Summer’s over, now it’s time to find an agent – Your Query Submission Checklist

August 28, 2010 in Query Process, Writing Resources | Tags: , | 3 comments

Here is your official checklist to use before querying EVERY agent.  It’ll save time, money, frustration, and hopefully make the process smoother.  Everyone knows that those of us in publishing kick into full gear after Labor Day.  Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re ready too!

  1. Did you complete the full book proposal (no partials please).  If the book is fiction, have you completed the final version of the manuscript and its synopsis?   If one or both are not available, take some quality time and complete the necessary materials.


  2. Is the query letter written?  Does it explain WHAT your book is about, WHO wrote it, and WHY it is commercially viable for the large publishers?  Does it fit onto one page?   If your query letter doesn’t explain the WHO/WHAT/WHY or is too long, rewrite it. 


  3. Do your research, WHO will you query?


  4. Does each agent represent your book’s category?  If not, stop and redo your list.  Only query agents who represent the book’s category.


  5. Now that the agents are finalized, have their individual submission preferances been duly noted?  If not, go back to the original resource material, and record this information.  Then follow their requested submission guidelines.


  6. Prepare the queries.  Avoid using the phrases To Whom It May Concern, Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Agent, and pretty much any greeting that doesn’t include the agent’s NAME.


  7. Send out the query LETTERS.  Then wait, there’s really no timeline here – some agents are able to answer quickly, others not as able.   Please do not send a reminder email or place a reminder phone call that you’ve sent an initial query to us – this does not help hasten the process.


  8. If an agent requests to see the book proposal, synopsis, or mss (or a combination), mail/email in a prompt time.  Reminder:  Follow the submission guidelines – down to the type of document and how it’s to be sent (email, USPS, Fedex, etc…)


  9. More waiting will occur.  This can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.  If 6 weeks have passed, feel free to drop a note to the agent and see how things are coming along.  Anytime earlier is probably not a good idea, especially if the agent is in the middle of a very busy season with his/her current projects.


  10. If rejection letters arrive – read them thoroughly.  Look at the reasons your book is being turned down.  Did you the query an agent(s) who don’t represent the book’s category?  Is your book’s category different than imagined initially?  Is there advice or suggestions from any of the letters? Do you need to work on your writing platform?  etc. . .   These letters can help determine what steps should be taken for your next round of query letters.


  11. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite – once you’ve mulled over the rejection letters.  Also implement any other suggestions that would help you get published, ex: expanding your writing platform.


  12. Start the process over again (go back to #1)


Have you thought outside the box?

August 21, 2010 in Blog, Entertainment & Fun, Industry News, Writing Platform, Writing Resources | Tags: , , , | 1 comment

We’re all embroiled in a discussion of e-books vs. printed books, a debate which has many sides and approaches.  That is not the topic of today’s post.   Instead, I’d like to discuss the topic of iPhone applications with a literary twist.  In this case, it’s not the real book we’re discussing.  We’ll be thinking about the benefits of interactive applications for the publishing world.  As well as the world of reading.

Recently one of my friends told me she was leading the development of  an iPhone application that will benefit her library users.  At some point in the near future, her patrons will be able to walk into the library, be able to browse the library catalog via iPhone, choose the items for check out, and actually be able to check out these items via the same application.   Imagine my excitement, as I know this will bring even more people into the library, as the ease of use and this level of interactive technology is dead-on with today’s general public. 


Other applications that I’ve heard about include:

1. Local Books – Do you need to find a bookstore or library nearby?  Then this is the application to use.

2. McSweeney’s – There’s the print and web presence of this fantastic magazine, but now you can connect to McSweeney’s via iPhone.  Super cool!

3. Tasty Bytes – Rachel Ray’s iPhone shopping app. You have her cookbooks, the next step is to bring her to the grocery store.  A great idea no less!

4. Random House Author iPhone Apps – You’ve read the book, now get the skinny on author book tours, interviews and more.  They announced this initiative in late 2009.

5. Agent Obvious – The perfect iPhone application for writers, editors and literary agents.  Lots of good advice and interactive content, and created by Laurie Abkemeier of DeFiore and Company.



