Search Results: query

Dear Rachelle, People are always telling me, “You should write a book!” For years I have been ignoring them, but more and more people are telling me that I shouldn’t let my experiences be wasted, that I need to share them because they are not only inspirational, they will make people laugh, make them cry, and…

Things have been a little serious here on the blog lately, so I think it’s time to lighten things up. How about you tell me some jokes? And how about a PRIZE for my favorite joke? Here’s what we’ll do: You share a good joke (not dirty) in the comments. Everyone will read them and laugh, getting…

One of the  best things about the Internet is that it’s so easy to find information. One of the worst things about the Internet . . . is that it’s so easy to find information. Much of the information is misinformation. So let’s bust some myths. Myth: Getting published is a catch-22. You need to be published…

Authors often express frustration that their rejection letters don’t contain any hint of the real reason the project wasn’t accepted (save for something generic like “the project doesn’t fit my needs at the present time.”) A writer told me she’s not asking for much — just “one word, maybe two” of explanation at the end…

Every couple of months I’m re-posting this helpful guide to finding what you need. Have you seen my DEFINITIVE post on How To Get Published? Have you ever wondered what you should say if an agent calls to offer representation? A great title is an important aspect of attracting an agent’s or editor’s attention. Here’s…

If you are a blogger, you owe it to yourself to study your blog stats at least annually, if not more often. It’s fascinating what you can learn and how much you can improve your blogging by paying attention to your traffic patterns. In just a few minutes of looking at my most popular post…

As an agent, I spend a lot of time talking writers through the obstacles and difficulties — both tangible and emotional — of a publishing career. We’re constantly making important decisions together and solving problems. One thing that persistently thwarts a writer’s ability to stay positive and optimistic is the tendency to see a set of facts…

Here are some questions I’ve received from readers lately, and my brief answers. I’m stuck on my second draft. When is it a good idea to bring in an outside editor? You should bring in an editor when you can’t go any further on your own. Try a critique partner first—it will save you money…

Most people think agents go to writers’ conferences strictly to find new clients to represent. For some agents this might be the case, but it’s not true for me, nor is it true for most of the agents and editors I know. There are five main reasons most of us go to conferences: 1. To…

More and more, I get emails from people who have self-published, asking me whether I take on self-pubbed authors, or whether they even need an agent if they’ve already gone the DIY route. This is a topic that will require several posts to completely cover, but I’ll get it started today by answering a few…

Dear Rachelle, I sent you a query but I haven’t heard back from you yet. I’ve been offered a contract by [unnamed independent publisher], but since I’m a brand-new author, it’s only for e-books. They do paperbacks, but not for new authors. I know e-books are the coming thing, but I like real books, hardback…

If you’re querying agents, you may sometimes hear that they’ve taken on new clients, while your own query or a partial sits in their inbox, seemingly ignored. You’re probably wondering… what gives? Why do some projects sit in the inbox and take longer to get an answer, while others seem like they get jumped on…

Dear Rachelle: I am about to search for an agent. My first book is a memoir, and an agent said he would like to see it. My second book will be a novel, set in South Africa. I believe it will sell very well in South Africa, less so in the USA. Do I select…

When you’re a debut author trying to break in to traditional publishing, one of the most important things to remember is this: Minimize the obstacles. You already know it’s not going to be easy to break in, so you want to avoid making it even more difficult on yourself. This is why agents give so…