What Do You Need From This Blog?
I read a lot of blogs, and I’m sure you do too. Some are great at always looking forward into the future of publishing, examining the digital future. Others are better at giving the nuts and bolts of how publishing works right now. Some offer encouragement (I try to do that as much as possible) while others are more focused on reality without any sugar coating. There are so many things to talk about in publishing!
My question for you today is this:
What are your favorite things to see covered on my blog?
→ Future of publishing
→ Changing information about e-books/digital publishing
→ General information about publishing as it currently works
→ Information about how agents work
→ Encouragement for the writer’s life
→ Stories of other writers’ journeys
I’m not going to do a poll because I’d love to hear your thoughtful responses.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
© 2011 Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Websites you should visit…
[…]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[…]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[…]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[…]……
>Someone above mentioned wanting to read more about what happens after a writer lands an agent. Count me as another vote for that, please. There's a lot of info in the blogosphere about querying; not so much about the expectations and pitfalls for an agented author.
>Hi, Rachelle,
I am a freelance nonfiction editor. I started following your blog at the recommendation of another editor. I read it for insight into the functions of the publishing world, for info about agents and how they work and think overall, and for better understanding about the process of assisting a writer with proposals–how to help a writer get his or her work ready for an agent or publisher.
Reading your notes on encouragement and such has been great, too, because I am able to pass those bits along to the writers I work with.
Overall, great blog, great info. Thanks so much.
>Hi Rachelle, greetings from Laos on an unseasonably cool tropical morning. I'd really love to read some analysis of current e-publishing trends regarding genre (for example, I read a lot of news about mystery-thriller writers who are starting to self e=publish, but haven't seen much on whether memoir writers are starting to dip their toes into that pond yet). Also would love your thoughts on whether and how the role of the agent will change as self-publishing increases.
>Your blog is fabulous, Rachelle. My favorite parts are the posts that cover your take on publishing and agenting, and the encouragement and writers' journey posts. I read a lot of other blogs that cover the future of publishing and the stuff about e-books, and while I'm sure you're as up-to-date as those bloggers, I'm starting to see a lot of repetition in those areas. But your take on the industry is something no-one else can replicate, because it's yours.
>I like the smorgasbord of info that you cover from your unique viewpoint as an agent. Specifically, I REALLY like the info on publishing and what goes on in the after-someone-has-gotten-an-agent world. Because I hope to be there soon, and well, I'm curious. 🙂
>Love the information you provide, Rachelle. I'm especially looking forward to how e-publishing and traditional publishing are going to work together and of course having a book coming out soon makes me want to learn everything I can regarding a published authors first year.
Love the guest blogs and the perspectives they bring. And encouragement is a universal need no matter what we do.
Looking forward to your perspective on the publishing world.
>All of your options sound great. I would also love suggestions for Christian writers, who in light of the seriousness of current events, feel the calling to write for God, but are just coming out of the chute.
My guess is that we should be motivated to share any and every way we can, i.e., start a blog, work on our craft, do e-books, etc…
How can we best be efficient stewards of our talent when the need seems so great and our time feels so limited and the traditional route takes time to develop?
Thanks for your GREAT blog and encouragement.
>Hi Rachelle,
The variety of subjects you cover is wonderful. Everything is helpful. I need to learn it all! Many thanks for all of the time and effort you put into this blog!!
That said, I would like to hear more about what makes a manuscript hard to put down, and what makes you want to "fight" for a certain story? Each time a story grabs you, I'd like to know WHY. What was it that got you by the throat and wouldn't let go? (Or what causes you to say, "Nope. Not this one, thank you very much.")
>Thanks for your response, Rachelle. With a spouse and 2 kids, relocation is not a possibility. That's a disappointing prognosis, especially in this technological society. I have heard that some agencies hire remote "readers," which I assume is a start. If you have time and inclination, I would be interested to hear what part of the business would require my physical presence on a day-to-day basis. I believe there are a few small publishers in this area, but I think they might be more textbook-based. I will check into that further. Thanks again.
>Penny Linsenmayer, working remotely isn't going to fly. You can't possibly learn what you need to. Total immersion in a publishing company or literary agency is needed. If you can't relocate, you're probably out of luck if there aren't any agencies near you. Them's the breaks.
