All good editors love working with writers. To us, writers are special people, compelled to put words together as they look at the world. They can’t stop, must return to whatever is in their heads, what they’re thinking and feeling, making sense of their lives, to explain, to teach, so write … [Read more...]
The blog for writers
The Book Deal
How an endorsement can help land your book deal
Smart writers and agents know the value of including outside endorsements with the query letters and proposals they send to book publishers. A persuasive quote from a big name or a well-connected expert can have a major impact on the level of attention we give a new submission, whether it’s fiction … [Read more...]
Hot young agent’s old-school methods
How do literary agents who blog, tweet and carouse online find the time to do the real work of agenting: reading, hobnobbing with editors, reading some more and making great book deals for their clients? That’s what Chris Parris-Lamb, a rising star at the Gernert Company in NYC wonders, and it’s … [Read more...]
What makes a book publisher drool? Can you say “series”?
For a publisher, producing a successful book series is like winning the lottery. The rewards can be enormous and ongoing. Check out these numbers The Harry Potter behemoth towers over all the rest, with more than 400 million copies sold. Nancy Drew? The 175 installments of the beloved mystery … [Read more...]
Mystery and crime fiction is bloody booming!
Photograph © Cheryl Rinzler Why would one of America's most distinguished literary publishers jump at the chance to sign up an unknown hillbilly-noir writer whose history so far consists of gritty short stories published online by pulp fiction e-zines? Here's why: Mystery and crime … [Read more...]
Literary agents open the door to self-published writers
The top dog at one of the most successful literary agencies in New York says he’s in hot pursuit of self-published books to represent to mainstream publishers. “Absolutely, yes!” That was Jim Levine’s unequivocal answer when I asked him recently if he was accepting self-published … [Read more...]
The author background check: Cautionary notes
We were hunkered down debating whether to make an offer on a self-help book written by a seemingly well-qualified psychologist. Then one of our dogged marketing assistants dashed in, shouting "WAIT!" She tossed us a bunch of comments she'd unearthed from an obscure online forum: jaw-dropping, … [Read more...]
Getting the most out of a rewrite: Tips for authors
You thought you’d finished up a darned good manuscript ready to send out into the world, so you decided to give yourself a well-deserved vacation. Upon your return, you started rereading your opus and began unexpectedly to channel your stern fifth grade teacher Mrs. Spellman. Remember her? In … [Read more...]
Ask the editor: The #1 issue for writers today
Q: There’s so much for a writer to think about: platform, query letters, agents, marketing. What’s the most important thing to focus on? A: That’s easy. Focus on the content of your book. There’s nothing more important. Content is king Before all else, keep your attention on the core … [Read more...]
Insider tips for preparing and delivering a winning pitch
A great pitch is often the first encounter in a successful publishing relationship. As an acquisition editor, I listen avidly to every writer's pitch, hoping each time to find a terrific new prospect for publication. For the uninitiated, a pitch is an author's brief, face-to-face verbal … [Read more...]
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