A Quick Thanks and Then Some

Just wanted to send out a quick thanks to all you new faces who are following. I've read through some of your bios and you all sound like you're on exciting paths toward being published. Well done! Keep moving forward!

And to those who've subscribed around the world, a big thank you. There's a lot to digest on the web and I'm thrilled you put my blog on your plate. It's important for me in my practice and on this blog to deliver you content that will bring balance to your whole writer's life...not just a lot of quick tips to finding an agent or getting published (which, I'll always provide, nevertheless). I've learned from nearly 10 years working with writers in myriad ways, when your life is in balance, when you've attained emotional intelligence and know how to direct it, when you are truly living on purpose, your own creative mind is that much more nourished and ready to craft with brilliance. When you're whole, you can then sell your work with authentic, audacious confidence, whether your book's been published by one of the big houses, little houses or you've self published. You're an author.

A note about TLCG contributors...these fabulous authors (some of them bestselling, all of them wildly talented), agents, editors, publishers and other creatives have always gone above and beyond what I've asked them to contribute (for free). I'm truly thankful for their involvement. I'll continue to bring the best contributors to the table this industry has to offer. Not every author will be a bestselling one and not every agent or editor will have an office somewhere high above the hustle of Manhattan, but they will all bring you their best in the spirit of educating, enlightening and maybe entertaining you.

Thank you, writers.

Erin

Q&A with The Lit Coach

It's time for our once monthly Q&A session. Each month, I gather some of the most frequently asked questions from TLCG readers and answer to the best of my ability. My responses are based off my experiences as a past literary agent and current publishing consultant and writer's life coach.

Q: How long does it take, on average, for a totally new writer to go from seeking out an agent to getting the manuscript sold?

Cathy T.

Unfortunately, there is no average amount of time writers can hope for in terms of selling their manuscript. Especially when it comes to fiction. Given you've got an excellent query letter and manuscript, finding the right agent could take months (or years, I have heard in some cases), but for others, weeks or days, even. Same holds true with finding the right publisher. It could take days, weeks, months or years, depending on what kind of work you have. Generally, genre fiction and prescriptive nonfiction take less time to sell because they fit a formula.

Agents and editors are unique...they all have likes and dislikes when it come to what they want to work with. It's all about finding that perfect match. And when you do, it'll be like your first love all over again.

Q: How do you know if your rejections are due to the quality of your work or just not finding the right match with an agent. All of the feedback I've received so far, including from my editor, indicates it's a good book. Granted, I've only sent out a few queries but I would rather re-work the book now and have a better chance of getting published, than continue to build my file of rejections.

Also, when should you build a web site? I've heard mixed recommendations. Since I'm not published, I'm not sure what I would put on it.

Denise

Q: From what you say, it sounds like you have a well written manuscript but haven't yet found the right agent. If that's the case, keep pitching until you DO find the right agent.

More on pass letters...sadly, many agents use a form letter to pass on your manuscript while others leave somewhat cryptic messages about why they didn't fall in love with the work. There simply isn't enough time for them to get more detailed about your work than that sterile form rejection letter - agents receive hundreds of queries a day. However, there are those agents out there who do go more into detail and provided their critique makes sense, consider their response for future editing.

The best way you can prepare your work is to pass it along to several well-read people and ask for their honest feedback. Better yet, join a writers' group/workshop who meet locally, for feedback. One of my clients just found a group in her sleepy Midwestern city...and surprise! Most every writer in the group has been published by major national journals/magazines/papers and book publishers. She's totally thrilled and is learning all about commercial publishing within her genre from those who're in the thick of it. The point is, workshopping your material with seasoned writers before you pitch an agent will better your chances of ensuring you have a tight, well crafted manuscript on your hands.

If you do get pass letters back from agents who've gone into detail about why they didn't care for the work, and those reasons echo from letter to letter...address the issue, get more reads from your peers, fix any lingering problems with the script and start pitching again.

If platform is the issue that's keeping you from moving forward with an agent, address it. Read this post about platform from BenBella Books Publisher, Glenn Yeffeth. This should answer your website question, too.

Q: How many agents do you recommend we query at a time?

Abby M.

Once you've researched your dream agents and know for certain they accept work like yours, query your hearts out! And query them the way they wish to be queried. Email usually works best.