Btw, I've never lived in New York but I've been working in publishing for 16 years. However, I've worked in-house at two different non-NYC publishers, both of which were decent sized. I could never have become an agent otherwise.
>I'm particularly interested in how publishing currently works and how agents work. I also enjoy the nuts and bolts entries about querying and proposal writing. Thanks for asking!
>Rachelle – thanks for the links! I can answer "yes" to much of your list from the 2009 entry, but what is most noticeably absent is experience in the publishing industry/contacts therein. I live in Houston, and while it's the 4th largest city in the country, it might as well be a rural farm in terms of the publishing world. I've located a few lit agencies in Dallas and even in Austin, but there seem to be NONE in Houston. What I would love is a virtual or remote internship, unpaid is totally fine, but most of the listings I've seen for internships with agencies seem to be with a college-age kid who can reside in NYC or LA for a few months. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
>Penny Linsenmayer: Becoming an Agent
>Things change so fast that I can't keep up so I'd really enjoy ongoing posts about e-books and all the new forms of publishing.
I always love a good biography so stories from other writers ranks high on my list as well.
You have a great blog!
>I read a lot about how difficult it is to make any kind of living from writing, so I love a bit of encouragement, especially when that encouragement includes sound advice in a changing publishing world. Thanks for your blog!
>I think my top three from your list are:
1. Encouragement for the writer's life – because, although it sounds like a cliche, writing IS a lonely business and it's so easy to feel isolated and discouraged
2. Stories of other writers' stories – because it reminds me that I'm part of a great community and puts me in touch with other writers whose experiences are invariably challenging and encouraging
3. Information about how agents work – because writers need that kind of infomation to know how to relate to agents in a professional way.
Thanks for asking!
>I don't want to seem wishy-washy but I like to see all of those topics you mention. All are relevant for serious writers. A great blog like yours has a large following because you appeal to so various interests. Thanks for doing such a thoughtful and thorough job.
>Honestly, Rachelle, your blog is probably the best I've found as far as practical, helpful information and guidance for a writer. No matter what topic you're covering at the moment, it always seems to be spot-on, highly informative and useful. Just keep up the great work, and I'll be happy!
~Mary
>The first four. I can get encouragement from many places, but there are only a few places (this is one of them) that I trust to give me true facts about the industry.
>I would love to hear more from you about actual writing tips. You read a lot of writing AND are a former writer. Anything you have to say on how to be a BETTER writer would hold a lot of weight for me.
>I read your blog for not only the encouragement, but for writing suggestions. It's not just about writing to make buck, it's about passion, learning, and growing.
>Ahh!! Why must we choose?
If you MUST scale down your focus, though encouragement is nice and all, I think I'd rather hear the truth straight up. We can get our mothers or crit buds to encourage us.
Okay, truth straight up with a pinch of sweetener. 🙂
>The general information on how print and digital publishing works are my favorites. I also appreciate the guest posts from authors, who share their experiences — successes and failures.
>Your blog is always helpful, but I most enjoy 'insider' information about how agents work, what publishers lok for, and what promotion is expected of the author. I like you candid way of writing and the encouragement to us writers regarding the process of writing and getting published have been reassuring and fun to read. Thanks for all your great posts!
>The reason I love your blog is because of the variety of topics you cover. As an aspiring novelist all of the topics you list are important to me. I feel like I can come here everyday to learn something new. I would hate to see you lose the diversity on your blog because that's what makes it great!
>I'm a lawyer turned stay-at-home mom looking for a career change after 10 years at home with the kiddos. I think being a literary agent could be a really good fit for me (publishing contracts would be a breeze), but I am completely unable to figure out HOW to become a literary agent without living in NYC or LA for a few years. I would love a blog entry (or two or three!) that addresses the career path for becoming an agent.
I also enjoy blogs that discuss the e-publishing and digital revolution.
>General information about publishing as it currently works.
Plus I love your ecouraging words. It really does help:)
>Rachelle — all the items you identify are useful and valuable to me as I work on my first book and learn the in's and out's of publishing and the like. Because every writer's journey is unique, I simply want more of all the things you list. Depending on where I am on a particular day, I want to read others' journeys, be inspired and variously know what I might be in for. It's a great blogosphere out there in my opinion.
>I would go with the last three, with the first three sprinkled in within the context of those. For example, how is the changing nature of publishing changing your job as an agent or how you view your relationships with clients?
