May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Writing Editor Blogs
Guide to Literary Agents Blog
by Chuck Sambuchino
GLA Editor Chuck Sambuchino keeps track of all news related to literary agents and writing conferences on his blog. Common features include agent interviews, new agency listings, agency profiles, upcoming conferences of interest, contests and other publishing opportunities, valuable writing resources, submission tips and information, and a blogroll of other agent blogs. Read Chuck’s Blog
There Are No Rulesby the editors of Writer’s Digest
Get on the cutting edge of today’s publishing trends and how authors can succeed in a world of fast-paced technological change, guided by the editors of Writer’s Digest. You’ll get an inside look at the work, play, and passion of the publishing business and find practical tools for success. Read There Are No Rules
Questions & Quandariesby Brian Klems
Don’t know the difference between “who” and “whom”? Facing an ethical dilemma about accepting gifts from subjects? Let the informative (and humorous) columnist Brian A. Klems answer some of your most pressing grammatical, ethical, business and writing-related questions. Check out his advice and don’t hesitate to ask a question—your writing career will thank you. Read Brian’s Blog
Poetic Asidesby Robert Brewer
Published poet Robert Lee Brewer blogs on issues affecting poets from the poet’s perspective. As the editor of Writer’s Market, Brewer also shares insights on the publishing industry, especially as it relates to poetry and the poetry markets. He also explains poetic forms, interviews other published poets, and provides the occasional poetry prompt. Read Robert’s Blog
Market Books Panel in Cincinnati
Before I forget, I want to mention that editors from Writer’s Digest Books will be appearing at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 22, in the evening. Editors will be going over the basics of publishing before opening it up for any and all questions. Read more
Robert Lee Brewer & Nancy Breen–IN PERSON!
Sorry, I couldn’t resist a title like that. It won’t happen again, I promise. However, Robert and I will be making two bookstore appearances over the next couple of weeks. If … Read more
Robert Lee Brewer & Nancy Breen–IN PERSON!
Sorry, I couldn’t resist a title like that. It won’t happen again, I promise. However, Robert and I will be making two bookstore appearances over the next couple of weeks. If … Read more
Friday SPAM Poetry Prompt #817
SPAM prompt line: You’ve received a postcard / greeting e-card from a family member / school friend / worshipper / friend / neighbor / a Mate / class mate / partner / … Read more
Recommended Life Stories and Memoirs to Read
As author Bob Mayer wisely put it, writers’ first books tend to be blood-lettings. What that means is writers compose stories about their own lives (memoirs or life stories) - for catharsis, or … Read more
Interview with Writer Unboxed!
Writer Unboxed, a cool site devoted to genre fiction writing, was kind enough to interview me recently, asking plenty of questions about the new 2008 Guide to Literary Agents. Read more
Method to the (Pen Name) Madness
In an earlier post, I was talking about how discussing pen names in a query letter is a sign of “Thinking Too Far Ahead” syndrome – a phrase eloquently coined by Evil … Read more
I Made It to Tennessee…
It took three flights and two lost luggage bags along the way, but I finally made it to Nashville for the mystery writers conference, Killer Nashville. The Maine conference was very cool and I will blog more about that early next week when I get home and can have access to photos. Read more
PROJECT 20/20: AND MY FIRST ADD
Hi Writers,Wow, thanks for all of the nominations for my Project 20/20: Build my Blogroll. I had a wonderful day sifting through the 50 or so blogs nominated. If you get a … Read more
Navigation Links, Column Secrets Revealed and, of course… the Disney Afternoon
If you’ll kindly look to your left, you will find a link to my one of my columns from WD under the heading “The Road More or Less Traveled”. If you’ve never … Read more
Avoid Getting Scammed (2008 GLA Article Excerpt)
2008 Article Excerpt: WD book editors talk about howwriters can avoid getting scammedby dishonest agents. “First of all, it can’t be stressed enough that you should never pay agents any fees just … Read more
A PROMPT RESPONSE: #713 tired of being like that
There’s nothing “prompt” about my response to #713; that’s how it’s been with me and poetry for about the past year. I’m like a kid who wants to jump off the diving … Read more
Kleinworks Submission Changes
From the Kleinworks Web site, concerning a change to their queries and submissions policy: ”Note: Due to an overwhelming number of submissions, Kleinworks Agency cannot accept unsolicited submissions or queries at this time. This supersedes … Read more
Triolet–an easy way to write 8 lines of poetry
Today, we’re going to look at the triolet (TREE-o-LAY), which has 13th century French roots linked to the rondeau or “round” poem. For over a year now, I’ve been trying to find … Read more
SoCal Part Deux: An Anecdote is told, albeit poorly. Writing Stalls. Music Still Awesome.
