I wanted to post to let you guys know that I am seriously behind on reading partial and full manuscripts. This is not a novel state of affairs. I'm almost always behind. But I recently contracted a series of illnesses. (Cold led to stomach virus, stomach virus migrated to throat infection. It's been a joy to live with me.)
I think (hope?) I'm better now. So no need to send well wishes. Just wanted to post my excuses publicly to those who might be impatiently waiting on something from me.
It's not you, it's me.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Backspace & Sandy
I've had a couple of lovely emails asking if I, and my colleagues at the L. Perkins Agency, are okay after Hurricane Sandy. Pleased to report that we're all fine. The office lost power for a bit, and I think fellow-agent Sandy Lu is in for a lot of awkward jokes in the future, but we're a lot better off than most. So thanks for your concern, now please direct it to people in need! (Red Cross website here.)
I'd also like to give public adulation to Karen Dionne, Christopher Graham and everyone who runs the Backspace Writers Conference here in New York. They worked magic and put on the conference Thursday and Friday despite a myriad of challenges. They are wizards. Not only did they arrange for conference calls so the agents who couldn't get in could still participate, they did it for all the writers too. I'm always super impressed by this conference and now I'm super duper impressed with it.
It's too bad Backspace is only in New York, because I think a lot of writers could benefit from the sessions, and not everyone can fly out. This thought prompted a mental image of Karen and Christopher taking a bunch of agents on tour in a van, like a garage band. I made myself laugh out loud.
Anyway, I was pleased to be there (in person). I got to do two panels with Jason Allen Ashlock and Madeleine Raffel. Jason has a great easy to remember theory about what needs to go in a query letter: your Hook, Book (synopsis), Look (word count, comp titles, etc) and Cook (about you). I liked it a lot.
Though I wish I would stop ending up on panels with people who are so much more eloquent and erudite than I am.
I'd also like to give public adulation to Karen Dionne, Christopher Graham and everyone who runs the Backspace Writers Conference here in New York. They worked magic and put on the conference Thursday and Friday despite a myriad of challenges. They are wizards. Not only did they arrange for conference calls so the agents who couldn't get in could still participate, they did it for all the writers too. I'm always super impressed by this conference and now I'm super duper impressed with it.
It's too bad Backspace is only in New York, because I think a lot of writers could benefit from the sessions, and not everyone can fly out. This thought prompted a mental image of Karen and Christopher taking a bunch of agents on tour in a van, like a garage band. I made myself laugh out loud.
Anyway, I was pleased to be there (in person). I got to do two panels with Jason Allen Ashlock and Madeleine Raffel. Jason has a great easy to remember theory about what needs to go in a query letter: your Hook, Book (synopsis), Look (word count, comp titles, etc) and Cook (about you). I liked it a lot.
Though I wish I would stop ending up on panels with people who are so much more eloquent and erudite than I am.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Celebrating Banned Book Week
It's Banned Book Week this week! I loved Banned Book Week because it reminds people that good books are worth fighting for.
The first time I experienced censorship was in 8th grade. Our English teacher always taught The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn but the year before I entered her classroom, there was a kerfuffle about it not being appropriate. Of course, we all immediately went out to read it because obviously if parents didn't want us reading it, then it was awesome.
Eventually the parents succeeded in getting Huck Finn out of our classroom. So during my year, she taught Fahrenheit 451.
It wasn't until I was older that I realized what a deliberate and awesome choice that was!
What we can learn from this is, that if a book is banned that means it is GOOD. So go check out the list of frequently challenged books from the ALA, and try to read them all. Or maybe go see "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" in theaters now.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Teens Can Write, Too!
This weekend, I'm one of the agents judging the pitch contest over at Teens Can Write, Too! Unfortunately, I'm late posting about this so it's too late for you to enter. But the contest was for writers between the ages of 13-20. The top ten pitches were posted on the site's blog, and have a chance of being read by agents.
I think it's a really cool thing, and I've already requested something. If I had been a teen writer (of more than crappy fanfic) then I would've love to participate in this. I definitely think writing is a muscle that has to be developed and all writers need encouragement.
So go and tell the winners how amazing their entries sound!
I think it's a really cool thing, and I've already requested something. If I had been a teen writer (of more than crappy fanfic) then I would've love to participate in this. I definitely think writing is a muscle that has to be developed and all writers need encouragement.
So go and tell the winners how amazing their entries sound!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Rejections
If you are an author (or a human, really) you are going to have to find a way to deal with rejection. Please don't go attacking agents, or editors. This sort of thing rarely helps your cause. I know it's not fun, so cry, beat pillows, eat ice cream, whatever helps you through. You've got to find something that doesn't involve assaulting people.
My first real taste of rejection was the college admissions process. Until then I'd been one of the smarter kids in my grade and felt I could do stuff pretty easily. I also had big plans about The Future--all of which involved me becoming Very Important. And then colleges I applied to said to me, "Actually, you're pretty average. Sorry."