But as others have said, all of your posts are always interesting, helpful and worthwhile. Thank you for all you do to encourage, support and promote writers!
>I like your blog because you hit all of the topics that you have listed plus other important information for writers.
By your form and manner, you have gained our trust.
>I like the encouragement and the information about publishing as it is right now – it seems everyone is talking about ebooks and the future, and every crystal ball is a little different (other than the large-print "Don't Panic").
Louise Curtis
>I have learned so much from your blog – it helped me follow the steps to get signed up with an awesome agent.
I think there is so much info on how to GET there, it'd be awesome to see what is expected when a person finally lands there – be it with an agent, editor, whatever.
For instance: say you sign that awesome contract after your agent has helped you build and sell the proposal, it's a series and the first book is in. The second book is written and the editing has been done by the author – does it go to the agent or directly to the editor? Is there a norm?
I have seen this addressed by authors, but haven't really seen this addressed by the upper rungs of the hierarchy (you know, the BIG fish).
Stuff like that.
My favorite post is what a day in the life looks like. that makes me smile every time.
Thanks so much for the great blog.
You always give such terrific encouragement. It's refreshing.
>As a full-time writer I like to come to blogs like this mainly to engage with other writers – most people I know come from a very different world, and writing can be a solitary business.
>I always appreciate the nuts and bolts but my life as a writer is very much a solitary endeavour so I most appreciate the encouragment you give.
I follow your blog on my Google Reader and enjoy your "voice" as a writer, thanks for all the hard work!
Clara
>Wow, I like that you ask your readers what we're interested in. The encouragement is definitely nice! Here are my opinions:
Changing information about e-books/digital publishing: Not as interested in general unless there's a greater impact on what the expectations for the author are.
General information about publishing as it currently works: Yeah, I like this part a lot.
Information about how agents work: yep. 🙂 I like seeing some of the behind the scenes stuff. It also feels helpful besides just interesting because if I know what's going on for your scenes it helps me manage my expectations and stuff.
Encouragement for the writer's life: Yes, yes, yes!
Thanks, Rachelle. Have a great weekend!
>I've been following your blog for a long time, although I rarely comment. I've learned so much about the nuts and bolts of publishing. Mostly what I appreciate now is the encouragement to stick it out as writer. Thanks!
>I would say the first four are why I read your blog every day, Rachelle. The last two I can get other places. But you have information that helps me with the business end of writing.
>Ms. Gardner, yours is one of the very few blogs I follow daily, even when I don’t comment. I don’t even write in your genre, and I won’t even be querying you! But you’re one of the agents who I view as a class act in this confusing industry. I get a lot from reading your blogs. Your personal ethics really shine through. ☺
Personally, I’d love for you to write about the future of publishing, as well as self-publishing/e-Publishing. One thing that’s heartbreaking is participating on writer’s forums and “meeting” folks who’ve spent a year pitching their latest novel and got no response. Sometimes they’ve tried with three, four books. It just seems like a lot of effort and no potential for reward.
When is the right time to e-Publish that book that everyone passes on? How can writers be their own gatekeepers before they do? I’d love to see you tackle these topics! ☺
>You're a gold mine!
Information on agents, traditional publishing, and e-publishing is my top priority, but not my only one.
You offer the perfect mix of facts, encouragement, and the occasional prognostication.
Thanks for an excellent blog.
>My favorite thing about your blog is how it humanizes agents.
It sounds awful, but sometimes we writers get used to thinking of agents as cold, calculating people who don't know us or care about us. I like how you make it clear that you do hear what writers are saying and you do care. You give me a new perspective on things like complaining about the kind of books that get published, etc.
So, I would have to say, information about how agents work would be my top pick from your list.
Encouragement and stories of other writers are my other favorites.
Yours is the only blog that I make sure to never miss.
>Future of publishing!!
>Hello Rachelle, first of all I want to thank you for all your hard work. On sharing information with us on this blog. I would like to see all of the above. This way it could give me a better understanding of the publishing industry. current and the future of it so I know a great way to approach the changing industry.
Thanks
>I love the encouragement (don't we all!). And I also find stories of other writers' journeys inspiring, in a "if they can do it, there's hope for me" kind of way. Information about how agents work or how publishing works is helpful too.
>I personally would like to see more photos of cuddly zoo animals. Orangutans are a fave.