Brief Awkward, Hard-to-Follow Personal Anecdote: Today my friend sent out a group email detailing how his cell phone had gotten “really wet”, subsequently died and now he needed everyone’s numbers again. Surprisingly, … Read more
Agent Advice: John Ware of John A. Ware Literary Agency
This installment features literary agent John Ware of John A. Ware Literary in Manhattan. John was an editor at Doubleday for eight years, (during which time he taught the industry-wide editorial course at NYU), then spent a year as an agent with James Brown Associates/Curtis Brown, Ltd.
Submissions: Fiction wants: detective, police, crime, mystery, suspense and thriller. Nonfiction wants: biography, current affairs, health, history, language, music, nature, pop culture, psychology, science, sports, true crime, women’s and investigative journalism. Read more
Agent Randi Murray Joins DeFiore & Co.
GLA blog contributor Kristen Howe saw a note online that the Randi Murray Literary Agency was closing down because Randi is accepting a position at DeFiore & Co. A DeFiore & Co. rep … Read more
Good PubRants Posts
Kristin Nelson, literary agent with the Nelson Literary Agency, has posted plenty of good material on her blog in recent weeks. Of note are her posts where she demystifies the agent-writer contract. She … Read more
National Poetry Slam!
The 2007 National Poetry Slam recently took place in Austin, Texas. ***** “Slam Charlotte wins 2007 National Poetry Slam!” from Poetry Slam, Inc. Also, Danny Sherrard beat Christopher Michael in a tiebreaker … Read more
Taslima Nasreen: Poetry as an act of courage
The last session I was able to attend at last fall’s biennial Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival before starting the drive back to Ohio was “Poetry and the Lives of Women.” Poets … Read more
SoCal is So..Cal. A Jackson is possibly sighted. Hyperbole returns.
By Far the Best Search That Got to My Blog Today: Why do babydoll tops make me look pregnant? SoCal Vanity License Plate of the Day: “One Nub”…? Underrated Haribo Gummi Bear … Read more
Friday SPAM poetry prompt #810
SPAM prompt line: I really feel like I’m 17 years old again, seriously. . . There are all kinds of potions and procedures that promise to restore youthfulness–or at least keep … Read more
PROJECT 20/20: HELP ME BUILD MY BLOGROLL
Hi Writers,I’m kicking off a new project here on my blog: Project 20/20. No, this is not an attempt to solicit funds for my Lasik© surgery (although, if you like, send c/o … Read more
Agent Advice: Michelle Andelman of Lynn C. Franklin Associates (formerly of Andrea Brown Literary Agency)
This installment features literary agent Michelle Andelman, of Lynn C. Franklin Associates (formerly of Andrea Brown Literary), holds a BFA in Dramatic Writing and an MA in English Literature from NYU. Her publishing and film background allows her to offer clients guidance at every stage of story development.
She is seeking: all children’s categories, from picture and chapter books to middle-grade and YA fiction, with an interest in fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, adventure, romance, graphic novel, and serious literary projects. She’s drawn to high-concept, commercial tween and teen lit if it’s edgy, gritty, and daring or all sweetness and light. Stylized but authentic voices, magical realism, Jewish themes, interesting story structure, freak and geek protagonists, identifiable quests, and fully realized storyworlds always catch her eye. Her adult categories are literary and women’s fiction, narrative nonfiction, and memoir. Read more
All aboard for poetry!
“‘Worst’ rail firm goes from bad to verse,” by Alan Hamilton from The Times, wins best title for the day. As part of this article on First Great Western hiring Cornish poet … Read more