The reason I feel the need to mention these examples is to appreciate the need of thinking “outside-the-box.”  Do you want to expand your writing platform?  Do you have a new book that’s about to get published?  Are you an aspiring writer?   Do you find yourself needing to locate a nearby bookstore & not near a computer to do so?  Do you want to leave the book at home, but still need access to its informative content?  Then using and/or creating these types of applications is the way to go.  

This type of advanced technology should be used by writers to advance their writing platform.  We’ve already discussed social media, websites, blogs, print media, book signings, and more.  The next step would obviously point to creating interactive programs for readers – especially due to the many people who seem to own iPhones (and other types of smartphones). 

It’s definitely worth thinking about, as I truly believe the smartphones are around for the long-haul.

Rome wasn’t built in a day – Some sound advice to use in the publishing “world”

August 9, 2010 in Blog, Query Process, Writing Platform, Writing Resources | Tags: , , , | 1 comment

Let’s face it, the publishing process doesn’t necessarily move at the speed we all prefer. From the generally long amount of time it takes to write a book, find an agent and/or editor, the preparation before the book is published, and the day it’s FINALLY published – every single writer gets a little antsy about the incredibly slow pace. It’s hard enough to allow a person to read one’s written work, even harder to leave it in another person’s willing & capable hands, while sitting back patiently to allow the necessary work to get completed.

I find in order to do my job efficiently (and effectively) certain things have to be accepted.

1.) I cannot (and will not) write my authors’ books. The world should appreciate that, I’m not a person who has any desire to write a book and one who lacks that special talent to turn words into 200+ pages of engaging text.

2.) I cannot (and will not) give a strict writing schedule to my authors. If I like their book ideas enough, and we seem to work well together, I’m going to simply give very basic deadlines (as to when things need to be done) and input (on their projects).   I will not oversee how those deadlines will be met on their ends, as I have enough work to do.

3.) I will plan to run with a project when it’s strategically smart. I believe most of us agents like to come up with a tentative plan, when to execute it, and how it will be executed. The process in how this is completed should be left in our hands, barring any life altering/crazy circumstances that would prevent us from being able to do our jobs effectively.

4.) I always try to be fully aware of the others’ who make this publishing process work (and function) accordingly.  They too have deadlines and other work-related tasks to juggle too.



So let’s look at the various roles, to which I know I’m probably missing some of folks – I promise it’s not intentional.  My goal is to keep this basic –  here are the main roles to remember (during the publishing process):

The Writer -  Known as the Author. That would more than likely be the person reading this post.  You are the creative element, the person with a love for words.  The one who wants to put them into a certain order, so that your story can be told. 

The Editor – The special person who makes sure those words are ready for publication.  Also the person who works actively with the Sales Department in making sure the book reaches readers; ultimately a newer, busier role in today’s industry.   In summary, a good working relationship with one’s editor is absolutely essential.

The Literary Agent – The author’s advocate.  The person who brings the responsibility of connecting an author’s work with the Editors.  The person who must also be an entrepreneur at heart, and equally fearless in championing his/her authors’ works.  Once the Author’s book is ready, the Author must hand off that work and allow the Agent to do his/her job.  There’s more I can list here, but for the moment I’m trying to keep this simple. 

The Publisher – The place where the Editor works.  The place that the Literary Agent approaches.  The place that has the final say on IF it will publish a Book, and more.  Once again, many responsibilities fall on this player in the process of getting published.

Other important folks worth mentioning – the Sales and Marketing Departments, Contracts Departments, Co-Writers, Ghostwriters, Production Editors (Print and/or Digital), the Interns (usually unpaid or minimally paid), the Book Distributors, the Book Reviewers (Print and/or Online)  the Book Store Buyers, the Book Sellers and more. 



The big reminder is that each of these folks brings an important job to the table.  If any of these people  try to do another person’s job, the process can easily come to a halt, or slow down considerably.   Ultimately as an Agent, I find that keeping in touch with the folks (I work with) in publishing is absolutely necessary.  Yet I would never try to do their jobs, as they wouldn’t want to do mine more than likely.