I honestly don't care what you write about. I love the variety.
And I can't thank you enough for being the #1 resource I point people to when they ask me how they can get published. I used to try to give advice and share my story and round up helpful links. Super time hog.
Now I just say, "Go read Rachelle's blog. Period." And then eat bon-bons.
>Future of publishing/Changing information about e-books/digital publishing — Always interested in that! I'd love to break into the publishing industry someday, so I enjoy info on what's new in the industry.
General information about publishing as it currently works/Information about how agents work — Important for writers as well as aspiring editors 🙂
Encouragement for the writer's life — Great for when a writer is feeling a little bit "oppressed" by those who are more experienced.
Stories of other writers' journeys — I love to read how others started out, how they broke into the writing industry, and what tickles their writing fancy. 🙂
Sorry, I guess I just love it all!
>Hmm, it looks like all of the above option is already taken. Ditto for me. I find your blog refreshing. It alludes to the fact that you would like to see writers succeed in the publishing world.
I love hearing about writers' journeys, and it's always good to know what publishers are looking for.
I'm also interested in finding out more about the pros and cons of e-publishing.
Thanks.
>{x} All of the above!
I see your blog as a "how things work" for writers. I don't want to specify what *I'd* want to read, because some of the best posts I've read here are on topics I wouldn't have known to ask about!
>We need accurate and pertinent information. But also, as writers, we need encouragement. I have more of the latter for my followers than the former, so that's why I send them to blogs like yours!
>Can I say "all of the above"? It is a great thing to have a place to go where we can share, learn and chat about things we all have in common: an interest in reading/writing and getting published 🙂
>I agree with previous commenters who said that the strengths of your blog are:
– how varied it is; and
– how encouraging it is.
The "future of publishing/e-publishing" is something that everyone's talking about, and while it would be nice to hear your thoughts on it once in a while, I get plenty of info on it elsewhere.
Looking back on your posts from the last month, the ones I've "starred" in my RSS feed (so I can find them again later) are:
– When Multiple Agents Are Interested
– Three Goals for Writers (guest post)
– Why Can't I Find Your Email Addy?
– Keep Your Eye on the Ball
– The Right Agent for YOU
– When an Agent Gives Up on a Project
That encompasses a mix of very practical advice (what if X happens) and encouragement/guidance for the writing life. So I guess that combination is why I keep coming back. 😉
>I really like to hear about the first four things you have on your list–the future of publishing, ebooks/digital publishing, how the industry works, and how agents work. Thanks for all your work on the blog!
>Like a number of other commenters, I value your blog because it explores a variety of topics. However, I'm especially grateful for the fact that you always maintain an encouraging, stay-positive tone no matter your subject.
>I like David Todd's idea of interviewing editors, though that would be time-consuming. I prefer reading the business related posts.
But whatever you do, keep using great photos like today's. It perfectly shows how I feel on some days. Scratching my head, wondering what my next blog post should be or asking my characters, "What on earth do you think you're doing?!"
>The thing I love about your blog is how well rounded it is. Some days I get real facts about the nuts and bolts of getting published. Some days are encouraging, others offer real experiences of guest authors. Your blog is always informative and often funny. I think you are hitting it just right.
The nuts and bolts are the most important thing to me as a student of writing, however, the encouragement and guest bloggers are icing on the cake of your blog. Thanks!
>I appreciate any information that is presented "bare bones" and put out there so that I can examine it for what it is. Thus far, everything that you cover on your blog does exactly that so I say just keep doing what you do.
>You do a great job with all the industry info, but there are a lot of sources for that. To my mind, your greatest unique strength is encouragement.
On the other hand, it would be hard to come up with great encouraging stuff every day. I think the mix you are currently doing is just fine.
>'How agents work' is the subject I'm currently most interested in.
>I'm impressed that you take the time to provide us with so much useful information. I enjoy "All of the Above" but am especially interested in the future of publishing and the changing information about e-books/digital publishing. Thanks for helping us keep up with this changing world that affects out written output.
>I am personally amazed at the time you and other agents devote to blogs and tweets to educate emerging writers.
My favorite posts are those that give us insights into the mysterious lives of an agent. Your voice takes (some of) the terror out of "the agent" and makes her seem more like a real person (gasp) than a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people eater.
