by Elizabeth May, Kensington Books How do you know if you’re ready to begin the querying process? It’s an exciting time for a writer and one that many rush into. So I put together a list of things to consider before you begin the journey that is sending out your novel for consideration. So here … Read more
by Carrie Pestritto, Literary Agent at Prospect Agency If you want to succeed as an author, you are probably going to have to promote yourself. This can be hard for introverted writers, but I’ve seen it again and again: my authors who perform the best are the ones who do a lot of work to … Read more
by Colleen Halverson “Have fun,” my husband called after me. “And don’t drink too much!” I snorted and grabbed my keys on the counter before stumbling out the door. A wave of heat blasted in my face, the temperature unseasonably warm for late September in Wisconsin. A line of perspiration beaded on my forehead, and … Read more
by Leila Campoli, Literary Agent, Stonesong Literary Whether you’re shopping around a personal memoir or a prescriptive guide, having the perfect pitch for your book is the most essential tool you have in crafting a wow-worthy proposal. This seems obvious and easy, right? Not always. Pinning down pitch and positioning can prove very difficult for … Read more
by Roseanne Wells, Agent at The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency In last week’s post, we talked about the history of magical realism. The components of this slightly nebulous genre can seem daunting and intangible, which makes it hard to determine if your book actually fits in this style. These are elements that I have … Read more
by Roseanne Wells I grew up reading Francesca Lia Block, passionately following Weetzie Bat and her band of misfits through this atmospheric, strangely delirious land called Los Angeles. I was swept away with Bless Me, Ultima, and I fell hard for Love in the Time of Cholera, The House of the Spirits, and Eva Luna. … Read more
by KK Hendin *sets some celebratory fireworks* (what, do the people in your neighborhood wait for the actual fourth of July to set off fireworks? Huh.) Happy #MSWL day, everyone! We’re so excited you’re here, and we’re so excited for another day of potential writer-agent-editor matches! Some friendly reminders so that today goes as smoothly … Read more
Tonight, #MSWL and #WDC16 (the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference) bring you a chat on pitching at conferences, how to use #MSWL–and how to find the right agent for you. Have questions about anything to do with publishing, agent compatibility, and giving your manuscript its best possible chance? Follow us on these hashtags tonight at 7 … Read more
by Jessica Reino Although I am a freelance editor with Pandamoon Publishing, which acquires adult fiction in a variety of genres, I am also a kidlit writer. As a writer, I have been in the query trenches and out on submission to publishing houses just like many of you probably are now. Tackling the query … Read more
Ladies and gentlemen, writers and agents, editors + readers: The next #MSWL day will be Thursday, June 30, 11-5 EST. We invite all agents and editors to tweet their wishes–to post links to their updated profiles–and to interact with each other (“Yes! Brilliant idea!” “Yes! Just like this, but with robots!”) on this day. As … Read more
