July/August 2013 Issue
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Author Archives: Chuck Sambuchino
Agent Mary Kole is Teaching a Picture Book Intensive on Jan. 12, 2011 (Includes Full Critique For Attendees!)
Literary agent Mary Kole has run several webinars for us before. They were so successful that we’re very excited to have her back for more in 2012. This webinar on Thursday, January 12, 2012 is an intensive on picture book writing (and includes a critique of your book!). Since Mary has many several picture books (lots of debuts) in the past two years, she knows her stuff. Keep reading to learn more.
All registrants are invited to submit the full manuscript of their picture book (up to 1,000 words) after the event. All submissions are guaranteed a critique by instructor Mary Kole. Read more
Successful Queries: Agent Jen Rofe and “Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars”
This series is called “Successful Queries” and I’m posting actual query letters that succeeded in getting writers signed with agents. In addition to posting the actual query letter, we will also get to hear thoughts from the agent as to why the letter worked.
The 57th installment in this series is with agent Jen Rofe (Andrea Brown Literary) for Nick James’s YA novel, Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars (Sept. 2011; Flux). The book was called “a fast-paced adventure that delivers solid action sequences throughout” by Publishers Weekly. Read more
Writing’s Most Essential Skill: Keep Them Turning the Pages
Making your reader want to turn the pages—through tension, pace, humor, what have you—is the foundation of effective writing. A writer who can’t make his reader want to keep reading is like a painter who can’t draw accurately, or a composer with no sense of melody. If you can’t make people desire to turn the pages of your book out of sheer pleasure, fear, tension, or joy, then you haven’t written a book that anyone really wants to read.
GIVEAWAY: Adam is excited to give away a free copy of his novel to a random commenter. Comment within one week; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the print book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. Read more
Agent Irene Goodman On: How to Get a Critique for Charity
If you want a chance to get solid, professional feedback from industry professionals this holiday season, please go to pubvh.org, where you will find more than 125 charity critique auctions. Some of the very best in the business have generously offered their time, expertise, and years of experience to give you the honest and constructive guidance that you need. Read more
New Agent Alert: Marie Lamba of the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency
Reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and postage.
Marie is seeking: Marie is currently looking for young adult and middle grade fiction, along with general and women’s fiction and some memoir. Books that are moving and/or hilarious are especially welcome. She is NOT interested in picture books, science fiction or high fantasy (though she is open to paranormal elements), category romance (though romantic elements are welcomed), non-fiction, or in books that feature graphic violence. Read more
“The How of Where” — The Importance of Setting in Your Fiction
In some books, you scarcely recall where the narrative took place. Others could have unfolded anywhere, at any time. Perhaps this was a purposeful decision by the author – universality, timelessness. But if the story is intended to be a product of its setting, how to render that setting in a living way? How do you take it from backdrop to character?
GIVEAWAY: David is excited to give away a free copy of his novel to 10 random commenters. Comment within one week; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the print book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. (Update: The 10 winners are Clay, Jamie, ninorota, Dennisfp1, Chezza, pmettert, ktgresham, Eddi, Karen and ltodd.) Read more
Literary Agent Interview: Jessica Alvarez of BookEnds, LLC
This interview features Jessica Alvarez of BookEnds, LLC. Mere days after graduating from New York University with a B.A. in English Literature, Jessica began her publishing career in 2001 as an editorial assistant at Harlequin Books. There, she had the opportunity to acquire and edit a wide array of women’s fiction, specializing in historical romance, romantic suspense, and inspirational romance. The agency has a blog. Find Jessica on Twitter here.
