Blogger: Mary Keeley
This week an author asked me to take a look at her synopsis and offer suggestions because she was struggling to get it right. She isn’t alone. I talk to writers all the time who say the …
book proposals
When You Get a Proposal Request
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Agents and editors are aware of what their request for a proposal means to an author. Some will request the first few chapters, and others may ask for the complete manuscript, especially from debut authors. That’s often …
3 Wrong Assumptions about Agents
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Agents long have known that clients wish an agent had only one client–that writer. But the truth of the matter is that the agent must sustain a healthy list of clients to make a living. Unless …
Book Proposals
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Last week we had a review of queries. Today— book proposals. (Because you just can’t get enough of this stuff, right?)
Confession: All my life I’ve been a rule-follower. I obey all posted signs. I follow the …
When Comparison is Good
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
When you’re trying to interest an agent or publisher in your book, you’re often asked to provide “comps” — other books that could be compared to yours, or books that might compete with yours. A good book …
5 Tips for Writing a Synopsis that Shines
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Last week some of you commented about your love-hate relationship with writing a synopsis. Some authors say they enjoy it. More often, though, I hear writers express uncertainty. It doesn’t have to be a dreaded task if …
What Your Proposal Says about You
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Writers communicate volumes of information between the lines and paragraphs, in what is there and in what is missing in their proposals. Today, I’ll let you in on some of the first things agents and editors notice.…
Benefits for Your Readers
With the exception of novelists who learn about their characters and the storyline as they unfold in draft stage, most writers have a well-developed concept for their book before you sit down to write. At this stage you’re at least …
Book Proposals Mean Business
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Last week I blogged on three criteria agents use to assess your readiness for representation (here). Today let’s focus on what goes into the first of these: your proposal. The following tips will be …
What Makes You and Your Proposal Impressive?
Blogger: Mary Keeley
The fact there is more competition for fewer publishing slots makes the goal of getting your book published by a traditional publisher more challenging. So let’s address that elephant in the room right off the bat. My …