Tag Archives: Agents

Encouragement for the Day!

February 9, 2017Literary, UncategorizedAdult Fiction, Agents, Authors, Beta readers, books, Career, Chances, Contracts, Critique Partners, Day Job, Don't Give Up, Editing, Editors, Encouragement, Failures, Feedback, Inspiration, Keep Going, Manuscripts, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-Fiction, Publishing, Stories, Success, Try, Working, Writers, Young-adult fictionpdpabst

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The difficulties of writing a novel can be tedious and more difficult than some people think. Writers don’t just pound out perfection in one sitting the first attempt. It can take days, weeks, months, or even years to get the first draft done, depending on other work obligations. Most writers have a day job not involving their writing career and have to squeeze writing in any free moment they can.

After the first draft is finished, comes the editing, and editing, and editing. A writer then sends manuscript to critique partners (CPs) or beta’s to help find plot holes, voice problems, or anything else they spot helpful. Hopefully, the writer has already caught most grammar and punctuation errors, but if not, CPs and beta’s can help with that too. And behold…more edits, and edits, and edits! If a writer is lucky, they’ll have funds to hire a professional editor to help with their manuscript, but this can get very expensive.

When a writer thinks the project is at it’s best, they send off to literary agents. Sometimes these turn into requests for more revisions, so there is more editing involved. Now, I’m not going to get into the difficulties of landing an agent, or how long it can take to get a publishers to agree to publish EVEN if you have an agent. But, let me say, it can take years of writing new manuscripts and rejection after rejection before getting an agent or a publisher. And even after getting an agent or publishing contract, guess what? There are MORE edits! The process is loooooong! Writer’s know what I’m talking about.

What happens sometimes is a writer can get discouraged after so many rejections. Sometimes they want to give up. But, giving up is the only certain way to make sure a writer doesn’t succeed. The key is to surround themselves with like-minded people. The writing community is very supportive with each other. When they fell discouraged, they should reach out! But no matter what they do, DON’T GIVE UP! Let me repeat that…

DON’T GIVE UP!!!!!!!

Keep writing words to weave into fabulous stories. People want to read them. And they shall, if writer’s keep trying!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Manuscript Wish List

February 5, 2017Literary, UncategorizedAdult, Agents, Authors, Blog, Completed Manauscripts, Editors, February, Fiction, Guidelines, Instructions, Jessica Sinsheimer, Literary Agents, Manuscript Wish List, Manuscripts, Marketing, Middle Grade, Newsletters, Non-Fiction, Publishers, Queries, Query, Query List, Stories, Submission List, Submissions, Twitter, Writers, Writing In Progress, Young Adultpdpabst

If you don’t know what Manuscript Wish List, you’re in for a treat. This fantastic blog was created by agent Jessica Sinsheimer for agents (and some editors) to let writer’s know what they’d like to see in their inbox. Yes, it’s that simple! So, before you decide to query that shiny new manuscript, check out the website to see if any agents would be a perfect fit. Even more exciting, they’ve created a sign-up for upcoming newsletters!

So when will the next one take place? On February 8th, 2017, tweeting of wishes will unfold on twitter using the hashtag #MSWL. But remember, this IS NOT for direct pitching. Please make a list of agents and/or editors stating your MS might be what they’re looking for. Then send queries as directed by the agent/editor. (If you have trouble locating the information, most can be found on the agency/publisher websites.

Then stay tuned to twitter on February 8th, 2017, as Jessica promises a BIG announcement!

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

@WriteOnCon #Conference Is Coming!

January 18, 2017Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAgented, Agents, Authors, Children's Fiction, Conference, Editing, Editors, Feedback, Fiction, Illustrators, Kidlit, Literary Agents, Live Pitch Sessions, Manuscripts, Middle Grade Books, Ninja Agents, Ninja Editors, Non-Fiction, Published, Publishing, Q&A, Register, Schedule, Stories, Unagented, Unpublished, WriteOnCon, Writers, Young Adult Bookspdpabst

WriteOnCon

WriteOnCon is “A writing conference you don’t even have to wear pants to. (Please wear pants, though.)” This isn’t just an opportunity to attend a writing workshop, but it’ll be the cheapest and closet conference you’ve ever attend (aside of being free, of course). Seriously, you can participate from your home! And while you might have missed the raffles and perks to buy, there is still time to sign up to join. Admission is either $5 (General Admission), $10 (General + Live Events), or $15 (General + Live Events + Extended Access). You can’t wrong with any choice!

WriteOnCon is an online conference for kidlit writers and illustrators. Connect with writers, authors, and agents in this event. There will even be Ninja Agents & Editors and live pitch sessions (check the schedule for all 3 days)! But hurry to get registered because it’ll take place Thursday-Saturday, February 2nd-4th, 2017.

