May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Website of the Week
Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents Blog
Chuck Sambuchino is an editor and published author who runs the Guide to Literary Agents Blog, one of the biggest blogs in publishing. His site has instruction and information on literary agents, literary agencies, query letters, submissions, publishing, author platform, book marketing, and more.
Agent Advice: Debbie Carter of Muse Literary Management
This installment features literary agent Debbie Carter of Muse Literary Management. Prior to starting her own agency in 1998, she worked for a literary agent, a talent manager, and in the record business as a talent scout. She has a BA in English and music from Washington Square University College at NYU.
She is seeking: literary novels and short story collections with popular appeal, mysteries, thrillers, suspense, espionage fiction/nonfiction, children’s fiction/nonfiction and literary narrative nonfiction. Other nonfiction areas of interest include music, writing, birds and gardening. Read more
Agent Pitch Slams: Analyzing the Quick Pitch
The Jan./Feb issue of Writer’s Digest has a good article by Susan Breen analyzing large agent pitch slams. And fortunately for us, the article is available online!
The article is definitely worth a look, as the chance to pitch agents is one of the biggest and best draws to writers’ conferences around the country. Some larger conferences have a gigantic gathering of agents where writers can pitch numerous agents in a short amount of time. (This is sometimes called agent “speed dating.”) Read more
New Agency Alert: Arthouse Literary
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.
Represents: Nonfiction books, novels, movie scripts. Read more
More Agent Frequently Asked Questions…
A few readers recently wrote in with some great questions. I want to answer them on the blog just in case others were wondering about similar topics. Q: When sending a query … Read more
New Agency Alert: Wolfson Literary Agency
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.
Michelle Wolfson has recently left Artists and Artisans to form her own literary agency. Her new agency Web page is under construction, but she already sent her info over, mentioning that she is “actively seeking clients.” Read more
New Agency Alert: PlainSmart Publishing Agency (Complete)
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.
Previously, I posted some info on a new literary agency, Plainsmart Publishing Agency. Inside you can find complete and updated information that was sent to me today. Read more
Around the Properties 12/12/2007
Here’s a look at cool things happening at other Writer’s Digest properties: Script Notes, WD‘s new scriptwriting blog, is off to a torrid start. Chad Gervich, who oversees the blog, created 40 … Read more
Rachelle Gardner Joins Wordserve Literary
Reminder: Newer agents 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.
Rachelle’s interests: “In all genres, I’m looking for books that express a Christian worldview, whether the message is subtle or overt.” Read more
New Agency Alert: Signature Literary (formerly Ellen Pepus Literary Agency)
Note from Chuck (2009): Ellen formed her own agency in 2007. In 2009, she took on a new agent – Gary Heidt – and together they formed Signature Literary. The submission info inside about her is still good, but the name and website of the agency has changed.
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. Read more
FAQ Regarding Agents…
Q: If you’re a first-time writer, what should you do when an agent requests a publishing history and author bio?A: If you have no publishing history or credits, then just say so. … Read more
Donald Maass Interview on Writer Unboxed
Donald Maass, one of the most well known literary agents in the industry, was recently interviewed on Writer Unboxed, a website devoted to genre writing. Read more
Address Change: Maria Carvainis Agency, Inc.
The Maria Carvainis Agency, Inc. recently changed its mailing address. The agency is still located on the Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan, but the address is ever so slightly different: New … Read more
Meet a Writer’s Digest Books Editor
The year’s wrapping up and the holiday season is in full swing, so this is a very slow time for writers’ conferences. However, the conference start up again in early 2008, so think about signing up for one or many gatherings where you can meet agents and editors.
Conferences allow writers to network and recharge their batteries. Some conferences this fall have invited Writer’s Digest Books editors to come and speak. Here’s a rundown of some autumn engagements for WDB staffers: Read more
Agent Advice: Regina Brooks of the Serendipity Literary Agency
This installment features literary agent Regina Brooks of the Serendipity Literary Agency in Brooklyn. Regina is a veteran agent who handles a variety of fiction and nonfiction. She is the author of Writing Great Books for Young Adults, which came out in 2009.
She is seeking: She represents a variety of fiction and nonfiction and children’s. Read more
Harriet Wasserman Literary Agency Closes
The Harriet Wasserman Literary Agency has closed, as of Fall 2007. Harriet was a member of the AAR and was based in the New York area. Saul Bellow was a former client of … Read more
Absolute Write Talks With Agent Ken Atchity
Absolute Write sat down with Dr. Ken Atchity, principal of AEI: Atchity Editorial/Entertainment International, Inc. His agency handles both screenplays and literary works. Read more
Agent Advice: Caryn Wiseman of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency
This installment features literary agent Caryn Wiseman of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents two New York Times bestselling authors, first-time authors, and authors at every stage in between. Caryn holds an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA, and a BS from the University of Virginia, and her fifteen years of business experience prior to joining the Agency emphasized editing and writing as well as sales, negotiation and client management.
She is seeking: young adult and middle-grade fiction and non-fiction, chapter books, and picture books (fiction and non-fiction). Read more
Agent Advice: Taryn Fagerness of the Taryn Fagerness Agency, LLC
This installment features literary agent Taryn Fagerness of the Taryn Fagerness Agency, LLC. Read more
Altair Literary Agency Closes
Altair Literary Agency, based in Washington, DC, is now closed, according to a note on the agency’s Web page. The agency was a member of AAR. I did some peeking around to … Read more
Helen McGrath's Agency Closes
Helen McGrath, who ran an agency in California (called “Helen McGrath,” simply), is no longer agenting as of this past summer. The agency will not be reviewing submissions of any kind. Take … Read more
Around the Properties 11/06/2007
The latest Writer’s Digest special publication is out: Writer’s Yearbook 2008. If you don’t see it in bookstores now,. it will be there soon. The issue has lots of great information on … Read more
My Adventures in San Diego
Just got back from the La Jolla Writers Conference outside San Diego and I’m trying to stay awake long enough to write this post… Read more
Agency Profile: Liza Dawson Associates
Liza Dawson Associates, a good AAR-member agency, just put up a cool new Web site. On that note, I figured I would post an updated profile of this agency. Note all the … Read more
Dwyer & O'Grady: Reminders
Dwyer & O’Grady, Inc., a literary agency that represents juvenile writers and illustrators, recently sent out a reminder that they have moved all offices to Florida. Evidently, they had different locations around … Read more
How to Pitch an Agent
Literary Agent Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency has recently posted several blog posts regarding how to craft a pitch – i.e., how to sum up your story in a query letter. Some writers … Read more
