Search Results for: proposals

News You Can Use – May 28, 2013

By Steve Laubeon May 28, 2013

10 Brands That Will Disappear Within a Year – stunning to find the Nook in this list

Create a Great Title for Your Book – A well done article that could help your Muse

Five Things Indie Authors Do Very Well – Dr. Alison Baverstock makes some solid observations.

Cover Letters and Book Proposals – Looking for some help with these? This article provides the basics.

Proofread Like a Pro – Never hire me as your poorfreader. Need I say more?

Are E-Book Sales Declining…in Canada? – Don’t forget that Publishing is a global concern.

Why American Kids Have ADHD and French Kids Don’t – Fascinating. Do you agree or disagree?

Category: News You Can Use, Steve

The Beauty of Community

By Karen Ballon March 27, 2013

As I write this blog, I’m sitting on a bench beneath towering California Redwoods. There’s a gentle breeze blowing, carrying with it the fragrance of evergreens and sunshine. But it carries something else. Something wondrous…

The sound of community.

All around me, people are walking and sitting and standing, and as their voices drift past me I hear a number of things:
Excitement
Shared …

Category: Conferences, Get Published, KarenTag: Community, writers conferences

Why Your Agent May Slow You Down

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon March 14, 2013

Your agent may slow you down.

And this is good!

And, why is that?

I've been a writer myself, so I understand the frustration you must be feeling as you read my words. Who wants to slow down? Believe me, when I was waiting for my first book to be published, I only half-joked that it would be released posthumously. So I understand that writers don't want to wait another ten minutes to see …

Category: Agents, Book Proposals, Career, Get Published, TamelaTag: Agents, Get Published, Writing Craft

A Great Hook!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 28, 2013

I'm at the Florida Christian Writers Conference today, so while I'm away, you can have fun!

When reviewing proposals, I have noticed one particular element can present a challenge. That element is the hook.

What does the hook do?

Just as its name suggests, the hook lures the editor to keep reading. Challenge is, the hook must be succinct. One sentence is ideal. For example:

Category: Book Proposals, Creativity, Get Published, Marketing, TamelaTag: book proposals, Get Published, Hooks

News You Can Use – Jan. 22, 2013

By Steve Laubeon January 22, 2013

Why Online Book Discovery is Broken (and how to fix it) – Fascinating article by Laura Hazard Owen. This is the first time I’ve heard someone describe it as “broken.” Instead we keep hearing that “discoverability” is the main feature of the online book selling process.

Create a QR Code Campaign to Market Your Book – I have to admit, the picture leading this post got my attention. Brilliant. …

Category: News You Can Use, Steve

Answers from the Mountaintop

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 10, 2013

(Or, from my desk in Virginia, where I am fueled by bold, rich coffee)

Before Christmas, when I posted about having a serious talk with your agent, a couple of you asked more questions. I really appreciate you! Over the next few weeks, I'll provide my perspective on various questions. I want my posts to be a source of good, helpful information, so feel free to make more queries in the …

Category: Agents, Book Business, Get Published, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Agents, Get Published

Serious Talk with Your Potential Agent

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 13, 2012

What are some of the things you should ask when an agent has called to offer you representation? Here goes, in no particular order:

1) Would you go over your contract terms with me? Even though you will be reading the agency contract before signing, this is your chance to learn the main points you can expect to see. Ask questions now. After you review the contract, don't be afraid to ask for …

Category: Agents, Book Business, Contracts, Get Published, TamelaTag: Agents, Book Business, Get Published

“The Great Unspoken” – Why Agents Don’t Critique

By Karen Ballon December 5, 2012

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There’s a secret agents and editors share. Something they seldom discuss with each other, and never with writers. It’s something they dislike. Intensely. It ties their hands when it comes to guiding writers guidance. It’s the #1 reason they turn down proposals, and the #2 (and sometimes #1) reason they’ve gone with form rejection letters. It’s something many inexperienced agents and editors try to …

Category: Book Proposals, Craft, Get Published, Karen, Writing CraftTag: book proposals, Critique, Rejection

Why Don’t Agents/Editors Give You More Guidance?

By Karen Ballon November 21, 2012

Proposals are hard work. C’mon, be honest. All the research and writing and preparation that goes into them? Admit it, that sometimes feels like you’re being punished for wanting to write a book. And then, when you’ve poured your heart and time and effort into making that dreaded proposal as perfect as you can, what happens? You send it to the agent or editor, and wait.

And wait. And wait. And …

Category: Book Business, Book Proposals, Get Published, KarenTag: Agents, book proposals, Editors, Get Published

Choosing and Courting Your First Choice Agent

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 1, 2012

You've done your homework, including:

visiting agency web sites
talking to author friends about their agents
interacting casually with agents on social media
reading agents' blogs
attending writers conferences as your time and budget allow

This is part of the process in helping you choose the agent you most feel you want to work with.

When deciding, think about:

agency's …

Category: Agents, Get Published, TamelaTag: Agents, Get Published