I follow the blogs of as many agents as I can find on my Google Reader because I think it gives the best insights to the agent's personality, sense of humor, as to what pisses the agent off–or brings him/her to tears. I think reading a blog on a regular basis is a much better way to get to know an agent than to read a bio on a website or peruse some interviews.
As I am about to start the query process, I've found reading agent blogs, over time, to be a good indicator as to whether or not an agent would be the right professional fit. I'm sure agents would fine it just as useful to have several months of blogs to scroll through to get the personality and work ethic of a writer before making a phone call offering representation.
So back to your question. I don't care what you write as long as you don't lose your voice. Write about whatever is on your heart at the time. If nothing is speaking to you, then go to your vast vault of knowledge and pull something out. Just keep blogging. Thank you.
>Honestly I like it all. I've been sitting here trying to think about what makes your blog so appealing, what keeps bringing me back? For me, it is your voice — you are real, honest, and warm. You tell it like it is without patronizing us. You seem to get that writing for all of us is a passion, a dream that we carve time out of our busy, crazy lives to pursue, and so, you generously carve time out of your busy, crazy life to offer encouragement and advice.
Thank you.
>I'm in the All of the Above camp :). I'm pretty new to your blog, so I've only read the last month's worth of posts (in one sitting!), so I probably need to just keep reading. I enjoy the encouragement, information about agents' work and stories about other writers.
Thank you!
>Recently I made the shift in thinking from "I just wanna be puuublished!" to "I want to write a book I'd enjoy reading." That's an enormous jump in consciousness, and with it I found myself weeding out blogs. Yours made the cut because you focus on what works for you as the Guardian of the Slush Pile. I'd love to see more Queries That Worked and even the Ones That Got Away, with your comments on why each did what it did. And thanks for asking!
>My picks are:
→ General information about publishing as it currently works
→ Information about how agents work
→ Encouragement for the writer's life
→ Stories of other writers' journeys
I like your current things, and how things run. One of the main reasons I follow this blog is the positive slant it has in motivation and encouragement! I get most of my "future" and "digital revolution" type posts in the (er… many) blogs I read. Thanks for asking your readers!
>I choose option G.) all of the above. I love your blog! It's been very helpful as I try to find my path through the slush piles and hopefully on to publication. Thank you.
>Knowing more about all the items you listed have value to me.
A thought for another type of post I would enjoy reading and would take much away from would be interviews with acquisition editors. These would likely be anonymous (Acq Ed Z in the CBA says…; Acq Ed Y in the ABA says…). I envision them responding to your questions: what are they looking for; what's selling; what do they think will be selling; what do they see about the future of e-books; etc.
I realize this might be a time consuming thing that you couldn't do regularly, unless you just set up an interview template and ask them to respond and you use their responses pretty much unedited. That might not take a lot of time.
>Everything you put on this blog has been so valuable, Rachelle, that I can't choose which is best. You provide a variety, and it's all good.
I find your insights into what it is like to be on the agent's end interesting, though.
>I, too, wish there was an "all of the above" option. I learn so much from this blog but what keeps me coming back is the attitude in general – realistic, yet positive and encouraging.
(I find the comments positive and encouraging also. And I'm not just saying that because I'm here commenting! :))
>I would love to see more encouragement for the writer's life. There is so much "reality" info that it can become very discouraging. Also info about digital publishing and the future of publishing in general.
>Hi Rachelle,
I appreciate encouragement for aspiring authors because the journey towards publication can be such a daunting process. However, I also enjoy reading your posts about practical things authors should be doing. I just read your post on author head shots and it made me realize I should invest in one. I took my current photo myself with a digital camera, but it would be great to have something professional. So in a nutshell, advice for authors and encouragement.
>I would like to see four things, mostly, but having a well rounded blog is always a plus.
Here are my two picks;
→ Future of publishing
→ Changing information about e-books/digital publishing
→ Encouragement for the writer's life
→ Stories of other writers' journeys
>Rachelle, I started reading your Blog long before I had the courage to start commenting. I don't think there's anything you've posted that I haven't enjoyed and learned from.
I like how you tell the truth. The truth isn't always easy for us to hear, but you take some of the sting away with your encouraging words!
My favorite topics you cover: Publishing details, the world of agenting, and even your nuggets of wisdom as a parent.
Have a happy day, and thanks for the great job that you do!
>Your blog is always helpful, but I would like encourgement from a writers point view and an agents point of veiw about getting your work published.
