Comments for The Writer's Advocate

Comment on Author Benjamin Hale Offers Advice For Aspiring Writers by Christine Weiss

Christine Weiss — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:49:50 +0000

I thank you for acknowledging that forcing yourself to write everyday may not work for everyone. Most of us Aspiring Writers (and Published Writers too I imagine) write in our heads all of the time- even if not physically. I know I very often find myself ripping old envelopes or receipts out of my purse and frantically searching for a pen to write with when a phrase or story line comes together in my head. I look forward to checking out your work although I think we are people of differing genres. It takes many writers to make the world go ’round- so glad you joined the status of Published.

Comment on Author Benjamin Hale Offers Advice For Aspiring Writers by Raymond Kent

Raymond Kent — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:03:13 +0000

This is a very good post and I’m intrigued by what Mr. Hale has to say about his experiences. I’m stumbling across this now because I did a search for literary agents in Buffalo, where I’m living now, and your name came up, Mr. Kepner, as a native Buffalonian. I wrote creatively in high school and my first few years of college when I first made an effort to be published in 1998 and was discouraged after only a few rejections. Upon graduating I joined the Air Force and stopped writing for almost 8 years. Now I am out of the military and I’m feeling the burning need to write again and feeling like I must have what it takes to be published or I’ll never amount to anything. I’ve had the same story running through my head all these years and reading this article has truly inspired me to finally pick up the keyboard and start again. I’ve never stopped reading and I’ve been greatly inspired by Frank Herbert’s Dune novels, the work of Terry Brooks, and Game of Thrones and want to write something that combines science/evolution/ESP/high fantasy. You may have the honor to be the first agent I apply to and most likely be rejected by!

-Raymond Kent

Comment on Scared of the Query by brian

brian — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:55:07 +0000

What are your thoughts on re-querying?

After both impersonal rejections that clearly state that “this project isn’t right for us” and before receiving a response.

I came to a realization that the original query I have submitted to various agents was lacking a well-defined hook, and though I’ve only received on rejection letter so far, I’m doing my research and trying to make it more succinct and attention-grabbing. It was originally written in more of an essay format, instead of the standard: Hook – Mini-synopsis – Writer bio format.
So far I’ve managed to cut it down from 630 words to roughly 375, and I still have to cut it down some more. The philosopher in me is having some trouble focusing on the marketable aspects rather than the intellectual aspects of my work.

There are many plot points that bring a sense of intrigue to my character, and it’s truly daunting to pinpoint the one or two that really define her and her growth all the while informing the agent about her struggle.

One agent says to say, “I previously queried you on this book but you passed; however, I’ve learned so much more about how to pitch my book and I don’t believe my previous query adequately captured it. I’d like to try again.”

But that’s 37 words right there.

I’ll just have to keep at it.

Comment on Author Benjamin Hale Offers Advice For Aspiring Writers by Rick Rowe

Rick Rowe — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:27:37 +0000

I enjoyed this article and loved the query that hooked his agent. It was bold, but beautiful.

I have no choice now, my next stop is Amazon to buy his book.

Cheers & thanks for such a great blog!

All the best,

Rick Rowe

Comment on The People of Publishing: Michael Solana by Ron

Ron — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 03:52:58 +0000

Chris. I almost fell out of my chair when you said that, as an agent, you skip past the query letter and look at the writing sample first. I’ve been waiting to hear an agent say this very thing. It’s exactly what I’d do if I were an agent. In the end, it’s about the work, not the letter. Kudos to your wisdom.

Comment on Scared of the Query by Jasper Schellekens

Jasper Schellekens — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:09:20 +0000

it took you an hour to write this post! o.O

maybe oscar isn’t afraid of sending query letters, but there are a lot of talented authors out there who are…

thanks for addressing that fear.

Comment on The People of Publishing: Michael Solana by Rameish Agrawaal

Rameish Agrawaal — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:42:38 +0000

Great interview! Do you know where a form rejection letter belongs? Now I do know: In the trash can.

Comment on Have your questions answered by an editor at a major publishing house! by Tianna

Tianna — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:46:06 +0000

Thanks so much, Chris. I appreciate your help! Have a great weekend!

Comment on Have your questions answered by an editor at a major publishing house! by Chris Kepner

Chris Kepner — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:09:49 +0000

A request for an exclusive is common, but 6-8 weeks seems long in my experience. Every agent is different, so I can’t say generally whether they’ll lose interest if they have to wait, but hearing that another agent has been granted an exclusive is not unusual. I might try to get that exclusive period down to 3-4 weeks if you can.

Comment on Have your questions answered by an editor at a major publishing house! by Tianna

Tianna — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:21:03 +0000

It’s me again. I sent out a handful of queries last weekend and I had a request for my full manuscript yesterday. The agent asked for a 6-8 week exclusive reading. How common is such a request and what happens if another agent (hopefully) requests my manuscript during that time period? Does an agent lose interest if he/she has to wait? Any help you could provide is much appreciated. Thank you!