest-post-and.html?showComment=1462389088015
response
<urn:uuid:fb4639d3-ad62-44f1-bffb-fbb424292835>
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2019-51
publisher: Common Crawl
description: Wide crawl of the web for December 2019
operator: Common Crawl Admin (info@commoncrawl.org)
hostname: ip-10-67-67-157.ec2.internal
software: Apache Nutch 1.16 (modified, https://github.com/commoncrawl/nutch/)
robots: checked via crawler-commons 1.1-SNAPSHOT (https://github.com/crawler-commons/crawler-commons)
format: WARC File Format 1.1
conformsTo: http://iipc.github.io/warc-specifications/specifications/warc-format/warc-1.1/