AGENT OBVIOUS

Unsolicited Advice for Authors, Agents, and Editors

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Editors and their assistants should never badmouth their authors to anyone but themselves.

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An editor’s formulaic rejection (or one from the assistant) often means that editor doesn’t want to hear from the agent again.

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Sour grapes don’t sell books. Complain to your agent, not to the public.

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cc your editor on everything that goes to the publisher; cc your agent on everything.

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Most publishers are generalists. Prepare to handle the niche marketing yourself.

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Don’t state in a query the reasons other agents/publishers rejected you.

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Pay attention to the option clause. On a proposal only, solely by the author, after acceptance, limit genre.

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Don’t forget to ask to see the spine layout. It should be easily readable. If there is an image, check it for accuracy and consistency with the front cover.

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White paper/screen and black type. Don’t go crazy. The words should get the attention, not the color scheme.

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It’s not inspiration or perspiration, it’s Desire. With a capital D.