‘Tis the season of the writers conference, both in-person and virtual. Perhaps you’ve just attended one, and you feel as if a mountain of useful information has been placed in your lap. You’re thrilled to have it, it’s what you …
author platform
Inside the Mind of a New Agent
For many aspiring authors, the path to obtaining representation by a literary agent feels elusive and shrouded in mystery. What makes an agent ask for a proposal, and after that, a full manuscript? Why would an agent stop reading all …
If You Build Your Audience Too Soon
What can happen if you build your audience too soon?
Nobody knows. It’s never happened in the history of writing.
Worst case scenario is you build your audience too soon:
You reach out to people, serve them with your words, …
Knock That Book Off Its Pedestal: Five Ways to Use Your Story to Make a Difference Without Traditionally Publishing a Book
I’ve lost count of the number of times that someone has told me, “Everyone tells me that I need to write a book about what I’ve been through.” There’s nothing wrong with writing a book to capture your story, but …
Discoverability and the Writer
Blogger: Michelle Ule
Sitting in for Janet Grant
In our media-saturated world, discoverability is one of the most important needs of a writer.
The ability to be discovered can be more important than quality of writing, particularly when you are …
Nonfiction Trifecta
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Last weekend marked the running of the Kentucky Derby. As soon as everyone heard that Nyqvist had won the Derby, the word trifecta kept popping up. Could he possibly win the Triple Crown— the Derby, the Preakness …
The Furrowed Brow, Part II
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Location: Books & Such Central Valley, California Office
First Published: August 11,2009
Did I give you new things to worry about yesterday? I hope not. But if forewarned is forearmed, I want to be the one to …
Worst Case Scenario–Genre Fail
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Location: Books & Such Central Valley Office
Weather: 68º and partly sunny
Yesterday I set up a brand new worst case scenario. Here it is: You have an amazing book burning a hole in your life. You …
Worst Case Scenario– No Platform
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Location: Books & Such Central Valley Office
Weather: 67º and cloudy
First, let’s talk about yesterday’s worst case scenario– when your queries go out to a dozen agents and . . . nothing. I appreciated the responses. …
Feelin’ Proud
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Location: Books & Such Main Office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
We all have seen publishing struggle this year through the loss of retail outlets, the economic downturn, and the onslaught of e-books and free online books. But …