Years ago, authors wanting to publish novels really had only one viable option: find a literary agent and sign with a traditional publishing house. Self-publishing “existed” many years ago, but it didn’t have the legitimacy that it has for many authors today. The publishing world has opened up in many exciting ways, offering authors and readers more options than ever before. Unfortunately, publishing’s widening options also provide new opportunities for scammers, & the “well-meaning inexperienced.” The changes in publishing also mean the industry standards are in a state of flux. Some contract terms agents and attorneys accepted even two years ago are
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Tips for Effective “Elevator Pitches”
In the publishing world, an “elevator pitch” is the one-sentence (or at least under one minute) pitch an author offers an agent or editor in an attempt to prompt interest in the author’s book. I’ve heard a lot of these over the years, and helped many authors write them (in conference settings and otherwise). While the content of the pitch will vary, depending on the setting and the nature of the author’s work, there are some constants common to effective book pitches. For today, we’re focusing on the short “elevator pitch” designed to open a conversation. Many, though not all, of these
Read moreIndiana Writer and the Contract of DOOM … Or Not
Today, the Publishing 101 series takes a look at what happens when the publishing contract arrives. We won’t be dissecting contract language today – though contract issues will show up in other posts during 2014. Instead, we’re looking at what the author, and agent, will do when the contract comes. A note: as the publishing industry changes, a larger number of unrepresented authors are getting publishing contracts. If this happens to you, and you choose not to work with a literary agent, be sure to find a publishing attorney to review your contracts before you sign. Do not sign in
Read moreAfter the “Yes” …. Working With an Agent to Prepare a Work for Submission
Many pre-published authors think that once an author signs with an agent, publication follows immediately (or so close as to be immediately) thereafter. Today, we’ll look at what really happens after an author signs with an agent but before the work goes on submission to publishers. “On Submission” is the usual term for a manuscript that an agent has sent to publishers for review (and consideration for possible publication). Some authors shorten this to “on sub” – so if you see that terminology used, it doesn’t mean we’re sitting on sandwiches. After the author signs the agent’s contract (you should
Read moreHow to Find the Perfect Agent
Today we continue our Publishing 101 series with a look at finding the perfect agent. “Finding the perfect literary agent” starts – like everything else in publishing – with understanding the author-agent relationship. The author-agent relationship includes much more than merely selling books and negotiating contracts. In fact, a functional author-agent pair looks a lot like a business partnership, with each person fulfilling important related tasks. In addition to identifying the proper publishers (and editors within the house) and making the publishing deal, the agent often functions as the author’s sounding board and advisor. Agents provide their author clients with
Read moreMonday Blog Game: Someday We’ll Laugh About This
January 2-8 is official “Someday We’ll Laugh About This” week. In honor of the occasion, here’s something I look back on with gratitude: In 2004 I decided to get serious about writing. I finished my first manuscript and submitted it to a writing competition. Although I didn’t win, the manuscript placed in the finals – which earned me 3 requests from agents who wanted to see the entire manuscript. Six weeks later I received a telephone call from one of the agents who requested the novel. It was THE CALL!! I could barely contain my excitement. Except … it wasn’t
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