Connie Briscoe’s Tips for Finding a Literary Agent

Bestselling novelist Connie Briscoe has been at the top of her publishing game for a long time. You've probably fallen in love with many of her stories, as they are reminiscent of the lives you, your best friend, sister, mother, or aunt has lived. She is the author or co-author of many books including: You Only Get Better(Feb 1, 2008), Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50 (April 2007), Can't Get Enough (April 2005) and P.G. County (2004). Briscoe currently posts a wealth of information for writers on her blog. Just this week she added "Tips for Finding a Literary Agent." Writers take note from this heavyweight author. Do your research, utilize the tips, and be faithful that this will get you closer to your goal!

Taken from Connie Briscoe's Website:
In an earlier post I suggested that fiction writers find a book agent before submitting to publishers. Naturally someone asked the logical question: OK, so how do I find a book agent? I’ll try to answer that here. Of course there are many ways to go about this, and I’m not saying that this is the only way or even the best way for everyone. But it is my way.

Here’s how I did it and I see no reason why it can’t work today. It goes without saying–but I’m going to say it anyway–make sure your manuscript is polished to perfection! This is the most important bit of information in this whole article. No method in the world is going to get you a book agent if you don’t have a great book.

1) Write at least the first 50 pages of your novel and a detailed synopsis of the
rest of it. If this is a longer novel–say 400 manuscript pages or more–you might want to write up to 100 pages. Rewrite and polish it. I can’t say this enough. I spent almost as much time on the first several chapters of my first novel as I did on the rest of it. I knew that as an unknown, my work had to be fierce to attract an agent.

2) Write a query letter, which should be only one to two pages long, briefly summarizing your novel and the main characters. A lot of books out there will tell you how to write a good query letter. You might want to head to the library or bookstore to check out one or two of them, as this letter is likely the first thing the agent will read. If you don’t impress her or him with the query letter, the rest will never be looked at. If you can’t write a good query letter, why should an agent expect you to be able to write a whole novel?

3) While you’re at the bookstore look for a book that lists literary or book agents and their contact information. The book should also mention the kinds of books the agents will consider. Most book agents specialize in a few or maybe several genres, and it would be a waste of time to send a manuscript for a mystery novel to an agent who will consider only romance novels. And you certainly don’t want to send an idea for a novel to an agent who accepts only nonfiction.

4) Pick three to five agents and send the query letter, sample chapters and synopsis, neatly packaged, out to them. It’s OK to submit to more than one agent at a time as long as you say in your letter that this is a multiple submission and that you’ve sent the same package to a few other agents.

5) Now you wait. Sit back, relax. Go shopping, spend time with your family. Read a good book! I began to hear back from agents within about a week of mailing my packages. It may take longer now. With computers on every desktop (and laptop), far more manuscripts are floating around out there. I would suggest that if you haven’t heard back within about a month that you submit to four or five more agents.
If you’ve followed the above steps two or three times and still haven’t heard anything, you might want to review and rework your submission package. Is the query letter brief, interesting and well written? Does it hook the reader in the first paragraph? Does the synopsis leave the reader wanting more? Do the chapters flow smoothly and are they error proof?

How long should you keep submitting? Only you can answer that. I found my agent with my first submissions. Later this week, we’ll hear from author Anita Bunkley, who got dozens of rejections before she finally found a publisher.

The Closing of Karibu Books (Maryland)

It came to my attention, via email a week ago that the chain of Maryland-based bookstores known as Karibu Books will be closing. It saddened me to hear of this as I had a great event at Karibu Books-Security Square Mall (in Baltimore), back in December 2006 for Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees with several contributors. The managers at the store took care of us very well, and we were widely supported at the event by folks in the area just passing through the mall, fellow poets, and old friends. Many, many great authors have passed through Karibu Books and I know that they will be missed within the literary community and the greater community. Hopefully, they are transitioning into something else great that will serve their interests. Here is the letter to supporters, which was posted on Karibu's website:

January 22, 2008

Dear Karibu Customers,

After 15 years of service within the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Karibu Books, a Black bookstore chain will be closing its doors. We sincerely thank each and every one of you for your patronage and support. We are optimistic that our mission to empower and educate through a comprehensive selection of books by and about people of African descent will continue to resonate within the communities we proudly served.

Since 1993, we have been blessed to help thousands of local, regional and national authors share their incredible stories of faith, hope, love, peace, politics and race. We can’t begin to express our gratitude for the countless authors who have graced our six stores and enriched our customers’ lives.

We will be closing our Security Square (Baltimore, MD) and Forestville locations on Sunday, January 27. The remaining locations, Bowie Town Center, The Mall at Prince Georges and Iverson Mall will close on Sunday, February 10. Our Pentagon City store is already closed.
Effective immediately, all inventory at all locations will be 50% off. All fixtures will also be available for purchase on February 10. See individual store managers for more information.

Again, we respectfully thank you for your loyalty, laughter and love.

Sincerely,
Simba Sana
CEO
Karibu Books

Fleeing the Office 9-to-5?: Tips for Freelance Writers

I recently interviewed author, freelance writer and editor Michelle Goodman on my radio show, Rhymes, Views & News. Michelle’s latest book The Anti 9 to 5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube, is a valuable resource guide for writers and other creatives seeking to leave an office 9-to-5 gig to strike out on their in on. Michelle’s interview with me lasted 30 minutes, but I know the advice she gave will help freelance writers for a long time to come.

