CandySweet
I wrote a story that would be about 300 pages in paperback book form. I know I need to get an agent but how do I do this? I don't want to go through the trouble if it isn't legit. Can someone direct me to where I can find one please?
Answer
My first suggestion would be, while you're searching for an agent, keep writing. Write short stories and send them to literary magazines. Your best bet at getting something published is by submitting to several of the literary magazines put out by everything from stand-alone companies to universities. Even a small credit (and most of them are small credits--they'll pay you in contributor copies) is a credit that can help you get noticed.
Work on your platform. Do you have a blog? Write on it. Do you tweet? Start tweeting if you don't? Facebook? Talk up your book. A platform is huge these days in the publishing industry. Who do you think an agent or publisher will be quick to represent? A person who has written one book, or a person who has written one book, but who also has 1700 followers on Twitter, 600 people who follow her blog, and 2000 Facebook friends who will all eat up a little piece of marketing put out by them? There are several great resources out there for building your platform. I'll list some below.
Also, make sure your novel is strong and that it's polished. Polish your story, your query, your sample chapters, and even your name on the title page until it's sparkly enough to star in a Mr. Clean commercial. But that's a given anyway.
Here's a good resource to get some ideas on where to start:
- Nathan Bransford blogs about finding agents, writing, and the publishing business. http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/04/how-to-find-literary-agent.html
- New Pages is a great place to find literary magazines to both read and to consider sending your work to so you can build a platform. They review literary magazines and give addresses where to send your writing, editors names, etc.: http://www.newpages.com/
- CRWROPPS - I'm not sure what it stands for, but it's a listserv that comes to your email box every day with publishing opportunities (and university job opportunities if you have an MFA) - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CRWROPPS-B/
- AWP - The Association of Writers and Writing Programs - If you can join it, join up. This is your contact organization as a writer. If you live close to Boston or can be in Boston, the yearly conference is being hosted there this year. Go if you can. It's a fantastic place to meet fellow writers, hear some great people speak (Margaret Atwood spoke at the conference in Chicago last year, and I'll admit, she was kind of my rock star moment when I had her sign my copy of Cat's Eye). At the conference last year, I was able to hear some of my favorite writers speak on the panels. - https://www.awpwriter.org/
Finally, get to know the publishing industry. A good book for that is The Merchants of Culture by John B. Thompson - http://www.polity.co.uk/book.asp?ref=9780745647869 . If you're going to get into the publishing industry, then you need to know the lay of the land. This book will help you understand it better.
Best of luck to you! And keep writing!
Edit: Oh, and for platform building, here are a couple of books/sites to look at:
- Booklife - http://www.booklifenow.com/ - I met this author at AWP last year, and I bought his book on platform building then. He's a great guy, and the book was very helpful!
- Here's a new book put out by Writer's Digest about platform building - http://www.writersdigestshop.com/create-your-writer-platform
Also, Writer's Digest puts out yearly market guides:
For Literary Agents: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/2013-guide-literary-agents
For Short Stories and Novels: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/novel-short-story-writers-market-2013
My first suggestion would be, while you're searching for an agent, keep writing. Write short stories and send them to literary magazines. Your best bet at getting something published is by submitting to several of the literary magazines put out by everything from stand-alone companies to universities. Even a small credit (and most of them are small credits--they'll pay you in contributor copies) is a credit that can help you get noticed.
Work on your platform. Do you have a blog? Write on it. Do you tweet? Start tweeting if you don't? Facebook? Talk up your book. A platform is huge these days in the publishing industry. Who do you think an agent or publisher will be quick to represent? A person who has written one book, or a person who has written one book, but who also has 1700 followers on Twitter, 600 people who follow her blog, and 2000 Facebook friends who will all eat up a little piece of marketing put out by them? There are several great resources out there for building your platform. I'll list some below.
Also, make sure your novel is strong and that it's polished. Polish your story, your query, your sample chapters, and even your name on the title page until it's sparkly enough to star in a Mr. Clean commercial. But that's a given anyway.
