My Blog
The Fear Trifecta: What Really Blocks Your Words
The cursor blinks. And blinks. And blinks. Every writer knows the moment: fingers hovering over the keyboard, mind racing with ideas, yet somehow frozen in place. You might think this is where I tell you the blank page is a writer's greatest fear. But I don’t think...
The Mid-Book Slump: Why Great Writing Can’t Save Your Novel
I recently requested a full read of a manuscript I didn’t expect to connect with, based on a pitch that wasn’t quite honed. The concept and time period weren’t quite in my wheelhouse, but I agreed to give it a shot. Within a few pages, the writing pulled me in. The...
Building A House of Cards: Story Without Structure – Why Every Story Needs A Plan (Even for Pantsers)
Lately I’ve been noticing another issue in my queries that I’d like to discuss. The voice is strong. The characters are compelling. The dialogue flows. Things are happening, but they don’t mean anything. It’s like watching someone walk in a circle with style and...
From One OF a Million to One IN a Million: Rethinking Memoir
Memoir submissions are flooding my inbox, each one heartfelt, raw, and deeply personal. Yet, as an agent, I find myself facing a recurring issue: too many memoirs are telling the same story. Grief, addiction, loss of a child—these are profoundly human experiences, but...
You Might Have a Book in You—But Should It Stay There? When a Story Needs More Than Just a Great Idea
I was at a non-industry event a few weeks ago, and when the others at my table learned what I do for a living one of them said, “Everyone has a book in them.” I hadn’t heard that old adage in a while, but then again, look what I do for a living. However, it got me...
Mastering the Synopsis: Grinding Your Story into 800 Words or Less
Few things strike fear into a writer’s heart like the word 'synopsis.' After pouring your soul into a 90,000-word manuscript, reducing it to a mere 800 words can feel impossible. Yet a strong synopsis is a vital part of your submission package—and a powerful tool to...
Trend-Chasing or Trailblazing? Staying Authentic in a Market-Driven World
A question I often get is, “I have X# book ideas. Which one do you think would be most marketable?” My answer is almost always, “Whichever one you feel most compelled to write.” For those who want more info, ideas and suggestions, keep reading. The publishing industry...
Momentum vs Monotony: The Line Between Slow-Burn and Boring
While evaluating recent submissions—particularly coming of age stories—I often think of Gertrude Stein's famous observation about Oakland: 'There's no there there.' It perfectly captures the challenge of slow-burn storytelling and stories that are just slow. This...
The Revision Paradox: When Enough is Enough: Polish Your Manuscript without Dulling Its Shine
You've just typed "The End" on the first draft of your manuscript. Pop the champagne! Dance like nobody is watching! Now comes the next step: revision. We've all heard the saying "writing is rewriting," but when do you put down the red pen and call it done? Welcome to...
The Art of the Pitch: A Writer’s Guide to Conference Pitching
Picture this: You're an aspiring author, sitting before a literary agent with just three to five minutes to sell your book. Your palms are sweaty, your heart's racing, and suddenly, your carefully rehearsed pitch becomes a jumble of words. As an agent, I’ve done a...