She is seeking: women’s fiction, erotica, urban fantasy/paranormal, single title and category romance submissions. She has a special fondness for historical romance and romantic suspense. Read more
Your Job Is To Write, Not Worry
Two summers ago, I landed a literary agent for my novel, The Great Lenore. A short time later, she submitted the manuscript to editors at HarperCollins and St. Martin’s Press – each of whom she had a close working relationship with. She was excited when she sent the manuscript their way. She was excited as we awaited their responses. Each editor came back to her within a week: “We love the premise of the story. We love the writing. But … we’re just not sure it has enough commercial appeal”…
GIVEAWAY: JM is excited to give away a free copy of his novel to a random commenter. Comment within one week; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the print book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. Read more
New Agent Alert: Linda Epstein of the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency
She is seeking: “For adult: I like accessible literary fiction, quality upscale commercial fiction, vibrant narrative nonfiction, and compelling memoirs. When I read a manuscript I want to be so immersed in its world that I can’t put it down. A distinctive voice is imperative. I love to learn something about another time, place, or culture while engrossed in a gripping story. Books with Jewish or other spiritual/religious themes or undercurrents are of particular interest. I am partial to underdogs and outsiders. Occasionally I like to read something funny, and sometimes a little magical realism is entertaining. I don’t like bodice-rippers and won’t read anything with dead, maimed, or kidnapped children. I don’t read horror. I’m not really interested in traditional SciFi… Read more
My Adventures in Myrtle Beach … and Dallas
I have been traveling a lot in the past few weeks, and have recently presented at writers conferences in both South Carolina and Texas. Both were a lot of fun. I am a huge advocate of writers conferences, and I still believe they are a great opportunity to meet publishing pros, make writer friends for life, and get educated about the craft and business of writing. Read more
Agent Mary Kole is Teaching an Intensive Webinar on Young Adult and Middle Grade Novels (Feb. 9, 2012)
Literary agent Mary Kole has run three webinars for us before. They were so successful that we’re very excited to have her back for more. This new webinar on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011 is an intensive on young adult and middle grade novel writing (and includes a critique of your book!). Since Mary has sold several YA and MG novels (debuts) in the past two years, she knows her stuff. Keep reading to learn more about “Middle Grade and Young Adult Craft Intensive: Telling Kidlit Stories in Today’s Market.” Read more
Agent Kathleen Ortiz Teaches How to Write a Great Query on Dec. 8, 2011 (Includes Query Critique!)
The query letter is that all-important first contact with literary agents. Before they opt to read your work, they have to be interested in you and your story — and that’s what the query letter does. We all know that composing a query is a completely different monster than writing a story. If you’re getting rejected at the query stage, don’t fret — we have an expert for you. Literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of Nancy Coffey Literary is teaching an intensive webinar on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 called “How to Hook an Agent or Editor With Your Query.” The new webinar features a query critique by Kathleen for every registrant. Read more
Special Giveaway: Win Tickets to See the New Alan Rickman Writing Comedy “Seminar” on Broadway
We have a very special contest going down right now on the GLA Blog. Here’s the deal. There’s a new comedy on Broadway called “Seminar” that stars none other than Alan Rickman (bad guy in Die Hard, cheating husband in Love Actually, and, oh yeah, Snape in Harry Potter) as a writing instructor. Time Out New York gave it 5 stars and said Alan Rickman is hilarious in it and basically the man, which, naturally, we already knew. We’re giving away tickets on this blog. Keep reading if you want to win a pair! (Update: Winners picked on 1-10: lhinkey, Marta, gigig99 and shannon.kahle.) Read more
What’s Working in the Young Adult Market?
1. Write What You Love: You should always write your first draft for yourself, telling the story you want to read and only you can write. I sat down for lunch at a conference with one of my authors, Jackie Morse Kessler, and she told me about a book she wanted to write someday, when she was a big enough name, about an anorexic girl who became the embodiment of Famine, one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Miriam Kriss is an agent with the Irene Goodman Literary Agency representing commercial fiction and she represents everything from hardcover historical mysteries to all subgenres of romance, from young adult fiction to kick ass urban fantasies, and everything in between. Read more
Create an Author Website in 24 Hours or Less — New Webinar on Dec. 15
You absolutely need an author website. There’s just no other way to put it. An author website, even a very simple one, is a landing page for anyone who is searching for you or your writing specialties. People hesitate putting together an author website because 1) they don’t recognize the immediate value of it, and 2) they have no idea how to create one. Well, worry no more. We have enlisted social media guru Jane Friedman to teach a new two-hour intensive webinar on Dec. 12, 2011 called “Create an Author Website in 24 Hours or Less.” Click through to learn more. Read more
Writing Christian/Inspirational? Let an Agent Help You Get Published
Are you writing a book that’s considered Christian or inspirational? If so, get an agent’s eyes on your work. Literary agent Sandra Bishop (MacGregor Literary) is teaching an all-new webinar called “Get Your Christian Fiction and Nonfiction Published” on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011.
All webinar registrants are invited to submit a bio and platform statement. All submissions are guaranteed a critique by the instructor. Sandra Bishop will request more materials from authors who have an excellent book idea or who possess quality writing. Read more
New Agent Alert: Brooks Sherman of FinePrint Literary Management
Brooks is seeking: On the adult side, literary and upmarket fiction running the gamut from contemporary (with an eye toward multicultural or satirical) to speculative (particularly urban/contemporary fantasy, horror/dark fantasy, and slipstream). Brooks also has a weakness for historical fiction and a burgeoning interest in crime fiction. For nonfiction, he is particularly interested in works that focus on current events, history, and pop science/sociology. On the children’s side, he is looking to build a list of boy-focused Middle Grade novels (all subgenres, but particularly fantasy adventure and contemporary), and is open to YA fiction of all types except paranormal romance. Read more
How I Got My Agent: Kevin Sheehan
“How I Got My Agent” is a recurring feature on the GLA blog. Some tales are of long roads and many setbacks, while others are of good luck and quick signings. If you have a literary agent and would be interested in writing a short guest column for this GLA blog, e-mail me at literaryagent@fwmedia.com and we’ll talk specifics.
