Blogger: Rachel Zurakowski
Location: Books & Such Main Office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Friday!
We made it!
I like to use my Fridays as reading days. I enjoy reading and look forward to it, so it’s a nice, end-of-the-week treat. I read manuscripts and proposals by authors that I’m considering representing, but I also read proposals and manuscripts by my current clients. Some agents don’t bother to put in the time to read over a proposal before it’s submitted, but my reputation is on the line. I like to be sure that everything is in place so the project has the best chance of selling.
While I read, I’m looking for a clean manuscript with tight writing. For fiction, I also want a smooth, believable plot that interests me and is likely to have broad appeal in the market. A proposal must have a clear statement of what the hook of the book is and a detailed author bio (including details about why this writer is qualified to write the project).
In nonfiction proposals, I also like to see a marketing section and a market comparison section. The marketing section shows how the author plans to help to distribute the book. The market comparison section is a compare/contrast with other books that are on the same topic. It’s important to show how a nonfiction book is unique.
In novel proposals, I look for a synopsis that covers the beginning, middle and end of the story. Yes, I want to know how the story ends.
Happy Friday, everyone! Take some time this weekend to read, too!
Happy reading! Headed to the beach with friends this weekend so I’ll be reading lots too. 🙂
Again, Rachel, your post is timely. Within the next few weeks, I plan to write my book proposal. I’ve written a few before, so I know what to include. However, in the last several years, the needs of the marketing section have evolved. Now, I will be highlighting my web presence rather than my willingness to do real-life book tours. I’m just believing this change is a good thing! Have a great weekend! 🙂
I like that Friday plan of yours. Reading does sound like a god way to escort the weekend in. 🙂
Enjoy your reading time!
That’s really interesting that you said some agents don’t read over proposals before they submit them. I guess I just assumed every agent would want to, for the same reasons you mentioned.
That’s a great thing to keep in mind when considering working with an agent. HOW will they be representing you and does it matter to them if that reflects their work ethic as well?
Thanks, Rachel
Ah ha! I’d wager a bet that you’ll find a groundbreaking, mind-bending, heart-wrenching, impossible-to-put-down, brilliant new manuscript in that reading pile!
But how much reading can you really get done WITHOUT COFFEE?
I can almost picture you with manuscript(s) in one hand, cup of coffee in the other and feet kicked up on the desk — reading away and looking for the next great thing. Here’s hoping you find some great stuff in that pile of reading. To me, this sounds like the fun part of the job. But, I suppose if the manuscripts are disappointing, it might not be as fun as I imagine.
I loved reading your posts all week, but today’s was the most helpful. Thank you!
I’m awfully late to the party, but I just want to thank you for this blog series, Rachel. It’s been so interesting to get a peek into an agent’s work week. And with all you do, I’m glad that there’s still a little time left for reading the massive pile of manuscripts on your desk. 😉