Unsolicited Advice for Authors, Agents, and Editors
An author needs an enthusiastic imprint because the editor isn’t always there for the duration.
If an agent requests material, indicate that on the cover note.
At the end of the day, it only takes one editor, one publisher, who believes in the book.
To get an agent, an author needs one person to love the work. To get a book deal, an author needs an entire group to fall in love with it.
If an editor brings an author or project idea to an agent, that editor gets an exclusive for a time to be determined.
If requested, send material as a single attachment, not broken down by chapter or sections.
Editors sometimes say they’ve “discussed it with others” when they’ve only discussed it with their assistant.
Just because an editor takes a project into an editorial meeting, doesn’t mean s/he actually talks about it there.
Do not blog/Twitter/Facebook about your search for an agent or publisher.
Presenting a new proposal or manuscript to an editorial group is nerve-wracking for editors.
