Blogger: Mary Keeley
Several clients are doing final polishing of their books and proposals to get them ready for me to send to editors after the Christmas holidays. Maybe this describes the stage you’re at too. While you’re consumed with …
Finding an Agent
The Right Angle
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I recently picked up a novel for a light-reading break, but also to research competition for several of my clients. A traditional CBA publisher had published the book a few years ago. Although I’d never read any …
Online Etiquette
Blogger: Mary Keeley
When it comes to author interaction on social media and within online groups, we need to be discerning. Positive interaction can attract followers faster and lead to a favorable reputation. As important as attracting our following is, …
Test Your Patience
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Writers are continually advised to be patient during the journey to representation. And once you have an agent, the need for it begins again during the knuckle-biting process of waiting for your first—or next—contract offer. Patience is …
The Unpublished Writer
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
A question asked of nearly every agent panel is, “What do you look for in a client?”
I’ve heard this question answered by hundreds of people, some agents, some not. Unfortunately their answers often bear little resemblance …
Productive Communication
Blogger: Mary Keeley
You reach a milestone when your manuscript is finally “perfect,” and you are now ready to pitch it to agents. Then it dawns on you. “Whoa, I’m actually going to have to TALK to these people.” Yes …
Pitch Appointment Angst
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Pitch appointments can be stomach-churning, nerve-wracking moments of angst and brain freeze, which seem to last forever in too little time. It’s understandable when you view them as do-or-die verdicts on your career as a writer. Let’s …
Some Good News?
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Don’t you think it’s time for a dose of good news? I’ve been thinking a lot about the industry lately and I think there’s more good news than bad these days. So many long for the “good …
I’m Just an Agent Who Can’t Say No
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
For those of you who have tried to gain an agent’s attention but not succeeded, this blog’s for you.
Our agency receives thousands of queries every year, which means we have to say no to thousands …
Appointment Tips
Blogger: Rachel Kent
Meetings are an integral part of writers’ conferences. You have a chance to meet with other writers, agents, and editors. Here are my suggestions for your meetings with agents (most of these tips are good for all …