Some agents will ask for exclusivity when they request your work, meaning, they want to be the only ones considering it. If you feel you'd like to grant that agent an exclusive look (and remember, it's YOUR choice!), kindly communicate a deadline with the agent. I think two weeks is more than fair. So, during that time then, NO other agent gets to see it...or invite you to be their client (so make sure you're querying agents you know for sure you want to work with). If that two weeks has passed with no word from the agent, kindly send them an email asking if they had a chance to review your work and remind them of the deadline. Your other option is to email a professional "thank you, but no thank you" to the agent who requested exclusivity and start querying other agents. That's right! You get to pass on agents, too! Ultimately, you want to work with someone who is organized and respects your time.

Q: As an unpublished writer (currently revising/ editing my first YA novel) I would like to know how to go about finding an agent and what are the hallmarks of a really good one.

Wynter

To start, read this post about being agent ready and the "types" of agents out there. Also, read through the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) Canon of Ethics to see what's ethical and what isn't. Some agents belong to AAR, while others publicly claim to follow AAR's Canon of Ethics.

An ethical agent will not charge fees of any kind for reading, critiquing or editing and will work in your best interest to sell your work. A good agent will be communicative about when your work is going out to publishers and what kind of feedback the manuscript receives. A good agent will know how to navigate a book contract and will guide you through the publishing process as much as they have time for (remember, they have other clients). They show integrity by doing what they say they're going to do.

The best places to look for reputable agents is on Publishers Marketplace, Writer's Market, Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents, and Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents, for starters. You can also check out the Literary Marketplace (LMP) at your local library for a very full listing of agents. All but Chuck Sambuchino's Guide, will cost some money, but I do believe they're worth it. To save money, check out Jeff Herman's guide, LMP and Writer's Market at your library.

Good luck!

Q: Should writers who are actively researching and marketing their projects join Publisher’s Marketplace for the $20 a month, or is all of that stuff pretty accessible online these days without the investment?

For instance, a writer can learn of deals and who represents whom in myriad ways: agent and publisher blogs, twitter feeds, google alerts, and, (here’s the cynic in me) agents don’t really troll the pages of that interface for writers to rep, right? Agents are too busy wading through their slush, aren’t they?

Suzy

Q: What is your view of writers putting up a page on publishersmarketplace.com --- esp. thoselike me who are seeking representation? As I query and get requests for partials and fulls, are prospective agents going to be turned off by people having a page in PM?
Kay C.

PM is considered standard reading in the industry. I really like PM because I get up to date deal listings in one place and I don't have to sift through other sites to find the info. Also, they pull book news from all the major papers, so I don't need to search for that, either. You're also directed to some really awesome agent blogs who offer yet another layer of value. Not to mention, it's an easy place to research agents. You can also create your own page, broadening your exposure, or not. Will agents scout out these pages? Maybe. Is it a turn-off if your page is on there? Only if it looks amaturish. Keep it simple. But a writer should use this tool for research, primarily. And it's a good one. I think it's worth it.

That's all the Q&A for this month, writers. I hope I've answered all your questions succinctly. Stay tuned next month for my call out for your questions.

Here's to a fruitful beginning to your week!

TLC

Next On The Lit Coach's Guide

Join us Monday for a once monthly Q&A Session with The Lit Coach! I'll answer questions about what online tools are worth the money; how long it takes to find an agent; how to not act star-struck around your agent; what qualities to look for in a good agent and more!

Also next week, Literary Agent and author Katharine Sands shares some no fail Pitch Rivets to help fortify your chances of getting your work seen by a literary agent.

And still to come this week...Part Two of A Writer's Education: Being Agent Ready...the final two rules of the road.

Have a great week, writers!

TLC

A Writer's Education: Pitch Rivets with Literary Agent Katharine Sands

New York Literary Agent Katharine Sands has seen it all when it comes to queries. In her well- reviewed book, Making The Perfect Pitch: How to Catch A Literary Agent's Eye, Sands and a select group of well-seasoned agents guide writers toward creating dazzling pitch letters no agent could possibly refuse. (I've heard from a few now published authors, this was the book that took them from un-agented writer to agented writer with a book deal.)

When I asked Katharine recently how writers can best fortify their chances of getting in her agency's door, she supplied me with plenty of her personal Pitch Rivets - Sands' top tips to make your pitch unforgettable. (But remember, while your pitch may be great, you've got to deliver the goods with the actual work and it better be great.)

Pitch Rivet #1: Remember Your Reader

Your reader [the agent] has not yet read the book. While your premise may be an intriguing one, use this pitch as an opportunity to bring your material to life and to deliver on your promise and on your mission statement. For example, if your work is humorous or satirical and there is no humor or satire in your pitch, I will rule you out as a good wordsmith...and I might be wrong.