Thanks.
>More cowbell.
Nah, I think you strike a good balance here, Rachelle.
>I like hearing about publishing and agents, but the encouragement from an agents point of view is really nice.
>Encouragement with some direction are post I look most closely at when reading an agent's blog. Guidance from a professional is so helpful.
>Like most of the others, I love the variety of posts on your blog, Rachelle. But I do find the insights about publishing and agents very useful at this stage. And the encouraging guest posts from other writers. Everything really!
>Info on publishing today, especially e-publishing.
I enjoy your blog and it is helping move me off high-center toward getting something ready for consideration (I started a grant writing consulting practice 2 years ago and by the end of most days, writing is the last thing I want to do but I still have the overwhelming compulsion to write…arrgghhh!)…
>I was wondering where your post went.
I echo what Tom wrote and how Tara said she likes encouragement. As far as encouragement goes, I like to dish it out & take it. 😀
Have a great weekend!
~ Wendy
>I love your blog for all of those reasons! If you only focused on one aspect, it would become boring. I enjoy checking in to see what you will be talking about next, it keeps me coming back.
I do especially enjoy reading about how agents work, and about publishing and how it currently works, as I am a new writer learning the business.
Keep up the good work!
>Future of publishing
→ Changing information about e-books/digital publishing
→ General information about publishing as it currently works
→ Information about how agents work
→ Encouragement for the writer's life
→ Stories of other writers' journeys
I feel the nuts and bolts type posts are so overdone on the net that I've just started skimming. I really enjoy the journey stuff, guest posters telling their stories and your encouraging posts. Much of the time, these stories come along at just the right time, and those are the posts I find myself anticipating.
>I most love the advice and encouragement you provide writers, especially to newbies like me. I also enjoy reading about what agents do & various aspects of the writing & publishing process. But I benefit from almost everything you blog about so keep it up.
>Encouragement is always nice 🙂 – but I also appreciate reading about the ins and outs of how agents work, what their expectations are, dos and don'ts for aspiring writers, etc.
Your most helpful blogs are ones where you point out even simple things (like email address on blogs, having non-changing ISPs for email :), and the like). Some of it is common sense, but requires a hand slap to the forehead in "duh" by me, when I hear them.
I really appreciate your candidness too.
>Honestly, I feel that all those things are very important. However, being a hopeful author, I particularly like encouragement and stories of other writers. They give me hope!
As for what I find the most useful, I would have to say how agents and publishing currently work. I think so many people have misinformation about the publishing industry (which is strange since you think people would know more by now with all these agents having blogs!). Having someone give us the 'real deal' helps prepare us for the real deal.
I think the future of publishing is very interesting, but I'm not an agent so I can't really take anything from it.
>My favorite posts have been the ones that draw out the details and story behind the scenes, though I am also fond of the fun posts you have every now and then — the jokes about writers and editors.
In terms of the story behind the scenes, perhaps that's just because of my inclination toward narrative, but hearing about it that way makes the process seem more real and less like a fantasy, and because of that, it makes it less intimidating.
I also love all the posts that are encouraging — there is a real love for the kind of work that writers do and those are awesome because they make up for the tough days all writers face.
Thank you for the time you take to post and to share your wealth of information; I have been reading your blog for years (though I am more of a lurker) and I have always found it informational and entertaining.
>You didn't make "all of the above" an option…
Truly I enjoy your blog just because it covers a large breadth of information, and is kind of a good "insider's view" of publishing as it is, and where you see it going.
Encouragement is probably my favorite though, and the most needed usually. 🙂
Thanks for all you do!
~Tara
>While I'm particularly interested in the behind-the-scenes info on how agents work and how authors need to promote themselves and their books, I generally find everything you write about of interest.
You're a trusted voice and advocate for writers. You're honest and straightforward and don't write posts just to write posts. The information you provide is either something you want us to know or think we need to know.
So, seriously, just keep on keeping' on.
— Tom
>I appreciate your asking. The following are my interests:
*Changing information about e-books/digital publishing
*Information about how agents work
*Encouragement for the writer's life.
I need all the help I can get. Your blog posts are always helpful.
>I love the ammount of detail you give regarding publishing and the process. I especially loved the post about what happens in a pub meeting right down to the cookies 🙂 Your information is always invaluable. Thanks!