A few weeks ago, I was querying when I kept coming across agent after agent who was closed to submissions except from those who they’ve met at conferences. Below that, a list of conferences was provided, where a writer could go and purchase a ticket (often in the hundreds), and then an additional ticket to… Continue reading Pay-To-Play in Traditional Publishing, and Why We Need to Talk About It
Tag: MSWL
Researching Literary Agents in 2022
As promised in my last post - Writing a Great One-Line Pitch for Your 2022 Query Letter - I wanted to talk about researching literary agents in 2022. Granted, I am going to start with the caveat that I only have experience querying kidlit books. More specifically YA/MG, contemporary and fantasy. So that’s where this post… Continue reading Researching Literary Agents in 2022
When Are You Ready to Query?
Writers who want to publish with the Big Five need literary agents. To get a literary agent, one must query. To do that, you need your entire publishing package ready. That includes your formatted manuscript, query letter, and 1-page synopsis. Let’s say you have all three of these items right in front of you. How… Continue reading When Are You Ready to Query?
Can Someone Steal Your Book Idea?
Can someone steal your book idea? I tend to find there are two responses to this question: Absolutely! YES! Someone did that to meeee! NO WAY. Never happens. It’s impossible, because your idea can only be written by you. To be honest, I think both of these answers are a little too black and white.… Continue reading Can Someone Steal Your Book Idea?
2017 Favorite Writing Tools
Toward the end of every year, I like to talk about my favorite books, but I thought I’d share my favorite new writing experiences, too. This list is based on tools I tried in 2017, not necessarily tools that released in 2017, but I hope you find it helpful anyway. Website: MSWL For those of… Continue reading 2017 Favorite Writing Tools
Podcasts for Writers, SFF, & More
I love podcasts. Since I spend most of my day on the computer, I’ve fallen in love with listening to podcasts while I’m off the computer. It helps me rest my eyes, while also giving me a chance to continue my research—whether it’s for publishing or writing in general. Below, I’m including my top three… Continue reading Podcasts for Writers, SFF, & More
#WW How To Get A Literary Agent
How do I get a literary agent? This is a popular question among aspiring writers, and to be honest, signing with a literary agent is a long and complicated process but well worth it for many. That being said, signing with a literary agent isn't the only way to get published, but today, I'm only covering… Continue reading #WW How To Get A Literary Agent
#WritingTips No, Reading Is Not An Option.
As an author and full-time editor, I’m coming across more and more writers who don’t read their own genre, or—even worse—don’t read at all. There are generally two types of these writers. 1. Writers who claim to read but obviously don’t (and I’ll get to how it is obvious later). 2. Writers who haven’t read… Continue reading #WritingTips No, Reading Is Not An Option.
#WritingTips Music Muse and Tricks
If you would like a signed copy of any book in The Timely Death Trilogy, e-mail me at shannonathompson.com. Barnes & Noble in Wichita has a few copies left from the Valentine's Day Romance Author Event this past Saturday. It was AWESOME. I met some wonderful readers and authors. Thank you for coming out! ~SAT ...… Continue reading #WritingTips Music Muse and Tricks
Shannon A. Thompson 