Pitch Rivet #2 Show Don't Tell

Pitch by the golden rule of writing. Use the pitch to deliver the flavor of your book to whet an agent's appetite. You may have a cleverly outlined and written book, but the pitch must hook the reader (me) to want to read it.

Pitch Rivet #3 Practice Pitchcraft (TM) Formula

Place

Person

Pivot

Where do you take me (where is the story universe)?

Who do I meet (and why do I care about their story)?

How do I enter the story at a lively, dramatic, interesting place?

Pitch Rivet #4 Give a Visual Snapshot...Fast!

When you introduce any kind of information in a pitch, for example the character's personal life, you must define it. Remember, you have watched the movie at your keyboard...your readers haven't. I don't know if your hero is thirty or sixty, gay or straight...human or alien or a poodle. If I don't get a visual, the story isn't as engaging as it could be.

Pitch Rivet #5 Identify The Ideal Audience

When it comes to pitching prescriptive [how-to] nonfiction, you want to pose a problem and a solution in your pitch - with the book, YOUR book being the solution. Many writers make the mistake of hammering home points about the problem without marrying it to the book as the solution for its ideal, intended audience. This ideal audience (for example, the sandwich generation of women) should be your lead point...defining a specific audience in the context of your main point (for example, the boomer who cares for their children and parents). Make sure you have statistics illustrating the breadth of your audience...those who need your book.

Agent Rivet: How to Keep the Writer/Agent Relationship Strong

Put Your Own Backstory Aside

Unless the details of your life—past or present—are directly relevant to your book, don’t share them with prospective agents. Why? Because it does not work. It does not impress. It will not get a good result. Remember there is only one story to tell here: the one in which you would be successfully published. Ill tempered agents want to be seduced, charmed, engaged and won-over, not bored with real life concerns. Be on one long first date with their agent, and later with your editor. Of course, when you work with agents in a boutique agency like Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, there is a lot of personal contact. I am going to know if your parent or pet is dying, if your marriage is on the rocks, if the IRS is going to levy your ex...as this affects our work. But I confess - most commission based agents have little patience or sympathy for the time involved and the difficulty of trying to create with life's challenges. Yes, it's difficult to juggle, but there are obstacle courses in every career. As a writer, you have to make the decision to surmount these...to overcome everything to pursue your dreams.

TLC: While some agent relationships turn into life-long friendships, please strive to keep yours professional by not bogging down your agent with loads of personal info, excuses and baggage. As agents make their livelihood from selling your work (which means they have loads of other clients), they need to feel confident selling not just your work but YOU to an editor. Will they be able to sell you with confidence if you have a history of slacking on deadlines/commitments due to personal drama and disorganization? Nope. Which means your chances of being put on the back burner are pretty good.

Writers, if you strive for professionalism - being timely, courteous and concise, you absolutely cannot go wrong.

Batter Up!

Do YOU have winning pitch tips? What got you in the door? Do share! Feel free to leave them below.

Have a fruitful week, writers!

TLC

About the Contributor

A literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, Katharine has worked with a varied list of authors who publish a diverse array of books. Highlights include XTC: SongStories; Chasing Zebras: THE Unofficial Guide to House, MD; Make Up, Don't Break Up with Oprah guest Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil; Playwright Robert Patrick's novel, Temple Slave; The Complete Book on International Adoption: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Child; Hands Off My Belly: The Pregnant Woman's Survival Guide to Myths, Mothers, and Moods; Under the Hula Moon; Whipped: A Professional Dominatrix's Secrets for Wrapping Men Around Your Little Finger; The Gay Vacation Guide; CityTripping: a Guide for Foodies, Fashionistas and the Generally Syle-Obsessed; Writers on Directors; Ford model Helen Lee's The Tao of Beauty; Elvis and You: Your Guide to the Pleasures of Being an Elvis Fan; New York: Songs of the City; Taxpertise: Dirty Little Secrets the IRS Doesn't Want You to Know; The SAT Word Slam, Divorce After 50; The Complete Book of Bone Health; The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery, to name a few.

Katharine is the agent provocateur of Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent's Eye, a collection of pitching wisdom from leading literary agents. Actively building her client list, she likes books that have a clear benefit for readers' lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, parenting, and fresh looks, which might be at issues, life challenges or popular culture. when reading fiction she wants to be compelled and propelled by urgent storytelling, and hooked by characters. For memoir and femoir, she likes to be transported to a world rarely or newly observed.

