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48. Braving (and conquering) the traditional publishing route w/ Maria Costanzo Palmer
  • Erin Canning
  • July 18, 2023
  • 10:51 am
  • 0 comments

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
Check out this behind the scenes clip about NJ diners, Bon Jovi, Chubby Checkers, and Broadway.
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
Connect w/ Maria
Resources discussed during the show
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Looking for a community of passionate writers who understand your goals and struggles? Join my exclusive Facebook group, Parents Who Write, where you can attend weekly group writing sessions and find writing prompts, writing resources, and free weekly tutorials.

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Feeling stuck in your author journey?

As an experienced editor, I specialize in helping writers like you, especially parents juggling family and creativity, finish and publish their books.

Take action on your writing dreams! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to discuss how I can help you implement these strategies and finally achieve your author goals.

Bonus: Book your call and mention this episode for a free publishing check list.

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