Blog Archive

  • Publishing Without an Agent

    Oct 14, 2021

    Not every author wants to work with an agent. Or at least, that’s what we hear in comments on Instagram and YouTube. I’m not even going to get started on Twitter. As an agent, I have thoughts, and insights into why I believe you save far more than you spend by publishing with an agent. […]

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  • Why Pre Orders Matter

    Oct 13, 2021

    You have may noticed that authors often begin pre order campaigns well before their release date. But why? It seems like mysterious process. Luckily, we have all the information on how they work and why they’re important for both authors and publishers. Enjoy!

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  • Where Have all the Editors Gone?

    Oct 12, 2021

    A common refrain we hear among authors is that editors don’t edit anymore. The complaint is that editors don’t have the time and that’s why it’s so hard to sell a book. In order to get published the book has to be perfectly edited and ready to publish. I’m here to defend the editors and […]

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  • What Your Query Says About You–The Author

    Oct 07, 2021

    Your query says a lot about you, as the author and as a person, then I think most realize. When reading a query I definitely focus on the blurb. My first goal is a great book. In addition to that however, I also get a really good idea of who this author is to work […]

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  • How to Successfully Follow Up with Literary Agents

    Oct 06, 2021

    Following up with someone is almost always a frustrating task on any to-do list. Authors hesitate to follow up with literary agents, and then the agents also hesitate to follow up with editors, and so on. It’s necessary, though. To help you through that process, we have a few tips to make it all a […]

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  • Mistakes You’re Making in Your Cover Letter

    Oct 05, 2021

    As a literary agent, it’s no surprise that I read a cover letter the same way I read a query. I’m looking for something (or someone) great to jump out at me. In this case, it’s not a book, but a qualified candidate. In the many cover letters and resumes I receive each week I’m […]

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  • New Client Alert – Emily Smith

    Oct 01, 2021

    Name: Emily SmithWhat you Write: Upmarket Fiction, ThrillersAgent: James McGowanWhy BookEnds? When I began my initial querying process and scoured the internet for querying advice, I found BookEnds’ YouTube channel. In an industry that feels shrouded in mystery for an unpublished writer, it was refreshing to come across a literary agency that was so transparent. That seems to […]

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  • When It Comes to Deadlines Think Like the Tortoise

    Sep 30, 2021

    Many years ago I ran the NYC marathon. Now before you get excited know that I’m not a runner. I don’t like running. I never have. But sometime in January, I got it in my head that I was going to run the marathon. So I set out and ran/walked my first 3 miles. In […]

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  • How to Fix Your Word Count

    Sep 29, 2021

    Each genre has its own word count guidelines so many querying writers try to rework their novel so that it fits these limits. But many writers edit based on word count, it edits much of the story flow. Jessica and James have a few tips on how to cut down without impacting your plot, your […]

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  • Writing is Creative, Publishing is Not (Always)

    Sep 28, 2021

    Writing is a creative pursuit, but publishing isn’t always. Sometimes, when working toward a publishing goal, or even writing our next contracted book, we start focusing so much on the market, our career goals, and the business that we forget all about creativity. The thing that we first loved about writing. This is both good […]

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  • Make Your Query Letter Rejection-Proof!

    Sep 27, 2021

    If you don’t already know, our very own President and Founder, Jessica Faust,is also a Founding Faculty Member at Speakeasy. She has worked with them to create powerful workshops for authors who want to make their query letters rejection-proof, as well as craft a nonfiction proposal that sells. We are thrilled to let you know […]

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  • The Superpower of a Critique Group

    Sep 23, 2021

    Almost everyone finds a critique group because they are told they should. Writers go in with the idea that they’ll get feedback on their book. But the feedback you receive isn’t actually the real superpower of a critique group. The real superpower is the feedback you’ll give. Receiving feedback is invaluable. It helps you see […]

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