A Writer's Education: Being Agent Ready, Part Two

...and we're back with part two of A Writer's Education: Being Agent Ready, with probably the two most important rules of the road. If you have yet to read the first two, here's the link.

Rule # 3: Keep Your Day Job!

Do not even consider packing up your desk belongings or handing over your name tag during the much anticipated celebration of you signing a book contract.

You may earn an advance, but it will most likely be a small one, in the low five figures or dare I say, four figures...and you'll need every penny of that to promote your book because your publisher will only allow so much of their budget into promoting you as their author (for more perspective on this, check out TLCG contributor Marcela Landres' excellent post about how a writer should budget). You'll also need to sock some of that advance money away to create your own promotional materials. Your publisher's PR department should be able to supply you with supportive material, but if you want a large poster advertising your book signing, etc., you'll need to come up with the dough for that. And that goes for extra copies of your book. You can expect to receive about 10 or so copies on the house, but the rest you pay for, at a reasonable discount.

If you have photos, graphs, illustrations, etc., you'd like to include in your book, not only is it your job to track those down, but it's also your responsibility to come up with the cash to foot that bill as well. Are you getting the picture?

Here's something I've heard more than once for writers, "I need that check from the publisher because my rent is due next week!" Writers, never EVER plan your finances around the publishing payout schedule. While you can expect your bi-annual royalty payments to come on time (if you've sold lots and lots of books), the advance payment structure can be rather, unpredictable depending on when your editor accepts your final manuscript, when the official pub date is, etc. Then that check must clear your agent's bank and then they'll send it to you. This whole process can take months! While it is your agent's job to get you your share of what's due to you with alacrity, it's not your agent's job to make sure your personal finances are in order, so plan wisely, create a budget and keep that day job! For now.

Rule #4 Make Some Noise About Your Book!

This expectation is probably the most difficult for writers, especially for those of you writing fiction, to truly feel comfortable with. Once you get a book deal, your publisher will expect you to be vocal about your work. And seen. Often. Talking about your work and literally putting it in the hands of people is the only way you're going to sell it. Look at it this way - you're passionate about writing, you love your characters/message/narrative. The point you decided to find an agent is the point you decided to get really serious about showing the world what you can do with a few sentences. Good for you!!! Go with it! Be proud of your creation! Let that passion flow over to your promotional and sales efforts.

What's the easiest way to promote and sell your book? Just make friends. All the time. There's nothing complicated about promoting and sales, my dears, it's just building relationships. Most every successful PR exec and sales person will tell you that. Connecting with other human beings about your book will only seem complicated if you lack confidence in yourself or your work. You're stepping out of your comfort zone and that's always scary. My quick fix advice is to fake it - all of us at one time or another have felt like phonies when we're doing something new or have moved up a level and are playing with super smart, talented, lovely people...and most everyone feels awkward at first, until you get into a good groove. So fake confidence and comfort until you truly feel those feelings authentically. You've already been accepted into the club, so wear the jacket that's been tailored for you and act like a member.

The long term fix, the one you should definitely address, is why you feel uncomfortable or lack confidence. Are you afraid of success? Afraid of putting yourself out there? Afraid of rejection? Any of these issues would stop a talented writer dead in their tracks. Can you imagine if some of your favorite authors, musicians, artists put their work away after just not being able to cope with success and everything that's required to keep that success moving forward? Identify your fear and commit to overcoming it no matter how long it takes (I coach writers one-on-one about these issues). Are you going to let fear stop you from achieving your dream and doing something you're truly passionate about? I didn't think so.

Back to what a publisher expects from their authors...your publisher will have a limited budget allotted for promoting your book, as I mentioned in Road Rule # 3. So plan on hiring an independent PR professional before your book hits the shelves or partner with your publisher's PR pro to synchronize your efforts, making the most out of your launch. They'll be happy to share great ideas and tips with you because, remember, this is their book, too. And a final word...your publisher's PR people are tremendously overworked and there's literally only so much time they have available to work on your book before they're scheduled to move on to the next book. I can't stress enough the importance of CLEAR communication and planning with this group for the overall success of your book. And, it's always a nice touch to send them something edible or a few gift cards to Starbucks for all their hard work. They like to know their efforts are appreciated.

