Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Many of you are preparing for upcoming writer’s conferences. Are you getting stressed about how to pitch your book to editors and agents? I’m going to suggest you ditch the pitch. Read on. . .
More writers …
Writer's Conferences
Some Good News?
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Don’t you think it’s time for a dose of good news? I’ve been thinking a lot about the industry lately and I think there’s more good news than bad these days. So many long for the “good …
The Very First Page
Blogger: Rachel Kent
The first page of your manuscript is more important than you might imagine. You want the opening paragraphs to shine because, it turns out, if they don’t stand out, often that’s as far as an editor or …
Pitching at a Conference
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
Recently I was asked whether a “newbie” unpublished author should pitch during their one-on-one appointments at a writers’ conference, or simply use the time to get to know an agent/editor and learn more about the process.
In …
Agents Are Not to Be Feared
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Next week I’ll be at Book Expo America (BEA) in Chicago. This annual trade show is the general market’s equivalent of the Christian market’s International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). BEA is the largest book and author publishing …
2016 Writing Contests
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Following last week’s blog about editing, I was reminded that entering writing contests is another low-cost way to receive professional feedback on your manuscript. The season for this year’s writing contests is upon us, and an update …
4 Tips for Recovering from a Poor First Impression
Blogger: Mary Keeley
We’ve all done it. We say or do something that comes across all wrong, confirmed by the comments or expressions we get in response. Don’t be too hard on yourself because it won’t be the end of …
Contests: To Enter or Not
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Over the holiday weekend I spent time debriefing after serving on faculty at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Up until now, I’ve had vacillating opinions about the long-term value published and unpublished authors reap from …
Sensitivity at Conferences
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Today’s topic is an extension of Rachelle Gardner’s post yesterday on etiquette but focuses specifically on sensitivity at conferences. Prepare for mental overload as you take in workshops, general sessions, and meetings with agents and editors, but …
Preparing for Conferences: Your One-Sheet
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Soon it will be the busiest conference time of the year. If you’ve been feeling butterflies beginning to flutter in your stomach at the anticipation, you likely are not alone. Much is involved in preparing your materials …