For serious writers who are getting rejected, the most significant thing he says is know your genre. This is a point I brought up in my workshop and no one got it. I didn't get it until my 3rd book couldn't find an agent although 3 agents told me why. Thank you again Piers.
Thanks for putting a very human face on this business. I enjoyed hearing your advice and appreciate the time you've taken to help me understand the process.
After I finished my rough draft, friends and family read my manuscript and were blown away. They told me I absolutely have to get it published even though I never intended to. I quickly researched agents and wrote a horrendous query letter. I sent out about 15 queries and only got about 7 responses. All of them were rejections of course. I've attended a writers workshop and gone back and completely reworked my query letter. I feel like it is as good as it can be now. Last week I sent out 4 queries to 4 agents that I would absolutely love to work with. Fingers crossed.
After weeks of careful research and planning, making a spreadsheet and constructing each query specifically and tightly, I sent out over 25 queries on the same day. I ended up with seven full requests. So, I don't think that sending out a small number at a time is always the right choice. Having to wait for 6 to 8 weeks for a reply from each of them (many of whom don't reply anyway) seems like a huge waste of time, to be frank.
Your tips were spot on. I am a senior writer and have played the lit agent game in the past. Lots of rejections but through it all, I learned to write a good query letter. You nailed that one. Overall, you crammed a lot of good information into a very small space. Hope to see more.
"You'll get feedback from the agents [you submit to]". I wish! Only once from the dozen or so submissions I made. I appreciate they are busy and get many more than they can handle, but a sentence would be great, even something like "well written but the plot doesn't ring true," or "work on your pitch letter, it put me off because it was too informal" or whatever.
You mentioned that every agent is hoping for..."the next J.K. Rowling..etc.." .. But she was refused about a dozen times. What did she do wrong those first 12 times before being discovered
I watched another video on this. A few of the agents featured explained that sometimes they just don't click with the story for a variety of reasons. It could be because they don't feel as though it would sell well, or maybe something about the story isn't something they want to represent. One said that she won't publish books with scenes of women being mistreated. There are a lot a reasons, which is why you just have to keep trying.
I watched another video on this. A few of the agents featured explained that sometimes they just don't click with the story for a variety of reasons. It could be because they don't feel as though it would sell well, or maybe something about the story isn't something they want to represent. One said that she won't publish books with scenes of women being mistreated. There are a lot a reasons, which is why you just have to keep trying.
She found an agent who sat down with her, took a look at the whole picture, and was willing to take a risk. I know people who LOVED her books, but criticized the writing. I know people who LOVED her books, but had a hard time remembering all of the characters she created (which, by the way, die-hard fans loved). Both of these things are considered the kiss of death when it comes to trying to get a book published, as per every writer and agent I've seen here on CZcams. So, I guess what that agent saw was the overall vision, and the core story-telling...none of which I've seen every agent and writer on CZcams talk about. Which is probably the reason why J. K. Rowling is a billionaire, and the people on CZcams are wringing their hands trying to stay monetized.
I got an agent. I am posting this comment for anybody discouraged; no other reason. Nobody wanted my first three books. I self published them anyway. They got nice reviews but did not sell many copies. I got rejected over 120 times on the fourth book, but I have a very enthusiastic, well respected agent. Don’t give up.
Hi Piers, what happens if your synopsis ends with a cliff hanger for a sequel? Should you provide three synopsis for each book of a trilogy even if you’ve only written the first?
This is not about How to get an agent - it's simply the most basic protocol for approaching one and not getting instantly dissed-missed. It's very very difficult to get an agent today even with the most polished proposal.
I loved this post, Mr. Blofeld. If you happen to read this message - could you let us know if these tips are still au courant - 5 years later? I shall also look for your more recent posts.
Interesting. An American agent specifically advised not to include the ending in a query letter. Does that differ then among agents or is it more country to country?
I've a great journal/memoir I came into possession of. I'd a long time friend once who was a literary agent. Yale guy. However we'd a falling out over decades and he eventually died. All before I was ready to transcribe what I have. Now done with a very good transcription, I'm lazy for one and cold contacting agents seems impossible. Thus I wait for an idea of merit. This video I'll rewatch.
Thanks for the video. I have written two books for a large fantasy series that will easily span over at least five books. The amount of characters within the story are vast, and a short synopsis is nearly impossible to create. I have printed the first two books professionally, in paperback form, color covers and done extensive editing. To keep this short, I will get straight to my question. Do literary agents have any issues if an author wants to mail them hard copies of their books? I feel that my story is better represented when it is presented in its entirety, in the form I envision it to be on book sellers shelves. Any response is appreciated. Thanks again.
@wordstar sandesh. This is my username on Instagram. May be we can talk there about your book. I've recently self published my debut novel Mr. Single and I'm going to submit manuscript to literary agencies
Thank you for the tip. I respect writers who have so many stories in them. And cranks the work like pancakes and get better as they move along. I'm more of a storyteller. And I probably have two or three novels in me. The first work is almost ready after 13 years.
