Obviously, the title is not literal, but thanks to the KYRW workshop this past weekend, I got some excellent information about how to know whether or not you're ready to submit your work to an agent or editor. So, today I will share five ways to really screw the pooch (no dogs were harmed in the writing of this blog) when it comes to agents and editors.- Don't target specific agents/editors, just send a mass e-mail to all of them.
- Really show you hate to research by not having read any of the books that said agent or editor has been involved with publishing.
- Don't narrow your book down to one genre or possible publishing house. After all, they all publish the same books and have the same readers.
- Don't waste time with critique partners or groups. Get your work out there as soon as possible. That's what agents and editors do--clean up the writer's mistakes.
- Do chase what's hot right now (which just happens to be long-winded diaries written by shape-shifting zombies that take place in exotic locales like Egypt).
More on these this week. I plan to blog about each way to lose an agent/editor, going into more detail for each.
Happy Writing!
Boy I wish I'd been there for the presentation.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm guilty of those things, but I will say that a couple of months ago a friend who isn't in the business told me-
"Send it that is what EDITS are for..."
All I could think was- yes, but not enough editing beforehand can be a downfall as well. It's a fine line between not enough and over-analyzing it to death.
Can't wait to see your upcoming posts!