Blog Archive
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Unlikable Characters
Nov 11, 2008
I’ve received a number of questions from readers upset because of rumors they are hearing about editors automatically rejecting books because they feel the protagonist is unlikable, and frankly, I’m not sure why that’s such a surprise to people. Have you read any Amazon reviews lately? Readers do the same thing; if they find a […]
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“How I Plot” by Sharon Page
Nov 10, 2008
Sharon Page Hot Silk Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia Pub date: October 2008 Agent: Jessica Faust (Click to Buy) Author Web site: www.SharonPage.com My RWA chapter held a conference at the end of September, and while heading out to a local pub to meet one of our editor guests, I passed a bookstore with outdoor displays of […]
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Gina Robinson on Voice and Style
Nov 07, 2008
Gina Robinson Spy Candy Publisher: Kensington Zebra Pub date: November 2008 Agent: Kim Lionetti (Click to Buy) Author Web site: www.ginarobinson.com Are You Who You Think You Are? It took me a long time to sell and I’m not shy about admitting it. I hope my story encourages other writers to keep going. Lately I’ve […]
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Over-the-Top BookEnds Marketing Strategies
Nov 06, 2008
At the request of a reader I’ve asked BookEnds clients to give us some of their most over-the-top marketing strategies. Here’s what some of them said . . . Setting up a MySpace page has been a huge surprise—it’s free and takes very little time to keep current. I’ve gotten lots of new readers who […]
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Listening to Those Writing Teachers Again
Nov 05, 2008
I received this question recently and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. It connects beautifully with the recent posts I did on taking writing courses and what to take out of them. Well, I couldn’t have come up with a better example than this. . . . I am in the final revisions of […]
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When Reading Submissions . . .
Nov 04, 2008
As many faithful readers know by now, BookEnds strongly believes in paying it forward. For years now we have “hired” interns to work with us throughout the course of the year (and I use the term “hired” loosely since they work for nothing more than free books). One of the reasons I subscribe so strongly […]
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Coauthor Agreements
Nov 03, 2008
I’ve been in this business a long time and I’ve seen some really amazing relationships go downhill fast the minute money is involved. I’ve mediated between authors, I’ve been bullied and seen coauthors bullied, and I’ve seen many relationships ruined. So before you go one step further with your coauthor, before you write another word, […]
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One Agent’s Trash Is Another’s Treasure
Oct 31, 2008
A reader commenting on one of my posts recently suggested that BookEnds might benefit from a first reader like those that publishers have, saying someone who could “throw out all the worst dreck would save you a lot of valuable time.” And my thought is wouldn’t it be great if it were only that easy. […]
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What I’m Looking for, the Dangerous Outcome
Oct 30, 2008
Years ago when erotic romance first became incredibly popular I remember talking with an author, someone who had been published, but was in a difficult place in her career, about the market. Understandably she was upset and looking for concrete reasons as to why her publisher hadn’t picked her up again and why it was […]
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Agent Communication
Oct 29, 2008
I’ve stressed over and over the importance of communication between an agent and her client, but what is very interesting about communication is that for everyone it’s something different. One of the most interesting things I’ve had to learn as an agent is how to adjust my own communication style according to the person I’m […]
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A Survey . . .
Oct 28, 2008
It’s been a long time since I’ve checked in with my readers to hear more about what you want and how I’m doing, so today is as good a day as any. What subject matters would you like to see me write more about? What subject matters are you sick of reading about? What types […]
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The 150+ Queries I Receive Each Week
Oct 27, 2008
I have a confession to make. One of my favorite things to blog about are the insane and angry responses I occasionally receive from query letters. If you’ve been reading the blog long enough you’ve surely seen a few by now. Writing the blog posts alleviates the annoyance I sometimes feel at those responses and […]
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