Posts filed under ‘THE BEAST AWAITS’
LITERAY AGENCY QUERY REQUIREMENTS
As mentioned in a previous post, when searching for a literary agent you will discover that many agencies use an online form you must use to make your query. This makes the search much easier than it was in the past for most of the information required is, more or less, the same for all forms.
Here is a list of the information required on many of the forms,
Information on previously published books
Title
Publisher
Release date
If you have self-published a book
Query letter
Synopsis
Sample pages or sample chapters
The number of pages or chapters varies by agency.
Pitch
Target audience
Books similar to your book
Bio
Most agencies using an online form also require that you are a member of Query Tracker, a free website.
In a future post I will supply a form used by an agency so that you may see what they look like.
October 2, 2024 at 12:36 pm
LITERARY AGENT QUERYS: WHAT THEY WANT
In my current search for a literary agent for my novel, The Beast Awaits, I have come across a phenomenon which greatly assists in querying agents. Many literary agent agencies are using online forms to submit queries. And all the forms require, to a great degree, the same information. This makes querying agencies a s process where once you have the information required for one agency you have most of the information required by the rest.
Another common denominator is the requirement to be a member of Query Tracker. The membership for this website is free.
In a future post I will list the information which is required to query these agencies so you will be prepared, with the information needed in hand, to make the querying process for your work easier.
September 26, 2024 at 1:30 pm
In a recent post concerning my novel, The Beast Awaits, I reported how a query in Duotrope for a literary agent resulted in 124 hits. I was able, using another website to reduce this number to sixteen. I accomplished this by using the website Association of Authors Representatives (AAR, literary-agents.com).
AAR is an excellent free website to use when seeking a reputable literary agent. Their agents agree, to become a member, to in no way abuse the writer in their quest for an agent. The only profit AAR agents make is if they sell your work to a publisher.
More on AAR and other important websites in obtaining an agent in future posts.
I used AAR to research all 124 agents identified on Duotrope. The means by which I did this was first to eliminate any agents who were not members of AAR. This in no way means that these agents were not honest, but with AAR agents you can be sure they are beyond reproach. There is another website for agents which I may explore in the future, but I have enough results to keep me busy for now. I also eliminated some of the 124 agents because they were members of AAR but were not currently accepted queries. AAR can provide a wealth of information in an agent search.
Therefore, using the list of 124 agents identified by Duotrope I was able to reduce that number to sixteen agents I wanted pursue to represent my novel.
September 16, 2024 at 11:37 am
MY QUEST FOR A LITERARY AGENT
I have a novel, The Beast Awaits, for which I am seeking a publisher. I have used Duotrope to compile a list of publishers but so far I have found none that I deem satisfactory. Therefore, I am now looking for a literary agent for which Duotrope also provides a listing.
For many publishers having an agent is the only way your work can be reviewed. The fact that you have an agent encourages publishers to look at your work for they know that the only way a REPUTIBLE agent makes a penny is if they sell your work.
I filled out a Duotrope questionnaire for agents and received a list of 124 agents. Daunting. But through my use of another website, I was able to reduce this to a list of seventeen agents I feel secure in pursuing.
In a future post will describe how I accomplished this.
September 11, 2024 at 12:56 pm
UNWANTED INTERUPTIONS OF SEARCHES CONTINUED
As mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been bombarded with unwanted ads resulting from my search for publishers and agents.
I get ads from companies saying that they want to read my book. I have little doubt that after reading my book they would want to publish my book. Okay, they don’t know whether my book is fiction or nonfiction. For fiction they don’t know the genre. For nonfiction they don’t know the subject. They have no idea of the quality of my craft, but they want to read my book.
This company wants to spend time reading my book and may decide not to publish my book. Right! I have little doubt that after reading my book, if they read it at all, they will like to publish it.
I feel one of the major reasons these companies exit is to stroke the fragile egos of those who would like to say they have published a book and have money to burn.
Now it is possible to find success in self-publishing a book. Ever hear of the novel The Martian which became a bestseller and subsequently made into a movie? Self-published. So success can occur but you must have an exceptional manuscript and be willing to work you ass off, and the asses of close friends.
I’m posting this as a warning. Stay away from companies whose ads state that they want to publish your book.
And as far as agents are concerned, I can’t imagine a reputable agency of agents seeking clients with an ad.
September 4, 2024 at 1:17 pm
Once again my good friend, Emmet Robinson, has mentioned my recently edited novel, The Beast Awaits, in his newsletter Scribbles. This novel will soon be seeking a home.
