Tamela Hancock Murray

We Have It All!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 17, 2021

Recently I received several boxes of books from Steve Laube. Inside were dozens of sample books published by our agency clients. Since he is ~~cheap, frugal, thrifty~~, fantastic for being concerned about the environment, he sent my books in repurposed containers. One was labeled “Reformed Systematic Theology,” scratched through with a black Sharpie pen. Another bore the Harlequin logo familiar to anyone who loves reading romance novels.

I thought about how the boxes illustrate our eclectic agency regarding the projects we represent in Christian publishing.

I am honored to work with Steve, Bob, and Dan. We are all distinct, yet we each want to serve the Lord. Authors and editors know our differing tastes and gifts, and so our client lists demonstrate our unique personalities. Whether a reader seeks a book to offer advice and help from a Christian perspective, or a study on a difficult passage of the Bible, or a volume of Christian theology, or God-honoring entertainment in every genre from romance to science fiction, we have it all. To God be the glory.

And since I am cheap, frugal, thrifty, and strive to practice green living, I plan to repurpose one of the boxes to mail my mother-in-law her Christmas gifts. And I’ll throw in a few God-honoring books for good measure.

One Approach to Problem Solving

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 4, 2021

I appreciate receiving daily delivery of The Washington Post newspaper. When the paper’s delivery became irregular, I felt disappointed. I figured we had gotten a different carrier. This new person on the job was proving to be a departure from the former prompt and faithful delivery person. But when the paper didn’t arrive three days in a row, I wanted the replacement carrier to be informed and …

Category: Career

What’s the Problem?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 27, 2021

My office receives many submissions with the hypothesis that a protagonist thinks s/he’s living the perfect life until it falls apart. This is a great premise! What is a perfect life? Most of us have an idea of what the world thinks of as an ideal life and what seems to be the “perfect” life we can live as Christians. Therefore, the reader doesn’t need to spend much time living the protagonist’s …

Category: Craft, Get Published, Writing Craft

Why I Represent the Author: Agent Edition

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 14, 2021

My reasons for representing an author may differ from why I read a certain book. Content: When I see something fresh and different, but not so far out that no one can relate, an author has my attention. Talent: Although my office must decline talented authors every day, writing talent will get authors a close look. Proposal: A professional proposal shows me the author has taken the time to learn …

Category: Book Proposals, Career, Pitching, Platform

Why I Bought the Book: Consumer Edition

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 6, 2021

I’m a literary agent, but I’m also a reader. As a reader, I have reasons for buying a book. Nonfiction Topics: The topic must address a need or want I’m feeling at that time. For example, if I’m cooking for someone who’s a vegan, I’ll search for books with ideas for vegan dishes. Fiction Topics: Some topics simply don’t appeal to me as a reader. Authors may note that some readers have triggers and …

Category: Book Sales, Marketing, Reading

Start with Your Winning Argument

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 23, 2021

A few years ago, I received a call from someone who otherwise never contacts me. “You need to pay expenses for Dick and Jane. They’ve done so much for us!” Dick and Jane had done a lot for the caller, but they had done nothing for anyone I love. While I’m not so coldhearted as to hang up the phone based on this flawed opening, the caller had opened with an unconvincing pitch. Writers can make the …

Category: Book Proposals, Marketing, Pitch, Pitching

The Secondary Market for Books: Friend or Foe?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 15, 2021

Understandably, most artists want to earn the highest royalties for their hard work. Remember how Garth Brooks wanted a secondary royalty on his music, thereby kicking off a feud with secondary-market retailers? (See the article linked here.) So, as an author, do you feel that the secondary market is a friend or foe? I think this market is our friend. Here are a few reasons why: …

Category: Book BusinessTag: Used Books

Grateful for Workers

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 2, 2021

As we approach Labor Day this coming Monday, let’s pause for a moment of gratitude: 1. I can read! According to Live Science, as recently as 2009, 14% (1 in 7) of American adults were considered illiterate. 14 Percent of U.S. Adults Can’t Read | Live Science Historically, women were less likely to be literate than men. As a woman, I am a thankful reader. 2. I can work longer. Writing is …

Category: Personal

But They Missed the Point!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 25, 2021

Sometimes rejection letters reveal that the reviewer may have missed the point of an author’s proposal. Upon rejecting a novel: Dear Author: Thank you for your submission. However, we are not seeking memoirs at this time. Or, upon rejecting a book of satire: Dear Esteemed Academic: Thank you for allowing us to review your dissertation on the merits of Hades. However, in October, we have plans to …

Category: Rejection, Reviews

Tips on Comparables

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 12, 2021

The comparables section of a book proposal is one of the most challenging for many authors. Here are a few quick tips for a successful entry: Define It The comparables section shows what books are on the market that compete with yours. Know the Purpose The purpose of providing this information is to help agents and editors position your book. Agents will use this to decide which editors need to …

Category: Book Proposal Basics, Book Proposals