Alan Rinzler

Consulting Editor

The blog for writers

The Book Deal

Why writers need agents: 4 pros weigh in

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Literary agents are still the gatekeepers for authors seeking traditional book deals. That's the bottom line, despite all the big changes in publishing, says Candice Fuhrman, an agent with many New York Times bestselling authors in her corner. "As long as publishers are buying books and paying … [Read more...]

Ask the editor: Is it OK to cross genres?

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Q: Is it ok to write a book that crosses genre lines, like a mystery with time travel, or a romance with extraterrestrials? A: The short answer is "Yes, absolutely!" That's the truth, despite the fear that agents and publishers will avoid a book that falls into more than one genre. But … [Read more...]

The new author pitch: Show, don’t sell

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Authors today need a whole new attitude toward the all-important pitch. Until now, the author pitch was defined as a hard-sell verbal punch to persuade agents and editors to take on their book. It was typically brief, high-concept, often hyperbolic and was designed to convince the agent standing … [Read more...]

Grand finales: Tips for writing great endings

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Writing a great ending for your book is just as important as a dynamite opening that rivets our attention and compels us to keep turning those pages. A well-written book requires some kind of symphonic climax that resonates in our heads and hearts like the famous 40-second E major chord at the … [Read more...]

Fear of editors

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Are you a writer who worries about working with a developmental editor for fear of losing control over the project? You're not alone If so, you’re not the only one. One writer put it this way recently on an online forum: “I worry that an editor will erase my voice.” Another said, “I fear I’ll … [Read more...]

When do you need an editor?

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Writers often ask me when they should consult a developmental editor.  The concerns go something like this: I’ve heard that literary agents and commercial publishers don’t want to see a book until it’s already edited and ready for production. And if I decide to self-publish, I’m out on a limb by … [Read more...]

Great book jackets: Tips from 4 design pros

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Every good book needs a great cover. It's a powerful billboard for conveying the spirit and content of your book. So, you'll need a good graphic design belfast company or somewhere more local to help you bring the cover of your book to life. An eye-catching cover can persuade readers to pick … [Read more...]

Getting published: The inside scoop from 3 top editors

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Despite all the excitement about self-publishing these days – and I'm a big proponent --many writers still dream of being published by a big house like St. Martin's Press or a prestigious literary publisher like Algonquin or Bloomsbury. "I want the pride of making a major-league team with … [Read more...]

What authors can learn from the bestseller lists

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The gold standard for success as an author is to make the New York Times Best Seller list. That’s the big brand banner that publishers, authors and readers want to see on the front cover. It shouts “Read Me! I’m certified!” How does an author accomplish this feat? What does it take for a book to … [Read more...]

New ways to sell short stories

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There's lots of excitement bubbling about new publishing opportunities for writers of short stories, essays, journalism and other less-than-book-length works. Both established authors and self-publishing newcomers with short-form pieces that once appeared only in places like literary and news … [Read more...]