I want to return the favor by telling you about his excellent memoir, Little Boy Found, relating his experiences, anong other life experiences, while manager of The Main Point, a coffee house outside Philadelphia which was founded in 1964. While manager he met soon-to-be -famous singers such as Joni Mitchell, Jackson Brown, Bruce Springsteen and John Denver.
I also want to mention that Emmet provides an excellent editing service. I know this from personal experience.
Here is where you can obtain a copy of his memoir.
Little Boy Found: Robinson, Emmet: 9781984580368: Amazon.com: Books
Scribbles
By Emmet Robinson
Writer and Editor
Helping You Express Yourself More Effectively
emmetsemail@aol.com
610-647-4341
What’s New?
Science Fiction
Current editing assignments include a new novel by Walt Trizna. Walt’s wildly creative imagination makes him a treat to work with – every chapter is another surprise. The general theme of The Beast Awaits leads one to consider a real possibility as to the end of human society. Scary? Yup! Gross in spots, too! A great read!
In working with other writers’ creative efforts, the original work is carefully preserved, uncut. Suggestions are provided separately. Also carefully preserved are both the author’s original intent and voice.
Double the Fun
Jim McCusker’s newest novel, The Edge, is now published and available in hard copy and on line. At over 400 pages, it took me a while to go through it, adding my suggestions to each chapter as I received it. It was a special treat to receive an autographed copy with my name listed as editor.
When Jim decided to create the audiobook version, he was able to record the narrative on his own, then asked me to provide four different character voices. That put me back in the studio again as a voice actor, something I greatly enjoy.
His previous novel, Atlantic City Nights, first appeared in print, then was recorded here as an audiobook where I provided all of the voices. The hardest part was keeping track of what voice went with which character. Fortunately, being a story about organized crime, there were frequent murders. Whenever a character was killed off, I could recycle the voice by using it with a new character in following chapters.
Endless Variety
In addition to my own creative efforts*, I enjoy helping other writers with theirs.
Over the years, the range of assignments has provided a broad variety of work that keeps my days interesting. From business cards and newsletters for area businesses to full-length novels and literally everything in between.
What are you working on now that could use a professional review?
Reach me at emmetsemail@aol.com.
Emmet Robinson
* 25 Free Articles: https://emmetrobinson.com/Reading-Room/
Books
Non-fiction
How to Prosper in Business Regardless of the Economy $20
Coping with Competition: How to Tilt the Playing Field in Your Favor $20
Little Boy Found: One Man’s Search for Lost Self-Esteem $30
Fiction – For publication this fall
The Adventures of Dave and Dani: A personal trainer and a florist find
success and true love.
August 22, 2024 at 2:49 pm
In my previous post I shared a newsletter published by my good friend, Emmet Robinson, where he introduced my novel, The Beast Awaits, which is now looking for a home. In this post I want to reciprocate to that generous act.
In the course of a very interesting and productive life Emmet was manager of The Point. The Point was a coffee house which began business in 1964 outside of Philadelphia. This was a venue where today’s celebrities, in the music world, were on the road to success while they were still people. People you could easily approach. Think celebrities like Joni Mitchell and John Denver.
Emmet relates a story when on evening Jackson Brown was performing and in from the backdoor walks Bruce Springsteen and begins playing the piano. At that time no big deal.
Emmet has published a book describing this incident and many more just as interesting. The book’s title is Little Boy Found: One Man’s Search for Lost Self-Esteem. If you need something to read this summer, and who doesn’t, I suggest this book as a purchase. Here is a link for that purpose.
Little Boy Found: Robinson, Emmet: 9781984580368: Amazon.com: Books
August 13, 2024 at 10:58 am
ANNOUNCES
THE BEAST AWAITS
Here is a newsletter published by a writer friend, Emmet Robinson, mentioning my upcoming novel, The Beast Awaits.
I am currently looking for an agent so hope to soon change upcoming to soon to be published.
Scribbles
By Emmet Robinson
Writer and Editor
Helping You Express Yourself More Effectively
emmetsemail@aol.com
610-647-4341
What’s New?
Science Fiction
Current editing assignments include a new novel by Walt Trizna. Walt’s wildly creative imagination makes him a treat to work with – every chapter is another surprise. The general theme of The Beast Awaits leads one to consider a real possibility as to the end of human society. Scary? Yup! Gross in spots, too! A great read!
