How to Evaluate Small Publishers—Plus Digital-Only Presses and Hybrids
As the publishing industry has transformed in the digital age, small press activity has proliferated. Here’s how authors can evaluate their offerings.
Tag Archives: getting published
How to Find a Literary Agent for Your Book
A step-by-step guide to finding literary agents, plus how to select the right agent for you and your work.
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 Write a Book Proposal
Everything you need to know to start writing a book proposal for your nonfiction book.
A Self-Published Poet’s Path to Her First Book Deal
How a self-publishing poet achieved visibility for her book—and landed a book deal with traditional publisher Andrews McMeel.
How to Find Publishers
If you have a book idea or manuscript, one of your first questions is probably: How do I find a publisher? Here are the most popular, essential resources.
A Definition of Author Platform
Author platform is one of the most difficult concepts to explain, partly because everyone defines it a little differently. Here’s what agents and editors mean by platform, plus a clear definition of what platform is NOT.
Writing Advice for Children and Teens
What young people need to know about writing and publishing.
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?
How to Write a Query Letter: Nonfiction and Memoir
Learn how to pitch your nonfiction book to agents and publishers—whether you’re writing memoir, narrative nonfiction, or prescriptive nonfiction.
It’s Here! My Great Course on How to Publish Your Book
I am thrilled to announce that my 24-lecture series on how to publish your book is now available from The Great Courses.
Interview with Chuck Sambuchino: The Keys to Publishing Success
Author and editor Chuck Sambuchino discusses promoting books, the talent writers need, and good writing advice.
Are Literary Journals in Trouble?
Literary journals have done little to move beyond their gatekeeping function, and cling to a scarcity model that no longer works in the digital age.
When You Have Lots of Unpublished Writing in Boxes
As a teenager, I looked on my mother’s files with disdain and, later, with pity. How sad, I thought, to just move papers about and never really do the things you want to do. How tragic, to lock up a life in a box.
Publishing With a Small Press: Straddling the Indie-Traditional Gap
Working with a small press is an option many authors never consider. It’s the shadowy middle ground between self-pub and a Big Five contract.
Updated & Expanded: How to Get Your Book Published
I’ve revisited my No. 1 post on how to get published—adding more advice and instruction.
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 […]