Blog Archive
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What I’ve Learned in 20 Years of BookEnds
Jun 26, 2019
For 20 years I have sat at the helm of BookEnds. It’s one of those things I’m most proud of in this world. It was an idea that became a dream, that became a business and that came true. The evolution of BookEnds never would have happened without my own evolution. I’ve learned a lot […]
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The BookEnds Agents Auto-Request Hit List
Jun 25, 2019
There are always those ideas and themes that are an auto-request for an agent (or an editor). They usually relate to personal passions or books we’ve read and loved. And BookEnds agents are no different. Here’s a short list of just some of the ideas, plot points, or even characters that are an auto-request for […]
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Welcome to BookEnds, Dorothy Tan!
Jun 24, 2019
Today we welcome author and playwright Dorothy Tan to the BookEnds family! Dorothy is the first author I’ve signed from a conference pitch session, which is really exciting. Her book, which she describes as Sarah Waters meets Downton Abbey, is a beautiful exploration of identity, belonging, and love, and I can’t wait to share it […]
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Welcome to BookEnds, Michelle Barry!
Jun 21, 2019
What genres do you write? Read? I generally write in the Science Fiction or Fantasy genres, though I switch between Middle Grade and Young Adult. The last few years, I’ve been focusing mainly on Science Fantasy Middle Grade projects. I also really enjoy writing retellings and putting a science fiction spin on old classics. As […]
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Who’s Looking at Your Website
Jun 20, 2019
When building a website, and any other social media, it’s critical to know your audience. Understanding who it is that will be coming to your site and why helps you provide the information that will benefit both them and you. Readers Most authors think of readers first when developing their site. And rightfully so, they’re […]
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Welcome to BookEnds, Cynthia Harmony
Jun 19, 2019
What book do you wish you had written, and why? Los Abuelos by Chema Heras and Rosa Osuna a picture book published in Spain. Something about the heart of the bilingual story and the illustration style captivated me twenty years ago. As soon as I closed the book I knew PB would be my format. […]
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What Makes a Good Agent: Readers Answer
Jun 19, 2019
In my May blog post on What Makes a Good Client I asked readers to give feedback on what they think makes a good agent. Because I’m not just here to teach, I’m here to learn and improve as well. Many of you answered and I’ve gone through all of our social media to collect […]
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The Tone of Your Title Matters
Jun 18, 2019
We do judge a book by its cover. We also judge a book by its title. Which is why it’s critical that when choosing a title you find one that’s suited to your book in tone and style. I remember long ago receiving a submission that was something along the lines of The Little Green […]
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Why James Never Left #BookEnds20
Jun 17, 2019
I’m sure everyone has heard the joke by now that I interned at BookEnds and never left. I think it’s even in my bio on the website. I interned. I begrudgingly left. I emailed and asked to intern again. I begrudgingly left. Then after graduating six months later I emailed Jessica Faust and asked if […]
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The Real Cost of Conferences for Agents
Jun 14, 2019
My final post during Conference Week is an explanation of what conferences are for agents. Not something that is often discussed in the writing community. Most conference organizers tell themselves their conference is a coup for agents. I can’t tell you how often I’m told I’m going to find “great” talent at the conference. And […]
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Our RWA Winners, Nominees, & Finalists
Jun 13, 2019
We are happy to announce our authors’ multiple wins and nominations for various categories included in this year’s RWA Awards! Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Tina Radcliffe won the Holt Medallion Contest for Short Inspirational with her book Christmas with the Cowboy. Other finalists for this award included Jennifer Delamere for her book […]
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Is There Any Value to Conferences for Authors?
Jun 13, 2019
Now that we’ve discussed conference fees and the inherent problem for inclusivity it’s time to discuss whether conferences actually hold value. This came up in the first question the reader provided. Will A Conference Get You an Agent? Also: is there really value there for the writer — in terms of getting an agent—?? if […]
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