In working with other writers’ creative efforts, the original work is carefully preserved, uncut. Suggestions are provided separately. Also carefully preserved are both the author’s original intent and voice.
Double the Fun
Jim McCusker’s newest novel, The Edge, is now published and available in hard copy and on line. At over 400 pages, it took me a while to go through it, adding my suggestions to each chapter as I received it. It was a special treat to receive an autographed copy with my name listed as editor.
When Jim decided to create the audiobook version, he was able to record the narrative on his own, then asked me to provide four different character voices. That put me back in the studio again as a voice actor, something I greatly enjoy.
His previous novel, New Jersey Nights, first appeared in print, then was recorded here as an audiobook where I provided all of the voices. The hardest part was keeping track of what voice went with which character. Fortunately, being a story about organized crime, there were frequent murders. Whenever a character was killed off, I could recycle the voice by using it with a new character in following chapters.
Endless Variety
In addition to my own creative efforts*, I enjoy helping other writers with theirs.
Over the years, the range of assignments has provided a broad variety of work that keeps my days interesting. From business cards and newsletters for area businesses to full-length novels and literally everything in between.
What are you working on now that could use a professional review?
Reach me at www.emmetsemail@aol.com.
Emmet Robinson
(See next page)
* Useful Articles: https://emmetrobinson.com/Reading-Room/
Books
Non-fiction
How to Prosper in Business Regardless of the Economy
Coping with Competition: How to Tilt the Playing Field in Your Favor
Little Boy Found: One Man’s Search for Lost Self-Esteem
Fiction – For publication this fall
The Adventures of Dave and Dani: A personal trainer and a florist find success and true love.
August 12, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Some time ago I received a questionnaire from Book Buzzr, a marketing website I’m using to promote my novel, New Moon Rising. I thought I would share my answers to give you a closer look into who I am.
BOOK BUZZR
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Now a retired scientist, I spent 34 years studying renal physiology.
I’m a Newark, New Jersey boy now living in West Chester, Pennsylvania, divorced with two outstanding daughters. One is a farmer working for the Rodale Institute and the other is pursing and MFA in fiction at Syracuse University.
Describe your book, New Moon Rising, in 30 words or less.
The novel is science fiction centered on the Ring of Fire. Think of the movie, Deep Impact, but in reverse.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Editing? I hate editing. The initial story just flowed. I went along with the characters and saw the action through their eyes. But when it came to editing the adventure was over, and I missed it.
What books had the greatest influence on you?
When I was in high school I read three books by Tom Dooley, a doctor who went to Laos, among other countries, to provide medical assistance. Of the three, the only title I can remember is The Night They Burned the Mountain.
His work was influential in establishing CARE.
What Dooley did to me I could never reverse. His words established in me the need for a sense of purpose, that you must strive to make a difference. Even at my advanced age, I cannot shake this mind-set.
Briefly share with us what you do to market your book.
Not enough. I have has one signing at a local bookstore which went quite well.
I am, of course on your site. I also have a blog, walttriznastories.wordpress.com, where I have discussed my novel and have provided links to my publisher, Melange Books, barns&noble.com and amazon.com., where my novel is available. But the primary purpose of my blog is to provide help for writers on the road to publication.
How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
I read a great deal, as most writers do. I firmly believe the basis for any writers desire to write begins with reading and the love for books. Of house and outside chores also require certain amount of time.
What are you working on next?
I have multiple short stories I am editing and hope to publish.
I also have two novels that are written and need to be edited and published.
The first, Sweet Depression, follows a corrupt high-level officer in a pharmaceutical company fulfilling his need for control and greed with devastating results. Think of a cross between novels written by James Patterson and Robin Cook.
The second novel, The Beast Awaits, combines illicit stem cell research creating a monster mindlessly intent on destroying our world.
October 7, 2016 at 9:24 pm
While reading the May, 19 issue of Time over breakfast this morning, I came across an article which proved quite exciting for me. The article discussed movies released or soon to be such as Godzilla, Into the Storm and Snowpiercer.
In discussing these movies, a new genre was mentioned, at least new to me, cli-fi. This is a story of science fiction or fantasy dealing with a climate or environmental factor.
My novel, The Beast Awaits, which I sure you are all getting sick of hearing about, is about stem cell research gone bad leading to global warming. Is that a fit or what?
I plan to start working on a new query letter and will share it with you soon to see what you think.
May 19, 2014 at 6:56 pm
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