A while back, I mentioned that several speaker presentations were recorded at the Writer's Digest Books Writers' Conference in May. Well, it took a while, but the speaker sessions are now available online.

Check out the Writer's Digest magazine Web site for all the details.

Along with the keynote speech from novelist Jodi Picoult, two of the recorded presentations are "Writing the Breakout Novel: Characters" by agent Donald Maass; and "How to Write an Irresistible Nonfiction Book Proposal" by agent Rita Rosenkranz.

Since its quiet start two months ago, the GLA blog has been helped along by numerous mentions around the Web. Just today, I saw that Writer's Edge posted a nice mention of this site.

Just as awesome, if not more awesome (awesomer?), was the news that The Frustrated Writer had recently posted a review of the 2008 edition of Guide to Literary Agents, and gave it overwhelming praise. (Thanks!)  See the full review here. Here's some of what the article had to say:

GLA Review Excerpt:

"So, you've written your book or book proposal, and you're ready to start shopping for an agent. Your first step should be to get a copy of the 2008 Guide to Literary Agents, edited by Chuck Sambuchino. This is one of the numerous reference books published by Writer's Digest Books, and it is a 'must-have' if you are looking for an agent...
      In all, the 2008 Guide to Literary Agents is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in getting his book published. Not only does this book explain the advantages of having an agent handle your book, but it also helps to explain how the author-agent relationship works, what you can expect from an agent, and how an agent acts as the writer's advocate when negotiating with a publisher...
      Most important, this book provides a detailed list of agents, their contact information, how to submit work for consideration, the types of books they represent, and in most cases, commission rates and a list of some of the books they've recently sold ... If you are serious about getting published, you should be serious about getting an agent, and this book is the perfect starting point for finding the right agent for you, and your book."

All my recent reading about fan fiction (bigger post forthcoming) brings up a thought about nonfiction. When I present at conferences, I often talk about magazine freelancing - and remember, freelancing is important because magazine writing is a great stepping stone toward building credentials and a platform, then writing a nonfiction book. During these presentations, I help writers identify markets, realize their strengths and compose query letters. But no matter how much instruction I give, people still want to know one thing: Where do you come up with ideas for magazine articles?

Well ... hopefully, these ideas will come to you here and there as you walk through life. But if you continue to hit a dead end concerning ideas, you can always take what others have done and piggyback.

Of course I'm referring to the all-important follow-up article. It's one of the first things they taught me at the newspaper: "Every story deserves a follow-up." It's true. Whether it's one year later or five years later or 25 years later, you can write an article focusing on what has happened since the "event" (or whatever) first transpired.

Examples:
      One year after the state school board (etc.) passed a controversial funding change, how has that impacted schools?
      Five years after that buffoon fan reached over the seats at a Chicago Cubs fan and (likely) cost the Cubs a playoff series, where is this guy now? Is he dead? Does he still get death threats? How does he make ends meet?
      30 years after a nearby oil spill, how are animals and environment still affected, if at all?

In a way, I consider such work almost to be "fan nonfiction." With fan fiction, you're taking what others have done and piggybacking on it with your own story. With a follow-up, you're taking someone's idea and just providing an update on the story. Anyway ... food for thought.

Reminder: Newer agencies are golden opportunities for new writers because they're likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you're just wasting time and postage.

East/West Agency 

1158 26th St., Suite 462, Santa Monica CA 90403, Phone: (310)573-9303. Fax: (310)453-9008. E-mail: ewmdwarren@aol.com. Contact: Deborah Warren, founder. Member Agents: Deborah Warren; Lisa Rojany Buccieri; Susan B. Katz (writers/illustrators in the Latino market, representing Spanish-speaking clients). Established: 2000;
adheres to AAR canon of ethics.

Represents 100 clients. 70% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Specializes in: "EWA is, purposefully, a niche agency, to facilitate hands-on, personalized service and attention to our authors and their books. EWA provides career management for established and first-time authors and our breadth of experience in many genres enables us to meet the demands of a diverse clientele. Understanding the in-depth process of acquisitions, sales and marketing helps Ms. Warren and her co-agents attain the stated goals for each of the agency’s clients: to close the best possible deal with the best possible editor at the best possible publishing house."

Currently Handles: 25% nonfiction; 75% juvenile books. Nonfiction areas of interest: Art/Architecture, Crafts, How-To, Humor, Interior design, Juvenile nonfiction, Language/Literature, Music/Dance, Photography, Popular Culture, Inspirational, Self-Help. Fiction areas of interest: Comic Books/Cartoon, Ethnic, Juvenile, Picture Books, Young Adult.

How to submit: Query with SASE. Submit: first 3 sample chapters, table of contents (2 pages or fewer), synopsis (1 page). For picture books, submit entire ms. Responds in 2 months to manuscripts. Recent sales: Biz Words, by Gregory Bergman (Adams Media); Just For the Frill of It, by Sonya Nimri (Scholastic); Adrian Glamour: From Silver Screen to Ruby Slippers to Purple Label, by Christian Esquevin (Monacelli); Just Can't Get Enough: Toys, Games and Other Stuff from the 80's that Rocked, by Matthew Robinson and Jensen Karp (Image).

Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Termination notice: 30 days. Charges for out-of-pocket expenses, such as postage and copying. Tips: "Send submissions to CreativeIdeaz@roadrunner.com, or snail mail (referrals only) to Requested Materials, EWA, 1543 Sycamore Canyon Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Submit the manuscript as a Word document in Courier, 12-point, double-spaced, with 1.20 inch margin on left, ragged right text, 25 lines per page, continuously paginated, with all your contact info on the first page. Include an SASE and a manila envelope with appropriate postage to expedite our response."