Another useful video. Let's face it, we first-time authors are usually like X Factor contestants at an audition. We don't know what to expect at all, but hints like these are like gold dust and more than anything, are expressed in a human way. I've taken away a huge amount of tips from Pier's videos and will use his advice to get my book published.
On a separate CZcams video a writer said that some stories actually do defy classification into a single genre and so accurately fall under the general heading of ‘fiction’. Your video suggests that such a story would never attract an agent because they’d never get past the no specific genre hurdle.
Hi Piers, thank you for your video. I've noticed that some agents in their submission guidelines ask writers to suggest books their novel is comparable to....which seems really fraught. I have no idea what books are comparable to mine. That's not because I think it's incomparable but because I'm not sure what element of the book I'm comparing. Would it be kosher, for example, to compare two novels of totally different genre's simply because I anchor my story in a specific place and time in much the same way the other author does? In a perfect world, I would like my book to sit on a shelf between 'The Hod King' and something like 'A Year of Magical Thinking' - though I don't think its as good as either. What are agents after when then ask this very loaded and frankly terrifying question? Also, is it permissible to admit (at some point along the way) that my book isn't objectively the greatest book ever written--even though it's a cracking good read in its own right?
The agent will be thinking about whether they can sell the book, and so knowing where it fits in the market might be helpful. It could also help you demonstrate you understand the market you have written your novel for.
Wow, no! If you’re not approaching a literary agent thinking that your work is as good if not better than what’s on the shelves then you are setting yourself up for a fail.
Piers, I think you did cover the essentials for new writers in your talk about how to get an agent, but perhaps you could've mentioned that short story writers are less than welcome with agents. I've just had two collections published in the same month this year by two different publishing houses, [print books, not ebooks and very decent publishers as well], I wouldn't have considered an agent for a second as you guys are really not interested in us.
Good presentation, natural style. Standing up - I like it! Could have introduced himself better at very start - 'I am a literary agent'. Could have been a professional author. Need to know these things.
(Not a publisher) in my opinion, I think it depends on the a) quality/originality of the proverb, aka is it something everyone has heard before , and b) if it's 100% needed. Proverbs and quotes can come off as pretentious if they're overused or extraneous. Plus, proverbs are just another way of using other people's words to convey your idea. People get bored if they have to slog through a quote every chapter.
Haha. I get the joke. But if it wasn't a joke i would like to clarify he didn't mean you would get an agent in under 5 mins. He meant he would tell how to get an agent in around 5 mins
Thanks for the advice, Piers - I only wish there was more of the same out there. However, some of the reasons (excuses, I think you may even describe them as) for rejecting submissions 'out-of-hand' sound extremely trivial and arbitrary - but I don't doubt every agent does the same. And the real reason for such dismissive & disparaging behaviour by agents towards submissions you also give: There are simply too many people submitting proposals these days, and (even with the 'good-will' you mention as being there) you don't have the time to consider them all fairly. Which is extremely sad for both agents & would be authors. Firstly, because you are possibly passing-over that best-seller which would buy you that yacht you say all agents want; and secondly because the public will never get to read said best-seller (not to mention that the best author in the world may remain unpublished). So it's not a very inspiring scenario for any of us, is it... Having said that, I don't know the answer either :-)
The stupidest thing ever is asking writers to select the genre. Agents and publishers will know this MUCH better. If an agent can’t read it and figure out the genre, they’re a pretty shitty agent. There are dozens of genres and stories cross over a lot. Agents should know the market and where the book should fit. Passing this responsibility onto writers is the stupidest thing.
And finally, here is a leg-pull for you based on part of my second comment, ie beginning Being... only if the industry advised this would I ask this agent for his opinion
Hi, my name is TB Riggs. I currently have (16) self-published books on Amazon. I am now writing a series, and I am wondering whether I should maybe contact an agent?
No agent gives helpful feedback in rejection letters. They may use 3 words-- "Not for me"--and that's all you hear. Not much to go on in that. If you press them, they just say "I just don't like it." Again, zero help there.
Sounds like submission letters and synopsis are akin to calculus in the medical field. Just something to weed out the lazy ones. I would seem, if one isn't willing to do what is asked by an agent, then when it comes time for the professional rewrite, the won't be willing to listen to professional advice. Any thoughts?
Could be. I'm not an agent or a publisher, but it's annoying when people don't follow the guidelines, and instantly makes one look like a beginner who doesn't yet know what to do. Which is fine of course, but beginners aren't professional writers, and publishers aren't going to teach anyone how to write.
After listening Piers and reading some of the comments, I'm discouraged about attempting to publish a book. It all sounds so grim and uninteresting for them. The only thing I can see is that they are waiting for a super good book shouting to them 'I'm wonderful' and without effort makes them rich instantly.
Indeed, I'm learning that agents, and publishers are remarkably overwhelmed these days. Everyone wants to be an author! The term I've heard that best fits is that the author "endures" the process of getting published. As depressing as the landscape is, one should take note that thousands of books ARE published every year. And there is an argument that it's not about the odds. If it is time for you to be published then your odds are better than it may first appear. But that still means do your homework!
