About Susan Miura: Susan is a former journalist and Chicago-area public relations professional with decades of experience writing press releases and articles, editing, and creating marketing materials. She is a speaker, writing coach, and author of four award-winning novels and a children's book.
FOR AUTHORS: The following services will help ensure your synopsis is polished and
captures the essence of your story, your first chapter hooks readers, and your marketing
materials are compelling and effective.
Services include:
• Synopsis critique and edits (up to 700 words): $60
The synopsis is an overview of your novel, written concisely with the full plot divulged from beginning to end. It includes all the main characters, their growth, the main conflicts they encounter, and the resolution to those conflicts. You will need this for pitching to agents and editors, completing publisher proposals, and marketing materials. It differs from back cover copy or a "blurb" in that your back cover will just give highlights of the story and entice the reader to read more, without revealing the details or ending.
• First chapter critique and edits: $10 per page
Your first chapter is critical in grabbing the interest of an agent, editor, or readers. Editing includes content, grammar, and flow. Critiques include commentary on hooks, imagery, dialogue, pacing, voice, and style. You can use the edits and critique provided in this service as tools for improving the rest of your manuscript. You may choose to have the entire first chapter critiqued, or just a limited number of pages.
• Press release (two versions) and 15 current newspaper email addresses: $75
After decades of writing press releases, Susan knows the exact wording and formatting necessary to ensure your book gets the attention you seek. Clean, crisp writing combined with essential information, well-placed quotes, and a hint of your book's plot and characters will communicate everything you want the public to know, without revealing any spoilers. The email addresses provided will go directly to the editors responsible for book news. One version of the press release will be tailored to local media (your current hometown and surrounding towns), while the other will be written for the general media.
• Promotional flyers and 25 bookstore, library, or school mailing addresses: $75
Once your book has been released, you'll want bookstores, libraries, and schools (if it's for kids or teens) to know about it. Sending out a flyer with the appropriate information is a great way to do this. Your flyer will contain a photo of your book cover, a blurb about your book, awards (if any), a headshot (optional) and brief bio, snippets from reviews, and other details designed to entice purchases of your book. Flyers are professionally laid out in full color and provided to you in a pdf format, suitable for printing. See sample. Please note: Flyers are designed individually and will look slightly different for each book.
• Tips for effectively using your marketing materials and addresses: FREE with all paid services.
What are the best ways to use your press release, flyer, and mailing lists? The tips provided will guide you in making the most of these marketing materials.
DISCOUNT: $10 off total cost when purchasing two or more services.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: A well-written college admissions essay can be key to getting into the college of your choice. Susan will provide constructive critique and edits without changing the voice or meaning of your original work.
• College admissions essay critique and editing (up to 700 words): $60
Please provide the university's prompt and guidelines.
Payments can be made by check or through PayPal and must be received before services begin.
ONE CAPTIVE
