jediprincess wrote:

Hey Erin,
Everyone has already asked great questions so I just wanted to welcome you and thank you. My question is very similar to what s.l. duncan just asked about how much editing do you do with your agent before he submits to a publisher.

Thanks again.

Hi!

Let me know if my answer to s.l. helped you as well.  Basically, an agent will work with you, but they're not going to sign something based on potential after heavy editing.  They want something that's in great shape to begin with--they're definitely willing to work with you, but they're not going to take on something that is going to take tons of work to simply get it into saleable shape.

bogi wrote:

Dang it. None of your answers surprised me. Though they did hammer home the need to 'do your best'.

So, after visiting your site, I now have a few more questions.

Do you ever find that you have difficulty reviewing/editing a particular genre or style? Hahahahha. OK. Yeah, like Fantasy, which I write.

Also, do you ever recommend a manuscript to an agent? Say, for example, that you read a manuscipt. Do you ever think, "This would be perfect for Simon L or Joey or..."?

And what is your favorite book?

Bogi

Hi Bogi,

I've worked in so many genres, there's not really a certain type of novel that's more difficult to edit.  I just evaluated a wonderful young adult fantasy/time travel novel and just loved working on it!   

I do recommend certain manuscripts to specific agents that I think would be a perfect fit, but I am very selective about what I pass along. But more often then not, I recommend overall good agencies for each writer.  It's so important to get your work into the hands of someone who is actively seeking your type of novels.  If not, you're just wasting your time.

ErinB wrote:

Whoops!  I forgot to answer this---Elizabeth Coxe does ring a bell but I don't believe we ever worked together.  Was she an editor or in another department?

She was an assistant editor I think.  She's good friends with my wife, and I can remember Elizabeth turning her on to Augusten Burroughs who had just released Running With Scissors.  Anyway, she always talked very highly of working there, but had to leave to move closer to her sick mother. 

My MS was in the early stages then and I never had the chance of putting it in her hands while she was there (boo!).  And wouldn't you know it?  Now it's finished and she's planning a wedding.  As I would like to keep her as a friend, I have chosen not to bother her with asking her to read it

ErinB wrote:

jediprincess wrote:

Hey Erin,
Everyone has already asked great questions so I just wanted to welcome you and thank you. My question is very similar to what s.l. duncan just asked about how much editing do you do with your agent before he submits to a publisher.

Thanks again.

Hi!

Let me know if my answer to s.l. helped you as well.  Basically, an agent will work with you, but they're not going to sign something based on potential after heavy editing.  They want something that's in great shape to begin with--they're definitely willing to work with you, but they're not going to take on something that is going to take tons of work to simply get it into saleable shape.

Yes, that helps. I signed with an agent in early March and since then we have been editing the manuscript before he submits to a publisher. Nothing major, mostly comma usage and other little things. The one big thing he had me change was the tense. Some of it was written in present as if my main character was telling the story now. He had me change it all to simple past tense. From an earlier answer you gave, I see that is best. So at least I know my agent isn't just being nit picky. So, my next question is, when he finally decides it's perfect and submits to an editor at a publishing house, am I subject to another round of edits? How long will it take after that before I'm possibly accepted by a publisher?

Thanks again
Sybil

Last edited by jediprincess (04-16-2008 15:37:07)

Hi Erin - Thanks for helping us out.  This is a great opportunity to ask some big questions.

I'm a Canadian crime writer and find there are no publishers in Canada interested in the genre - there were a few but seems they've shut their doors and websites.  Do you think agents in the USA would be willing to look at a Canadian setting, and would there be a smart way of approaching them about it?

Also I'm writing a series and have been told not to advertise the fact in querying.  I can't think why.  In my letter - the one I will someday write - I would like to mention it's a series, because it's important.   Do you have any views on that?

Thanks very much.
Zoe

Hello Erin,
Really wonderful to have you among us!
My question is a little dicey, perhaps, but I'm just going to let it fly. If it isn't something you feel comfortable with, I understand.
A while back, my manuscript, Nancy Boy, was introduced to Charles Spicer at St. Martin's by a mutual aquaintance.
I later recieved a very nice letter from Mr. Spicer, saying the work was polished, tough, serious and touching. He made a comparison to Girl Interrupted, wished me success and said then went on to say the manuscript was too serious, too literary for their listings as they dealt mainly in "trade" publications.  He suggested I send it to a publisher more inclined to Literary Fiction.
I'd always believed St. Martin's was very inclined toward literary fiction. So after the glow of the nice words wore off, I felt he was perhaps simply letting me down easy since a personal introduction had been involved.
I am wondering if you might help me by highlighting publishing houses that are more inclined to accept literary works, and also, please, define if you could exactly what constitutes "Trade Fiction", is this another word for genre?

Last edited by Lesley C. Weston (04-17-2008 09:16:10)

mikira wrote:

Okay let me see if I'm getting a basic understanding of what your telling us.

1.) A good agent wants a polished manuscript with a solid plot and well written characters.

2.) The main things that can get a good agent to reject a manuscript out of hand is - major mistakes on the use of - its vesus it's - They're, Their and There usage - and other things like that.

3.) That its a good idea to look for an agent instead of just submitting to a publisher if you don't want your manuscript put on a slush pile.

#2 Brought another question into my head. What about missing little words such as: a, an or of?

Hi Mikira,

1) Yes (hah hah)
2) Usually, if you're making basic grammatical errors such as these, the entire manuscript will contain major errors.  However, if there are one or two mistakes, but the rest of the story is very strong, then you won't be rejected on the basis of those few errors.
3) DEFINITELY get an agent vs. submitting directly to publishers.  An agent knows who will be most receptive to your work, they have close relationships with editors, and they will also make sure you don't get taken for a ride when it comes to contract negotiations.