I agree with you, Steve bakker. The last paragraph in your comment is very encouraging. Writing is very hard work, but I enjoy it; so I'm going to keep working at it. When it's time for me to be published, it will happen.
I am not sure how to pitch this in a short form. It is a monumental story changing history. On July 17, 1996 at 11:15 p.m., I was working in overnight security dozing when my wife telephoned and asked if I had heard about the plane crash over Long Island. Immediately, I envisioned an enormous fiery explosion and told her all the people are dead. What happened can only be described as a psychic phenomena that was channeled to me that lasted on and off for three weeks. My book proves that a bomb blew the plane up. The government did not want an international conflict. Khobar Towers had just occurred and turmoil raged in the Middle East so no way the government wanted to report that a bomb blew up the plane. Clinton was far ahead in the polling for the Presidential Election only months away and wanted no Mid-Eastern confrontation to affect his popularity. The CIA made a documentary supporting the government's findings that a spark in the Center Wing Tank caused the plane to blow up which was totally fallacious which is disproved in my book. I hope that a movie can be made from my book. Randall Brooke is my pseudonym. Kindly advise me your thoughts about my movie proposal. TWA Flight 800 WHAT REALLY HAPPENED July 17, 1996 Randall Brooke
I have tried all the above suggestions, to no avail? Agents are a strange lot! Even one of the Big Five publisher wrote a good review put on the back cover, and recently my publisher not one of the Big 5 gave my new book a Gold Seal!-The Gold Seal of Literary Excellence is a proof of support for your book with superior literary work. Gold Seal of Literary Excellence gives you the chance to have your work stand out from other titles. It acts as an immediate reference for traditional publishers, movie producers, book investors, library directors or readers in choosing their next literary experience. Your book cover will have a Gold Seal stamp, distinguishing it from other published books.
your video has been very instructive. the one thing I was looking for though is exactly where to find a literary agent. at check through the internet and it seems to me all I see there are people that want my personal information and obviously want to sell me things
So, my biggest problem with literary agents and publishers -- and frankly why I love and endorse self-publishing -- is that you cut away 'the nagging middleman', so to speak. Not to say anything poorly about agents and publishers, because I am sure that along the way there is something redeeming about them, but I just cannot find any such and I've never been able to. My mom worked as a literary agent all her adult life: a career that span over 40 years of working life. And what really struck me as odd was that she got thousands of manuscripts and Query Letters sent to her, but very-very few of them became actual books. And I told her, "Mom, the idea is not to throw people's work in the bin, but to actually publish books so that people can read them. You're 'failing' all these authors because they don't live up to your principles on a book should be. Books isn't about the Agent or the Publisher -- you're only in it for the money. Nothing else." And my mom told me that books is about perfection. And I said to her: "mom, only J.R.R Tolkien were entitled to demand literary perfection. The rest of us are ordinary humans by comparison."
That was insightful, thank you for sharing. I've gone back and forth between wanting to get an agent or just keep self-publishing, as I have been doing that since 2008. My main objective for finding an agent now would be to find one who could direct my stories toward video gaming concepts, graphic novels, or made-for-TV movies. The challenging part is knowing where to start that search.
I completely disagree with the idea that publishers and agents 'failing' the author by not getting work published. Most works won't sell and would be disliked by most readers. Not only would money be lost, but the publisher's name would be tarnished and people would expect the quality of the books to be poorer and so might avoid them. They don't owe authors anything and it's childish to think they do. It's not a fair system for sure, but people shouldn't act so entitled
@@Dorma_ See, that's precisely the problem: MONEY and thereby greed. It's by no means about entitlement, far from it. It's about an industry that is ruled by greed rather than an objective view on what they are here for: to publish books. They are not here to judge books -- that is for the reader and the market to decide. I had this whole debate years ago with my mom who worked as a publisher for almost two decades. You can be a good publisher, but if you are too picky about what you want to publish, you'll go bankrupt instead. JK Rowling was dismissed for a whole year by numerous of publishers before she was finally given a contract, with everyone telling her that her books wouldn't sell -- not even a copy. What an absolute LAUGH! Aside from the cases where the book itself simply isn't 'ready' for publishing, meaning there is still work to be done, which is one thing, publishers are very narrow sighted. And it also depend on what genre we're talking about, naturally. I am here talking specifically about novels and novellas. Even if a book sells 3-5000 copies or much, much less, that is still a book worth selling, unless you regard everything in terms of money and have the ridiculous idea that books you publish should sell 10, 20, 30.000 copies. And that is the problem. Not everyone is Stephen King, Tolkien, Rowling, Jerry Jenkins, Dan Simmons, John Gilstrap, etc., to name but a FEW of the many highly talented writers. And as far as quality is concerned, that's highly subjective, gramma and language skills aside. Frankly, I would argue that two-thirds of the books published nowadays are absolute junk, mostly because of the extreme politically correct climate we live, wherein writers are afraid to go beyond what is regarded as "mainstream genre's" and not wanting to take the risk they might be turned down. So they go with what is already on the market. And that's sad. Writing is about being creative; about telling a good story. And there are plenty of those out there. But they cannot all of them be a golden egg, and publishers only want the golden eggs and so they are pushing writers inadvertently towards things like self-publishing and internet platforms, which also has its' downsides. And this behaviour by the publishing industry is indirect censorship, regardless of motives and excuses to the contrary.