There are many ways writers can better prepare themselves for what lies ahead on their path to publication, but these four rules are crucial to understand and apply in your writer's life before you take your first step. Understanding these publishing truths now will put you so much farther ahead of others vying for an agent's attention. While there's no way to communicate this confidence easily in a cover letter to an agent, they will see it in your approach, nevertheless. Confidence is easy to spot...it looks like a writer who knows where they're headed.

Have a beautiful fall weekend, writers! I wish you every success.

TLC

A Writer's Education: Being Agent Ready, Part One

Preface: I've been thinking about this blog post all month. It's the 'why' behind what I do, after all...my reason for being in my capacity as coach. So, consider this part one of two.

I began The Lit Coach, my publishing consultancy and writers’ life coaching practice, after a few years' analysis of how writers approach literary agents and the publishing world in general. If you’ve read my bio, you know I was a literary agent for several years in Los Angeles. After working with many authors, published and yet to be, at every stage of their literary career, a few things became clear: when they began their journey, they didn’t realize the hefty work load that was around the corner; they were so eager to be accepted by an agent, they blissfully ignored bad business practices and glossed over the fine print of the agent contract; they expected their writing career to pay the bills; and they expected the publisher to do all the talking for their book. Writers, there’s really no way to be 100% ready for what lies ahead on your publishing path, but there are a few key rules of the road you need to understand before you head out on this journey.

Rule #1 Writing is WORK

I'm talking about writing for money, here. I'm talking about earning a living off the thing you're most passionate about and good at. Finishing a novel or nonfiction book is a lot of work, right? Agreed. Anyone who completes their own book should give themselves a well deserved pat on the back or in my case, something edible. It’s an accomplishment few can boast about. But most of the time when an agent wants to represent you and your project, chances are you’ll have to rework it. And if you’re not reworking your book (which is totally rare, unless you’ve hired a top notch professional editor to make it sparkle), you’ll have to work on boosting your platform, creating a web presence, tracking down info/pictures/blurbs for your book or making connections. There’s always something to do to make your whole package better. It takes an abundance of time, effort, energy, enthusiasm and most of all, persistence.

And then, hallelujah! Your book sells! I can’t express the mix of emotions you’ll experience, but it’s a great day to be remembered. At that moment, or soon after, you’ll realize all the hard work you put into your creation was so totally worth it. But it doesn’t end there, my dears. You’ve got a new publishing family to meet who will be expecting even MORE work from you. But you know, to do anything brilliantly well, you’re going to have to work more and ___ (insert sleep, watch TV, screw around on facebook) less. That’s just the way it is, right?

Writing a book and publishing it is a full time job that pays little...at first. When you've finally got a few successful titles under your belt, you'll only continue to work to keep your career going by publishing articles, speaking to groups, sitting on panels with other successful authors, etc. It’s A LOT of work. But FUN! So if you’re going to enter this club, be ready to roll up your sleeves. Keeping yourself relevant in the world or words takes a heck of a lot of effort. But what else would you rather be doing?

ACTION: For those of you who are writing around full time jobs, families and other responsibilities and obligations, plan your writing time and agent search around these need-to-do activities. It's often said writing is a selfish practice and as writers, we choose to steal time away from these other activities and responsibilities to focus on ourselves. It doens't have to be this way. Choose to schedule your writing around your more important responsibilities, like your job and caring for your children. It's not a race. There's no need to rush out your novel or hurry up to find an agent. You've got time, so enjoy your life and enjoy the process. Yes, it's work and you'll need to make a few time sacrifices. Maybe that means less screen time...not a bad switch. Most importantly, be clear with your family or those you live with that the time you devote to writing/pitching is sacred and can't be interrupted, unless it's an emergency, of course.

For those of you who don't have many obligations to schedule your writing time around, realize your gift of time is precious and use it wisely. Work smart and always plan your weeks ahead of time. Working without a plan leads to distraction. You'll avoid this altogether if you work your plan, letting that positive momentum drive you forward.

Rule #2 Agents come in several packages; choose wisely

Writers, there are three kinds of agents:

The Snow Whites or Prince Galants: These are the wonderfully talented agents out there who will practically hold your hand every step of the way down your publishing path, always ready to steer you clear of a series of unfortunate events, making sure you’re all singing a happy tune. I'm glad to tell you, there are many agents like this out there working anywhere from home offices to high rise offices from New York to Kansas to California . If you've signed on with this agent, thank your lucky stars and send her/him a bottle of wine or gift card to Starbucks. Often. Advance payments from publishers don’t cover all the good they do for writers in this world.

