Choosing a Literary Agent is a Lot Like Dating
It’s often said that it is harder to get literary representation than to get published. And it may be true! But as many of you know, I think it is essential for writers to be well represented. This ensures not only a better chance of getting published, but also provides a writer with a seasoned […]
Writers: Educated Yourselves About the Publishing Process
I sometimes receive cold calls or queries that begin: “I don’t know anything about publishing but…” If that’s the case, you need to make a few stops before contacting a literary agent. One great resource is Jane Friedman, a respected expert on the publishing industry who offers a myriad ways to access the information and […]
Book Blogging with Tumblr
This article appeared on Penguin Random House’s Author site, which contains many very helpful articles about every aspect of the publishing process and is available to all PRH authors who sign up for the Author portal. Book Blogging with Tumblr BY NEDA DALLAL|JANUARY, 2019 The blogging site, Tumblr is one of the more dynamic and […]
When your book isn’t selling…what’s an author to do?
There’s the exhilaration when your agent sells your book. Suddenly, you are real! You are going to be a published author. The contract comes. Now it is truly official. The manuscript is delivered, edited and accepted. Yes! You send in answers to an exhaustive questionnaire listing every contact you have. If you are one of […]
Linking to vendor sites–a note to authors
Dear Authors, When providing links to booksellers on your websites, ask your publisher for guidance. At the very least, you want to include amazon.com, bn.com (Barnes & Noble), a link to independent publishers (indiebound.org is a good one) and to the publisher’s own site. Favoring one channel over another is never a good idea. –Joelle […]
What’s in a title?
Writers in search of an agent (or editor) often complain that they are not getting any response. There are many reasons for this, which we frequently address in this column. But one particular irksome reason is that the query letters often feature terrible titles. I mean truly terrible. (I don’t want to humiliate anyone by […]
Writing with a Positive Attitude–It May Get You an Agent or Publisher!
There are many reasons why writers write, but one is that that they wish to be read. Most writers want to find their audience and connect with their audience. Whether it is because they have something to say, information to share, or are creating an experience, through memoir and fiction, most writers–at least those who […]
Where I Write: Terry Gaspard
Our next WHERE I WRITE, in which our authors share their favorite writing spots, is from Terry Gaspard, author of DAUGHTERS OF DIVORCE (Sourcebooks, 2016) “Although I have a comfortable home office with a coffee pot nearby, my favorite place to write is my local library. And today, as I sit in my preferred private room at […]
Why Literary Agents May Give You the Cold Shoulder
It’s often said that it is tougher to get a literary agent to represent you than to find a publisher. That may well be true! And yet, it’s essential these days to have representation. With rapid-fire changes in the industry, including consolidation and the inevitable contraction that accompanies it, the chances of getting published by […]
Judging Pitchapalooza in Montclair, NJ
On a sunny autumn Sunday, I joined the Book Doctors, Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, at one of their now infamous “Pitchapalooza” events in Montclair, NJ. Ylonda Caviness, a former winner of Pitchapalooza who now has both a book and TV contract as a result, rounded out the panel. These events can be described […]