The first winter snowfall hit the night of Halloween. For some reason, trick-or-treaters in Bend usually wind up having to trudge through snow, with the pre-teen and teen girls pretending they’re not cold despite their spaghetti-strapped costumes and blueish lips. Luckily, for a change, the costumed petitioners had already been tucked into bed by the… Continue Reading
Imagine this. You’ve written a novel with characters who speak so loudly, they’re demanding to get back on the page in book number two. How great is that? So, you decide to jump in and turn that novel into a series. The hope, of course, is that this new book holds up as well as… Continue Reading
If you’re like a lot of authors planning to self-publish, you probably haven’t given a ton of thought to designing your book cover, let alone your book interior. So, let’s talk about that. As soon as you have finalized your book’s title (and subtitle if you have one), I would urge you to hire a… Continue Reading
Have you ever thought of promoting a business with a book? You’re not alone. According to an article in Entrepreneur magazine, “many entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, attorneys, psychologists and other experts are grabbing on to this trend. Writing and publishing a book (whether through a traditional publishing contract or by self-publishing) is a great way to stand out as an expert in… Continue Reading
The world’s cutest puppy—otherwise known as Moke, my nine-month-old English Cocker Spaniel—was starting to look more like a dust mop than a dog. It was time to take action. I steeled myself for the task. He may be young, but he has definite opinions about what he likes to do and what he doesn’t. And… Continue Reading
Do you use enough nonverbal communication in your writing? Fiction writers know that showing what’s happening to their characters rather than talking about it makes for a much more compelling read. Action, dialogue, and detail all contribute to a show-don’t-tell–or story-showing, as I call it–approach to writing a novel or short story. One aspect of… Continue Reading
I had been unsuccessfully trying to convince my writing coach client to reach out to some people who might endorse their book. Endorsements–getting a few lines of praise from people with names, affiliations, or credentials that readers will recognize–is a critical part of marketing. “What’s the problem?” I finally asked. To be honest, I probably… Continue Reading
The first time I remember seeing Chris Griffin, he and a friend were making their way up a snowy path in Bear Valley, California as they headed to the same potluck my friend, Pam Jamison, and I were attending. The tall, mustached redhead held a two-pound package of raw spaghetti, his buddy a bottle of… Continue Reading
Is researching a book really necessary? If you’re writing a nonfiction book, you’ve identified a thesis that you’re making a case for. That’s the book’s big idea, and every book has one (and only one). Whether you’ve chosen a self-help angle, a book about finance, a historical treatise, or a guide intended to convince people… Continue Reading
To make an effective argument in a nonfiction book or even gear a novel to the audience you’re aiming for, you have to know to whom you’re appealing (i.e. your reader demographics). That’s why attorneys find out as much as they can about the jury members on the cases they’re arguing. Knowing about their audience… Continue Reading
Literary Agent:
Ted Weinstein
Ted Weinstein Literary Management
Mechanics’ Library Building
57 Post Street, Suite 512
San Francisco, CA 94104
tw@twliterary.com
www.twliterary.com