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Digital Book World 2017 + Expo

December 26, 2016LiteraryAbrams, Agents, Amazon, Authors, Authors Guild, books, Conference, Curtis Brown Literary, DBW, DeFiore and Company, Digital Book World, eBooks, Editors, Expo, F+W Media, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Independent Publishers Group, Industry, IPG, Laura Dail Literary Group, Learning, LIttle Brown and Company, Manuscripts, Marketing, New York Hilton Midtown, Penguin Random House, Publishers, Publishing, Readers, Serendipity Literary Agency, Simon and Schuster, Skyhorse Publishing, The New York TImes, United Talent Agency, Writers, Writers Housepdpabst

With the boom of digital publishing, it’s no wonder conferences are covering the topic. After all, as much as I love holding a book, I download a LOT of books to my Kindle app to read and keep up with market trends. As publishing evolves, so has Digital Book World (a conference for anyone in publishing). They say they will now be known as simply DBW. And that’s not all they’ve changed for the conference January 17-19, 2017:

More Real-World Solutions | Your team needs tactical, actionable solutions to the challenges facing publishing—DBW’s speakers have them.

Fresh Content | Experience targeted programming across a host of four brand-new DBW focus areas.

More Choices | A new program means new pricing and registration options. Now you can bring your whole team—executive, editorial, production and marketing.

Some of the publishers and agents attending are:

With over two hundred publishers and agencies in attendance, there are too many to name! For a complete list of those currently registered, go here. And as for the speakers list, go here. You won’t be disappointed! So be sure to register to attend and make your reservations at the New York Hilton Midtown.

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

San Francisco Writers Conference

December 24, 2016Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAevitas Creative Management, Agents, Authors, books, California, Chronicle Books, Consultation, Dana Newman Literary, Editors, Fairbank Literary Representattion, Feedback, Fuse Literary, Harlequin/HarperCollins, Heather Graham, Irene Goodman Literary Agency, Jim Azevedo, John Perkins, Kimberley Cameron Literary, Literary Agents, Manuscripts, Mark Hopkins Hotel, Marketing, New York TImes Best Sellers, Peter Beren Literary Agency, Pitch Event, San Francisco, San Francisco Writers Conference, St. Martin's Press, Touchstone S&S, Trident Media Group, Viking Children's Books, William Bernahrdt, Writers, Writing, Writing Advicepdpabst

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The 2017 San Francisco Writers Conference will be held on February 16-19 at the historical Mark Hopkins Hotel. Meet keynoters:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Graham
Author/Red Sneaker Writers founder William Bernhardt
New York Times bestselling author/Activist John Perkins

But the SFWC presenters list also includes many more bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers from major publishing houses. There are experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, social media, and author websites.

PRESENTERS:
Jon Agee, children’s book author/illustrator
Nina Amir, author, speaker, journalist, nonfiction editor/coach/consultant
Kathleen Antrim, author, Co-President, of International Thriller Writers
Jim Azevedo, Smashwords Marketing Director
Aya de Leon, author and poet
Frances Caballo, SFWC social media director
Zoe FitzGerald Carter, author of Imperfect Endings: A Daughter’s Story of Love, Loss, and Letting Go
Stephanie Chandler, author, speaker and CEO
Mark Coker, Smashwords Founder
Rana DiOrio, Chief Executive Officer of Little Pickle Press
Julia Drake, co-founder of Wildbound PR
Selden Edwards, author of The Lost Prince
Kate Farrell, author, librarian, storyteller
Steaphen Fick, founder of the Davenriche Martial Artes School
Elizabeth Fishel, author of Getting To 30: A Parent’s Guide to the 20-Something Years (coauthored with Jeffrey Arnett)
Diane Frank, poet and author of six books of poems
Joel Friedlander, award-winning book designer and blogger
Tanya Egan Gibson, author, freelance editor and consultant
Cali Gilbert, author
Jewelle Gomez, author, poet, critic and playwright
Constance Hale, journalist and author
Melissa Hart, author and contributing editor at The Writer Magazine
K.J. Howe, author and Executive Director of ThrillerFest
Stuart Horwitz, founder and principal of Book Architecture
Carla King, adventure travel author, Founder of Self-Pub Boot Camp and Author Friendly
Michael Larsen, author, co-founder/co-director of the SFWC
Linda Lee, web site designer and WordPress expert
Donna Levin, author/writing teacher
Richard Loranger, writer, performer, visual artist
Mary Mackey, novelist, poet, screenwriter
Susie Meserve, memoirist, essayist, and poet
Tim McCanna, author of Bitty Bot and Watersong
Jennie Nash, author, teacher and CCO of AuthorAccelerator
Louise Nayer, co-authored How To Bury A Goldfish: 113 Rituals for Everyday Life.
Kathryn Otoshi, children’s book author
Douglas Rees, children’s book author and librarian
Olivia Rivers, children’s book author
Jordan E. Rosenfeld, author, editor and writing coach
Orna Ross, Irish indie author. She writes and publishes novels, poetry and the Go Creative!
Naheed Senzai, children’s book author
Lida Sideris, author of Murder and Other Unnatural Disasters
Justin Sloan, video game writer, novelist and screenwriter
Steven Spatz, writer,marketer and President of BookBaby
Elizabeth Stark, author,mentor and podcaster
Penny Warner, author and Agatha Award winner
Dylan Yates, author, writer and vocal coach

