Writing Tips: TIP Sheet

Hey all!

As promised, this week we will be talking about the TIP (Title Information Page) sheet. So, here we go.

TOPIC: TIP Sheet

So what is a TIP, you ask? It is a very handy form an agent may send along to editors with your manuscript. The TIP or Title Information Page gives editors a plethora of information about you and your book. Now, not all agents will have you do this but those that do are doing the editors a real favor. So we'll break down the TIP into its basic components.

The first block contatins the TITLE, Author Name, Reading Line, Age Level/Grade Level, Specs, Subject/BISAC, Agent contact information and author websites/blogs/etc. Most of this information is pretty self explanatory. Title and author name are a snap. You don't have to fill in the agent information either. The Age/Grade level information is generally for children's novels (at least it is for my agent's form). Specs are projected page length and format. The Subject/BISAC relates to the keywords that will be associated with your book. Finally the reading line is a one line phrase that also conveys the essence of your book. Think of it like a movie tagline.

The next section the author needs to consider is the Handle. This is often referred to as the elevator pitch. It is a one to two sentence hook for your book. Think of it as you have 10 seconds to interest a prospecive editor. What would you want to convey about your book?

The next big section is the Description. Treat this like the body of a query letter. So, (as review) it is written in third person present tense and it about 250 words, maximum. Introduce your main character, their dilemma and what is at stake if they fail to achieve their desired goal.

Next comes the selling points. This is more focused on marketing. What do you beleive sets your book apart from all of the others out there? You can list things such as if it provides a new approach to an old trope or if it's geared towards a specific audience. For instance for my current work in progress, my selling points include the fact that it is geared towards a subset of younger readers and provides a prominent historical figure in a new and interesting light.

AFter the selling points section comes the Author's Bio. This is fairly straightforward. Include information about where you grew up and attended school. Mention what postsecondary degrees you hold and some of your interests. To give the editor some idea of where they might focus local marketing efforts, you can include where your family is located.

The second to last section on a TIP sheet is reserved for the author's prior sales. If you haven't sold anything before, don't sweat it. Your agent will remove it. It's there to demonstrate to editors that if you do have prior sales tht you are worth taking on as a contact.

The final piece of the TIP is the Comparative/Competitive Titles. Admitedly, this is my weak spot. It requires the author to conduct research in the genre to determine what other books they will be competing against. You are also asked to provide comments on why you believe your book is similar or diferent to the titles you choose. It's important that you don't just chooose the latest trendy book. If it is an accurate comparison to your book, then fine. Otherwise, try to avoid the latest best seller. You can get the information you need by going to a library or bookstore such as Borders or Barnes & Noble or by using their online counterparts. You may find something in your search that piques your interest.

So, now that we've taken a quick trip through what the TIP includes and how to go about preparing it, we'll talk briefly about when you should complete the TIP. It really doesn't matter whether you do it before you begin writing, while you're in he process of writing or after the book is finished. It really all depends on how you organize your ideas. If you believe working on parts of the TIP, such as the description and handle, before you write will help you focus your ideas, then go for it. Completing it at these various stages of the writing process each have their own advantages and only you can determine what works best in your situation.

As a little side note, my agent gave me an A+ in my TIP prep for my projects. That makes me smile.

I hope you found this a useful and helpful writing tip. I'll see you next week.