Why Book PR Can Have the Most Impact BEFORE You Land An Agent, by Sharon Bially
From: http://writerunboxed.com/2016/06/13/why-book-pr-can-have-the-most-impact-before-you-land-an-agent The question of how important book promotion is to sales and an author’s career is the subject of continual, heated debate. On one hand, many agents these days urge their clients to hire an outside publicist no matter who their publisher is, claiming that without robust PR and promotion no book (or author) has a future. On the other hand, many — like WU’s own Donald Maass — stress the greater… Read More
Query Letters Part 1: The Pitch, by Annie Neugebauer
From: http://writerunboxed.com/2016/07/09/query-letters-part-1-the-pitch Last time I did my best to convince you that the query letter is a skill worth mastering. The heart of the query, your pitch, is useful not just for querying agents but also for the back of your book, pitching to editors, plotting, problem-solving, and even brainstorming. Naturally, the next big question is, “Okay, how do I write one?” Unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to that question. Every query… Read More
How to Write a 1-Page Synopsis
At our July 2017 meeting, Maureen talked about the process involved in traditional publishing. An important part of that process is writing a synopsis of your manuscript. She’s found this article that Wordherders may find useful: How to Write a 1-Page Synopsis, by Sooz. Enjoy!
Unbound
One of our Wordherders found this site that crowd sources authors’ pitches. Check it out! Unbound
Comparative and Competitive Book Analysis, by Catherine Fowler
From: Presentation at Write On The River, Wenatchee, Washington, on May 16, 2009 It is critical that writers understand how their books stack up against the competition in the marketplace. Any good agent will perform a cursory market analysis before presenting a new book to a publisher. In actuality, the writer should do this in advance. It gives: the writer confidence that his/her product will compete well in the market for which… Read More
How To Write Children’s Picture Books, by Tara Lazar
From: http://writetodone.com/six-best-tips-writing-childrens-picture-books “Anyone can write a children’s book!” Yep, that’s the response I get when I tell people I write for kids. “After all, they’re just kids,” they say with a flick of the wrist. As if kids are simpletons. As if kids don’t care what they read. As if kidlit publishers will buy any drivel. We know this is not true. Kids are smart, and picky about what they read. Publishers… Read More
4 Questions Agents Ask Writers at Pitch Sessions, by Chuck Sambuchino
From: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/4-questions-agents-ask-at-pitch-sessions?et_mid=761343&rid=239534100 Over the years, as I’ve written both KidLit and adult fiction, I have participated in several agent pitches and critique sessions. I’ve read every article I could get my hands on discussing how to deliver your pitch, or how to gracefully listen to constructive criticism. But what continues to surprise me are the questions that agents ask of me. I’d like to share the questions I’ve encountered in hopes that… Read More
Successful Queries, by Writers Digest
Want to know what makes a successful query letter? Writers Digest has posted over 60 examples of successful query letters. Check out their series, Successful Queries.
SCBWI Presents! Will Your Pitch Hook an Agent or Editor?
Stephen Wallenfels, Young Adult Author: “Writing the Perfect Pitch: The Art & Science of Sizzle” and Mary Cronk Farrell, Children’s/YA Author “Writing for the Children’s/YA Market: SCBWI Can Help at Every Stage of Your Career” June 20, 12:30 – 2:30 pm. Richland Public Library. Free. Details here.
Submit Like A Man, by Kelli Russell Agodon
Article by Kelli Russell Agodon, Submit Like A Man: How Women Writers Can Become More Successful. Is there a difference?