Blog Archive
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Does posting an excerpt of my work in a video count as “publishing” the manuscript to agents and editors?
Jan 25, 2019
I have a children’s book of action rhymes and stories that I’m pitching and am thinking of posting a brief video on my website. The video contains a child reciting and acting out the words to an excerpt of the book. Would this be considered published work to an agent or publisher and therefore not be saleable? […]
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Social Media as a Marketing Tool for Authors
Jan 24, 2019
I’m a marketing person at heart. While I have no official background in marketing, I’ve always gravitated to new marketing techniques and ideas. I love trying new things (hence this blog, my Twitter account, Instagram, and our YouTube channel). I also believe social media works as a marketing tool and encourage authors to use it […]
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Resubmitting When Your Book is Still Under Consideration
Jan 22, 2019
Whether or not to resubmit your work to agents can be a tricky subject. Some agents are open to it while others say you only get one shot. My attitude tends to encourage authors to go for it. The worst that can happen is a no. Things can be even trickier when your book is […]
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This Month From BookEnds Jr… January 2019!
Jan 21, 2019
Monthly Spotlight: A year ago, Brooke Covington lost everything when her beloved older brother, Jason, confessed to the murder of his best friend, Calvin. Brooke and her family became social pariahs, broken and unable to console one another. Brooke’s only solace remains the ice-skating rink, where she works but no longer lets herself dream about […]
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Query Length Requirements
Jan 17, 2019
In my many years as a blogger, the questions about queries have never ended. They seem to come in waves, but they keep coming. One of the latest trends in questions asks what the requirements are for the length of the query. On my post about what a query says about the author, a reader […]
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Who is Paying Attention to Your Social Media
Jan 16, 2019
You can’t open a business without a website and corresponding social media pages. Whether you choose Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (the Big 3) you need to have a way to reach your customers. As an author seeking publication, you know that you are starting a business. You know that in addition to a website you […]
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The Weight Given to Comp Titles
Jan 15, 2019
The discussion of comp (comparable) titles in a query ignites a lively discussion among agents and authors. Some think they are absolutely necessary. Others (like me) don’t care. Whatever you decide to do in your query (and ultimately it should be up to you) the important thing is that your comp titles are relevant (recently […]
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This Month From BookEnds… January 2019!
Jan 14, 2019
Team BookEnds is back from Holiday Break and better than ever! We’re kicking off the year with a couple great romances and 2 killer cozy mysteries for you all! Enjoy Monthly Spotlight: Pub owner Maura Donovan is settling into a charmed life in Ireland—until a mutilated body on her property ends her lucky streak. Boston expat […]
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Welcome to BookEnds, Jocelyn Rish!
Jan 11, 2019
What genres do you write? Read? I read horror/mystery/thriller for all ages, and for years I’ve been writing scary mysteries for YA and MG. So it feels especially weird that I finally landed an agent with a funny nonfiction picture book! Plotter or pantster? Total pantser. I get all the excellent arguments for being a […]
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Defining Voice in Publishing
Jan 10, 2019
Over and over again agents will say the one thing that pushes them to offer representation is the author’s voice. Time and time again I’ve had authors ask me what exactly that means. It’s always been a tough one for me to put into words and defining voice is important since it’s clearly an important part […]
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Asking for an Agent Referral
Jan 09, 2019
It doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while an author will reach out through the blog or in response to a rejection asking for specific agent referrals. Quick question. I am looking for an agent for a Zodiac killer novel. Can you kindly suggest 2 or 3 of the best agents. While I […]
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Pitch Events: To Pitch or Not to Pitch
Jan 08, 2019
Pitch events have become increasingly popular over the past few years. For those not familiar, these events usually take place on Twitter. During the day of the event, authors, using the assigned hashtag, Tweet the pitch for their books. Agents or editors interested in reading more “like” the pitch and direct the author on how […]
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