The lists for attending agents and editors looks topnotch! Some of the agents will even be accepting pitches during the Speed Dating For Agents. You can see a list of those participating here. Their are also editors doing eight minute consultations. More information on the consults is here. But for an idea of the many agents and editors that will be in attendance, here is a list:

AGENTS:
Lisa Abellera, Kimberley Cameron and Associates (CA)
Peter Beren, Peter Beren Literary Agency (CA)
Jennifer Chen Tran, Fuse Literary (CA)
Amy Cloughley, Kimberley Cameron & Assoc. (CA)
Sorche Elizabeth Fairbank, Fairbank Literary Representation (NY)
Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group, LLC (NYC)
Sarah Levitt, Aevitas Creative Management (NY)
Laurie McLean, Fuse Literary (CA)
Mary C. Moore, Kimberley Cameron & Associates (CA)
Dana Newman, Dana Newman Literary (CA)
Kim Perel, Irene Goodman Literary Agency (NY)
Jody Rein, Jody Rein Books (CO)
Andy Ross, Andy Ross Agency (CA)
Rayhané Sanders, Lippincott Massie McQuilkin (NY)
Ken Sherman, Ken Sherman & Associates (CA)
Jennifer March Soloway, Associate Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency (CA)
Gordon Warnock, Fuse Literary (CA)
Carlie Webber, CK Webber Associates (CA)
Ted Weinstein, Ted Weinstein Literary (CA)
Anna Worrall, The Gernert Company (NY)
Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Foundry Literary + Media (NY)

EDITORS:
Chuck Adams, Executive editor at Algonquin Books
Brenda Copeland, St. Martins Press
Jason Gardner, New World Library
Mary Knippel, Independent Editor
Heather Lazare, Editor & Publishing Consultant
Tyler Moss, Managing Editor at Writers Digest
Taylor Norman, Chronicle Books
Jane Ormerod, Founding editor at great weather for MEDIA
Mary Rakow, Independent Editor
Leila Sales, author and Associate Publishing Manager at Viking Children’s Books
Lauren Spiegel, Senior Editor at Touchstone (S&S)
Liz Stein, Editor at Park Row Books, a division of Harlequin/HarperCollins
Annie Tucker, independent writing coach, developmental editor, and copy editor
Monica Wesolowska, Editor and teacher of fiction and creative non-fiction
Lisa Westmoreland, Executive Editor at 10 Speed Press

For those attending, this sounds like a great four days of learning and marketing yourself!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

#PitchMAS Twitter Party Tomorrow!

December 15, 2016Contests, LiteraryAgents, Authors, December, Editors, Guideliens, Jess Russo, Literary contest, Manuscripts, Pitch Contest, Pitch Party, PitchMAS, Tamara Mataya, Twitter, Unagented, Unpublished, Writers, Writingpdpabst

Jessa Russo and Tamara Mataya are celebrating the success of their blog contest with a #PitchMAS twitter party December 16, 2016 from 6am-6pm PST. This is for completed and polished unpublished manuscripts! You will need to create a 140 character pitch for twitter and use the age category and genre (if possible). Participating agents and editors will fave pitches that interested them. Check their twitter feed and/or agency website for guidelines on how to submit.

As for the twitter party guidelines, go here. As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

#PitchMAS Blog Contest

December 9, 2016Contests, Literary35 Words, Agents, Blog Contest, contest, December, Editors, Jessa Russo, Literary Cheer, Manuscripts, Pitch, PitchMAS, Publishers, Stories, Submissions, Tamara Mataya, Winners, Writerspdpabst

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Oh yes, it’s that holly-jolly Pitchmas time! You know? The best time of the year! Where agents and editors stalk the feed to give you literary cheer!

Jessa Russo and Tamara Mataya are at it again! To submit, you’ll need a 35 word pitch for your finished, polished and unpublished manuscript! They will take submissions by email only, starting Sunday 12/11/16 at 9am PST and ending Monday 12/12/16 at 6pm PST. The winners will go live on the blog December 15, 2016.

