If an author were to compile a vocabulary list for writers in the making, or writers stuck in the middle, they might put the dreaded NO at the top of the list. To many, it feels as if they hear …
Authors
Random Agent Thoughts
Yes, this is a blog post of random agent thoughts.
A few weeks after my father’s heart stopped beating for the last time, we discovered among his office files a three-ring binder labeled “497 Random Thoughts.” Over the course of …
Some of my Favorite Fiction Techniques
Today I’m just going to highlight a few fiction techniques I love finding in a manuscript.
Beats
This is a technique the author uses to seamlessly substitute an action that identifies the character in place of the tired old he-said, …
A Behind the Scenes Look at A New Literary Agent’s First Sale
As a new agent, there are new experiences around every corner. Some have been expected, and others have been lovely surprises. I recently had the new experience of making my first sale (woohoo!), and I learned even more about my …
A Behind the Scenes Look at A New Literary Agent’s First SaleRead More
Three Things for a Writer to Consider
As a literary agent my goal is to champion the writers that I represent. A champion is committed to guide the writers journey even if that looks different than they thought it would. With that in mind, here are three …
An Agent on the Fence: What’s the Tipping Point?
I’m the new kid on the block when it comes to agenting. I’ve been surprised by a few things about this career, one of them being just how often agents feel undecided about a project when reading queries and proposals. …
What Does an Agent Do Besides Sell Your Project?
It’s a fresh year, and perhaps you’re asking yourself questions many writers ask: Do I really need an agent? What do they even do for authors, after the book contract is signed? Here at Books & Such, we partner with …
Not What You Think
Some elements of an author’s proposal are not what you’d think. They seem like a good thing, but may make the opposite impression from the one you’re looking for.
“I’m in the process of having a professional website created/updated.”
What …
The Reader-Writer Bond
When a reader picks her next book, she unwittingly creates a bond with the author. And when a writer decides to create a book, he unwittingly forms a bond with the reader. This reader-writer bond is powerful–and meaningful to both …
Marketing and Madness
Marketing and madness don’t have to be synonymous. Platform-building is not pedestal-building. Creativity and compassion can steer marketing honorably.
Last week, Wendy Lawton revisited a blog post from a year in which authors were scrambling to figure out how to …