-
"Yes, the ending was as I planned it." Stephen Poliakoff explained the writing process behind his new thriller, Glorious 39, at his recent Waterstone's signing.
Read the interview with Stephen Poliakoff » -
"One of the most satisfying things about blogging is the immediacy. You think it up, type it out on your keyboard and then publish."
Read more from author Tim Kevan » -
You'll find us not just here, but also on Facebook. Add us to your favourites!
Found on an agent’s slush pile
Filed under: Getting Published, Literary Agents
A heartwarming tale for writers: Stephen Kelman’s book, Pigeon English, was spotted on an agent’s pile of unsolicited submissions, and went on to be hotly fought over by no fewer than 12 publishers, before being snapped up by Bloomsbury.
This story of violence on a council estate is narrated by a 12-year-old boy, and in an interview Read more
Agents – what’s the point?
Filed under: Getting Published, Literary Agents
To an aspiring writer, literary agents can seem like a parasitic race – they take their percentage, but what do they give back? And is it worth having one?
The short answers are ‘lots’ and ‘yes’. Read on!
An agent sends your manuscript out to see Read more
2010 – The Year of your book?
Filed under: Festivals and Events, Getting Published
Happy New Year to all Writers’ & Artists’ users and Yearbook readers!
How are you today? Are you looking back at 2009 and weighing up the highs and lows? Or are you thinking of the year ahead as a new opportunity – made any resolutions? Read more
Merry Christmas everyone!
Filed under: Festivals and Events, Getting Published
Wishing all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year – may 2010 be your most successful writing year yet!
We expect you’ll be getting to grips with your writing projects during the holidays. So, to help you along the way, we’ve set up a dedicated email address, especially for you to ask any burning questions about getting published.
Simply email your question to writersandartists@acblack.com by 4 January 2010 – it couldn’t be easier.
Please note that we won’t be able to Read more
When a publisher doesn’t accept unsolicited submissions…
Filed under: Getting Published
You’ve done your research, you know who to aim your work at, but there’s a big ‘No Entry’ sign that stops you going any further.
What do you do when a publisher says it doesn’t accept unsolicited submissions?
Sending your work in regardless runs the risk Read more
Sneak preview…
Filed under: Festivals and Events, Getting Published
Excitement is building in the publicity department today as we prepare to announce our first Writers’ & Artists’ writing conference!
Perfect for all you aspiring writers looking for a bit of insight into the publishing process, this will be a unique opportunity to benefit from the experience of some of the industry’s finest.
Make sure you’re signed up to Read more
How long is a piece of string?
Filed under: Getting Published, Writing Advice
I have mentioned previously that the ideal length for a manuscript is between 80,000 and 100,000 words, but as your questions have highlighted, there is often a bit more to it than that…
The word length for a manuscript is not set in stone, but here are some general guidelines that are well worth Read more
Check your ego at the door (if you want to be published)
Filed under: Getting Published
If the writing of a work isn’t hard enough and if you are like most authors, you’ll want to get your manuscript published.
This second goal can be equally – and in many cases – more challenging, particularly as the internet and self-publishing have democratised the way writers send their words out into the world. Yet many still prefer traditional print outlets for their work – international distribution via trade paperback, for example.
For my next few posts I will talk about the process of getting an agent and then the lesser known steps of selling rights to your work in different markets and languages.
For now: the age old mission of finding an agent. There are many Read more
Your questions about writing for children
Filed under: Getting Published, Literary Agents
There have been a number of specific questions relating to my post about finding a literary agent, so I thought I’d do a bit of a round-up here.
Rachel Limon asks how to get across to an agent what age-range she is writing for. It’s important to know who you are aiming your book at. When writing for children, the two key questions are:
- What age child would have the book read to them? (This only applies to younger age groups.)
- What age child would read the book themselves?
State clearly in your covering letter what age/s your book is aimed at.
In terms of finding a specific children’s agent, can I Read more
Beat the synopsis stress
Filed under: Getting Published
Events at the Kingston University writers’ conference the other weekend went very well. Over 120 writers attended to get the lowdown on how to get published.
My workshop covered the bare bones of what to submit to an agent or a publisher, with particular emphasis on writing a synopsis.
I started by explaining that the function of a synopsis is to show the reader that you’re in control of your work. It also demonstrates that you are a good enough writer to be able to break your work down into its component parts.
I find that some writers feel disconcerted when it comes to writing their synopsis, nervous even. Ring any bells? Read more
-
Buy the 2010 Yearbook
The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook is available at a discounted price from our online bookshop. Get all the info, contacts and advice you could need.On camera: Jon McGregor
"Being longlisted for the Booker Prize changed everything - it was the launchpad for my writing career." Click to view our video with novelist Jon McGregor »
On camera: Justin Cartwright
"Just write... If you're any good you may not know it, but certainly someone else will." Click to view our video with novelist Justin Cartwright »
On camera: Julie Myerson
The novelist and journalist Julie Myerson on how she got that all-important first publishing deal. Click here to view our video exclusive »