48. Braving (and conquering) the traditional publishing route w/ Maria Costanzo Palmer

The traditional publishing route can feel overwhelming. Query letters and manuscript evaluations and book agents—oh, my! 

In this episode, you’ll learn how one author entered Dante’s inferno, her words, not mine, and took initiative to get her narrative nonfiction novel published. 

You’ll also walk away not only better understanding the twists and turns of the traditional publishing route but also learn 5 tried and true tips for shopping your manuscript with book agents. 

So stay tuned to find out how this author never gave up and finally published her book after 17 years! 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• 17 years of drafting / shopping a narrative nonfiction book
• How Maria kept going and found her co-author
• Making tough revision decisions 
• Shopping the manuscript and entering Dante’s hell
• The challenge of not being famous
• Query letters, manuscripts, and book proposals
• Exiting Dante’s hell with positive manuscript reviews
• 5 tips for attending writing workshops
• Making dad’s dream come true
• Changing the narrative of our own stories

 About Maria:

A narrative nonfiction writer, Maria Costanzo Palmer is also a Page Turner Award Finalist for her co-authored book On the Rocks (Koehler Books). Her writing has been published in OC87 Recovery Diaries, and she has made a number of media appearances. 

She also serves as the grant writer for St. Paul's Community Development Corporation in Paterson, NJ, where she helps fund programs that support "a hand-up, not a hand-out." She lives in New Jersey with her husband and college sweetheart Joe, their two children, ages 9 and 7, and her two rescue pit bulls, Luna and Stella.

Get her book: 

• On the Rocks: http://visithei.nz/primadonna-book

Connect w/ Maria:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeCostanzoPrimadonna/ 
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joecostanzoprimadonna 
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariacpalmer 
• Website: http://www.mariacpalmer.com 
• LinkTree: linktr.ee/mariacpalmer

Resources discussed during the show: 

• Writing Day Workshops: http://www.writingdayworkshops.com/ 

Ready to stop circling around your manuscript?

As an experienced professional editor, I can help you finish your book with confidence and direction. Learn more by visiting ParentsWhoWrite.com/editing, and book a free 30-minute call with me to discuss what’s right for you.