@@TheAngelOfDeath01 Firstly, publishers will loose money from most books people give them (printing costs, distribution and paying employees etc.) People are greedy of course, but they also have to be picky else the market with be saturated with junk people with stop buying the books if they hate them. Also, don't be salty about 'politically correct stuff', as most of stuff I see that goes against that is straight up hateful or bigoted. Anything can be talked about, but promoting awful stuff would go badly with most decent people, leading to them not buying the books. I feel you're simply angry that no publisher or agent wants to take your book. Maybe the problem is your book. Maybe you need to keep trying queries. However, no-one owes you a published book. Especially if they don't like it
You didn't mention the most important thing, other than writing a good book. Newbie authors MUST hire a professional editor to make the book as good as it can be. They should not depend on their writing group, a family member, or their 10th grade English teacher to get this job done. If an agent sees writing that is littered with grammatical errors, it's a no-brainer for them to decide whether or not to hit the REJECT button. I suggest that all unpubbed writers read the book THE FIRST FIVE PAGES by American lit agent Noah Lukeman. And then hire a professional editor.
Thanks, Buddy! Elementary information but the presentation reminded me of a query letter; no ancillary stuff, straight to the actual point. As far as exceptions to any of this? Surely there are.
Need help! I have a book "Success for the Homeless." I really believe in it. Its on Amazon. But its not getting the attention I hope for. I did not lose faith in that book. I believe with the right team, so many other business can be born from it. Can you guys help me please.
Being led along by State and media hype that State and business is serving us all well cannot be fought by calling this agent a liar, because the title to his recording is a leg-pull, not a lie. I am the author who wrote misunderstandings must travel fastest, and I begin my present book with a leg-pull, and since blogging this agent the book ends with a leg-pull. We find some hype-spoiled people here, even one or two hopping about, yet doubt the professional reviewer too such as writes this internet comment rewritten as a poem - society can learn from the shut-down to work positively together, or nothing will be left to read except the epitaph dash of mankind, only if the industry advised this I would ask this agent for his opinion, and a conscientious opinion it would be, not an agent obtained in 5 minutes.
For serious writers who are getting rejected, the most significant thing he says is know your genre. This is a point I brought up in my workshop and no one got it. I didn't get it until my 3rd book couldn't find an agent although 3 agents told me why. Thank you again Piers.
Thanks for putting a very human face on this business. I enjoyed hearing your advice and appreciate the time you've taken to help me understand the process.
After I finished my rough draft, friends and family read my manuscript and were blown away. They told me I absolutely have to get it published even though I never intended to. I quickly researched agents and wrote a horrendous query letter. I sent out about 15 queries and only got about 7 responses. All of them were rejections of course.
I've attended a writers workshop and gone back and completely reworked my query letter. I feel like it is as good as it can be now. Last week I sent out 4 queries to 4 agents that I would absolutely love to work with. Fingers crossed.
Neat editing on your title - I didn't realise the significance of the dash - and I thought I could get myself a literary agent by 5 past 9!
Haha, same here
After weeks of careful research and planning, making a spreadsheet and constructing each query specifically and tightly, I sent out over 25 queries on the same day. I ended up with seven full requests. So, I don't think that sending out a small number at a time is always the right choice. Having to wait for 6 to 8 weeks for a reply from each of them (many of whom don't reply anyway) seems like a huge waste of time, to be frank.
Your tips were spot on. I am a senior writer and have played the lit agent game in the past. Lots of rejections but through it all, I learned to write a good query letter. You nailed that one. Overall, you crammed a lot of good information into a very small space. Hope to see more.
when watching these kinds of vids I find myself looking at the titles of the books on the shelf behind. Anyone else?
There's a difference between Science Fiction Agents and Literary Fiction Agents. I learned something important here. Thank you.
"You'll get feedback from the agents [you submit to]". I wish! Only once from the dozen or so submissions I made. I appreciate they are busy and get many more than they can handle, but a sentence would be great, even something like "well written but the plot doesn't ring true," or "work on your pitch letter, it put me off because it was too informal" or whatever.
Thank you for making every thing so clear, and for doing so in that short of time! Incredible help you have just given me.
Instructions unclear, it’s been 5 minutes and I still don’t have an agent.
Very helpful stuff. You actually gave me helpful advice that I haven’t found elsewhere. Really appreciate it!
I positively love your videos. Incredibly useful, thank you for making time for them!
Thanks again Piers. These posts are brilliant.
