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John Zeleznik

@johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social

460 followers 950 following 1K posts

Father, Husband, Teacher and Writer. Jedi Knight and friend to Captain Solo. Winter is coming. Mets, Orange, Isles, Bills fan. Novelist and writer NOT the artist with the same name! Opinions stated are mine and mine alone.

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · Apr 13

So, I did a thing....my first novel, WINTER'S DISCORD, is available Amazon for purchase or through KU. If you think that you might like a PG-13 Game of Thrones this might be for you. Please enjoy.

Winter's Discord: Book One of The Seasons of Destiny

Amazon.com: Winter's Discord: Book One of The Seasons of Destiny eBook : Zeleznik, John : Tienda Kindle

www.amazon.com

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 11h

FIT in NYC has a Toy Design major….where was the guidance counselor in my life back in 1991 guiding me in that direction? My entire life is a lie!

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

True. I think that CLERKS is the closest comp considering the setting (90s ski resort) and because it was such an influence on me. I probably should study up to find a similar comp. I probably should find some! (Maybe even help with another revision pass on the book.)

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Another fun #kidlitchat. See y'all next week.

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Thanks!

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

It's always been a crapshoot when I've pitched it. I've also used FOOD, GIRLS AND OTHER THINGS I CAN'T HAVE or SWIM THE FLY as a comp on it too with CLERK. I know that Warren Miller might be too obscure. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Pretty much!

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

For a 90s set YA RomCom I used "CLERKS written for Hallmark meets Warren Miller." #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I worry about this with some of my comps sometimes. There are just certain books that are perfect and I worry that maybe they aren't as popular as I think. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I sound like the old guy on the porch yelling to "Get off my lawn" when I tell people that I remember having only 140 characters to pitch my writing! #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I always worry that sometimes my comps are too esoteric. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

That's what happened to me the last two weeks! I made sure I remembered this week! #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

a man says " no worries says scott " in front of a map of the world

ALT: a man says " no worries says scott " in front of a map of the world

media.tenor.com

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I was hoping you'd pop in. You're insight is always so helpful! #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

For what it's worth, I'm ALWAYS up for pitch critiques! My favorites are always the ones where the project isn't my cup of tea, but the pitch is just so good I'm all in. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

This is so difficult to handle, when your pitch sounds EXACTLY what an agent asks for then they pass with a "NOT FOR ME" rejection. So frustrating. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

#kidlitchat

a cartoon character is holding a bunch of money and the words shut up and take are above him

ALT: a cartoon character is holding a bunch of money and the words shut up and take are above him

media.tenor.com

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I'll test pitches on "non-writers" and students sometimes to see if they think what I'm working on is cool. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I do this sometimes, ESPECIALLY if I see an agent's MSWL asking for something that comps to my book(s). #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I go 50-50 and I usually don't personalize more than the opening paragraph, especially if I'm responded to a MSWL type post! #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I've gotten really good at comps and I'm not afraid of using non-books. I mean as long as it captures the aesthetic of your book I don't think it matters. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I agree, but sometimes have a basic framework can help, especially someone that is new to the "game." #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I think that if you’re new the the process there are some great online resources that you can consult to get the basic framework of a pitch down and then you can learn to mold it to fit your voice and style. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

One of my all time favorites! I saw it at Radio City Music Hall as a kid! #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Makes sense but it does help agents/editors to categorize your work and be able to put it in marketing terms….a true modern necessity! #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

One of my favorite movie characters of all time is Dr. Terminus from the 1977 Pete’s Dragon, I honestly think he rubbed off on my personality a little! #kidlitchat

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