GIVEAWAY: Kevin is excited to give away a free copy of his book to a random commenter. Comment within one week; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. The winner will receive either a copy of the ebook immediately or a copy of the print version upon its January 2012 release. (Update: JC won.) Read more
Literary Agent Barbara Poelle Teaches How to Write Crime / Thriller / Mystery Novels on Nov. 3 (Includes an Awesome Critique!)
Are you writing a novel that falls under the genres of crime, thriller or mystery? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you on Thursday, Nov. 3. Literary agent Barbara Poelle, who reps all kinds of crime and mystery novels (lots of debuts, too) is teaching a new intensive webinar called “From Cozy to Carnage: An Agent Explains the Ins and Outs of Thriller/Mystery Writing — For Both the Adult and YA Markets.” It’s a lot of instruction, and also comes with a critique of your query and first page, and an opportunity to simply get your work in front an agent. Read on to learn more. Read more
Live near Dallas/Fort Worth? Check Out the TWW One-Day Writing Seminar on Nov. 5, 2011
I am teaching a comprehensive one-day writing seminar in Hurst, TX on Nov. 5, 2011 — come out and learn how to find an agent and get published. Have you completed a novel, kids book, memoir, or nonfiction book idea? Are you eager to get your work published but you just don’t know how to go about it? Then, this seminar, put on by the Trinity Writers Workshop, is for you. Read more
New Agent Alert: Becky Vinter of FinePrint Literary Management
Reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and postage.
Becky is seeking: Becky likes the whole spectrum of women’s fiction, from literary to “bookclub” to romance and mysteries. She is also in the market for YA fiction with strong female protagonists. In nonfiction, she likes well-crafted narrative nonfiction, including memoir, current events, travel, pop science, wellness, yoga and food. Read more
What to Expect From Your First Book Tour
I’ve been so busy running around the country I’ve hardly realized it’s been several months have elapsed since Crown published my book, Radio Shangri-La. Here’s a bit of what this first-time author has learned.
First of all, let me say that I sent myself on the road. Most publishers these days are more likely to invest in what mine did, a “web tour,” where a third party is hired by and myriad blogs are approached with advance copies in exchange for the promise of a review. That was great; those free book giveaways that happened just as the book hit, to generate buzz. Read more
Literary Agent Interview: Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency
This installment features Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. A freelance copyeditor, Dawn reviewed mysteries for years before starting Blue Ridge Literary Agency in January 2009. She lives in Lynchburg, Va., where she also facilitates a local writers’ group and is very active in her church. Although she read mysteries for fun, she handles most types of fiction and children’s fiction. She also blogs and Tweets.
She is seeking: mysteries, cozy mysteries, thrillers, urban fantasy, romance (no erotica), sci-fi, women’s, general, historical, Christian, young adult, middle-grade, and young readers. She does not seek: poetry, scripts, short stories, children’s picture books, memoirs, nonfiction, or screenplays. Read more
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Samantha Vamos
1. If your manuscript doesn’t sell and you’ve done all the editing you believe you are capable of doing, set the manuscript aside and begin another. My first two books, Before You Were Here, Mi Amor (Viking, 2009, illustrated by Santiago Cohen) and The Cazuela That The Farm Maiden Stirred (Charlesbridge, 2011, illustrated by Rafael López) were each written years before they sold to their respective publishing houses.
GIVEAWAY: Samantha is excited to give away a free copy of her book to a random commenter. Comment within one week; you MUST leave your e-mail with the comment or else we will not be able to contact you; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. (UPDATE: Colleen won.) Read more
Gnome Attack Roundup: We Sell Japanese Language Rights; Screenplay Being Written; “Attack of the Garden Gnomes” Marching Band Music Actually Freaking Exists
1. We sold Japanese rights to GNOMES! This is very exciting. We sold Italian language rights in mid-2010 but had lacked any good overseas news until this month. It was a nice bit of good news, because you make little sums of money for every territory you sell to overseas. Hopefully, it will sell to other countries, as well. (Come on, Germany!) Read more