Absolutely fantastic! Incredibly insightful. Many thanks for taking the time to put this video together.
Solid, sensible advice. Too many novice CZcamsrs offering advice on this topic. I watch their videos and get Tony Robbins in my feed as a result.
Appreciate the effort and wisdom, Piers.
Thank you Piers So much for your time and valuable advice!
Thank you Piers for sharing your insights and wisdom.
You mentioned that every agent is hoping for..."the next J.K. Rowling..etc.." .. But she was refused about a dozen times. What did she do wrong those first 12 times before being discovered
I watched another video on this. A few of the agents featured explained that sometimes they just don't click with the story for a variety of reasons. It could be because they don't feel as though it would sell well, or maybe something about the story isn't something they want to represent. One said that she won't publish books with scenes of women being mistreated. There are a lot a reasons, which is why you just have to keep trying.
I watched another video on this. A few of the agents featured explained that sometimes they just don't click with the story for a variety of reasons. It could be because they don't feel as though it would sell well, or maybe something about the story isn't something they want to represent. One said that she won't publish books with scenes of women being mistreated. There are a lot a reasons, which is why you just have to keep trying.
@@chocolate-bunny774 And one agent froths at the mouth on reading about talking birds. I thiught to myself, 'she's first on my list'.
She found an agent who sat down with her, took a look at the whole picture, and was willing to take a risk. I know people who LOVED her books, but criticized the writing. I know people who LOVED her books, but had a hard time remembering all of the characters she created (which, by the way, die-hard fans loved). Both of these things are considered the kiss of death when it comes to trying to get a book published, as per every writer and agent I've seen here on CZcams. So, I guess what that agent saw was the overall vision, and the core story-telling...none of which I've seen every agent and writer on CZcams talk about. Which is probably the reason why J. K. Rowling is a billionaire, and the people on CZcams are wringing their hands trying to stay monetized.
@J D Yeah, it's often the case that people who are persistent are lucky and those that aren't generally aren't.
I am usually too lazy to click of advice links, but am glad I clicked on yours. Many thanks for your help.
Thank you! You gave me some insight I didn't realize before.
This is the most sensible advice from a literary agent that I have ever read
Thank you so much for this video. It was very generous of you and much appreciated.
Pace de la Cruz
Exactly the kind of insight I was looking for, thanks man
GOOD ADVICE, LACONIC AND TO THE POINT. MANY ON HERE HAVE WIND ENOUGH TO FILL THE HINDENBURG.
Thank you for sharing your valuable views
Thank you, very useful advice.
Thank you so much for sharing all of this information with writers! Invaluable!
Seriously helpful. Thank you.
I got an agent. I am posting this comment for anybody discouraged; no other reason. Nobody wanted my first three books. I self published them anyway. They got nice reviews but did not sell many copies. I got rejected over 120 times on the fourth book, but I have a very enthusiastic, well respected agent. Don’t give up.
'Don't give up'. The best advice on here.
Some great advice here - especially around genre!
Thanks - great advice!
No videos in 3 years. God bless you.
Good advice, thanks.
4:15 literally wrote this. Changed it immediately-Thanks!
Haha
Wonderful. Thanks so very much
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Hi Piers, what happens if your synopsis ends with a cliff hanger for a sequel? Should you provide three synopsis for each book of a trilogy even if you’ve only written the first?
Excellent, I've shared this post, it makes a lot of sense.
Great information, trying to get my book seen. Thanks
Did you get published
Brilliant! Thank you.
thank you , this is very important to people like me who loves to write.
No 's' in 'loves'. I'm not being a keyboard commando; merely providing constructive criticism for writers. It starts with the basics.
Really useful Piers - thanks
This is not about How to get an agent - it's simply the most basic protocol for approaching one and not getting instantly dissed-missed. It's very very difficult to get an agent today even with the most polished proposal.
Good point. I'm learning that. Do you know WHAT has caused such a sea-change that so many people want to write a book these days?
Very funny... love it! Thanks.
Hey, great video. Really helpful! :)
I loved this post, Mr. Blofeld. If you happen to read this message - could you let us know if these tips are still au courant - 5 years later? I shall also look for your more recent posts.
Helpful! Thank you.
Very useful, thank you!
Can you tell me, is it true that agents don't like to take on writers who have published on kindle?
Brilliant.
THANK YOU FOR THIS INFO, VERY KIND OF YOU, GREETINGS FROM GREECE
Interesting. An American agent specifically advised not to include the ending in a query letter. Does that differ then among agents or is it more country to country?
I've a great journal/memoir I came into possession of. I'd a long time friend once who was a literary agent. Yale guy. However we'd a falling out over decades and he eventually died. All before I was ready to transcribe what I have. Now done with a very good transcription, I'm lazy for one and cold contacting agents seems impossible. Thus I wait for an idea of merit. This video I'll rewatch.
Thanks for the video. I have written two books for a large fantasy series that will easily span over at least five books. The amount of characters within the story are vast, and a short synopsis is nearly impossible to create. I have printed the first two books professionally, in paperback form, color covers and done extensive editing.