I had this fantasy that one day they would be sorry. And since I was going to be Very Important, they would invite me to speak on their campus. I would respond by sending them a copy of the rejection letter they sent me. ("Due to the the strong pool of applicants, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to speak at your Very Important Thing...")
And I used that whole "prove them wrong" thing as motivation to do well at university and later at grad school. But I don't have copies of those rejection letters anymore. I guess that's why the "use it as fuel" metaphor is often used. Fuel is good to get you places, but eventually it burns away.
My first real taste of rejection was the college admissions process. Until then I'd been one of the smarter kids in my grade and felt I could do stuff pretty easily. I also had big plans about The Future--all of which involved me becoming Very Important. And then colleges I applied to said to me, "Actually, you're pretty average. Sorry."
I had this fantasy that one day they would be sorry. And since I was going to be Very Important, they would invite me to speak on their campus. I would respond by sending them a copy of the rejection letter they sent me. ("Due to the the strong pool of applicants, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to speak at your Very Important Thing...")
And I used that whole "prove them wrong" thing as motivation to do well at university and later at grad school. But I don't have copies of those rejection letters anymore. I guess that's why the "use it as fuel" metaphor is often used. Fuel is good to get you places, but eventually it burns away.
Louise, Louise, Louise
Last night, our own Louise Fury won Agent of the Year from the New York City Chapter of RWA.
I hoped to have pictures but my camera-phone made everything blurry. So you will just have to imagine. (The award is a golden apple and Louise is Louise.)
Louise is great. I'm lucky to work with her. And it was a great night to celebrate her, because she just posted a "major" deal on PublishersMarketplace to top it all off.
I hoped to have pictures but my camera-phone made everything blurry. So you will just have to imagine. (The award is a golden apple and Louise is Louise.)
Louise is great. I'm lucky to work with her. And it was a great night to celebrate her, because she just posted a "major" deal on PublishersMarketplace to top it all off.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Widgets
Playing around with Amazon widgets. These are some books that my agency has worked on recently.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
COFW
I mentioned before I am going to the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Conference in September. On their twitter, they announced appointments with me were available. So check out their website if you are in Ohio and want to meet me.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Write On Con
I'm going to another conference, but this one is better because it's online and that means you could attend!
Write On Con is taking place this August 14th and 15th. On August 14, I'll be taking part in a panel of industry professionals at 9pm. In con speak, I'm part of the "faculty" which I think means I get to assign homework. Exciting!
I'm also donating a query critique to their fund raising efforts, so look out for that.
Write On Con is taking place this August 14th and 15th. On August 14, I'll be taking part in a panel of industry professionals at 9pm. In con speak, I'm part of the "faculty" which I think means I get to assign homework. Exciting!
I'm also donating a query critique to their fund raising efforts, so look out for that.
Kit
Since she posted it to her blog, I might as well announce (though part of me doesn't believe anything is real until I have the signed contract in my hand) that author Kit Forbes (also known as Barbara Sheridan) is now a client of mine.
One of these days I'm going to link to all my clients on the sidebar thingy there. I just keep forgetting. And I seem to be acquiring them rather rapidly of late. Kind of like Pokemon. Gotta catch 'em all.
One of these days I'm going to link to all my clients on the sidebar thingy there. I just keep forgetting. And I seem to be acquiring them rather rapidly of late. Kind of like Pokemon. Gotta catch 'em all.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The windup and the pitch
On Monday, I got back from the Pacific Northwest Writers Association conference. It was a really good group of writers and I heard a lot of strong pitches. I also heard a lot of pitches in general. I did six 90-minute pitch sessions over two days. Each author had 3 minutes to tell me about their book. (I estimate I heard about 150 pitches, because some slots were empty. But that's still a lot.)
Some authors are just so nervous. I always feel badly, because I'm an anxious person myself so I know the feeling. But there is a lot of pressure to say exactly the right thing. There are workshops about it. Authors practice for weeks.
But the truth is that you don't have to say exactly the right thing. You just have to tell me enough to pique my interest. I've never signed a client on a pitch alone (and I can't imagine myself doing so unless the person was a celebrity and wouldn't actually write the book) because I have to see the writing. So pitching isn't the be-all and end-all, it's just the beginning of a long process.
I like getting to talk to people, and I hope there will be some good projects showing up in my inbox soon. And even if I didn't request more, I hope authors learned something from the experience.
Some authors are just so nervous. I always feel badly, because I'm an anxious person myself so I know the feeling. But there is a lot of pressure to say exactly the right thing. There are workshops about it. Authors practice for weeks.
But the truth is that you don't have to say exactly the right thing. You just have to tell me enough to pique my interest. I've never signed a client on a pitch alone (and I can't imagine myself doing so unless the person was a celebrity and wouldn't actually write the book) because I have to see the writing. So pitching isn't the be-all and end-all, it's just the beginning of a long process.