For Writers, this means that once you do decide to get published, these are some of things that need to be remembered.  Ultimately focusing on one’s writing, in addition to one’s writing platform is going to be much more productive than attempting to participate in the other roles.    The one entity that will most benefit from that attention is your Book.  And your Book will appreciate it.

Now that your book is published – The official book launch

August 4, 2010 in Blog, New Books | Tags: | 3 comments

Recently I attended a book launch by a local author.   For once, it wasn’t my own doing, it was an invite from a friend, which I always appreciate. 

Looking back upon many years on the frontlines (in the bookstores), and attending my own fair share of book events over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the “good” book launches.     Most of us can agree, not every book event is perfect – this makes me sad, especially already knowing the time and energy it takes for a new book to get published. 

I won’t go into all of the details about this recent book event — all I will say is that it was one of the more painful ones I’ve attended.  Between the author’s long-winded presentation, the lack of audience engagement, and the four people I saw falling asleep in the crowd, I found myself looking back on the elements of successful book launches. These included:


1.  Less is more, a concept worth implementing.    The goal of a book event is for people to BUY the book.  Reciting every little detail within the book (from front to end) can result in glossy-eyed, sleepy attendees.  Attendees who are either so overwhelmed with “TMI” (too much information), or attendees who don’t buy the book due to the book event putting them to sleep. 

Instead, use the “carrot” concept.  Get potential readers excited about the book by explaining why it was written, what it’s about, and reading writing samples aloud.   As experienced at this recent book event, EVERY single detail of the book was overly explained over a period of 1.5 hours, to the point it seemed like an academic lecture .   If #s are proof in the pudding, I observed only 2 books getting purchased afterwards.

2. Interact with your reading audience.  Do you have visuals for your book?  Then bring them!  Is there going to be a Q &A session?  If not, consider it.  How good is the lighting?  Will there be coffee and/or snacks available?  Will there be a chance for books to be signed afterwards?  Do you have your speaking portion perfectly timed (within a reasonable window), so that the rest of your time is spent interacting with the attendees?  

Referring back to the bad book event:  there was dark lighting (due to an overhead projector that was used AFTER the 1.5 hours the author spoke), no coffee (which may have helped some folks to stay awake), no Q&A session (due to the long-winded lecture), and hardly any time for the author to talk one-on-one with the people who did stay at his book launch.    Having witnessed similar situations over the years, the best thing I can say is “don’t do it.”   In order to sell a book, readers need to be engaged.  Engaging them at the book event can be a successful tool for increasing sales #s.


There’s more I can say, but in the interest of keeping this process simple, we’ll stop here.  As usual, definitely comment if you have anything to add!  :)

Authors Guild – 2010 Spring Bulletin

August 4, 2010 in Industry News, Writing Resources | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Yes, it’s Summer now.   If it’s any comfort, I finished reading the bulletin in Philly about a month ago.   Sadly with life’s schedule, the opportunity to talk about this installment didn’t happen until now.

Let me preface the value of the Authors Guild.  If you are a writer, or someone who works with writers, there’s no reason to avoid joining this organization.  If there was ever an important time for you to join the AG, it’s now.  It’s agreed on many levels, the publishing industry is going through growing pains.  As the role of publishers and books evolve, it’s absolutely essential that writers are prepared for the road ahead of them.    The Authors Guild will help make this transition smoother.


Articles I particularly appreciated were:

1. Google & the Digital Future

2. Writing for “the Best Readers There are” by Nicola Smith

3. E-Rights + E-Markets = E=Turmoil? [Symposium from January 19, 2010 with the AAR]


In summary, take a few moments to navigate the Authors Guild website.  And if you haven’t joined already, do it as soon as possible.

Paper Darts: A Magazine of Literature, Vol. 2

August 4, 2010 in Blog, Industry News | Tags: , | Leave a comment

There’s so much I can say about this issue.  The artwork and illustrations are fantastic!  Every story, interview and poem was delivered fantastically as well.   (I especially appreciated the essay, “No Grace Allowed” by Elizabeth Sowden)    Plus, the reading event on July 16th with the promotion of Volume 2 was totally worth it.   Seeing the hodgepodge of writerly and publishing folks at this local event was a treat! 

