"A real find for the aspiring writer."--"The Associated Press "In-depth information."--"The Writer Who are they? What do they want? How do you win them over? Find the answers to these questions and more in the 1998-1999 edition of the "Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents by Jeff Herman. Filled with "the information authors and aspiring authors need in order to avoid having a manuscript end up in the "slush pile," this comprehensive listing is organized in an easy-to-use format. It includes in-depth information about publishing houses and literary agents in the United States and Canada. The specifics include the names and addresses of editors and agents, what they're looking for, comission rates, and other key information. In addition, readers will discover the most common mistakes people make while attempting to solicit an agent (and how to avoid them) as well as numerous suggestions designed to increase the chances of getting representation. "Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents also includes dozens of valuable essays giving readers insight and guidance into such topics as: - How to Write the Perfect Query Letter - The Knockout Nonfiction Book Proposal - How to Thrive After Signing a Publishing Contract - Mastering Ghostwriting and Collaboration - Free Versus Fee: The Issue of Literary Agency Fees About the Author "Jeff Herman is the founder of The Jeff Herman Literary Agency, a leading New York agency. He has sold hundreds of titles and represents dozens of top authors. Herman frequently speaks to writer's groups and at conferences on the topic of getting published.

The Best Resource Available for Finding a Literary Agent, fully revised and updated No matter what you're writing--fiction or nonfiction, books for adults or children--you need a literary agent to get the best book deal possible from a traditional publisher. Guide to Literary Agents 30th edition is your go-to resource for finding that literary agent and earning a contract from a reputable publisher. Along with listing information for more than 1,000 agents who represent writers and their books, the 30th edition of GLA includes: Hundreds of updated listings for literary agents and writing conferences Informative articles on crafting effective queries, synopses, and book proposals (and the agent query tracker) Plus, a 30-Day Platform Challenge to help writers build their writing platforms Includes 20 literary agents actively seeking writers and their writing

A guide to the names and specialities of American and Canadian publishers, editors, and literary agents includes information on the acquisition process and on choosing literary agents.

A Bird by Bird for the African-American market--A top-notch writer's guide filled with practical guidance, essays, and journal exercises for the African-American writer including advice from E.Lynn Harris, Charles Johnson, and Yolanda Joe. In her introduction, Jewell Parker Rhodes writes: "Never (in four years of college or five years of graduate school) was I assigned an exercise or given a story example that included a person of color...While the educational system and the publishing world have become progressively more welcoming of African-American authors, there is still little attention to educating, supporting, and sustaining the writing process of African-American authors. Free Within Ourselves is a solid first step--it is the book I wished I had when I started out as a writer. It is meant to be a song of encouragement for African-American artisits and visionaries. Free Within Ourselves is a step-by-step introduction to fictional technique, exploring story ideas, and charting one's progress, as well as a resource guide for publishing fiction." For the legions of people who have a novel stuck in their word processors, help is finally on the way! Free Within Ourselves is an excellent guide to all the elements necessary to crafting fiction: character development, point of view, plot, atmosphere, dialogue, diction, sentence variety, and revision. Writing techniques are taught using exercises, journaling, story examples, and analyses of famous writing fragments, as well as several complete stories (including those of James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, and Edwidge Dandicat, among others). The book is further enhanced by inspirational advice from successful contemporary black writers (such as Bebe Moore Campbell, Rita Dove, Henry Louis Gates, John Edgar Wideman, and others), a bibliography, and a guide to workshops, journals, magazines, contests, and fellowships supportive of black arts.

No other book gives aspiring authors the inside scoop on the names and specialties of acquisitions editors. This vital information makes all the difference when submitting a book proposal or manuscript by keeping writers of all genres on top of the rapidly changing world of publishing. Who's moved where, who's new to the scene, who's gone for good--it's all here in one big volume.

In college and graduate school, Jewell Parker Rhodes never encountered a single reading assignment or exercise that featured a person of color. Now she has made it her mission to rectify the situation, gathering advice and inspiring tips tailored for African Americans seeking to express their life experiences. Comprehensive and totally energizing, the African American Guide to Writing and Publishing Nonfiction bursts with supportive topics such as: ·Finding your voice ·Getting to know your literary ancestors ·Overcoming a bruised ego and finding the determination to pursue your dreams ·Gathering material and conducting research ·Tapping sweet, bittersweet, and joyful memories ·Knowing when to keep revising, and when to let go The guide also features unforgettable excerpts from luminaries such as Maya Angelou, Brent Staples, Houston Baker, and pointers from bestselling African American authors Patrice Gaines, E. Lynn Harris, James McBride, John Hope Franklin, Pearl Cleage, Edwidge Danticat, and many others. It is a uniquely nurturing and informative touchstone for affirming, bearing witness, leaving a legacy, and celebrating the remarkable journey of the self.