To keep this short, I will get straight to my question. Do literary agents have any issues if an author wants to mail them hard copies of their books? I feel that my story is better represented when it is presented in its entirety, in the form I envision it to be on book sellers shelves.
Any response is appreciated. Thanks again.
The number of characters is correct English. The amount of characters is not!
If I'm writing a book with chapters should the chapters be in the book (manuscript) when I send it to the agent?
@wordstar sandesh. This is my username on Instagram. May be we can talk there about your book. I've recently self published my debut novel Mr. Single and I'm going to submit manuscript to literary agencies
Thank you for the tip. I respect writers who have so many stories in them. And cranks the work like pancakes and get better as they move along. I'm more of a storyteller. And I probably have two or three novels in me. The first work is almost ready after 13 years.
thats a long time to write a book - is it good?
Another useful video.
Let's face it, we first-time authors are usually like X Factor contestants at an audition. We don't know what to expect at all, but hints like these are like gold dust and more than anything, are expressed in a human way.
I've taken away a huge amount of tips from Pier's videos and will use his advice to get my book published.
How's the search going?
@hidetakamiyazaki1825 Self-published on Amazon. It's the only way nowadays.
On a separate CZcams video a writer said that some stories actually do defy classification into a single genre and so accurately fall under the general heading of ‘fiction’. Your video suggests that such a story would never attract an agent because they’d never get past the no specific genre hurdle.
Thank you!
That was just about what I had the emotional energy for.
Hi Piers, thank you for your video. I've noticed that some agents in their submission guidelines ask writers to suggest books their novel is comparable to....which seems really fraught. I have no idea what books are comparable to mine. That's not because I think it's incomparable but because I'm not sure what element of the book I'm comparing. Would it be kosher, for example, to compare two novels of totally different genre's simply because I anchor my story in a specific place and time in much the same way the other author does? In a perfect world, I would like my book to sit on a shelf between 'The Hod King' and something like 'A Year of Magical Thinking' - though I don't think its as good as either. What are agents after when then ask this very loaded and frankly terrifying question? Also, is it permissible to admit (at some point along the way) that my book isn't objectively the greatest book ever written--even though it's a cracking good read in its own right?
The agent will be thinking about whether they can sell the book, and so knowing where it fits in the market might be helpful. It could also help you demonstrate you understand the market you have written your novel for.
Wow, no! If you’re not approaching a literary agent thinking that your work is as good if not better than what’s on the shelves then you are setting yourself up for a fail.
Great video thank you ✨🧡🧡
Is it different for children's publishing?
Piers, I think you did cover the essentials for new writers in your talk about how to get an agent, but perhaps you could've mentioned that short story writers are less than welcome with agents. I've just had two collections published in the same month this year by two different publishing houses, [print books, not ebooks and very decent publishers as well], I wouldn't have considered an agent for a second as you guys are really not interested in us.
Great tips! You sound like Hugh Grant
Good presentation, natural style. Standing up - I like it! Could have introduced himself better at very start - 'I am a literary agent'. Could have been a professional author. Need to know these things.
Hi Blofeld, can I open my novel with proverbs in every chapter that enhances the book's overall theme? thanks for your instant response
(Not a publisher) in my opinion, I think it depends on the a) quality/originality of the proverb, aka is it something everyone has heard before , and b) if it's 100% needed. Proverbs and quotes can come off as pretentious if they're overused or extraneous. Plus, proverbs are just another way of using other people's words to convey your idea. People get bored if they have to slog through a quote every chapter.
So... I can't *get* a literary agent in almost five minutes.
*shakes fist at sky*
Haha. I get the joke.
But if it wasn't a joke i would like to clarify he didn't mean you would get an agent in under 5 mins. He meant he would tell how to get an agent in around 5 mins
@@robcornejo9597 yeah... Fair.
Thank you
Thanks for the advice, Piers - I only wish there was more of the same out there. However, some of the reasons (excuses, I think you may even describe them as) for rejecting submissions 'out-of-hand' sound extremely trivial and arbitrary - but I don't doubt every agent does the same. And the real reason for such dismissive & disparaging behaviour by agents towards submissions you also give: There are simply too many people submitting proposals these days, and (even with the 'good-will' you mention as being there) you don't have the time to consider them all fairly. Which is extremely sad for both agents & would be authors. Firstly, because you are possibly passing-over that best-seller which would buy you that yacht you say all agents want; and secondly because the public will never get to read said best-seller (not to mention that the best author in the world may remain unpublished). So it's not a very inspiring scenario for any of us, is it... Having said that, I don't know the answer either :-)
How to find an agent?
but what if no publisher can categorise a genre - busting work? I mean, suppose
The stupidest thing ever is asking writers to select the genre. Agents and publishers will know this MUCH better. If an agent can’t read it and figure out the genre, they’re a pretty shitty agent. There are dozens of genres and stories cross over a lot. Agents should know the market and where the book should fit. Passing this responsibility onto writers is the stupidest thing.
