This issue has tips on writing query letters, voting in the upcoming US election, and exciting news about upcoming author events.

Five years ago, I was counting down to the release of my first novel with Black Rose Writing, Amiga. Since then, it has received plenty of praise and five-star reviews.

If you haven't read it yet, get your copy! You'll find it on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible. It's also available in paperback wherever books are sold. 

Creating a query letter is the first stressor of an already stressful submission process. But if you write an effective one that gets an agent’s or publisher’s attention, it can make the rest of the process easier. I recently attended an online query letter coaching session presented by ProWritingAid and taught by book coach and editor Kerry Savage. Some of the things I learned include:

• Make each query letter personal. Find out as much as you can about the agent or publisher, including the authors they work with and the types of books they represent or publish. Show them why your book would fit with them.
• Keep the description of your book to 2–4 paragraphs. Give the agent or publisher enough information to get them interested and invested in the story. Then leaving them wanting to read the manuscript to find out what happens.
• Show why this book matters to you, and why you’re the best person to write it. Agents and publishers need to promote you along with your book.

Read more about what I learned about query letters and see some feedback on one I submitted in this post on my website.

November 5 is an important election in the United States. While the presidential race gets all the headlines, plenty of state and local offices, judges, and ballot propositions are all worthy of your time and consideration. Despite all the pontification by pundits and pollsters, you have the final say at a citizen.

Make sure you are ready to vote in the upcoming election by doing the following:

• Go to vote.gov to check your voter registration, find out deadlines to request absentee ballots, and learn everything about how to vote in your state and county.
• Make a voting plan. If you plan to mail or drop off your ballot, make sure you send it in by the deadline. If you plan to vote in person, find out your polling place and what forms of ID you need, make plans to get there, and arrange sufficient time to wait in line.
• Know your rights as a voter. If you are in line when the polls are scheduled to close, they still need to allow you to vote. Request a paper ballot if the voting machines are down. Request a replacement ballot if you make a mistake. Report any instances of voter suppression or intimidation to election officials or law enforcement.
• Remember your vote is private. No one can find out who you voted for, and you're not obligated to tell anyone. Don't be afraid to exercise your right to vote for the candidates you want. If you feel unsafe at home because of who you vote for, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Your vote is your voice! Remember to vote by November 5.

My November author event calendar is filling up nicely! Here's where you can see me in Southern California.

Indie Author Day

Sunday, November 3, 1–5 pm, Anaheim Central Library, 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA  92805

Indie Author Day is back in Anaheim! Join me and other authors for panels, book signings, and readings. Information is available on the Anaheim Library website.

Local Author Fair

Saturday, November 16, 12:00–4:00 pm, Fullerton Public Library, 353 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832

Local authors return to Fullerton for this event. If you're an author, there's still time for you to join as well. Contact Melinda West to learn more.

You can see a video of a reading I did at last year's event (as well as why it's beneficial for readers to attend author events) on my website. 

Loscon

Friday, November 29–Sunday, December 1, Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  90045

The premier science fiction event in Los Angeles celebrates its 50th anniversary with Guest of Honor Larry Niven and days of informative and entertaining panels. I will be participating all three days! You can purchase memberships in advance through November 20. See the Loscon website for details and updated information.

If you can't see me in person, you can learn more about me from these interviews.

In my recent interview with Joseph D'Urso for his Rough Writer channel, I talk about my experiences with indie publishing, getting my books into local bookstores, and writing character-driven stories. See my interview on YouTube.

On the Authors Answer site, I talk about how I use playlists, the supposed difference between "authors" and "writers," my love for baseball, and what brings me joy as an author. Read my interview here.

And in case you missed it, check out my interview with Rayanne Thorn Krueger about The Remainders, why I chose to be a writer, my thoughts about the future of writing and much more on the Real Words podcast.  

If you are an author who wants to be interviewed, send me an email to admin@matthewarnoldstern.com with the following information:

• Your name.
• A brief bio (100 words or less).
• Your books.
• What you would like to talk about in your interview.

By supporting each other, we can all grow!

I hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any comments and suggestions, feel free to email me at admin@matthewarnoldstern.com. 

If there is someone who you think would enjoy this newsletter, pass it along and encourage them to subscribe. A simple subscription form is on my website.

I'll be in touch again next month with more news and content.