If there’s one thing Paper Darts confirms to me (and the rest of the world) – the Twin Cities is a still a leading hub of creative writers and literary organizations.  In the intro of Volume 2, the editors clearly state “That publishing industry is not dying, it is evolving.”   I absolutely agree. 

Paper Darts, count me as one of your local fans.  And know I’ll be at your next reading event quietly enjoying the infectious creativity.

Do your research, you’ll appreciate it in the end

July 20, 2010 in Query Process | Tags: , , | 2 comments

Sometimes it’s easy to feel like a broken record, especially when it comes to general ins & outs of the publishing world.  Yet, there always seems to be multiple folks who are still learning the steps of getting published; hence the repetition is to be expected.   In my opinion, I  know  anyone aspiring to be published will benefit from asking those questions & doing that figurative “homework.” 

Here’s my kind nudge that one should take the initiative and do the necessary research before, during, and after writing a book.  The 3 types of research any author should do will include:

1. Thoroughly researching your book idea.  Doesn’t matter if the book is fiction or nonfiction, the facts need to be dead-on.    Not only are the editors smart and able to catch these errors (since most specialize in book categories), the readers will notice inaccuracies as well. 

2. Researching your competition.  Beyond the basics of ANY published book being competition for any newly published book, investigate books that share the same book category as yours.  Besides these books already being published, it’s essential that you are able to successfully communicate that your book is as equally viable to editors and agents – despite the competition.

3.  Researching the agents and editors.  With so many websites and printed directories, let alone writing conferences where one is able to meet them one-on-one, there’s no excuse in bypassing this step.  It’s to your advantage to work with an agent/editor who knows your category vs.  one who doesn’t. 

By investing your time into good, thorough research in advance,  time will be saved and there will be less frustration.    Plus, you’ll have the appreciation of  the readers, book editors, and literary agents.  :)

The Touch of Inspiration

June 23, 2010 in Blog, Entertainment & Fun, Writing Platform | 2 comments

I’ve been less “bloggy” lately, due to the overwhelming number of things to do (personal and work) of late.  In all, life has been hectic. 

Yet, one of my favorite habits as a literary agent is the research process – whether it’s in regard to my current projects, or ones in consideration.

There are various ways of  doing this research, to which many folks prefer to go the route of the internet.   In fact, I highly encourage folks to do the initial research online.  However, the most effective practice I’ve used is the tried-and-true method of visiting real, “live” books in person.  Yes, the bookstore and/or the library. 

With the usual backlog of book proposals, manuscripts, and emails taking lots of time, there’s something refreshing upon returning back to the bookstore (where my path began so long ago).  It’s a chance to visit the books, to smell them, to look at their pretty covers, to interact with the booksellers, and to stumble upon little jewels that wouldn’t be randomly found online. 

Not only does this help with the decisions made in regard to publishers queried and researching potential projects, this practice results in a happy, excited literary agent.  A literary agent who sprints to the register line with newly found books to bring home.   

Tonight the book “Regetsy” found me at the bookstore - yes, it found me.  This hysterical collection of Etsy-projects-gone-wrong made an otherwise crazy, busy week much more bearable. 


For any aspiring writer attempting to determine if a book idea is commercially viable, look at the larger picture.  Consider the following:

1. Will readers be excited to discover your book – whether found online or at a bookstore?  (i.e. pulling out their wallets to buy it)

2. Does your idea stand out enough to result in the book “finding” your potential readership vs. them seeking it out?   (i.e. within the book’s category, will it elicit a feeling that the reader “needs” to read it?)

3. What does the competition look like?  Can your book fill a special gap within its potential book category?   (i.e. the stiffer the competition means a need for the book to distinguish itself from the other available titles)


After today’s fun outing, several conclusions come to mind.   First and foremost, market yourself and your book like it’s going out of style.  Forget about the friends and family, colleagues, neighbors, etc…of which there is a personal acquaintance – they already know you, and will buy the book.  Remember that one also needs to reach the readers who haven’t heard about the book-who haven’t met you YET.  Determine a strategy in how those folks will be reached.  Not only will it result with increased odds of getting published, there’s a better possibility of increasing one’s sales #s (once published).