The Divas and Porcupines: These agents are good at what they do, often brilliant. They have fabulous client lists and offices to die for, but they are not likely to invite you to The Hamptons or The Club unless you’re a six figure deal. You are a business property in their eyes (and make no mistake, publishing is a business!). While their agent aura is certainly awe-inspiring, their attitudes can be off-putting, leaving you searching for a sweater. This agent is all about the business and only for the very self assured writer.

The Wild Cards: These are the agents who will leave you with a funny feeling after talking with them or reviewing their agency agreement/contract. Sure, they seem fabulous upon first meeting them, they have some successful clients and seem legit but it appears their business practices are questionable (charging reading fees, editorial fees or other unreasonable expenses). They’ll hold you to an unreasonably long contract (these contracts should hold you no longer than 12 months, at which time you can re-negotiate. Better yet, opt for a letter of understanding which clearly outlines both party’s obligations and expectations, holding neither of you to an iron clad contract if the agent is not working in your best interest). Always go with your gut with these folks, writers. If something smells fishy, just pass no matter how badly you want to be represented. No representation is ALWAYS better than bad representation! Remember that.

The point is, agent characteristics aside, you should only sign on with an agent you feel 100% confident about and be assured they'll work in your best interest, be it with Prince Galant or Ms. Diva.

Caution: You should never pay fees of any kind with a reputable agent and there should be a reasonable, traceable effort that shows your agent is trying to sell your work. While it would be unreasonable to demand real time progress reports from your agent, he/she should be willing to share at least the first names of the editors they've sent your work to and to which publishing houses. Before you sign on with an agent, discuss how you will be notified of when your project is going out and its progress along the way.

Stay tuned as later this week, we'll wrap up Being Agent Ready with the final two rules of the road.

Have a fruitful week, writers!

TLC

Q&A with The Lit Coach!

Hello Writers!

It's time for another session of Q&A with the Lit Coach. I'm collecting all your questions from how to create a successful writer's life to nuts and bolts how-to-get-an-agent stuff and everything in-between...and beyond!

Send your questions to me no later than Friday, Sept 24th! erin.reel@gmail.com You can request your questions be posted anonymously, if you choose. Ask away!

TLC

Next on The Lit Coach's Guide

First off, hello to my new readers in Peru, Japan and New Zealand! Nice to have you with us.

Most agents will tell you, 99% of the writers who contact them are not ready for prime time. Next week on The Lit Coach's Guide, I'll be coaching you on how to become agent ready - the 1% that IS ready for prime time. We'll discuss the reality of what the work load for a writer is really like, what your agent is responsible for and what you're responsible for, along with some success boosting tips to keep your path free and clear of major obstacles.

See you Monday!

TLC

Next Up On The Lit Coach's Guide

Hello Writers!

I'm seeing several new faces have recently joined my humble blog here - welcome!

Join me Monday when Janna Cawrse Esarey, author of The Motion of The Ocean: 1 Small Boat, 2 Average Lovers and a Woman's Search for The Meaning of Wife shares her path (if an ocean has a path) to publication. The title alone makes me want to buy the book! Earlier this Spring I had Janna's editor, Michelle Howry on to discuss the role of Confidence in a writer's life...you can check it out here to get a peek at what to expect with Janna...plus Michelle's great tips. And you thought getting your book published on dry land was tough...

ALSO! I'm calling out for your questions for another round of Q&A with The Lit Coach! What's keeping you from moving forward with your work? Scared of rejection or even success? Not sure how to prioritize your writing/social media/research/connecting time? Have questions about agents or anything else publishing world related? Send them in and I'll do my best to answer them. Deadline for questions is Thursday, Sept 23rd.

Have a great weekend, writers!

TLC

Next Up On The Lit Coach's Guide

Join us Tuesday on The Lit Coach's Guide as we kick off Education in a Writer's Life with great insight from one of the best agents out there, Kristin Nelson. We'll let you in on what you need to know before you contact an agent and the best way to make a great first impression.

Kristin was one of the first agents to start blogging...you can get a preview of her perspective on her blog, Pub Rants. And she gives you music, to boot! Enjoy!

Have you found The Lit Coach on Facebook yet? Search THE LIT COACH and hit "Like" to see what new, exciting things I'm finding around the literary corner. I feature blogs, links, articles, inspiration for writers centered on anything publishing and the writer's life. Join in!

Have a great week, writers! And Happy Labor Day on Monday!

TLC