Posts Tagged ‘get a book deal’
HOW TO CREATE A COMPARATIVE BOOKS LIST THAT WILL GET YOU A BOOK DEAL
The comparative books list is a crucial element in a successful book proposal. It is your best tool for convincing an agent or an in-house acquisitions editor that your book will stand out in the marketplace and add something new while appealing to an established book-buying audience. How do I know this? Because when I was an in-house editorial assistant at HarperCollins Publishers many years ago, it was my job to check out the comparative books lists in book proposals my boss was considering to see if there was any way to strengthen them, which would make it easier for us to convince the rest of the book publishing team that the book would make money for us and be right for our list. I know how to create a comparative books list that will get you a book deal because I’ve done it many times.
Read MoreFIND A LITERARY AGENT WHO IS RIGHT FOR YOU (AND YOUR BOOK): THREE TIPS
Most larger book publishers insist that you submit your book through a literary agent, although many smaller publishers do not. Agents are gatekeepers: They choose to represent only those books they feel have a decent chance of getting a book deal and an advance. When an in-house acquisitions editor receives a pitch from a literary…
Read More11 LESSONS ON WRITING A BESTSELLER FROM JOHN GRAY’S BLOCKBUSTER HIT MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS
Twenty years ago, I had the honor of being involved in a cultural phenomenon called Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. Remember that catchphrase? It came from a mega-best-selling book by relationship counselor John Gray, PhD.
Read MoreGET STARTED WRITING YOUR BOOK (YOU CAN DO IT!)
Are you ready to get started writing your book?
I believe that the act of writing a book is in itself an important expression of creativity. You will learn more about yourself and your life by choosing to write a book. It’s a big undertaking but when you break the process down into pieces, it’s less daunting.
WAITING FOR AN AGENT OR EDITOR TO RESPOND? GET BUSY!
The dog days of August can be the most frustrating for a writer because it’s next to impossible to get the attention of an agent or, if a proposal is on submission, an editor. Rather than drive yourself crazy waiting for a response to your e-mail or snail mail, here’s what to keep yourself from…
Read MoreWRITE A MEMOIR, NOVELIZATION, OR SELF-HELP BOOK BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCES
Many aspiring authors contact me about help with writing a book based on what they’ve learned as a result of their experiences. They want to help others by sharing their story, wisdom, and advice in a book but don’t know how to start to write a memoir, novelization, or self-help book based on their experiences. I…
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