Wednesday, February 20, 2008

ABINADI book has been accepted!

Today I found out that my manuscript ABINADI (title will change) was accepted by Covenant Communications, Inc.--the same publisher who produced my Out of Jerusalem series. It will be a Fall 2008 release.

Here's a portion of the query I sent to the publisher, so that you can get an idea of what process a writer has to go through:

Dear Editor,

As discussed in earlier emails, I have completed the first volume in a new Book of Mormon series, tentatively titled Plain and Precious. Volume One—Abinadi—is the story of the prophet who appears in the Book of Mosiah, comprising chapters 11-17. Intertwined with Abinadi’s life is the introduction of the high priest, Alma, another prophet whose story unfolds within the same scriptural text.

In Volume One, Abinadi is a new elder, the least likely to receive a call from the Lord to preach repentance to His people. Yet the Lord’s commandment is clear. Abinadi must warn the people in the city of Nephi of imminent destruction if they do not change their wicked ways. But King Noah, and those who surround him, will do anything to prevent their idolatrous ways to be disturbed. Abinadi is chased out of the city, a death sentence upon his head. Two years later, Abinadi is called again to deliver the Lord’s final message. This time, Abinadi leaves behind a young wife and new child, only to finally meet his fate—death by fire.

Special Note: I have written Abinadi as a young man in his early twenties. This is a contrast to popular LDS art that depicts Abinadi as an elderly man in King Noah’s court, although research shows there is no documentation of Abinadi’s age. When I stumbled upon a painting done of King Noah’s court, by Walter Rane, I was pleased to see my decision supported with a young Abinadi portrayed in art. I think a young Abinadi who sacrifices his life, leaving behind a young wife and child, is a more compelling read than a man who has lived a long and full life.

It’s my intention to write three to four more volumes to round out this series, continuing with the lives of Alma the Elder, and his son, Alma the Younger, and possibly finishing with the Sons of Mosiah. Chapter Notes, Epigraphs, Preface, two-page map, and other details are forthcoming. This manuscript is approximately 94,000 words. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Attached, you will find the story of a man who sacrificed everything.

Sincerely,

Heather Moore

15 comments:

Rebecca Talley said...

Congratulations again. Very exciting!

Thanks for posting your query. It's helpful to see such a professionally written example.

Maria Zannini said...

Congrats, Heather.

That was an excellent (and compelling) query. Great job!

Tamra Norton said...

So exciting! Congrats!!!

Autumn Ables said...

Sweet! I've been wondering how this has been coming along for you. You know I'm so excited and can't wait to get my hands on it. I think you do a wonderful job in your writing.

Congratulations! I like your query letter as well. This is great, Heather!!

Heather Moore said...

Thanks you guys. Now the "real" work begins :)

Unknown said...

yay heather!!!!!!!

i am doing the snoopy happy dance for you!!!! i am stoked excited for you to see your hard and talented work pay off.

you go girl, kathleen

Julie Wright said...

Awesome Heather!!!!! This is going to be a great book.

Jenna said...

Well, first of all, congratulations! Thanks for including the query. That was very enlightening. I am so excited for this book! I love the idea of a young Abinadi, as I never realized how much my vision of him had been tainted by traditional LDS artwork.

Nicole S said...

These are some of my favorite stories. I used to teach in the MTC and loved talking about the 'before' and 'after' scenes of Abinadi's life-saying goodbye to his wife and possible children and how they must have found out that their father/husband was killed. This just made it more real to me and I especially appreciate that you have made him young. I am extremely excited to read it!

Kevin Wasden said...

I'm really looking forward to reading Abinadi. I like the idea of him being younger. Congratulations.

~V said...

Congratulations, Heather! Great query.

I hope you'll check out ABNABooks.com

Good luck!
Valya
www.thesilenceoftrees.com

Heather Moore said...

Thanks, everyone. I've heard great things about ABNAbooks too ;)

Julie Wright said...

WAHOO!!!! I can't wait to read it!

Julie Wright said...

I hit publish (light I love that word) without adding my question. I meant to ask if you'll be at booksellers.

Janette Rallison said...

Congrats!