Murder Faux Paws: A Nick and Nora Mystery
by T. C. LoTempio
About Murder Faux Paws
Dead men tell no tales, but in the riveting new Nick and Nora Mystery, they sure leave a lot of clues . . .
When a local PI’s untimely death is ruled a suicide by the police, budding sleuth Nora Charles has no intention of letting sleeping dogs lie—or sleeping cats, for that matter. Certain it was a case of foul play, Nora rouses her trusty sidekick Nick and launches an investigation of her own. Then a second PI is murdered, and Nora knows the two men were on to something—and that she’s on to something too.
Following the enigmatic clues left by her late predecessors, Nora soon uncovers a plot that involves a local politician, missing campaign funds, and what could be a bogus real estate deal. But when hints of treason surface, what started as small-time thievery soon balloons into a matter of national security. With the uncanny Nick sniffing out—and spelling out—leads, Nora follows a trail that will take her to the heart of a shadowy conspiracy, and into a trap set by a conniving culprit that will have her wishing she had Nick’s nine lives . . .
by T. C. Lotempio
It’s been a long time – eight years to be exact, since my first cozy mystery, MEOW IF IT’S MURDER, was published by Penguin. Since that happy day, however, the world of publishing has changed big time. The cozy market took a hit when the newly merged Penguin with Random House cut back on their cozy list. Publishers in general are being undercut by e-books, self-published authors, and hundreds of newly minted small presses. Understandably, that’s meant a considerable amount of belt-tightening. Today’s editors no longer edit, but are tasked with finding new authors with new material. Which means what, exactly to a new author struggling to make his or her first big break?
The answer is they’re on the hunt for the next big thing. That usually means a great story with memorable, dynamic characters, breakout books that are cutting edge and different. So what can an author do to increase their chances of getting their “baby” accepted for publication? Here are some tips:
#1: Look at the categories:
Thriller and romance have always been strong. Paranormal seems to be doing a resurgence. Whereas a few years ago a vampire or zombie book might have been a hard sell, the market is more open today. Another popular category is the “domestic thriller”. And a new sub-category – the mature sleuth – aimed at people over fifty, seems to be doing well. And of course, editors are always on the lookout for good Young Adult books and Children’s picture books.
#2: Good Representation:
Finding an agent – and a reputable one – has oft been compared to finding a needle in a haystack, but it isn’t impossible! The best thing to do is home in on three or four reputable agents that represent work in your category. Then you’ve got to submit a whiz-bang query letter that immediately nips at their interest. You can find good samples online.
#3: Submit a Finished Product
The days of winning a book contract on just a few chapters or an outline are gonzo, unless you’re a well established author. Today’s tougher, leaner market means authors must write and submit a Finished Manuscript. Also, you should look at how your story relates to what’s already out there in the marketplace. For example, if there are already forty-nine knitting mystery series and you're pitching the fiftieth, it could be a tough sell. You also need to make sure your novel’s plot, pacing, turning points, character development, dialogue, and suspense is spot-on.
#4: Hook your Reader!
In today’s on-demand climate, it’s critical to establish an opening story hook immediately. Agents and editors don’t want pages and pages of build-up, they want you to toss your reader directly into the action.
Of course, there is no tried and true formula and all of the above should be sprinkled with a dash of good luck!
About T.C. LoTempio
thank you so much for hosting us! TC and ROCCO
ReplyDeleteGood luck to the author for the book and tour!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun read!
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