Secondly, don’t forget about the bookstore customer who casually browses the shelves.  Considering the fact there are MANY choices once s/he enters the bookstore, it’s absolutely essential the idea will have legs of its own.  Figurative legs that will result in any random stranger purchasing the book; due to the uniqueness of the book, the narrative, and the desire to give that book a home. 

Finally, as an agent, this is the type of excitement I want with ANY project at Red Sofa Literary.  If a possible project results in a “so-so” response, I know immediately that it’s not a good match. Literary agents need to be enthusiastic about our projects, as we should be championing those books it to the publishers.  That type of excitement is always infectious, and to author’s advantage.

Now I’m going to return back to Regretsy.  Go check it out!

The Red Sofa Chats – Kate Childs

June 14, 2010 in The Red Sofa Chats | Tags: , , | 2 comments

I’m extremely excited about the newest installment of The Red Sofa Chats!  Our newest guest is Kate Childs, who works at Random House.  I find her love of books and enthusiasm of the publishing industry extremely refreshing.  (Especially after one of the busiest Springs I’ve experienced as an agent, and the exhaustion that followed.) 

Just seeing Kate’s responses reminds me yet again of why I too love my job – and why it’s always important to keep in touch with my publishing colleagues, as they’ll infect me with a new dose of enthusiasm.  :)   I believe you’ll enjoy Kate’s responses, as she adds another layer to the “social machine” we call Twitter.    Plus, I enjoyed learning about the  Young to Publishing Group –where was this awesome organization when I was starting out?  Note to readers aspiring to work in publishing: go check out this organization!

Let’s begin. . .

 

 

Bio:  Kate Childs is the executive assistant to the president and publisher of Random House Publishing Group. Before joining Little Random, she participated in the Random House Associates Program with the Crown Publishing Group.  Kate graduated with a B.A. in government and an art minor from Hamilton College.  She is the chair of the Association of American Publishers’ Young to Publishing Group (YPG).  Originally from New Hampshire, Kate spends her time playing volleyball, painting, poring over design blogs, and co-chairing Hamilton’s young alumni group.   Her Twitter:  @kate_childs
 

 

1. Why did you choose to go into publishing?

As a government major and a political-news-junkie, I actually always thought I would go into politics, but when I heard about Random House’s Associates Program, I was immediately interested and decided to apply.  I started a lifestyle magazine at Hamilton College (www.contmag.com).   As I began to decide what to do post-college I started searching for jobs that would allow me more of a creative outlet than government work, and publishing fit that bill. 

I was incredibly lucky to be accepted into the 2008 Associates Class and placed at Crown Publishing, and as soon as I started, I knew publishing was the right fit for me.  In retrospect, it was the clear choice all along– I’ve been an avid reader all my life, loved writing stories as a child, and dreamed of having a job that was interesting and engaging.  I couldn’t have asked for a better start to a career than the Associates Program and now my job at Little Random.

 

2. What is the Young to Publishing Group’s mission?

The AAP started the Young to Publishing Group to give entry-level employees a chance to build a community outside of their own publishing houses and learn about the industry (www.youngtopublishing.com).  We host brownbag lunches and happy hours, and connect colleagues through our Buddy Program and mentoring initiatives.  There’s definitely a need for a group like this to support employees.  There are many reasons why someone new to the industry might leave publishing, but one of them should not be that they didn’t feel like people were invested in their careers and development. 

YPG provides a support network that is needed among junior employees, connecting colleagues who can share the trials and tribulations of working up the corporate ladder, war stories about being assistants (and let me assure you, there are plenty but we’ll save that for another Red Sofa Chat!), and successes as they come.   I know I will definitely be seeing many YPG members in 5, 10 or 20 years at industry events and I feel very fortunate to be connected to such an amazing group.

 

3. What are you reading right now (for personal reading)?

I think I am the last woman in America to read EAT PRAY LOVE, but I’m crossing that off my list this week and then digging into the Stieg Larsson trilogy.  I just finished the galley for AN OBJECT OF BEAUTY by Steve Martin, and it was incredible.  He’s such a wonderful storyteller, and this novel about a young woman working her way up in the New York art world was beautifully told and pitch-perfect.  It’s being published by Grand Central in November and has one of the most captivating yet simple covers I have ever seen.

