Writing Tips & Resources

SELF-EDITING TECHNIQUES
Author, Hugo and Nebula award winner, and columnist Nancy Kress has penned two books that I often recommend to my editorial clients and conference workshop students. The first is DYNAMIC CHARACTERS (Writers Digest Books), which speaks to the necessary interdependence of effective characterization and strong plotting in a novel. The second is BEGINNINGS, MIDDLES & ENDS (Writers Digest Books), which explores the basic components of a compelling novel that will "hook" prospective literary agents and editors. FINDING AN AGENT
The Association of Author Representatives (AAR), www.aar-online.org, is an organization composed of literary agents signatory to a code of ethics clause with regard to the representation of writers. This website contains an informative overview of AAR member literary agents and literary agencies, their contact information, and the types of writing (both fiction and non-fiction) they represent. SELF-EDITING TECHNIQUES
Each time I complete the first written draft of a scene for a novel in progress, I take the time to tape record the text.  I then listen to the recording as the first task of the day when I begin my next writing session. 

Listening to the tape recorded scene provides me with countless cues for self-editing. This process also allows me an almost seamless reconnection with the unfolding story and the characters who populate that story, thus facilitating the prompt resumption of my writing.
FINDING AN AGENT
“The agents, editors, and publishers you're approaching have seen it all. What we need to see is a fresh way to tell a story. Whether it’s voice, character or plot, you have to convey that uniqueness in the query or your book won't be acquired for publication."
~Stuart Miller
The Stuart Miller Agency
FINDING AN AGENT
Looking for an agent? Explore your literary agent options at: www.agentquery.com.