How to Write a Novel Synopsis
Learn how to craft a strong novel synopsis, while avoiding the most common mistakes, including the dreaded “synopsis speak.”
Tag Archives: agents
The Complete Guide to Query Letters
The query letter has one purpose, and one purpose only: to seduce the agent or editor into reading or requesting your work. The query letter is so much of a sales piece that it’s quite possible to write one without having written a word of the manuscript. All it requires is a firm grasp of your story premise.
How to Pitch Agents at a Writers Conference
Pitching agents at a writers conference can be a difficult task for the new writer. Here’s how to make it a little easier on yourself.
Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published
If you want to publish your book, here are the steps you should follow to assess your work’s potential, then research and pitch editors and agents.
Start Here: How to Write a Book Proposal
Everything you need to know to start writing a book proposal for your nonfiction book.
How Kindle Press Made My Novel a Bestseller
In 2015, Kindle Press published about 90 novels. By the end of 2016, it had published a total of 218 books—all chosen through the Kindle Scout program.
Should You Submit Your Work to Agents or Editors?
Is it better to look for a literary agent first, or to approach editors and publishers? Much depends on the commercial potential of your work.
Building a Platform to Land a Book Deal: Why It Often Fails
If you’re preparing to pitch your nonfiction work to agents or publishers, you may have heard about the necessity of platform. What if you don’t have one?
Traditional Publishing: What’s It Good For?
No one used to question the value of a publisher, but now everyone’s wondering: What are they good for?
Do Men Receive Bigger Book Advances Than Women?
Do males or females receive higher advances? I look at Publishers Marketplace deals data to find out.
Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option for Literary Fiction Writers?
Should literary writers consider self-publishing? How it might affect their long-term careers? Two agents weigh in.
Why Authors Walk Away From Good, Big 5 Publishers
UK author Harry Bingham describes the four stages of his career, and why he’s decided to self-publish after good experiences with traditional houses.
How to Tell If Your Story Idea Is Mediocre—And How to Improve It
Note from Jane: Today’s guest post is adapted from The Writer’s Advantage: A Toolkit for Mastering Your Genre by Laurie Scheer (@mediagoddess213). So you think your idea for a new vampire novel is a good one? Think again. Nine times out of ten, your idea is really quite mediocre and has been done before, actually a […]
Why I Choose to Both Self-Publish and Traditionally Publish
Since 2009, after the release of my second novel, I’ve been a so-called hybrid author, working with New York publishers as well as self-publishing. I’m often asked why I chose to combine these two seemingly disparate publishing careers, juggling twice the work.
Best Business Advice for Writers: August 2013
Best Business Advice for Writers is a monthly link round-up where I share the best online articles focused on the business of writing and publishing.
5 Traps of the Imagination John Grisham Helped Me See
I had 7 an overflowing shelf of rejection notices when John Grisham—a friend and neighbor—took me under his wing and taught me his writing secrets.
Agent-Assisted Self-Publishing and the Amazon White Glove Program
There are no “rules” for agent-assisted self-publishing, but the biggest drawbacks are usually loss of control and loss of royalties. All authors should negotiate a contract beforehand that protects their rights and lifetime earnings.
The Future of Publishing: 14 Variations (Now Free!)
Last year, on April 1, I released an e-book, The Future of Publishing: Enigma Variations. It was mostly an April Fool’s Joke—a joke that cost you $1.99. (Read a full description here, plus reviews.) In this 39-page PDF, I offer 14 possible scenarios for the future of publishing … exaggerated scenarios. But in the final variation, […]
How Do You Know If Your Agent Is Any Good?
I recently received the following question from a writer who wishes to remain anonymous: Every new writer wants to know how to get an agent and everyone seems to write about that topic. But I want to know how to assess my agent. How do I know if I have a good one? I’m trying […]