Latest posts from Chip MacGregor
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Thursdays with Amanda: 10 Steps to Growing a Public Speaking Platform
Amanda Luedeke is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary. She posts about growing your author platform every Thursday. You can follow her on Twitter @amandaluedeke or join her Facebook group to stay current with her wheelings and dealings as an …
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"I'm trying to figure out how to work with an agent…"
Rita wrote to say, "I've been offered a contract on my novel. Since I don't have an agent, should I seek one at this point? And if the agent accepts, should he or she still receive 15% of the deal,
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Does a beginning writer need an agent?
Amy wrote to ask, "In your opinion, does a beginning writer need an agent?"
It depends on the writer. There are some authors who are well connected in the industry, don't mind dealing with contracts and negotiations, understand career direction,
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How long should I wait before checking back with an agent?
Clarice wrote to ask, "When is it appropriate to inquire on the status of a submission to an editor or agent? I sent something in to an agent four months ago, but have yet to hear."
Keep in mind that …
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The Elevator Pitch (a poem for all you going to conferences)
The Elevator Pitchby Mark GlenchurThe elevator doors clanged shut.I did not say a wordTo the other fellow in the carBut suddenly I heard:“Are you that famous editor?Say, I’m a writer, too!You -
Does the publisher lose money if my book doesn't earn out?
Brynn asked, "Does a publisher lose money if a book doesn't earn out?"
I get this question a lot, and to answer it I need to beg your forebearance… Let me answer this with hard numbers, so that I can …
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Thursdays with Amanda: Blogging as a Fiction Author
Amanda Luedeke is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary. You can follow her on Twitter @amandaluedeke or join her Facebook group to stay current with her wheelings and dealings as an agent.
The thing that’s going to make every fiction …
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How do I get an agent?
Elizabeth wrote to ask, "Can you tell me the basics of how to get an agent, when to get an agent, and how the agent relationship works?"
I have responded to this basic question in the past, so let …
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Are writing contests a good idea? (and other interesting stuff)
Tiffany wrote to ask, "What do you think of writing contests? Are they a good idea for beginning novelists?"
Sure. Contests are a good way for beginning writers to get into the swing of writing. It means you have to
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How do I approach a literary agent?
Diane wrote to ask, "When is the best time to approach an agent? What do I need to have ready in order to talk with him or her?"
The best time is probably 11 in the morning. The hangover is
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Come One, Come All (a marketing guest blog)
Janice Thompson is the author of numerous novels — most in the "romantic comedy" genre. When she read some of the discussion we've been having about book marketing, she sent this in…
When one is known for her comedic
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Thursdays with Amanda: 7 Ways to Grow Your Blog Readership
Amanda Luedeke is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary. You can follow her on Twitter @amandaluedeke or join her Facebook group to stay current with her wheelings and dealings as an agent.
Thanks for tuning in to my ongoing discussion …
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All the news that's fit to print…
There's always a ton of publishing news going on, and I realize it's tough for most writers to stay on top of it all. The fact is, you DON'T NEED to stay on top of it all. But occasionally it's …
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What do you need to know about literary agents?
Donna wrote to say, "I heard an agent speak at our writing group. He sounded interesting, so I went to his website, which is interesting but I wasn't sure I could trust it. You have to contract with them for …
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Who REALLY Needs a Publisher? (A guest blog)
Let’s talk about the word publisher for a moment. The notion of a publisher has changed recently. We used to think of the Big Six — the old-school thinking, where they pay you a pittance, take on 1-to-4 new authors …
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Who REALLY Needs a Publisher? (A guest blog)
Let’s talk about the word publisher for a moment. The notion of a publisher has changed recently. We used to think of the Big Six — the old-school thinking, where they pay you a pittance, take on 1-to-4 new authors …
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What you've always wanted to ask the Agent
I've been receiving a number of questions about authors and agents, so I wanted to take a few weeks to explore agenting. Glenna wrote to ask, "How long does it usually take for an agent to respond after receiving a requested …
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Thursdays with Amanda: 5 Rules of Blogging Well
Amanda Luedeke is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary. You can follow her on Twitter @amandaluedeke or join her Facebook group to stay current with her wheelings and dealings as an agent.
As promised, this week we're continuing our Platform …
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Thursdays with Amanda: 5 Rules of Blogging Well
Amanda Luedeke is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary. You can follow her on Twitter @amandaluedeke or join her Facebook group to stay current with her wheelings and dealings as an agent.
As promised, this week we're continuing our Platform …
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Ghostwriting: Not as Spooky as it Seems (A Guest Blog)
There’s no middle ground. If you are a person’s ghostwriter, that person will either hate you or love you. It’s all about ego.
If the person whose name is going to appear on the cover actually wants …