This month being the famous NaNoWriMo month, I thought it would be fun to explore our motivation for writing. Motivation and inspiration are closely linked but actually very different. Inspiration is often soul deep while motivation may be very visceral. …
Dos and Don’ts to Pitching Nonfiction
By Wendy Lawton
Last time I blogged I wrote about what not to say when someone asks the novelist, “What is your novel about?” A couple of readers on Facebook asked if I’d tackle some dos and don’ts for nonfiction …
So. . . what’s your novel about?
By Wendy Lawton
Wanna see a writer stand frozen with that deer-in-the-headlights look? Just ask them this question: “So. . . what’s your novel about?”
Here’s a list of the WRONG things to answer:
- An issue— “My book is
Food for Thought
I’ve been shopping the most wonderful (non) diet book by a licensed dietician to editors these past couple weeks. It makes me think of all the good (and bad) food advice. Of course, I’m sure you all heed the advice …
The “Perfect” Query
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
You’ve seen a number of agent blogs and agent twitters talking about query tips and #queryfail. Agent websites are filled with instructions on how and how-not to query. Nearly every writers conference offers a session or two …
Twenty Questions: Who is it?
By Wendy Lawton
Who is it? If you’ve followed Books & Such for a long time, you probably know quite a bit about us. Let’s test your knowledge of these fun facts, both common knowledge and obscure. There will be …
The Perfect Time to Submit
By Wendy Lawton
Ever since I became an agent, I’ve been trying to figure out the rhythm of this industry— the perfect time to submit proposals. Every industry has “seasons” and because we agents are always trying to second-guess things, …
You Sold How Many Books?
By Wendy Lawton
Julie and editor, Raela Schoenherr
This week began with a celebration at Bethany House in Minneapolis to mark Julie Klassen’s one millionth book sold. Congratulations, Julie!
A million books! It reminded me what so many writers are …
Writer Friends
By Wendy Lawton
One of the reasons you love writing is because it is a solitary pursuit, right? Aren’t most writers introverts? So why in the world do we have to connect with writer friends?
You’ve heard the word networking …
Platform–A Snarky Commentary
By Wendy Lawton
Okay, confession time: Here at Books & Such I’m known as the platform denier. The skeptic. Card-carrying member of the Book Marketing Flat Earth Society. Yes, I know that an author’s platform can be a powerful thing, …