Exceptional Writers

Are you the exception to the rule?

Editors and agents are used to writers who want to break the rules. We don’t like it, but we’re used to it.

“No phone inquires,” one agency said in its entry in the Christian Writer’s Market Guide. “No  exceptions. Don’t ask to be the exception.”

An editor friend produces compilation books, often dealing with 100 potential contributors for a single … Continue reading

Key Terms for Authors

Editors and agents expect you to speak their language.

If you aspire to publish a novel or nonfiction book, you’ll find these terms useful at writers conferences as you prepare to meet with agents and editors.

Elevator speech. A one-minute presentation to prompt an editor or agent to want to learn more about your proposed … Continue reading

First Impressions

Easy ways to sabotage your submission.

Want a quick way to make a poor first impression with an agent or editor? Send a manuscript that’s not professionally formatted.

Consider the sample pages for a YA novel an author sent this morning. A quick glance suggested he wasn’t yet ready for prime time. Before I … Continue reading