When you submit your proposal to an agent or publishing house, you may wonder how they make their decisions as to which books to reject and which to accept. Obviously there are numerous considerations that vary from person to person, …
author platform
Build Your Platform, Grow Your Audience
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I am traveling from the Books & Such bi-annual retreat for clients today and won’t be able to respond to your comments. Today’s blog was originally posted over a year ago and ignited a great conversation. I …
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 …
Adopt a Cause
Blogger: Mary Keeley
“I must tell you that I think [my client] is a fabulous writer . . . [but] without a platform, we unfortunately will not be able to pursue this project.” Ugh! Is there anything more writers can …
Celebrating Writers
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Writing is a life-long learning process. Just ask veteran authors and they will tell you. Call it the Writing-LLL course. I’m devoting today’s post to celebrating writers.
Maybe it’s that the scent of spring is finally in …
The Changes Go Beyond Publishing
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I occasionally hear from disillusioned and even sometimes angry writers. “Why doesn’t the publisher promote my book? Why can’t they sell it without requiring so much of ME?”
The big pubs are under the gun to vastly …
How Writers Can Accelerate Speaking Opportunities
Blogger: Mary Keeley
One of the first realities you are confronted with as you tiptoe into the business of writing books is the need for a growing platform. Much attention and cutting-edge advice has been given on building up your …
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. …