You can find this years participating agents and editors here. And don’t worry if you don’t make the contest. There will be a twitter pitch party for everyone on December 16, 2016. Be sure and use the twitter hashtag #Pitchmas (I’ll post a reminder). As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Dan Kobolt’s #SFFpit is Tomorrow!

December 6, 2016Contests, Literary#SFFpit, Age Category, Agents, Authors, Dan Koboldt, December, Editors, Fantasy, Genres, Hashtags, Manuscripts, Pitch Party, Publishers, Research Requests, Science Fiction, Stories, Subgenre, Twitter, Unagented, Unpublished, Writerspdpabst

It’s that time of year again for science fiction and fantasy writers to polish their pitches for Dan Koboldt’s #SFFpit writing contest on twitter! It starts tomorrow December 8, 2016 between 8am-6pm EST. This contest allows 10 pitches total and Dan asks that you use them wisely! As usual, it needs to be a 140 character pitch for twitter and includes the hashtag #SFFpit. For all the rules, including how to properly insert the age group and category, go here. And remember to research any agents or editors that favorite your tweet because ANY ONE can trawl the feed!

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Queries That Worked

December 4, 2016LiteraryAgents, Angst, books, Charlotte Dillon, Chuck Sambucnino, Contract, Dream, editor, Hopeful, Inquiry, Letter, Manuscripts, Paragraphs, publisher, Query, Query Sample, rejections, Snubby, Stories, Successful, Successful Queries, Summorizing, Words, Writer's Digest, Writers, Writingpdpabst

Every writer knows the angst of summing their fantastical manuscript into a couple brief paragraphs. This grueling step is necessary to write an intriguing query letter. (For non-writers, this letter is the introduction to a manuscript to swoon a literary agent and/or publisher into reading a writer’s story with hopes of being signed.) Writerly folks can spend hours, days, weeks, and months forming words together, rearranging, and deleting until the paragraphs are just right. And honestly, some writers struggle knowing when the query is the absolute best for sending out into the world.

And sometimes, the problem isn’t always summing up the story. With nearly 130 million books published in the world, it’s likely someone already wrote something similar. So a writer needs to know what makes their story different and highlight that in their query letter. And trust me, this isn’t necessarily as easy as it sounds.

Knowing the struggles of query letters, I decided to inform my readers of a couple places to view query letters that have worked in hopes it’ll help a few writers.

Successful Queries via Chuck Sambuchino at Writer’s Digest. The reason I love this sight is because he also lists commentary from the agent that signed the author and why it worked for them.
Query Samples via Charlotte Dillon.

And for authors receiving rejections, here are a few best sellers that got snubby rejections but went on to sell millions of copies! Don’t let go of your dream!

P.D. Pabst

Blogger and writer of MG/YA Fiction.

Tomorrow is #Pitmad on Twitter

November 30, 2016Literary#Pitmad, Adult, Age Category, Agents, Brenda Drake, Chapter Book, Children's, Editors, Fiction, Genre, Hashtags, Manuscripts, Middle Grade, New Adult, Nonfiction, Picture Book, Pitches, Rules, Stories, Subgenre, Three Pitches, Twitter, Unagented, Unpublished, Writers, Writing, Young Adulutpdpabst

Nothing soothes the writerly soul than a good twitter pitch party! Tomorrow is Brenda Drake‘s infamous #PitMad between the hours of 8am-pm (EDT). Common age category and genre hashtags are below.

Age Categories:

#PB = Picture Book
#C = Children’s
#CB = Chapter Book
#CL = Children’s Lit
#MG = Middle Grade
#YA = Young Adult
#NA = New Adult
#A = Adult

Genres/Sub-genres:

#AA = African American
#AD = Adventure
#CF = Christian Fiction
#CON = Contemporary
#CR = Contemporary Romance
#DIS = Disabilities
#DV = Diversity
#E = Erotica
#ER = Erotic Romance
#ES = Erotica Suspense
#F = Fantasy
#H = Horror
#HA = Humor
#HF = Historical Fiction
#HR = Historical Romance
#INSP = Inspirational
#IRMC = Interracial/Multicultural
#MR = Magical Realism
#M = Mystery
#Mem = Memoir
#LGBT
#LF = Literary Fiction
#NF = Non-fiction
#R = Romance
#P = Paranormal
#PR = Paranormal Romance
#RS = Romantic Suspense
#S = Suspense
#SF = SciFi
#SPF = Speculative Fiction
#T = Thriller
#UF = Urban Fantasy
#W = Westerns
#WF = Woman’s Fiction

The rules clearly state to only pitch THREE times per manuscript during the contest. Don’t break the rules and clog the feed! Also, please remember anyone can stalk the feed. So, do your research before submitting your manuscript!

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA Fiction.

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