If there are a few typos or missing words, but the story and writing are strong, then no worries.

bogi wrote:

Hi Erin!

I'm Bogi's evil twin Bogisimus. He's been banished for asking too many questions.

Mine is: Have you written any stories? poetry? Have you been published? Or is it half-finished and sitting in a drawer? Can I edit it for you?

*Smack* Back! Back into your box, you fiend! Hahahahhaha. Sorry about that. I left my computer running while I ran a errand. Didn't know the little bugger knew how to type. My bad. Just ignor this post.

Bogi

Welcome Bogisimus (hah hah).

I have written stories and have started on a novel, but it's more for my own pleasure.  I write because I love to write, so when I am feeling creative, I do so.  But for right now, I'm happy helping others get published.  Perhaps someday I'll seek that route myself, but presently, I write for the love of it vs. publication. 

Damn, Bogimus had me fooled.  Hope you got him locked away again!

Best,
Erin

zoe wrote:

Hi Erin - Thanks for helping us out.  This is a great opportunity to ask some big questions.

I'm a Canadian crime writer and find there are no publishers in Canada interested in the genre - there were a few but seems they've shut their doors and websites.  Do you think agents in the USA would be willing to look at a Canadian setting, and would there be a smart way of approaching them about it?

Also I'm writing a series and have been told not to advertise the fact in querying.  I can't think why.  In my letter - the one I will someday write - I would like to mention it's a series, because it's important.   Do you have any views on that?

Thanks very much.
Zoe

Hi Zoe,

I'm sorry that you're having a tough time finding a Canadian publisher (have you tried HarperCollins Canada?).  Have you also found that Canadian agents feel the same way re: the genre?  I bought several Canadian books (that had already been published in Canada) for reprint in the U.S, usually referred by Canadian agents.  Having a Canadian setting is going to be a tougher sell, so I would suggest that you emphasize the story vs. the setting in the query letter.  Let me know how your Canadian agent search is going, and I can give you some more advice. 

As for advertising this as a series, I don't think there's anything wrong with stating that fact.  Usually, it gives the publisher more incentive because they can broker a multi-book deal and really build the author.   Perhaps the advice you got referred to the fact that you want the book to be able to stand on its own, even if you're planning a series.  That way, if a publisher only wants the first book, they will feel ok with buying it as a stand alone.  So just make sure that the first book in the series can survive on its own.

Best,
Erin

Lesley C. Weston wrote:

Hello Erin,
Really wonderful to have you among us!
My question is a little dicey, perhaps, but I'm just going to let it fly. If it isn't something you feel comfortable with, I understand.
A while back, my manuscript, Nancy Boy, was introduced to Charles Spicer at St. Martin's by a mutual aquaintance.
I later recieved a very nice letter from Mr. Spicer, saying the work was polished, tough, serious and touching. He made a comparison to Girl Interrupted, wished me success and said then went on to say the manuscript was too serious, too literary for their listings as they dealt mainly in "trade" publications.  He suggested I send it to a publisher more inclined to Literary Fiction.
I'd always believed St. Martin's was very inclined toward literary fiction. So after the glow of the nice words wore off, I felt he was perhaps simply letting me down easy since a personal introduction had been involved.
I am wondering if you might help me by highlighting publishing houses that are more inclined to accept literary works, and also, please, define if you could exactly what constitutes "Trade Fiction", is this another word for genre?

Dear Lesley,

Charlie Spicer is just fantastic!   I loved working with him.  His feedback to you sounds wonderful, especially his comparison.  I have no doubt he was being honest--he does deal with mostly "commercial/trade" books, which are written for more of a mass audience.  Charlie works on a lot of mysteries, true crime, etc., which are definitely not literary.  Literary isn't "better" than commercial, and vice versa--they're simply written for different audiences.  St. Martin's does publish literary books, but it's usually under the Picador imprint, which involves a whole new set of editors.  Do you have an agent?  That would be the first step in getting in the door with the right literary houses.

Best,
Erin

Erin--better start with "Housekeeping". Unless you enjoy sermons.
Nadine

Hi Erin,

I am curious about the world of jazz poetry.  Is there a market for this genre of poetry and if so, what would be the most effective way to market this kind of writing?  I write quite a bit in this genre and wonder whether it is a worthwhile direction to focus my writing.

Thanks,

Preston

Hi Erin.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer questions for us.

Most agents want writers to know exactly where their book fits in the market. Some even ask that you provide authors whose work yours is similar too in your query.  A novel I’m getting ready to submit is a blend of styles and genres. It has romance, mystery, suspense, action, violence, plot twists, some weirdness and even some spirituality. Plus, it has teen POV's but is not meant to be YA, although a publisher may put it there. If I could, I'd say my book is like Veronica Mars with bite, because that best captures its feel, but that's TV, which is another animal.

I’m not sure where my book fits on the landscape or what to put for author comparison. It’s kind of a blending of Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts and Dean Koontz, but that tells an agent nothing since those authors are so different, even with their own works. That doesn’t help define my book’s niche. I’m not even sure what my genre is since I intentionally mixed them to give my book broad spectrum appeal. What should I put for a genre? Will commercial fiction work? Does that sound like a cop out? In my query I have it labeled as a thriller because suspense is the biggest element. I don't know if I can use romantic suspense because sexual tension is not the driving force.

What exactly are agents looking for when they ask this author-comparison question so that I can give the appropriate response in a query? It's so much easier for me to find books rather than authors.

Last edited by amarie (04-17-2008 16:48:26)