I like getting to talk to people, and I hope there will be some good projects showing up in my inbox soon. And even if I didn't request more, I hope authors learned something from the experience.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Donald Sobol
I'm very sad to hear about the death of Donald Sobol. It is a great loss for children's literature and literature in general. I recently heard Mr. Sobol on NPR and was reminded how much I loved his Encyclopedia Brown series as a kid.
I don't remember which book it was, or which case, but I do remember once solving the case BEFORE Encyclopedia Brown. (The grass under the bike was green!) And I don't think I've ever been so proud of myself.
I learned a lot from this man. Much of it was about flag etiquette. But I also learned that I could be a teen sleuth if I wanted to be.
And that is an important message for young people, I think.
Here's a link to the radio program I heard a few months ago.
I don't remember which book it was, or which case, but I do remember once solving the case BEFORE Encyclopedia Brown. (The grass under the bike was green!) And I don't think I've ever been so proud of myself.
I learned a lot from this man. Much of it was about flag etiquette. But I also learned that I could be a teen sleuth if I wanted to be.
And that is an important message for young people, I think.
Here's a link to the radio program I heard a few months ago.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Update.
If you sent me a query, I'm on ones that were received at the beginning of June 2012. If you sent me one before that, then I didn't get it.
If you sent me a partial manuscript: I'm up to about mid-May 2012 (from the date the partial was submitted). Full manuscripts are similar but I do have some from April. Egads.
Next Thursday I will be at AgentFest, here in Manhattan.
The week after, I'm going to the PNWA Conference in Seattle, WA. Come see me!
If you sent me a partial manuscript: I'm up to about mid-May 2012 (from the date the partial was submitted). Full manuscripts are similar but I do have some from April. Egads.
Next Thursday I will be at AgentFest, here in Manhattan.
The week after, I'm going to the PNWA Conference in Seattle, WA. Come see me!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Reading Can Be Dangerous
It's Summer now. I can tell because everyone has started greeting each other with, "Hot out, huh?" Instead of the customary "Hello."
Due to my family's history of multiple sclerosis (a disease that gets less prevalent the closer you get to the equator), I have been urged to spend more time outside encouraging production of Vitamin D. So about a month ago, I realized I could read manuscripts out at the park just as easily as I could indoors by my computer, with the help of my Kindle.
Twice now, I've gotten sunburn because I was too engrossed in reading to realize how long I had been sitting out. (I'm supposed to go about half an hour before I put on the sunscreen. Doctor's orders.) One of these burns led to a new client. (Hi, Nikki!)
Yesterday I got burned again. It's all on my back due to my hunched over reading position. I've spent the day trying to slather post-sun lotion and aloe on my back. I'm glad no one had a camera for that comedy.
I tell you this, dear reader, so you will know it is actually a compliment if I email you and say that you got me sunburned.
Due to my family's history of multiple sclerosis (a disease that gets less prevalent the closer you get to the equator), I have been urged to spend more time outside encouraging production of Vitamin D. So about a month ago, I realized I could read manuscripts out at the park just as easily as I could indoors by my computer, with the help of my Kindle.
Twice now, I've gotten sunburn because I was too engrossed in reading to realize how long I had been sitting out. (I'm supposed to go about half an hour before I put on the sunscreen. Doctor's orders.) One of these burns led to a new client. (Hi, Nikki!)
Yesterday I got burned again. It's all on my back due to my hunched over reading position. I've spent the day trying to slather post-sun lotion and aloe on my back. I'm glad no one had a camera for that comedy.
I tell you this, dear reader, so you will know it is actually a compliment if I email you and say that you got me sunburned.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
DOC VOODOO GIVEAWAY!
My totally awesome client, Dale Lucas, has agreed to give away a copy of his novel DOC VOODOO: ACES AND EIGHTS to one lucky reader of my blog. I'm excited. I really think Dale is a talent and I want his awesome writing to reach more people.
DOC VOODOO: ACES AND EIGHTS was published by Beating Windward Press in late 2011. Here's how the publisher describes it: Jam-packed with mobsters, mystery, magic and mayhem, Dale Lucas offers a new twist on the action-hero and a love letter to classic pulp fiction like no other. Harlem, 1926: The First World War is still The Great War. Jazz is new and always in the air. Booze is black market and the market is worth killing over. As the West Indies and the Harlem Knights wage a bloody turf war in Harlem, the Irish, Italian and Jewish mobs circle like sharks and a helpless community bleeds. But one of Harlem's darkest denizens has been called by the old gods in answer to the people's prayers for help. He stalks Harlem's night as a skull-faced, gun-toting, supernaturally-powered avenger that the people call the Cemetary Man... the Witch Doctor... the Dread Baron... But you can just call him Doc Voodoo. In Doc Voodoo: Aces & Eights, The Queen Bee controls the speakeasies, brothels and numbers rackets in north Harlem; Papa House controls the south. As the Queen Bee puts the final touches on her new night club, Papa House makes his move to take over all of Harlem, declaring war. However Doc Voodoo is out to maintain peace, prosperity, and autonomy for the residents of Harlem. Navigating a minefield of gang rivalries, political corruption, and black magic, Doc Voodoo lays down a new law in Harlem, dispensing two-fisted justice with a heaping helping of hot lead!
