The 2012 Guide to Literary Agents

I know my readers are savvy web surfers, and you’re reading blogs and websites to learn about agents and publishing. But I cannot overstate the value of having this print resource on hand! The 2012 Guide to Literary Agents is now available—and it’s less than twenty bucks. I think it’s an incredible value. Here’s what you’ll find inside: Contact info and submission guidelines for hundreds of legitimate literary agencies. Info on over 100 writers’ conferences around the country. Complete glossary of publishing industry terms. Over 40 articles written by top literary agents, addressing researching agents, writing queries, attending conferences, and much more. Of course you won’t want to miss my article on Non-fiction Book Proposals!...

How To Write A Query Letter

*The Definitive Guide* Query letters are a recurring theme here since every writer needs one, and there are hundreds of posts online full of query advice. But I wanted to give you a simple, straightforward set of instructions. Other places you can find specifics such as how to write a strong pitch for your book, or how to write an author bio. But here are the basics on queries. Queries should include the following three elements: Something about the book – enough to make the agent want more  Something about you – tailored as appropriate for your book The first 3 to 5 (or so) pages of the manuscript pasted into the email (IF the agent requests it in their guidelines, which I do) Tips for a great query: It starts with a few sentences designed to make me want to read your...

How To Write a Book Proposal

There are several great books available on writing book proposals. My favorite for non-fiction is: Write the Perfect Book Proposal by Jeff Herman. I like this one because it contains ten real-life proposals that sold. Author and writing mentor Mary DeMuth has created two in-depth proposal tutorials, one for fiction and non-fiction. You can find the links here on my blog under the tab “Resources for Writers.” If you’re a WordServe client and we request a proposal from you, we’ll send you our book proposal template. Meanwhile, here are bare-bones outlines of non-fiction and fiction book proposals. Note: You’re highly unlikely to have a winning book proposal if you try to write one based strictly on a few blog posts. Make the effort to get access to an in-depth...

How to Write a Terrific Author Bio

Sometimes it’s hard to believe how difficult it can be to write about yourself in a bio—after all, you’re a writer! But I understand it’s not as simple as that, so here are a few tips to make it easier. Write your bio in first person for query letters, third person for most other purposes including proposals, book jackets, article bylines. Make it professional but you also need to convey personality and writing style. Don’t try too hard to be funny, but include something that makes you seem like a real person. What gives you credibility? What makes you interesting? What helps people connect with you? (When you’re on Twitter, Facebook or your blog, what kinds of posts seem to get the most comments?) These are things you can briefly include. If your book centers on something...

How to Get Published

*The Definitive Post* I get emails every day asking for advice on getting published or getting an agent. This is the post for people needing an entry-level introduction to publishing. Dear Writer, Congratulations on your decision to pursue publication. As a literary agent, I’m not able to help you until you’ve created the appropriate materials: → If you’re a non-fiction writer, you’ll need a full professional book proposal, with three sample chapters (this must include the FIRST chapter). (See How To Write a Book Proposal) → If you’re writing fiction, your manuscript must be complete, edited and polished; you also need a one-sentence hook and a one-paragraph pitch. Once you have your manuscript and/or proposal ready, you need to prepare a query letter....