 

4. How do you utilize Twitter? How do you believe it has changed the way we go about publishing books?

I use Twitter mostly for work, and Facebook for personal communication, and I think it’s really important to delineate how you use each of the social media mediums. 

For Twitter, I tweet about books that I’ve read, in-house meetings such as launches that have 1745 Broadway buzzing, and projects that we acquire.  I mainly utilize Twitter as a barometer of our audience.  It’s amazing to see how booksellers and readers alike on Twitter will respond to Random House books and it’s incredibly fascinating to get this raw and instantaneous feedback via Twitter. 

I love that authors can casually connect with readers and booksellers, also freely corresponding with publishing houses.  In a sense it has changed the way we’re publishing books because we have easier access to these new connections, but in essence that’s always been there.  It’s always been about the story, and the storytellers, and the people who want to hear that story.  Twitter just makes it more transparent.

 

5. If you had a crystal ball, where do you think (or hope) publishing will be in 5 yrs?

In terms of digital, in five years I think (and definitely hope) the Great Ebook Scare will be over and people will more wholeheartedly endorse the idea of providing and reading books in any format.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on the subway and had someone ask about my Kindle and how I like it.  When I respond that I love it and think it’s great, they usually tell me that they could never use one because they truly love books and eReaders are an afront to the written word. 

There’s nothing like starting one’s morning commute by hearing that you’re single-handedly desecrating a national pastime by reading on a handheld device.  I too still love books and buy hardcovers, but I also love the convenience of my Kindle and think more and more people will begin to see that eReaders serve as a compliment to printed books, not simply as a replacement. 

As a reader, I would love to see bundling.  I recently read THE IMPERFECTIONISTS and started it in hardcover, but then ended up downloading it on my Kindle when I was on vacation since I had left the hardcover in New York and was anxious to finish it. 

I wish there was a way to provide multiple formats to readers in one package.  In terms of day-to-day publishing, in five years it will be commonplace for industry employees to know the basics of social media and I foresee a continued focus on the online platform and concurrent marketability of authors.  And if I could ask one more thing from the crystal ball, it would be that in five years the “doom and gloom”/”publishing is dead” articles have ceased or at least are less frequently published.  The publishing industry isn’t going anywhere, it’s simply evolving.

Things to consider when Choosing an Agent

May 28, 2010 in Blog, Query Process | Tags: | Leave a comment

Literary agents - there isn’t a specific mold of one personality or business approach.  Each agent brings a distinct set of work and life experiences, as well as personality, to the table.  For writers, this may be difficult to handle when deciding on which agents to query, as it’s true – every agent is different. 

Here’s my perspective, much like the joy of selecting from sometimes 15 different types of cupcakes at my favorite bakery, choosing an agent can be a very positive experience.  Choices are a GOOD thing. 

Some things to consider during the agent query process:

1.  Never discount the new, fresh literary agent.    I remember my early days as an agent;  if that over-the-top energy could be boxed and saved for the future, I would have happily done it.  Remember that the new literary agent is starting with a clean slate.  The new literary agent is ready to represent new ideas and is waiting for the opportunity to get an aspiring writer published.   Us “old-timers” love their enthusiasm, which means writers should too.  :)   

2.  Never discount the need for a good personality match.  If the potential literary agent doesn’t have a similar communication  style and/or doesn’t interact well with YOU the writer, it’s probably a good idea to consider working with a different person.

3.  Never discount the location of the literary agent.  In this day of telecommunications, living outside of New York is okay.  It’s more about the agent(s) keeping in touch with the editors and publishing houses on a regular basis.  This can be accomplished through Social Media, special trips to Manhattan, and the old method of phone calls.

4. Never discount the work/life experiences.  Some agents were editors.  Others started in bookstores (much like myself).  Many agents have various college degrees and academic backgrounds.  Even some agents are published writers themselves.  Having one (or all) of these experiences = already providing a valuable perspective on the publishing industry.

I hope this helps!  And always remember to follow the specific agency guidelines too, as that’ll make an even bigger impact on success of one’s queries.

Red Sofa Literary

 

September 2010
M T W T F S S
« Aug    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930