DOC VOODOO has received rave reviews from SF Site, as well as authors Ron Fortier and Charles Saunders. Fortier called it "as good a pulp actioner as any other there on the market today"!
So if you are interested in pulp novels, just comment on this post and one lucky winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be able to chose what format they want to receive: trade paperback, Kindle, nook,Kobo, iPad, and some others.
ETA: Oops. Forgot to mention. Contest will end exactly ONE WEEK from date of this post.
DOC VOODOO: ACES AND EIGHTS was published by Beating Windward Press in late 2011. Here's how the publisher describes it: Jam-packed with mobsters, mystery, magic and mayhem, Dale Lucas offers a new twist on the action-hero and a love letter to classic pulp fiction like no other. Harlem, 1926: The First World War is still The Great War. Jazz is new and always in the air. Booze is black market and the market is worth killing over. As the West Indies and the Harlem Knights wage a bloody turf war in Harlem, the Irish, Italian and Jewish mobs circle like sharks and a helpless community bleeds. But one of Harlem's darkest denizens has been called by the old gods in answer to the people's prayers for help. He stalks Harlem's night as a skull-faced, gun-toting, supernaturally-powered avenger that the people call the Cemetary Man... the Witch Doctor... the Dread Baron... But you can just call him Doc Voodoo. In Doc Voodoo: Aces & Eights, The Queen Bee controls the speakeasies, brothels and numbers rackets in north Harlem; Papa House controls the south. As the Queen Bee puts the final touches on her new night club, Papa House makes his move to take over all of Harlem, declaring war. However Doc Voodoo is out to maintain peace, prosperity, and autonomy for the residents of Harlem. Navigating a minefield of gang rivalries, political corruption, and black magic, Doc Voodoo lays down a new law in Harlem, dispensing two-fisted justice with a heaping helping of hot lead!
DOC VOODOO has received rave reviews from SF Site, as well as authors Ron Fortier and Charles Saunders. Fortier called it "as good a pulp actioner as any other there on the market today"!
So if you are interested in pulp novels, just comment on this post and one lucky winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be able to chose what format they want to receive: trade paperback, Kindle, nook,Kobo, iPad, and some others.
ETA: Oops. Forgot to mention. Contest will end exactly ONE WEEK from date of this post.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Finish
BEA is over for another year. I made it through, though my feet and shoulders are sore. I wish I could share all the cool ARCs and swag I got with my readers. Alas I cannot. So instead I'll share a silly picture.
Penguin was doing this to promote REACHED the third book in Ally Condie's MATCHED trilogy. I'm not the agent on these. I haven't even read the second book yet. Eeek. But I love me a silly picture.
I'm trapped in a glass case of emotion!
... Actually I am not. Couldn't even tough the bubble. ACTING! /Jon Lovitz
I also have a picture with my head on YEAR OF LIVING BIBLICALLY which I wish I could find for times I'm dispensing important information.
Penguin was doing this to promote REACHED the third book in Ally Condie's MATCHED trilogy. I'm not the agent on these. I haven't even read the second book yet. Eeek. But I love me a silly picture.
I'm trapped in a glass case of emotion!
... Actually I am not. Couldn't even tough the bubble. ACTING! /Jon Lovitz
I also have a picture with my head on YEAR OF LIVING BIBLICALLY which I wish I could find for times I'm dispensing important information.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
BEA
It's the most wonderful time of the year! ... No, not Christmas; BEA!
BEA stands for Book Expo America. It's the week when all publishing people make a pilgrimage to the Jacob K. Javits Center waaaaay on the West Side of Manhattan. We met, we try to get free books, we wait an hour for a coffee at the one Starbucks. Mostly we complain about the Javits Center. (It is too far. The food is expensive. The a/c doesn't work/works too well.)
Everyone is there. Publishers you never heard of are there. Authors are doing signings to promote their books. All are trying to hand you a flyer or button or promotional material. You want to see everything but that would take four lifetimes.
The first year I went, I got so much free stuff that my bag cut into my shoulder from the weight. It's my BEA war wound.
Now I just try to make lots of appointments, put my head down and elbows out and try to make my way through the crowd to get to them. He who has the sharpest elbows, wins.
BEA stands for Book Expo America. It's the week when all publishing people make a pilgrimage to the Jacob K. Javits Center waaaaay on the West Side of Manhattan. We met, we try to get free books, we wait an hour for a coffee at the one Starbucks. Mostly we complain about the Javits Center. (It is too far. The food is expensive. The a/c doesn't work/works too well.)
