Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

This book, by Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook, is a plain-spoken, clearly written guide to how to approach agents and editors with queries, synopses, and outlines.

I've attended several writers' conferences, and read more than several books on this subject, and this is the only book I've bought to keep as a reference. The title gives the theme: In order to have any chance of attracting an agent or convincing an editor to look at my work, I must give that person what they ask for.

If the agent wants a one-page query, write one. Don't bother with a box of cookies or a package of cheese to go with it. If the person wants only e-mail queries, query by e-mail; if regular mail, put the query on paper, in an envelope, with a stamp.

But the authors don't stop there. They tell, with examples, how to write a query, and their advice tallies exactly with the best advice I've received from agents and editors at conferences.

My only criticism of the book has nothing to do with the advice or anything else within the control of the authors.

The illustrations are out of the 1940's, and look as if the publisher, Writers Digest, was saving money by recycling 60-year-old clip art. If the medium is the message, the artwork does the book a disservice.

I admit I bought this book on Amazon hoping it would be good. I have a novel that I'm ready to pitch and have been working diligently on the Query and Synopsis. This book has been an immense help, great information on the process and how to write a strong submission. The book is also entertaining and in an easy to read format. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone (new or experienced) submitting a novel.

Thank you to the authors for a helpful book!

I had no idea how to write a query letter, synopsis, etc. This book is a must for a beginner author - very complete and fairly up to date. For manuscript submission I'd recommend "Formatting and Submitting your Manuscript" which is very detailed with margins etc.

I have bought several books to help me write a synopsis, query and do a pitch for my novel. This Book is concise, no extra fluff, and has good examples. I have re-read it more than once and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has written a novel and is facing the challenge of writing a synopsis and query letters. It tells you what to include as well as what to avoid. The book's resources are agents, editors, and authors that are quoted so the reader knows what to expect, what is acceptable and what works.

In the plethora of publication manuals explaining how to secure an agent and land a publishing contract, Blyth Camenson & Marshall J. Cook deliver a book dedicated to the novelist seeking publication. With the e-book revolution and the corporate consolidation of major publishing houses and the simplicity of self-publication methods, the modern publishing industry is completely different from what it was just a decade ago. Camenson & Cook present all possible options for publication and offer expert advice on how to go about achieving success in each arena.

Give `Em What They Want opens with a brief chapter that reminds the novelist that in order to achieve publication, you must first create a saleable product. Although they provide some writing and editing tips, they assume that if you're reading their book, your novel is ready for publication. That said, they strongly advise you to seek out other resources and editorial advice to make sure your novel is the absolute best it can be before approaching agents and publishers.

The authors discuss the many possible avenues for publication of your novel, including the traditional large publishing house, smaller presses, e-book options, and even self-publication. In a thorough analysis, they offer the pro's and con's of each option and suggest methods by which you can determine the best route for your novel.

To achieve publication through a major publishing house (and some smaller presses), you must have an agent representing your work. Camenson & Cook offer a checklist of items to consider when seeking representation in order to find an agent with whom you can partner for your entire writing career. The ups and downs of working with an agent are discussed as well as some common scams to be on the lookout for.

To find an agent or to submit your work to a smaller press, you'll need to draft a query letter, essentially selling your novel in just a few short paragraphs. The authors describe effective methods for drafting your query and provide several examples of excellent query letters that achieved real results. Should you have the opportunity to pitch your novel to an agent or publisher in person at a writing conference, the chapter on methods for a live pitch will help you summarize your novel and increase your confidence when meeting face-to-face.

If an agent or publisher likes your query, they'll most likely ask for a synopsis of your novel. Like the chapter on queries, this chapter explains what a synopsis is and explains how to craft an effective synopsis by using real-life examples that have brought success to other authors. Additionally, the authors offer their advice on crafting the cover letter to send along with the synopsis.

Once your query or synopsis is submitted, the waiting begins. The authors delve into the emotional aspects of publication, including both rejection and acceptance, and offer sound advice for dealing with both in a professional way. New authors are often unaware of the etiquette associated with the publishing process, and Camenson & Cook explain how to handle your emotions in all situations. Additionally, they offer advice on the many hurdles you might encounter along the way, from rejection to having to fire your agent to working with difficult editors.

Give `Em What They Want is the most resourceful book on the market for the novelist seeking publication. Compiling advice from their own careers in publishing with the advice of other agents, editors, and authors, Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook have created a balanced, inspired manual for getting your novel published.

While some may not consider this the most concise reference out there, it is a great place to start. I didn't know what a query letter really was until I read this book. It gives examples, and takes you through the stages from a first draft to a polished letter. I've done a lot of research online for advice on how to write a query letter, and found that I'd already read most of it in this book.

Purchased a number of manuals by starting off with one book via Amazon, headquartered here in Seattle. Received a list of many other similar books. Good merchandising and helpful. Again, found some I had always intended to try and find in bookstores. But, shucks, this was too easy, and delivery date estimates right on target.The word is: seductive shopping for this, and other interesting items in future.The only thing missing for a reality bookstore is an online Starbucks coffee lounge.