Blog Archive

The Truth About Publishing’s Summer Slowdown

Jun 21, 2018

Since today is officially the first day of Summer I thought it appropriate to address the rumors about publishing’s summer slowdown. You know, similar to the slowdown over the holidays and probably Spring break too. Honestly, if you listen to the gossip it would seem there are only two months of the year that people […]

Welcome to BookEnds, Laurel Blount!

Jun 20, 2018

I’ve mentioned a few times now that I have one particular client who is the Queen of Great Referrals. Well, she struck again when she sent Laurel Blount my way earlier in the year. Laurel writes emotional inspirational romances that touch the heart and introduce characters you don’t want to say goodbye to. I’m delighted […]

The Impact Previous Book Sales Have on Your Current Submission

Jun 20, 2018

A reader asks: If an author has a previous traditionally published book (not self-pubbed) that is not directly related to the query book, do you give much weight to how well it has sold or whether it was published by a smaller or larger house? I’ll admit, I don’t always look at previous sales as […]

#AskAgent – How should I put together my online portfolio as an author-illustrator?

Jun 19, 2018

For an illustrator-author, how extensive should an online portfolio be? And are certain kinds of sites preferred over others (i.e. Instagram vs. personal website)?   Tracy here, happy to answer another author-illustrator question! But first, I want to tackle the end part of your question, because I think that applies to everyone interested in publication […]

Using Comp Titles in Queries

Jun 19, 2018

A reader asks: I have a few #askagent questions, all regarding the use of comps in queries. This first one is like the opposite of comparing manuscripts to NYT bestsellers… Can a comp be “too indie”? Should I worry that an agent might not be familiar with the comp or should I stick with an […]

This Month from BookEnds Jr… June 2018

Jun 18, 2018

Our BookEnds Jr Spotlight for June 2018 is Sara Wolf’s BRING ME THEIR HEARTS. We have been extremely excited about this book this year and are even more excited that it’s finally out in the wild. Out 6/5, and can be bought at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite local indie/library! Take a look: […]

Welcome to BookEnds, Julie Marindin & Jennifer Vido!

Jun 15, 2018

I’m thrilled to welcome co-authors Julie Marindin and Jennifer Vido to BookEnds! Julie and Jen write cozy mysteries together, and their combined fun voice and unique quirky small town won me over straight away. I hope you enjoy learning more about this writing duo! ~Rachel   1. Tell us a bit about your writing process. […]

Tips & Tricks for Writers Conference Pitch Sessions – A Fireside Chat with Faust

Jun 15, 2018

Pitch Sessions are an unnecessary evil at nearly every writer’s conference, a “write” of passage if you will. In this Fireside Chat with Faust we discuss the truth of what pitch sessions offer and how writers can make the very best of their 10 minutes with a literary agent. And for anyone looking for more […]

Making the Most of Pitch Sessions

Jun 15, 2018

Conversation Tips for Approaching Agents at Conferences

Jun 14, 2018

A reader asks: If we communicate with agents through their agency/personal blog or other social media, do we mention this when approaching the agent at a conference (eg Hi, I’m wishful writer from the agency blog)? Or would the agent stare at us blankly during a really awkward pause after which said writer quietly slinks […]

Welcome to BookEnds, Erin Blakemore!

Jun 13, 2018

Today I’d like to welcome Erin Blakemore to BookEnds! Erin is a freelance journalist with bylines in outlets such as The Washington Post, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and many others, and writes upmarket fiction and nonfiction in her “spare” time. She is the author of The Heroine’s Bookshelf: Life Lessons, from Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls […]

Form Rejections 101

Jun 13, 2018

A reader asks: Do many of you have more than one version of a form rejection? In other words: Version A: Heck no, you didn’t even follow our guidelines Version B: Thank you, but no thanks/I could never sell this Version C: Great writing, tons of potential but no room on my list I ask […]