Get an Agent (Digital Edition)
You'll Love This Digital Issue If:
- You are a nonfiction or fiction writer
- You have a complete and polished manuscript or book proposal
- You want to know what agents do and how to submit a query
What's Inside This Issue:
What an Agent DoesFrom glad-handing editors to negotiating contract details, here's the scoop on day-to-day agent responsibilities.
The Publishing Process Demystified
BY JERRY D. SIMMONS
From start to finish, here's what you need to know about how a book comes to life.
Revise Your Novel
BY JORDAN E. ROSENFELD
10 tips for polishing your manuscript before you submit to agents.
How Not to Start Your Book
BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO
Agents dish about all those things they hate to see in chapter one,from clichés to little pet peeves.
Will Agents Take on Self-Published Books?
BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO
Getting representation for your self-published book isn't easy. Here's why some projects get agents' attention and others don't.
Word Count: The Basics
BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO
Too many? Too few? Or just right? Limit the reasons an agent will reject you by getting your book close to the mark.
Nonfiction Hooks
BY MICHAEL LARSEN
Sell the sizzle, and get an agent interested in your nonfiction book.
MEET SOME AGENTS
Agents Tell All
Leading literary reps answer some of writers' most frequently asked questions.
Avenues to an Agent
Get your foot in the door.
"How I Got My Agent"
BY EUGENIA KIM, DELILAH MARVELLE, COLIN BRODERICK, KRISTYN CROW, A.C. ARTHUR AND CARRIE WILSON-LINK
Six writers recount the highs of querying, the lows of rejection, and how they eventually came to land representation.
21 Agents Who Want Your Work
BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO
These reps are on the hunt for new writers.
SUBMIT YOUR WORK
Crafting a Query
BY KARA GEBHART UHL
Here's how to write a great letter: the dos, the don'ts and everything in between.
Successful Queries
Examine real queries that worked,and hear from the agents who loved them.
Synopsis Workshop
BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO AND THE EDITORS OF WRITER'S DIGEST BOOKS
Compose an effective novel summary.
Book Proposal Writing
BY MOLLIE GLICK
Learn the five elements of crafting a nonfiction book proposal that will sell your idea.
GET PUBLISHING SAVVY
The Writer's Guide to Social Networking
BY THE WRITER'S DIGEST STAFF
Establishing your presence online can help you build your platform,and reach an audience for your work. Here's how.
The Best-Case Scenario
BY JESSICA SINSHEIMER
What should you do if multiple agents are vying to represent you?
What are Agents Reading?
BY ZACHARY PETIT
Agents are scouring these 12 literary journals in their hunt for new clients.
Before You Sign With an Agent . . .
BY HOWARD ZAHAROFF
Negotiate terms that benefit your writing,and make your agent work for you.
Protect Yourself and Your Book
BY PAUL S. LEVINE
A copyright lawyer translates contracts and legalese.
Literary Agents: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?
BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO
Will agents disappear amidst a changing industry and publishing recession? This editor/writer doesn't think so.
Glossary of Industry Terms
If you're going to walk the walk, you'll need to talk the talk. Here's your guide to industry terms that savvy writers should know.
Up Close and Personal
BY KARA GEBHART UHL
Literary agent and super-blogger Rachelle Gardner has a lot of love for writers and a lot of advice to give.
