It’s not far into childhood before we learn the “Ready, Set, Go!” game. Parents, arms extended, could simply say, “Jump!” and the toddler would happily respond. But even the rhythm and anticipation of “Ready” (not yet), “Set” (not quite), and …
Agents
Looking Back to Help Others Move Forward
I still remember the day a California Bay Area newspaper featured an article titled “Accidental Author Shares God’s Word.” I smile remembering that it was in the front section of the paper as if this was news. It was true, …
Does Your Writing Career Need a Diet?
Does your writing career need to go on a diet so that it can get stronger again?
It’s no secret that losing weight is one of the most common new year’s resolutions. The resolution is triggered by an ah-ha moment …
Among a Writer’s Most Potent Words
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
What are among a writer’s most potent words? Which ones will have an impact beyond what a writer can imagine?
Some might guess it’s the exquisite words: THE END.
But it’s actually the words that come after…
The Right Agent for a Debut Author
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
You’ve probably heard about the importance of finding the right agent for you and your body of work, rather than just saying “yes” to the first agent who comes along. There are plenty of criteria upon which …
Your Agent Has Skin in the Game
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I was talking with a writer who was agented by someone else, and considering changing agents. This person wanted to talk with me about possibly being their agent. I asked a lot of questions to determine the
…
Don’t Call Me a Gatekeeper
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
People in and around this business have long used the word “gatekeeper” when referring to those in publishing tasked with choosing which books to publish or represent.
Since the rise of self-publishing, it has become popular to …
Never-Fail Formula for Writing a Book That Won’t Become a Bestseller
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
(Updated)
Maybe it’s not discussed often enough in writers’ circles. We talk about what we can do to ready our work for a publisher’s eyes. We list ways to draw readers’ attention with our novels or nonfiction.…
Never-Fail Formula for Writing a Book That Won’t Become a BestsellerRead More
Agents Represent Authors
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I’m a literary agent.
I advocate for authors.
That’s my job, it’s what I choose to do, and I enjoy doing it. Every day I’m grateful for my partnership with talented writers. It’s my privilege to assist …
Know Means No: Giving Editors and Agents a Reason to Say Yes
Know means no.
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
What do you need to know to make it less likely an agent or editor will say no to your proposal?
KNOW who you are (and who you aren’t) as a writer.
You may …
Know Means No: Giving Editors and Agents a Reason to Say YesRead More