Everyone is there. Publishers you never heard of are there. Authors are doing signings to promote their books. All are trying to hand you a flyer or button or promotional material. You want to see everything but that would take four lifetimes.
The first year I went, I got so much free stuff that my bag cut into my shoulder from the weight. It's my BEA war wound.
Now I just try to make lots of appointments, put my head down and elbows out and try to make my way through the crowd to get to them. He who has the sharpest elbows, wins.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
How to read queries, a step by step guide
The other day an author asked me what she was "doing
wrong" in her query. I didn't really have an answer. There are, obviously
some BIG no-no's when querying, but I feel like those have been covered by
other blogs. Aside from those, what is "wrong" for me might
work for another agent.
So, for what it is worth, here is my process for reviewing
queries.
Step 1. Realize that query folder is overflowing. Berate
self for being lazy and/or having a life.
Step 2. Decide to wade into the fray of battle to make
unread email number lower. Screw courage to sticking place.
Step 3. Open email, hoping for something clearly awesome
that I can sell for millions of dollars. Or, failing that, an obvious reject since
I simply must defeat the inbox.
Step 4. Read email, possibly several times depending on
potential of project. See below.
LEVEL 1: Quick reading of query to see if it hits any of my
"automatic rejection" buttons. EXAMPLES: It's a screenplay; it's a book
genre I do not handle, novel is 600,000 words long, the author cannot write in
English, author is potentially crazy and/or lists heinous crimes committed.
(NOTE: I feel like anyone reading this could beat this level.)
LEVEL 2: Book is in my wheelhouse, now examine premise. Is
this something I would read? Possible reasons for rejection at this level: Don't
like concept, I have read this book before, sounds boring, etc.
LEVEL 3: Ooh, shiny! Is something I would read, but do I
think I can sell it? Possible reasons for rejection at this level: I have
something similar and haven't been able to sell it, editors don't want this, don't
know publisher in that area, etc.
LEVEL 4: I must read more! Author has beaten levels. Excitement and
rejoicing.
Step 5. Repeat these steps until
my eyes start to cross and words look fuzzy. Admit defeat. Wring hands like
maniacal super villain and announce that "I will get you next time, slush
pile."
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Conferences
I had a good day today at the CT Fiction Fest. Conferences still make me a bit nervous. I am afraid of being a huge disappointment to people who want to meet me. Then writers are nervous about their pitch. So everyone is uncomfortable.But today was, as I said, good. Phew! I think I got some good pitches. We'll see.
I need to get out to different conferences. I seem to attend the same ones! And see the same people! So if you are reading this and involved in a planning a conference, please shoot me an email and I'll see if I can't fit it in!
I need to get out to different conferences. I seem to attend the same ones! And see the same people! So if you are reading this and involved in a planning a conference, please shoot me an email and I'll see if I can't fit it in!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Murder Complex
L. Perkins Agency client Lindsay Cummings talks with Girls in the Stacks about finding an agent (my lovely coworker Louise Fury), and getting a book deal. I like this podcast because it's like listening in on a group of friends chatting.
And of course we love Lindsay.
And of course we love Lindsay.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Contracts
I like book publishing contracts. I am very weird. They are a strange animal. Unique to the industry, hard for outsiders to understand. When I was at NYU, I took a course with Jan Constantine (General Counsel at the Authors Guild) and one of my favorite parts was learning about the cases that shaped the book contract as we know it.
I still have my notebook and folder from that class because I am a dork.
Anyway, back to the point. I was asked at a conference if there is a book to learn that sort of thing. And, yes, there are several. Jan used Negotiating the Book Contract by Mark Levine. (Mr. Levine also has a book for self-publishing authors called The Fine Print of Self Publishing which I'd recommend for all of you who DON'T want an agent.)
Sadly, I don't remember who asked me this originally.
I still have my notebook and folder from that class because I am a dork.
Anyway, back to the point. I was asked at a conference if there is a book to learn that sort of thing. And, yes, there are several. Jan used Negotiating the Book Contract by Mark Levine. (Mr. Levine also has a book for self-publishing authors called The Fine Print of Self Publishing which I'd recommend for all of you who DON'T want an agent.)
Sadly, I don't remember who asked me this originally.
Monday, April 23, 2012
See? I knew I would run out of things to post about. Does anyone have any questions or brilliant ideas?
Today has mostly been about the war of the inbox. There is no hope of winning the war of the inbox. You just have to keep it from strangling you. I think I am through all queries from more than a month ago. I say think because, who knows what is lurking in the folders. I shudder to think of it.
That could be a horror movie. Someone thinks their work email is all up to date only to discover there are things s/he was supposed to be doing all along, s/he just didn't see them. Don't laugh. I find my stress dreams much more frightening than the run-for-your-life dreams.
Today has mostly been about the war of the inbox. There is no hope of winning the war of the inbox. You just have to keep it from strangling you. I think I am through all queries from more than a month ago. I say think because, who knows what is lurking in the folders. I shudder to think of it.