Here's a good resource to get some ideas on where to start:
- Nathan Bransford blogs about finding agents, writing, and the publishing business. http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/04/how-to-find-literary-agent.html
- New Pages is a great place to find literary magazines to both read and to consider sending your work to so you can build a platform. They review literary magazines and give addresses where to send your writing, editors names, etc.: http://www.newpages.com/
- CRWROPPS - I'm not sure what it stands for, but it's a listserv that comes to your email box every day with publishing opportunities (and university job opportunities if you have an MFA) - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CRWROPPS-B/
- AWP - The Association of Writers and Writing Programs - If you can join it, join up. This is your contact organization as a writer. If you live close to Boston or can be in Boston, the yearly conference is being hosted there this year. Go if you can. It's a fantastic place to meet fellow writers, hear some great people speak (Margaret Atwood spoke at the conference in Chicago last year, and I'll admit, she was kind of my rock star moment when I had her sign my copy of Cat's Eye). At the conference last year, I was able to hear some of my favorite writers speak on the panels. - https://www.awpwriter.org/
Finally, get to know the publishing industry. A good book for that is The Merchants of Culture by John B. Thompson - http://www.polity.co.uk/book.asp?ref=9780745647869 . If you're going to get into the publishing industry, then you need to know the lay of the land. This book will help you understand it better.
Best of luck to you! And keep writing!
Edit: Oh, and for platform building, here are a couple of books/sites to look at:
- Booklife - http://www.booklifenow.com/ - I met this author at AWP last year, and I bought his book on platform building then. He's a great guy, and the book was very helpful!
- Here's a new book put out by Writer's Digest about platform building - http://www.writersdigestshop.com/create-your-writer-platform
Also, Writer's Digest puts out yearly market guides:
For Literary Agents: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/2013-guide-literary-agents
For Short Stories and Novels: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/novel-short-story-writers-market-2013
What are some good paranormal teen romance books, for female teens that are in a series?
Natalie
I have read the following:
Twilight
Evermore
The Mortal Instruments
House of Night
Iron Fey
The Vampire Diaries
**I was also wondering, are the people in the Vampire Academy teenagers, or adults? I prefer to read books with characters around my age. I heard from many people that they were good books, but I would find it a bit odd for a book of just adults, I'm not sure why though.
Thank you,
Natalie
Answer
Rose from the Vampire Academy series and Sydney from the Bloodlines series (spin-off of VA) are both in their teens, though a couple of the major supporting characters happen to be in their early 20s. There is a fairly large cast of characters, so you're going to see a few adult characters every now and then. But mostly you'll be seeing characters who are around Rose's and Sydney's ages since both series take place at a boarding school. But they're both really great series and I suggest you read them both if you enjoy paranormal romance type stuff. :)
Here's some other recommendations I've got for you:
The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver
*Soul Thief
*Forgiven
*Foretold
Note: This series has it all - kickass heroine, hero with a heart of gold and a plot that will keep your head spinning. I'm just bummed that it's ended already. But it's easily one of my favorite paranormal series, and the characters are some of my most favorite of all time.
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
*Spark
*Spirit - releases May 28, 2013
Note: This series is about the Merricks - four brothers who get into tons of trouble because they can control the elements. This is one addicting series, and I'm totally in love with Gabriel! I would suggest that you read the short story, Elemental, first because it's a prequel to Storm. It can be read in the paperback copy of Storm, or bought as an ebook.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
*Through the Ever Night
Note: This is a really great sci-fi dystopian series. Aria, a dweller from a pod city where everything is controlled and life is lived virtually, gets into some trouble when an Outsider breaks his way into Reverie. It's such a great series and I totally adore the romance. And I LOVE Roar so much! He's one of my favorite secondary characters ever.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
*Scarlet
Note: This is basically a sci-fi/dystopian retelling of Cinderella. I enjoyed reading it and I especially loved the sci-fi twist, but at times it could be a little meh. I am still looking forward to reading the next one however.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
*Siege and Storm - June 4, 2013
Note: I read this last summer and it was INCREDIBLE. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2012. Alina is such an awesome heroine. I loved her so much. I won't say anymore though because this is one of those books you really shouldn't know too much about before reading. But it was so amazing. I can't wait for the next one!
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
*Magic Study
*Fire Study
Note: One of my favorites. :) Yelena is such a strong heroine. I don't know about you, but she's the only character I know of (female or otherwise) who learns how to use a bo staff. Pretty cool. And I really loved the romance in this as well. I think I may even have to reread it eventually.
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
*Dark Triumph
Note: Love. This. Series. I mean, come on. Assassin nuns? It doesn't get much cooler than that! Grave Mercy is French history with fantasy and magic tied in. I loved all the female badassery these books consist of. There is quite a lot of political intrigue in book #1 (not quite as much in bk #2), and I realize that might bore some people, but I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this series. I'm totally dying for the 3rd book!!
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
*Days of Blood and Starlight
Note: I just LOVE reading anything by Laini Taylor because she's an awesome writer. DoS&B involves angels and wishes. I'm excited to read the next one!
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
*Hallowed
*Boundless
Note: I really liked Unearthly since it was a unique twist on angel mythologies and whatnot, but I personally don't love that there's a love triangle. I think that's why I haven't gotten around to reading Hallowed yet. But still, it's a series that gets plenty of decent reviews.
