Do you have a short story work-in-progress that just doesn’t want to fit into 10,000 words or 25 pages? Is it bursting at the seams? Does it feel incomplete and frustrating to read? Then you may have a recalcitrant short story that could be transformed into a successful novel. A case in … [Read more...]
The blog for writers
The Book Deal
Why writers need agents: 4 pros weigh in
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?
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...]
Fear of editors
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?
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...]
Getting published: The inside scoop from 3 top editors
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
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
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...]
Good day sunshine for writers
This is the best time ever to be a writer. Especially for those in the vanguard: the self-publishing writers at the cutting edge of the brave new turbulent world of literary art and commerce. I say that with some authority. As a worker bee from deep within the trenches of the book publishing … [Read more...]
Advice for Amanda Hocking from authors and agents
When Amanda Hocking, the 26-year-old poster girl for self-publishing, revealed her $2 million book contract with St. Martin's Press, she defended the deal on her own blog to legions of fans and militant, mystified indie authors. "I only want to be a writer," Hocking said. "I do not want to spend … [Read more...]
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