That could be a horror movie. Someone thinks their work email is all up to date only to discover there are things s/he was supposed to be doing all along, s/he just didn't see them. Don't laugh. I find my stress dreams much more frightening than the run-for-your-life dreams.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Comic Con Episode IV
I just saw Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope. It's a documentary (by Morgan Spurlock) about, duh, Comic Con in San Diego*. The film follows a bunch of fans but I was most interested in the two artists who were trying to break into penciling for comic book companies.
They'd go to portfolio reviews and the reviewers would say the art wasn't right for them. Then the artists would be all sad. And I was sad for them.
... Except that's probably EXACTLY how people who query me feel when I say that their writing isn't for me. It made me feel guilty. I didn't get into this business to crush dreams. I'm not waking up with a goal to make people cry.
But I can't represent everyone, and it's true that some stuff "isn't right for me." Because there were two artists in the documentary, and one got hired and the other didn't. Except I couldn't really see what made one better. Obviously I'm not the world's foremost authority on everything.
*I've never been to SDCC but the New York Comic Con is my sacred weekend.
They'd go to portfolio reviews and the reviewers would say the art wasn't right for them. Then the artists would be all sad. And I was sad for them.
... Except that's probably EXACTLY how people who query me feel when I say that their writing isn't for me. It made me feel guilty. I didn't get into this business to crush dreams. I'm not waking up with a goal to make people cry.
But I can't represent everyone, and it's true that some stuff "isn't right for me." Because there were two artists in the documentary, and one got hired and the other didn't. Except I couldn't really see what made one better. Obviously I'm not the world's foremost authority on everything.
*I've never been to SDCC but the New York Comic Con is my sacred weekend.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Mystery Agent
Monday, March 5, 2012
Covers
I've got several books out on submission. The waiting is killing me, so I need to blog to distract myself. I'm never really sure what to blog about. If you have suggestions or questions, please comment with them because I am at a loss. A lot.
Anyway, today I got a query with attached cover image. It was actually rather nice looking for a homemade cover. I'd almost rather it be the ugliest thing in the world (which does happen occasionally with queries). See, unless you are a very powerful famous author, you aren't going to have any approval over your cover image. I can't think of any debut authors who've even had cover consultation (meaning input but not the final say) in their contract.
You might think this is is mean and terrible. How dare publishers not consult you? But the truth is that they have very talented, and lovely people who make covers for a living. Sometimes these people miss the mark and that is always unfortunate when a cover is bad. But it's never an author's fault that a cover is bad, because--again--author's don't have control over that.
Sending me a cover image with your query only shows me that you don't know how the industry works. Which means I'd have to explain it to you (downside) and that you have wasted your time (downside x2).
Anyway, today I got a query with attached cover image. It was actually rather nice looking for a homemade cover. I'd almost rather it be the ugliest thing in the world (which does happen occasionally with queries). See, unless you are a very powerful famous author, you aren't going to have any approval over your cover image. I can't think of any debut authors who've even had cover consultation (meaning input but not the final say) in their contract.
You might think this is is mean and terrible. How dare publishers not consult you? But the truth is that they have very talented, and lovely people who make covers for a living. Sometimes these people miss the mark and that is always unfortunate when a cover is bad. But it's never an author's fault that a cover is bad, because--again--author's don't have control over that.
Sending me a cover image with your query only shows me that you don't know how the industry works. Which means I'd have to explain it to you (downside) and that you have wasted your time (downside x2).
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Geek Girl Con
Tickets have gone on sale for Geek Girl Con 2012! It's in August this year. I missed the initial announcement; I feel like a bad geek girl. Buy your tickets here!
Sadly, I'm not going to attend for the second year in a row. Sob. But I still want to promote it to anyone out there reading this in the Seattle area. I think it's a really good thing. I'm one of those people who has been quizzed on knowledge of fantasy books and comic books by guys who don't believe that I could possibly know this stuff.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Queries
I read queries this afternoon. If you sent me anything before this morning (March 1) then you should've received a response. If not, then I probably didn't get it. Please send again!
I know I don't get nearly as many queries as some of the bigger agents out there. Probably not even a 1/10th. I'm not sure how they do it. After a little while reading through all the new names and ideas, my eyes start to cross and I can't read anymore.
Unfortunately, I feel like I am kinder to the queries that I happen to read at the beginning of day than I am those toward the end. Taking breaks is the only way to keep me sane. I probably won't read any more for another few days.
I know I don't get nearly as many queries as some of the bigger agents out there. Probably not even a 1/10th. I'm not sure how they do it. After a little while reading through all the new names and ideas, my eyes start to cross and I can't read anymore.