And finally, here is a leg-pull for you based on part of my second comment, ie beginning Being... only if the industry advised this would I ask this agent for his opinion
Hi, my name is TB Riggs. I currently have (16) self-published books on Amazon. I am now writing a series, and I am wondering whether I should maybe contact an agent?
I was asking about books I have not yet published?
when you say pitch letter, is this the same thing as a query letter? please forgive my ignorance
It is the same.
could I talk to you sir? I'm a new author and would like to ask you a few questions.
No agent gives helpful feedback in rejection letters. They may use 3 words-- "Not for me"--and that's all you hear. Not much to go on in that. If you press them, they just say "I just don't like it." Again, zero help there.
You are dead right.
Could I ask you a question
A missing first step is how to find agents, which is necessary before you can even begin to research them.
I thought this would tell me how to get an agent in just 5 minutes.
Sounds like submission letters and synopsis are akin to calculus in the medical field. Just something to weed out the lazy ones.
I would seem, if one isn't willing to do what is asked by an agent, then when it comes time for the professional rewrite, the won't be willing to listen to professional advice.
Any thoughts?
Could be. I'm not an agent or a publisher, but it's annoying when people don't follow the guidelines, and instantly makes one look like a beginner who doesn't yet know what to do. Which is fine of course, but beginners aren't professional writers, and publishers aren't going to teach anyone how to write.
thanks
After listening Piers and reading some of the comments, I'm discouraged about attempting to publish a book. It all sounds so grim and uninteresting for them. The only thing I can see is that they are waiting for a super good book shouting to them 'I'm wonderful' and without effort makes them rich instantly.
Indeed, I'm learning that agents, and publishers are remarkably overwhelmed these days. Everyone wants to be an author! The term I've heard that best fits is that the author "endures" the process of getting published.
As depressing as the landscape is, one should take note that thousands of books ARE published every year. And there is an argument that it's not about the odds. If it is time for you to be published then your odds are better than it may first appear. But that still means do your homework!
I agree with you, Steve bakker. The last paragraph in your comment is very encouraging. Writing is very hard work, but I enjoy it; so I'm going to keep working at it. When it's time for me to be published, it will happen.
I am not sure how to pitch this in a short form. It is a monumental story changing history.
On July 17, 1996 at 11:15 p.m., I was working in overnight security dozing when my wife telephoned and asked if I had heard about the plane crash over Long Island. Immediately, I envisioned an enormous fiery explosion and told her all the people are dead. What happened can only be described as a psychic phenomena that was channeled to me that lasted on and off for three weeks.
My book proves that a bomb blew the plane up. The government did not want an international conflict. Khobar Towers had just occurred and turmoil raged in the Middle East so no way the government wanted to report that a bomb blew up the plane. Clinton was far ahead in the polling for the Presidential Election only months away and wanted no Mid-Eastern confrontation to affect his popularity.
The CIA made a documentary supporting the government's findings that a spark in the Center Wing Tank caused the plane to blow up which was totally fallacious which is disproved in my book.
I hope that a movie can be made from my book. Randall Brooke is my pseudonym. Kindly advise me your thoughts about my movie proposal.
TWA Flight 800
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED
July 17, 1996
Randall Brooke
Good-oh!
I have tried all the above suggestions, to no avail? Agents are a strange lot! Even one of the Big Five publisher wrote a good review put on the back cover, and recently my publisher not one of the Big 5 gave my new book a Gold Seal!-The Gold Seal of Literary Excellence is a proof of support for your book with superior literary work. Gold Seal of Literary Excellence gives you the chance to have your work stand out from other titles. It acts as an immediate reference for traditional publishers, movie producers, book investors, library directors or readers in choosing their next literary experience. Your book cover will have a Gold Seal stamp, distinguishing it from other published books.
your video has been very instructive. the one thing I was looking for though is exactly where to find a literary agent. at check through the internet and it seems to me all I see there are people that want my personal information and obviously want to sell me things
Very Helpful. Thank you.
liked and subbed with thanks.
So, my biggest problem with literary agents and publishers -- and frankly why I love and endorse self-publishing -- is that you cut away 'the nagging middleman', so to speak. Not to say anything poorly about agents and publishers, because I am sure that along the way there is something redeeming about them, but I just cannot find any such and I've never been able to. My mom worked as a literary agent all her adult life: a career that span over 40 years of working life. And what really struck me as odd was that she got thousands of manuscripts and Query Letters sent to her, but very-very few of them became actual books. And I told her, "Mom, the idea is not to throw people's work in the bin, but to actually publish books so that people can read them. You're 'failing' all these authors because they don't live up to your principles on a book should be. Books isn't about the Agent or the Publisher -- you're only in it for the money. Nothing else."
And my mom told me that books is about perfection. And I said to her: "mom, only J.R.R Tolkien were entitled to demand literary perfection. The rest of us are ordinary humans by comparison."
