Latest posts from Chip MacGregor
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Does a second novel have to continue the storyline?
Someone wrote to ask, “How do you handle the ending of individual books in a series that needs each book to stand alone, yet have threads of continuation? Is it possible to conclude the manuscript in the point of view …
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Can my second book be in another genre?
…Someone asked a second-book question I’ve heard frequently: “If I’m writing a series, is it unwise to venture into a different genre? For example, if my first book is a fantasy, should the second book also be a fantasy, or -
What are the best books of all time?
…Someone wrote to say, “A couple years ago you talked about the important of reading great books, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you offer a reading list to authors. What books would you recommend?”
Hmmm…. Okay, I think
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Career Planning in the Wild, Wild West
While on an agent’s panel at ACFW in September, I sat next to Lee Hough, one of the smartest and hardest working agents in the business. While we all fielded the typical questions we get as panelists, someone asked … -
What makes a second book successful?
…An author wrote and said, “I’ve been told that you’ll never sell your second book in New York if you don’t do well on your first. Just how well do you have to do? How many copies is considered a
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Why is your second novel so important?
An author wrote with this question: “What would you say are the common areas of neglect you see in most second novels? Weak plot? Poor characterization? Underdeveloped themes?”
Love this question, since I tell the authors I represent that “your …
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How do I balance marketing and writing?
…Someone asked, “What is a realistic schedule for writing that second book while promoting the first book?”
This will be unique to each author, since each person writes at his or her own pace. But if a novelist takes seven
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What is an agent looking for?
…Someone wrote to ask, “What do you look for when you are considering representing a new novelist?”
I suppose every agent is looking for the same basic components in reviewing a proposal: a great idea, expressed through great writing, supported
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How can I get noticed?
We’re sticking with answering a bunch of shorter questions for a few days…
One author wrote and noted, “As I research book publishing, I’m intrigued by the ‘platform’ thing. And as I think about how to build my platform, I’m …
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On staying current, book clubs, and drinking juice naked
I’ve had people sending me dozens of questions recently, so I thought I’d try to catch up by changing things a bit and offering several short questions and answers. So the next few days of the blog will sort of …
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Does the publisher have the last word on my book title?
Someone wrote to ask about titles: “I understand publishers have the last word on titles — how often do they change an author’s proposed title? And if they’re going to change it anyway, how important is the title we suggest?”…
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How can a writer create a purpose statement?
Someone wrote and asked, “Chip, can you help me create a purpose statement for me as a writer? I think I need to clarify my purpose statement. I’m a literary novelist… can you assist me in moving forward?”
If you’re …
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How does an author stay on top?
…Someone wrote to say, “A while back, you blogged about the lack of staying power authors have in today’s market. In your opinion, how do novelists like James Patterson, Karen Kingsbury, and Debbie Macomber stay on top?”
Publishing has always
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What should I do for my book signing?
…Someone wrote to say, “My publisher has scheduled me for a booksigning, but I don’t know the first thing about doing a booksigning, and what I’ve heard isn’t very positive. Can you help? What do I need to know?”
Sure.
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If the publisher has said "no" to my book, can I try again?
…Someone wrote to ask, “If a book publisher turns down my proposal or manuscript, does that mean everyone at the publishing house rejected my proposal? Can I try with a different editor? And how long do you have to let
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Should I negotiate my own book contract?
I’ve had a number of people write to me and ask something along the lines of,“How can I negotiate my own contract?”
Okay, let’s get something straight right off the bat: You probably aren’t ready to talk contracts with …
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How can I get the most out of my writing group?
…A reader wrote to say, “I’m going to a big writing conference that encourages us to join a critique group. You’ve talked before about the benefit of being in a critique group, but I was in a critique group that
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How can I improve my online writing group?
Someone wrote to say, “I signed up for an online writing group. The first meeting was great. Then… nothing. There’s no direction. I don’t know what to do. Help!”
I know what you mean: You sign up for a …
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Is social media really all that helpful?
I’m of the opinion that internet marketing by authors is not only helpful, it’s essential in the new publishing economy. An author needs to engage with people in online communities in order to generate exposure and, hopefully, sales of his …
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What's your best writing advice?
Someone just wrote to me and asked, “What’s your best advice for writing fiction?”
I’ll offer mine if you’ll share yours…
Here is my best writing advice: Write with verbs and nouns. I read that in Strunk and White’s Elements …