Some of the tips Michelle gave during the interview were:

• If you don’t already have writing clips, do a few freelance assignments for free until you get enough samples to lead you into getting paid work.
• Network with others, give out your business card and use the internet to promote your writing. ( Michelle recommends writing a regular blog as well).
• Have some kind of an income coming in, whether through part-time work or temp work, while you are getting started in the freelance market.
• Contact newspapers in your local area.
For more solid tips on freelancing visit Michelle’s website at http://www.anti9to5guide.com/.

Do you know when to quit?

Most of us were taught by family members and mentors, at a young age not to be a quitter and to “Finish what you start!” In our highly fast paced society, whether we’re facing burnout from a job we hate, an unsatisfying relationship, or distancing ourselves from a toxic friend, we often freeze, feeling mentally and emotionally stuck and at a crucial crossroad as we ponder hurting (or dissapointing others) versus hurting ourselves.

As adults we try to be diplomatic in difficult relationships and on our jobs. We try to say the right thing and do the right thing at all times, sometimes weighing the consequences (and the benefits) of walking away from something or someone. Often times we just end up staying way too long and we have our reasons: “I don’t want to be without a job (you’re afraid to look for a new one or lack the confidence that you can receive a new one)” and “What would my parents think if I leave this job/position/career?” and “I don’t want to hurt his/her feelings if I break it off” and “Well we’ve been together ____ years, maybe he’ll finally marry me (or plug in whatever else it could be that's bothering you) if I just hang in there versus starting over in the scary dating pool.” If it’s all drudgery and no fun, you’ve probably stayed too long (this can be applied to anything in life). Ahh I’m on a roll (smile).

The reasons (excuses) go on and on, if we could only learn to be as selfish as we once were, as kids. Our younger selves were smarter and stronger than our parents and other adults gave credit. We can learn from those days when we knew how to protect our spirits, territory, belongings and our dreams from theft. Some of us do this, and we’ve learned to apply conscious, even spiritual practices to getting and maintaining what we want in life. But for those of us who somehow forgot that we are not obligated to others, at the expense of ourselves: How did we lose that valuable mechanism? Perhaps our being socialized in the beliefs of “keep up with the Joneses”, “hold your pain, never let them see you sweat” and “better to have half a man (or a dissapointing man) than none at all because there’s a ‘man shortage’” have taken over, forcing out the intution inside of us telling us to be different, be unique, go out on a limb and finally proclaim THIS JOB/MAN/WOMAN/FRIEND/ETC. IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME AND IT’S TIME FOR ME TO MOVE ON!

If 2007 (and years prior), taught me nothing else, it is that to compromise or sacrifice myself for others’ happiness or approval is to waste my own potential and purpose to be truly happy and rewarded in this life. It is that simple. And because tomorrow isn’t promised, why waste time holding on to anything that doesn’t bring me (you) joy? There are other jobs. There are other men (or women) in ‘the sea’. No matter what your religious or spiritual belief, all religions teach abundance. This means there is enough of anything (anyone) to go around, regardless of the bleak statistics or negative beliefs our friends or relatives try to drill into our heads.

So in this New Year, ask yourself, “Do I know when to quit?” If you’re facing a dilemna and it looks like you have a choice to sink or swim, deciding to quit may be your best choice. Knowing when to quit doesn’t mean you’re a quitter, it means you value yourself enough to look through the door of possibility and decide you are worth it.

For more inspiration (information) on quitting read: “Know When to Fold ‘Em” by Martha Beck (p. 47 advice, etc.) in the January 2008 issue of O Magazine“Adieu to All That” by Carlin Flora (p. 70) in the December 2007 issue of Psychology Today

Inspirational Icon in Publishing Leaves Essence Magazine

Inspirational author, editor, and activist Susan L. Taylor recently announced that she is leaving her post as Editorial Director of Essence Magazine to devote more time and energy to her youth service program, Essence Cares (National Cares Mentoring Movement). Ms. Taylor was the driving force behind Essence Magazine for over thirty years, the iconic beauty had interviewed hundreds of dignitaries and influential people in the arts, politics and entertainment while at Essence. She rose through the ranks at Essence starting as a Beauty Editor, and then becoming Editor-In-Chief. Ms. Taylor is the author of three books: In the Spirit, Lessons in Living and Confirmation (with her husband Khephra Burns). She also wrote the inspirational column, "In the Spirit" which has featured in Essence Magazine for many years. In 2004, Black Issues Book Review featured a wonderful interview with Ms. Taylor (with Malaika Adero), titled "Black publishing's inspirational godmother: Susan L. Taylor reflects on her 34 years nurturing writers at Essence."

As a writer, and woman who has always been drawn to inspirational writings based on spirituality and inner healing, I must say that Susan L. Taylor has always been an influence on my life. As a sophomore in college at Hampton University in Virginia, I used to tear out and save Taylor's "In the Spirit" essays and post them over my bed or other areas in my dorm room to remind me of my goals and the positive attitude I wanted to have each day. It was quite an honor to finally meet Ms. Taylor in person, when she came to speak at Hampton, while I was a junior and publicity intern at the school. I found her to be graceful and striking in her appearance. I have since seen Ms. Taylor at several cultural events here in New York City and have continued to be inspired by her pursuit of personal excellence and activism in helping youth achieve their goals.

Although Ms. Taylor's departure from Essence Magazine is not a good-bye forever, it certainly marks the end of a certain era. However, it is always great to see someone being able to move on , past a period in their lives to devote greater time and energy to the things which they deem as needing their talents the most. Rest assured, anything Susan L. Taylor devotes her focus and passion to, will be a phenomenal work indeed.