Blog Archive

  • A Reader Challenge

    Sep 04, 2007

    I was thinking recently what creatures of habit we all are. If we’re romance readers we read romance, and SF fans tend to stick to SF, but how often have you ever ventured outside of your comfort zone when it comes to reading? I tell my authors all the time that to truly be successful […]

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  • Avoiding the Scammers

    Aug 31, 2007

    It’s rare that I find the need to write a blog post on scam agents because sometimes I live in a bubble, feeling that anyone who has done the work to reach my blog has also done enough research to know what makes a reputable agent. Well, recently I was proven wrong. . . . […]

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  • Author Beware: When Feedback Does More Harm Than Good

    Aug 30, 2007

    Quite some time ago I received the following letter from an author I had corresponded with and read a number of manuscripts from. I am extremely frustrated by your repeated rejection letters. Each time I receive one I do the work you ask for and each time I submit revisions I get a new rejection. […]

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  • The Things Authors Know

    Aug 29, 2007

    Have you ever found yourself at a cocktail party quoting some new and interesting fact only to suddenly recall that it came from fiction? I’m always amazed by the things you can learn by books and the odd facts that authors know. To really write a good book research is the name of the game. […]

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  • The Unsung Books

    Aug 28, 2007

    We’ve done posts on your favorite books and on those you are embarrassed to admit you’ve never read, but I have a new one for you. What about the unsung books? Those books or authors that haven’t made a bestseller list and aren’t raved about in reviews. They should be because we love them, but […]

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  • I Need a Good Cry

    Aug 27, 2007

    What can I say? I have the late summer blahs. I’m ready for a submission that really stirs my emotions. My feelings tend to manifest in physical reactions. I’ve cried during every single episode of Friday Night Lights when Coach Taylor’s wife had some sort of meaningful lecture for her daughter. I’ve been known to […]

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  • Agent Reference Sites

    Aug 27, 2007

    I’m using agentquery.com. The profiles of your agents clearly state that your agency doesn’t represent children’s books, but when I search using “children’s books,” several of your agents’ names come up in the search. I’m going to notify the site, but if I were you, I’d complain! Thank you so much for the heads-up. Unfortunately […]

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  • An Offer is Made

    Aug 24, 2007

    In a continuation of trying to let you know what happens to your work in an agency and in a publishing house, I’m going to address what happens when an editor finally does make that offer to your agent. Of course it’s different in every instance, but here is a basic look at how I […]

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  • BookEnds Talks to Sharon Page

    Aug 23, 2007

    Sharon PageBlood RosePublisher: Kensington AphrodisiaPub date: August 2007Agent: Jessica Faust (Click to Buy) Sharon Page has always loved to write (tapping out a first novel at 14), and juggles managing an R&D program with writing. She finds writing tales of sexy Regency rakes and seductive vampires is the perfect escape from her technical world. Sharon […]

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  • In the News and Other Random Thoughts

    Aug 22, 2007

    I’ve had a crazy busy week. That’s what happens when you have an offer on the table. Yippee! So needless to say I’ve been negotiating, talking with editors and trying to keep up on my usual day-to-day activities. I wanted to pop in this afternoon with a list of things that have come to my […]

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  • The Power of Minnesota Nice

    Aug 22, 2007

    Minnesotans are known to be the nicest people in America, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a native Minnesotan and bleed Vikings purple during football season. No, I’m saying that because it’s true. Really, I’ve read it in articles and seen it on TV so it must be true. Minnesota Nice is truly […]

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  • Your Agent Is Just Not That Into You

    Aug 21, 2007

    I hear it from authors all the time and frankly I don’t understand it. You have an agent, she was excited and passionate about your work and you signed on with glee. She submitted and kept you updated on what was happening, but for all of her enthusiasm and all of your hard work the […]

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