That was insightful, thank you for sharing. I've gone back and forth between wanting to get an agent or just keep self-publishing, as I have been doing that since 2008. My main objective for finding an agent now would be to find one who could direct my stories toward video gaming concepts, graphic novels, or made-for-TV movies. The challenging part is knowing where to start that search.
I completely disagree with the idea that publishers and agents 'failing' the author by not getting work published. Most works won't sell and would be disliked by most readers. Not only would money be lost, but the publisher's name would be tarnished and people would expect the quality of the books to be poorer and so might avoid them.
They don't owe authors anything and it's childish to think they do.
It's not a fair system for sure, but people shouldn't act so entitled
@@Dorma_ See, that's precisely the problem: MONEY and thereby greed. It's by no means about entitlement, far from it. It's about an industry that is ruled by greed rather than an objective view on what they are here for: to publish books. They are not here to judge books -- that is for the reader and the market to decide.
I had this whole debate years ago with my mom who worked as a publisher for almost two decades. You can be a good publisher, but if you are too picky about what you want to publish, you'll go bankrupt instead.
JK Rowling was dismissed for a whole year by numerous of publishers before she was finally given a contract, with everyone telling her that her books wouldn't sell -- not even a copy. What an absolute LAUGH!
Aside from the cases where the book itself simply isn't 'ready' for publishing, meaning there is still work to be done, which is one thing, publishers are very narrow sighted. And it also depend on what genre we're talking about, naturally. I am here talking specifically about novels and novellas.
Even if a book sells 3-5000 copies or much, much less, that is still a book worth selling, unless you regard everything in terms of money and have the ridiculous idea that books you publish should sell 10, 20, 30.000 copies. And that is the problem. Not everyone is Stephen King, Tolkien, Rowling, Jerry Jenkins, Dan Simmons, John Gilstrap, etc., to name but a FEW of the many highly talented writers.
And as far as quality is concerned, that's highly subjective, gramma and language skills aside. Frankly, I would argue that two-thirds of the books published nowadays are absolute junk, mostly because of the extreme politically correct climate we live, wherein writers are afraid to go beyond what is regarded as "mainstream genre's" and not wanting to take the risk they might be turned down. So they go with what is already on the market. And that's sad. Writing is about being creative; about telling a good story. And there are plenty of those out there. But they cannot all of them be a golden egg, and publishers only want the golden eggs and so they are pushing writers inadvertently towards things like self-publishing and internet platforms, which also has its' downsides.
And this behaviour by the publishing industry is indirect censorship, regardless of motives and excuses to the contrary.
@@TheAngelOfDeath01 Firstly, publishers will loose money from most books people give them (printing costs, distribution and paying employees etc.) People are greedy of course, but they also have to be picky else the market with be saturated with junk people with stop buying the books if they hate them.
Also, don't be salty about 'politically correct stuff', as most of stuff I see that goes against that is straight up hateful or bigoted. Anything can be talked about, but promoting awful stuff would go badly with most decent people, leading to them not buying the books.
I feel you're simply angry that no publisher or agent wants to take your book. Maybe the problem is your book. Maybe you need to keep trying queries.
However, no-one owes you a published book. Especially if they don't like it
You didn't mention the most important thing, other than writing a good book. Newbie authors MUST hire a professional editor to make the book as good as it can be. They should not depend on their writing group, a family member, or their 10th grade English teacher to get this job done. If an agent sees writing that is littered with grammatical errors, it's a no-brainer for them to decide whether or not to hit the REJECT button. I suggest that all unpubbed writers read the book THE FIRST FIVE PAGES by American lit agent Noah Lukeman. And then hire a professional editor.
You're right. There are always exceptions. Congrats to you for your success.
Grammatical errors: that's proofreading. Far more to editing than that.
Thank you for the suggestion
Thank you for the suggestion
If writers can't write grammatically, they shouldn't be writing anything.
Using clichés like 'no-brainer' isn't a good idea, either.
So how do I get an agent in five minutes?
I feel like Notting Hill may have been based on your life.
Thanks, Buddy! Elementary information but the presentation reminded me of a query letter; no ancillary stuff, straight to the actual point. As far as exceptions to any of this? Surely there are.
Need help! I have a book "Success for the Homeless." I really believe in it. Its on Amazon. But its not getting the attention I hope for. I did not lose faith in that book. I believe with the right team, so many other business can be born from it. Can you guys help me please.
Thanks and say hi to Ernst Stavro...
Being led along by State and media hype that State and business is serving us all well cannot be fought by calling this agent a liar, because the title to his recording is a leg-pull, not a lie. I am the author who wrote misunderstandings must travel fastest, and I begin my present book with a leg-pull, and since blogging this agent the book ends with a leg-pull. We find some hype-spoiled people here, even one or two hopping about, yet doubt the professional reviewer too such as writes this internet comment rewritten as a poem - society can learn from the shut-down to work positively together, or nothing will be left to read except the epitaph dash of mankind, only if the industry advised this I would ask this agent for his opinion, and a conscientious opinion it would be, not an agent obtained in 5 minutes.