Unfortunately, I feel like I am kinder to the queries that I happen to read at the beginning of day than I am those toward the end. Taking breaks is the only way to keep me sane. I probably won't read any more for another few days.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Molly Contest
Molly Contest for Unpublished Writers is held by the Heart of Denver Romance Writers every year. (Above is the information from their Facebook.) It seems that this year I will be involved as a judge.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Crucible of Gold preview
For fantasy fans, there is a 50-page preview of Naomi Novik's CRUCIBLE OF GOLD now available from the publisher.
Love this series so much. Really wish I were the agent on these but I'm just a fan. I want a dragon of my own. The first in the series is HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON if you haven't read it. I highly recommend!
Love this series so much. Really wish I were the agent on these but I'm just a fan. I want a dragon of my own. The first in the series is HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON if you haven't read it. I highly recommend!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Writing is rewriting
Writing is rewriting. Does anyone know who originated that phrase? Because it's so true.
I'm doing revisions with a couple different authors right now. It can be very hard for some people. But other people love it. Certainly, if you work with me, you're going to have to learn to love it. Although I don't think I could ever be an editor, I do rather enjoy the creative aspect of this business. I want things I send out to be as polished as possible before a real editor sees them.
I'm doing revisions with a couple different authors right now. It can be very hard for some people. But other people love it. Certainly, if you work with me, you're going to have to learn to love it. Although I don't think I could ever be an editor, I do rather enjoy the creative aspect of this business. I want things I send out to be as polished as possible before a real editor sees them.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Emily Keyes: What's In a Name?
I'm told it's kind of hard to find me online.
My name is pretty common, but also there is a more famous Emily Keyes. Sadly, she's known for being killed too young. Originally, when I started with Lori I was going by EK (which is how I sign my emails sometimes) because I'd hate for people searching for the charity inspired by the other Emily to find me instead and be frustrated. Taking away donations from a charity would be very bad karma points, I'm sure.
I have business cards that say ES Keyes. Unfortunately, those are my sister Elizabeth's initials as well so that confused my Mom. Plus, if someone yelled "ES!" on the street, I would not turn around.
I found a happy medium with my twitter handle @esc_key. I was raised Catholic and my Confirmation Name was Catherine (after St. Catherine of Siena). I used this initial to differentiate myself from my sister. Then I realized ESC KEY is a key on every keyboard. I loved it. Thought it was hilarious. (My Dad told me it was lame. What's he know?)
Escape. I'd love to escape sometimes. Wouldn't it be cool if we could just hit an ESC key and find ourselves somewhere else? (Maybe that is what books are for. Hmm. Will think more on this.)
So my blog name is officially ESCKeyes. (Someone already had the esc_key handle, darn them.)
... and now you know way too much about how I chose my blog name. But, hey, check out that charity if you get a chance.
My name is pretty common, but also there is a more famous Emily Keyes. Sadly, she's known for being killed too young. Originally, when I started with Lori I was going by EK (which is how I sign my emails sometimes) because I'd hate for people searching for the charity inspired by the other Emily to find me instead and be frustrated. Taking away donations from a charity would be very bad karma points, I'm sure.
I have business cards that say ES Keyes. Unfortunately, those are my sister Elizabeth's initials as well so that confused my Mom. Plus, if someone yelled "ES!" on the street, I would not turn around.
I found a happy medium with my twitter handle @esc_key. I was raised Catholic and my Confirmation Name was Catherine (after St. Catherine of Siena). I used this initial to differentiate myself from my sister. Then I realized ESC KEY is a key on every keyboard. I loved it. Thought it was hilarious. (My Dad told me it was lame. What's he know?)
Escape. I'd love to escape sometimes. Wouldn't it be cool if we could just hit an ESC key and find ourselves somewhere else? (Maybe that is what books are for. Hmm. Will think more on this.)
So my blog name is officially ESCKeyes. (Someone already had the esc_key handle, darn them.)
... and now you know way too much about how I chose my blog name. But, hey, check out that charity if you get a chance.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Doc Voodoo Review
The SF site reviewed DOC VOODOO: ACES & EIGHTS today. I'm so excited that Mr. Brazil said the only thing wrong with the book was the cover (hey, it's a small publisher; it happens). Hopefully Dale's next book will have a bigger publisher. *fingers crossed*
If it sounds like DOC VOODOO is up your alley, you can get it on Amazon!
If it sounds like DOC VOODOO is up your alley, you can get it on Amazon!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Conferences
If anyone out there is looking for me (unless you're a stalker, then don't read this), there are a few conferences I will be at in the upcoming months.
Liberty States Fiction Writers' Create Something Magical
March 17, 2012
Iselin, NJ
CTRWA Fiction Fest
May 12, 2012
Southbury, CT
Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference
July 19-22, 2012
Seattle, WA
If you're a conference planner and interested in having me, please email me about it.
Liberty States Fiction Writers' Create Something Magical
March 17, 2012
Iselin, NJ
CTRWA Fiction Fest
May 12, 2012
Southbury, CT
Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference
July 19-22, 2012
Seattle, WA
If you're a conference planner and interested in having me, please email me about it.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Rejections
Getting some really good queries lately. I need to find more time in the day to read the partials/fulls.
