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      Chip MacGregor

      When he was in first grade, Chip hurried home one day and announced to his mother, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a book guy!” He clearly could see the future —from high school literary magazine editor to writing bestselling books, from speaking at writing and publishing conferences to representing renowned writers, Chip MacGregor is a book guy.

      Latest posts from Chip MacGregor


      • January 31, 2012

        Questions to ask an Agent

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        Bobbi wrote to say, "You've mentioned several times that an author should ask a prospective agent some questions in order to get to know him (or her). I'm going to a conference in a couple months — what sort of …

      • January 30, 2012

        Reading that Keeps Me Up at Night…

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        Marie Prys is the administrative presence behind our three agents. Books are one of her favorite things. Look for a monthly post from this former editor on what she will happily give up sleep for. 

        I cannot give up reading …

      • January 26, 2012

        A Writer's Budget

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        A couple of people read my Monday blog and asked me, "What does a writing budget look like?"

        Here's the basic idea…

        1. The author sets a financial goal for the year. It's got to be something that is livable

        …

      • January 24, 2012

        Who Needs a Publisher?

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        In these times of self-publishing, ebooks, bookstore closures, agents turning into publishers, and the crumbling of the traditional publishing model—who needs a publisher?

        May I offer an indie publisher’s perspective on that question?

        First: Ask yourself if you know the …

      • January 23, 2012

        Creating a Career Plan for Writers

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        I have a background in organizational development — that is, the study of how an organization grows and changes over time. In my job as a literary agent, I've found it's proven helpful when talking to writers about their careers.

        …

      • January 18, 2012

        What do I do with my life?

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        Steve wrote to say, "I have a degree in teaching, and I've taken classes in a professional writing program… but I feel stuck between two careers. What do I do?"

        If you're trying to make it as a writer, you've

        …

      • January 16, 2012

        How is money paid on a book contract?

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        Cherice wrote in to ask, "Can you explain how money is paid on a book publishing contract? I've got a contract in front of me, and I don't understand it."

        Happy to, Charice. First, most authors are paid an advance …

      • January 13, 2012

        Failing Forward – a guest blog by Alton Gansky

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        A 2010 issue of Wired magazine contains “The Master Planner,” an article/interview with Fred Brooks, an early computer programmer and former department head for IBM. Thirty-five years ago he wrote a small book, The Mythical Man-Month in which he argued against the
        …

      • January 13, 2012

        Failing Forward – a guest blog by Alton Gansky

        by

        A 2010 issue of Wired magazine contains “The Master Planner,” an article/interview with Fred Brooks, an early computer programmer and former department head for IBM. Thirty-five years ago he wrote a small book, The Mythical Man-Month in which he argued against the
        …

      • January 11, 2012

        More of "The Best Advice on Writing"

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        Today's guest blogger is Russ Masterson, author of 40 Days Without Food. Russ never cared much about writing until one day, as a 20-year-old college student, he found himself stuck in a hotel room in Ghana, Africa, with a
        …

      • January 10, 2012

        Should I be investing in my own publicity?

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        I've had a few people write to me and ask about the marketing posts I did a couple weeks ago. Several have wanted to know, "When should I consider spending my own money on my book's publicity?" 

        The answer …

      • January 10, 2012

        Should I be investing in my own publicity?

        by

        I've had a few people write to me and ask about the marketing posts I did a couple weeks ago. Several have wanted to know, "When should I consider spending my own money on my book's publicity?" 

        The answer …

      • January 9, 2012

        Can a novelist market herself?

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        Christine wrote and asked, "Is it really possible to market yourself as a novelist?"

        I definitely think it's possible for a novelist to market himself or herself. Over the past couple years, I've tried to share some thoughts on how …

      • January 9, 2012

        Can a novelist market herself?

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        Christine wrote and asked, "Is it really possible to market yourself as a novelist?"

        I definitely think it's possible for a novelist to market himself or herself. Over the past couple years, I've tried to share some thoughts on how …