Give 'Em What They Want: The Right Way to Pitch Your Novel to Editors and Agents [Paperback]

Blythe Camenson (Author), Marshalll J. Cook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2005

Learn how to craft a killer pitch - and get your novel published today.

One of a writer's most difficult tasks is crafting a submission package. In order to get published you need to compose queries, synopses, and outlines that will prove irresistible to agents and editors. Give 'Em What They Want uses step-by-step instructions to break down the process, making it easier than you thought possible to put together a query packet, sample chapters, outlines, synopses - everything you need to interest an agent or editor in your novel. Inside you'll find:

• Dozens of samples complete with comments and suggestions for improvement
  
  
• Successful submission techniques from published authors
  
  
• Advice from well-respected agents and editors about avoiding common submission pitfalls
  
  
• Information on working with agents and editors once your pitch is complete
  
  
• And much more!

Give 'Em What They Want includes everything you need to know about approaching anyone in the publishing industry with your novel. Pitching your novel has never been easier!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Blythe Camenson is a full-time writer with 50 books and numerous articles to her credit. Marshal J. Cook teaches writing and is a successful author.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books (October 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158297330X
• ISBN-13: 978-1582973302
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,137,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plenty of examples make it easy to understand why one novel would be chosen over another solely on the pitch, February 8, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Give 'Em What They Want: The Right Way to Pitch Your Novel to Editors and Agents (Paperback)

Novels are one of the most difficult genres to market, aside from poetry: it requires extra attention to a query letter to create an irresistible pique for an agent or editor's attention - and that's where Blythe Camenson & Marshall Cook 's Give 'em What They Want; The Right Way To Pitch Your Novel To Editors And Agents comes in. Query letters, synopses and outlines are all revealed in chapters which discuss the anatomy of a pitch, a submission package's impact, and tips for handling the pitch to maximum advantage. Plenty of examples make it easy to understand why one novel would be chosen over another solely on the pitch.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best among its kind, October 10, 2007

By 

somebody here - See all my reviews

This review is from: Give 'Em What They Want: The Right Way to Pitch Your Novel to Editors and Agents (Paperback)

I can't believe there is only one review for this great, great book. Absolutely the best I've read among its kind. I borrowed a copy from a friend, but after I finished reading chapter 4 and was able to pull off a good query letter, I bought my own copy. Much better than "The Sell You Novel Tool Kit", which didn't help at all.

A must-buy for any writers seeking publication!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect book for a first-time fiction novelist., January 11, 2008

By 

Georgia (Midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Give 'Em What They Want: The Right Way to Pitch Your Novel to Editors and Agents (Paperback)

I wrote my first novel and I was clueless how to write a gripping query letter to agents and how to write a synopsis without sounding boring. This book gives practical advice in a no-frills sort of way and really guides the first-time novelist in how to write the all-important letters to agents and publishers. I haven't found a book as clear and concise as this one. It had all the information I wanted to know about without feeling like the authors were talking down on me for being a first time novelist, and in fact their words were encouraging to newbies like me. I would recommend this book to EVERYONE who wants to learn how to write query letters, synopses, and outlines. A thoroughly informative guide--from the writing process to interacting with agents. This book lives up to its title!