One time-sucker I could do without is when people reply to my rejections like that was the go-ahead to ask me lots of questions and beg me to reconsider. I try to be nice! I know it's hard to put yourself out there. But no is no.
I really don't want to start replying to queries with, "LOL NO" but if I do, you'll know what happened.
One time-sucker I could do without is when people reply to my rejections like that was the go-ahead to ask me lots of questions and beg me to reconsider. I try to be nice! I know it's hard to put yourself out there. But no is no.
I really don't want to start replying to queries with, "LOL NO" but if I do, you'll know what happened.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
RIGHT HAND MAGIC Giveaway
Like most Manhattanites, aspiring artist Tate can't resist a good rental deal-even if it's in the city's strangest neighborhood, Golgotham, where for centuries werewolves, centaurs, and countless other creatures have roamed the streets.
Her new landlord is a sorcerer name Hexe, who is determined to build his reputation without using dark, left-hand magic. As Tate is drawn into Hexe's fascinating world, they both find that the right hand does not always know what the left hand is doing-and avoiding darkness is no easy trick...
"[Collins] does an excellent job of bringing Golgotham and its unusual occupants vividly to life, yet grounding the story in reality. Compelling characters and dangerous drama add up to dynamic and exciting fun!"
-Romantic Times
Just comment on this post for a chance to win. If you're randomly selected I will contact you further!
*Please US residents only.
ETA: We have a winner.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Most of my favorite books are books I read when I was a kid. That's why I really want to work with young adult and middle grade books. I think they are the most important books in a person's life. I can remember exactly what happens in all my ratty LJ Smith books, but if you ask me what happened in something I read a year ago, I'd be hard pressed to tell you.
When I applied for colleges, one of the questions they would ask in interviews was "What is your favorite book?" or something similar. I knew they wanted me to say something literary and explain why Shakespeare had changed my life (To be fair, Shakespeare did change by life but not until I was already in college.) But I just couldn't do it. I would always name a young adult book that I was fond of. Sometimes the interviewer would look at me funny. Sometimes they'd smile because I'm sure most applicants lied through their teeth.
I think one of them wanted a book that touched us emotionally and I selected "WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS" because, damn, that book made me cry for hours. The dogs, you guys, the dogs! The memories of this are kind of hazy.
I've loved these type of books all my life. It makes me very upset to see a query for a young adult novel from someone saying they used to write adult fiction but did YA because they thought it'd be "easier." It's not easier. It's just different. And if you're not going to take it seriously, then I can't take you seriously.
When I applied for colleges, one of the questions they would ask in interviews was "What is your favorite book?" or something similar. I knew they wanted me to say something literary and explain why Shakespeare had changed my life (To be fair, Shakespeare did change by life but not until I was already in college.) But I just couldn't do it. I would always name a young adult book that I was fond of. Sometimes the interviewer would look at me funny. Sometimes they'd smile because I'm sure most applicants lied through their teeth.
I think one of them wanted a book that touched us emotionally and I selected "WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS" because, damn, that book made me cry for hours. The dogs, you guys, the dogs! The memories of this are kind of hazy.
I've loved these type of books all my life. It makes me very upset to see a query for a young adult novel from someone saying they used to write adult fiction but did YA because they thought it'd be "easier." It's not easier. It's just different. And if you're not going to take it seriously, then I can't take you seriously.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Pulp Fiction Reviews: DOC VOODOO - Aces & Eights
Pulp Fiction Reviews: DOC VOODOO - Aces & Eights: DOC VOODOO Aces & Eights By Dale Lucas Beating Windward Press 201 pages Last year well known fantasy author Charles Saunders delighted ...
This is my industry blog. I don't know that I'll ever use it. I already have Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Livejournal and a whole bunch of others that I rarely use. But all the cool kids are doing it. I'm not if not susceptible to peer pressure.
A little about me: My name is Emily. I work at the L. Perkins Agency. I do contracts and foreign rights there. But I am also trying to create a client base for myself (it is difficult). Before this, I worked at Simon & Schuster in the contracts department. Yes, I know what all that crazy language means. I used to work at "The World Almanac" so I am good at trivia. And I am a graduate of the NYU publishing program.
Please follow me on Twitter if you are so inclined. My handle is @esc_key. It's like a joke, if you're not too fussy. Though, in my defense, those are my initials!
A little about me: My name is Emily. I work at the L. Perkins Agency. I do contracts and foreign rights there. But I am also trying to create a client base for myself (it is difficult). Before this, I worked at Simon & Schuster in the contracts department. Yes, I know what all that crazy language means. I used to work at "The World Almanac" so I am good at trivia. And I am a graduate of the NYU publishing program.
Please follow me on Twitter if you are so inclined. My handle is @esc_key. It's like a joke, if you're not too fussy. Though, in my defense, those are my initials!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)