What types of editing do you provide? What is structural editing? What is line editing and copy editing? What is proofreading? Which book categories do you work with? Do I need to book in advance? How long will the edit take? What file format should the manuscript be...
This is the kind of question that can create confusion, because there’s crossover between the categories of literary fiction and commercial fiction, and the definitions are not at all fixed. Some say the distinction is to do with the accessibility of the prose and...
The pitch letter A basic structure for a pitch letter The synopsis A basic structure for a synopsis The ‘Don’ts’ of submitting Do your best If your pitch letter does not intrigue and compel a literary agent to read your sample chapters, they won’t get as far as...
What is a manuscript assessment? Who is the manuscript assessment service for? Which book categories do you work with? What additional information do you need? How long will the manuscript assessment report be? What will be in the report? Do you follow a manuscript...
Make sure you have retained your publishing rights Can you show strong sales of your self-published work? But a traditional publisher would be able to market the book better! But 50 Shades of Grey was self-published and then republished, and it wasn’t good! Can a case...
Don’t take it personally when it isn’t personal What to do if you receive a form rejection Try and put yourself in their shoes What to do if you receive a semi-personal rejection Recognise encouragement where you find it What to do if you receive a personal rejection...
What is a mini consultation? How is a mini consultation different from a consultation? Is a mini consultation like a ‘power hour’ or a ‘1-2-1’? Why have I created a mini consultation service? Who is the mini consultation for? Who is the mini consultation NOT for? How...
Organise time to write Plan what you will do with each writing session Try micro goals: a micro word count goal or a micro time goal Designate a writing space Get rid of distractions Don’t put it off – start now ‘I’d love to write a book, if I had the time.’...
‘If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: Read a lot and write a lot.’ Stephen King It’s difficult to contribute to an artform you don’t like or understand Read the classics if you enjoy them Read a variety of books Read shorter books ‘You...
This post was originally published on 2nd August 2020. It has been edited to add additional links to useful posts, and a new photo. What does a literary agent do? How does a literary agent get paid? Who needs a literary agent? What’s the alternative? This is such a...