Chime by Franny Billingsley
Note: One of my favorite books. As soon as I finished, I wanted to flip it back around and start it again. I really loved it. Hope you will too. :)
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
*The Springsweet
*The Elementals - releases June 4, 2013
Note: The Vespertine was an interesting mix of historical and paranormal elements and it was just so cool. I really loved it. Haven't read The Springsweet yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to it.
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
*Star Cursed - releases June 18, 2013
Note: I was completely hooked by the first chapter. Totally fun read if you like witches.
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
*Desires of the Dead
*The Last Echo
*Dead Silence - releases April 16, 2013
Note: I read TBF recently and I loved it! I absolutely adored the romance, but it's also a suspenseful thriller with some paranormal stuff thrown in.
Rose from the Vampire Academy series and Sydney from the Bloodlines series (spin-off of VA) are both in their teens, though a couple of the major supporting characters happen to be in their early 20s. There is a fairly large cast of characters, so you're going to see a few adult characters every now and then. But mostly you'll be seeing characters who are around Rose's and Sydney's ages since both series take place at a boarding school. But they're both really great series and I suggest you read them both if you enjoy paranormal romance type stuff. :)
Here's some other recommendations I've got for you:
The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver
*Soul Thief
*Forgiven
*Foretold
Note: This series has it all - kickass heroine, hero with a heart of gold and a plot that will keep your head spinning. I'm just bummed that it's ended already. But it's easily one of my favorite paranormal series, and the characters are some of my most favorite of all time.
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
*Spark
*Spirit - releases May 28, 2013
Note: This series is about the Merricks - four brothers who get into tons of trouble because they can control the elements. This is one addicting series, and I'm totally in love with Gabriel! I would suggest that you read the short story, Elemental, first because it's a prequel to Storm. It can be read in the paperback copy of Storm, or bought as an ebook.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
*Through the Ever Night
Note: This is a really great sci-fi dystopian series. Aria, a dweller from a pod city where everything is controlled and life is lived virtually, gets into some trouble when an Outsider breaks his way into Reverie. It's such a great series and I totally adore the romance. And I LOVE Roar so much! He's one of my favorite secondary characters ever.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
*Scarlet
Note: This is basically a sci-fi/dystopian retelling of Cinderella. I enjoyed reading it and I especially loved the sci-fi twist, but at times it could be a little meh. I am still looking forward to reading the next one however.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
*Siege and Storm - June 4, 2013
Note: I read this last summer and it was INCREDIBLE. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2012. Alina is such an awesome heroine. I loved her so much. I won't say anymore though because this is one of those books you really shouldn't know too much about before reading. But it was so amazing. I can't wait for the next one!
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
*Magic Study
*Fire Study
Note: One of my favorites. :) Yelena is such a strong heroine. I don't know about you, but she's the only character I know of (female or otherwise) who learns how to use a bo staff. Pretty cool. And I really loved the romance in this as well. I think I may even have to reread it eventually.
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
*Dark Triumph
Note: Love. This. Series. I mean, come on. Assassin nuns? It doesn't get much cooler than that! Grave Mercy is French history with fantasy and magic tied in. I loved all the female badassery these books consist of. There is quite a lot of political intrigue in book #1 (not quite as much in bk #2), and I realize that might bore some people, but I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this series. I'm totally dying for the 3rd book!!
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
*Days of Blood and Starlight
Note: I just LOVE reading anything by Laini Taylor because she's an awesome writer. DoS&B involves angels and wishes. I'm excited to read the next one!
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
*Hallowed
*Boundless
Note: I really liked Unearthly since it was a unique twist on angel mythologies and whatnot, but I personally don't love that there's a love triangle. I think that's why I haven't gotten around to reading Hallowed yet. But still, it's a series that gets plenty of decent reviews.
Chime by Franny Billingsley
Note: One of my favorite books. As soon as I finished, I wanted to flip it back around and start it again. I really loved it. Hope you will too. :)
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
*The Springsweet
*The Elementals - releases June 4, 2013
Note: The Vespertine was an interesting mix of historical and paranormal elements and it was just so cool. I really loved it. Haven't read The Springsweet yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to it.
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
*Star Cursed - releases June 18, 2013
Note: I was completely hooked by the first chapter. Totally fun read if you like witches.
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
*Desires of the Dead
*The Last Echo
*Dead Silence - releases April 16, 2013
Note: I read TBF recently and I loved it! I absolutely adored the romance, but it's also a suspenseful thriller with some paranormal stuff thrown in.
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