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Getting Published in the 21st Century: Advice from a Literary Agent
From Literary Agent Carly Watters comes Getting Published in the 21st Century, an ebook of Writer’s Digest award-winning blog content and new material primed to help writers get published.
It has never been more difficult to get traditionally published than it is right now. But with the right tools, and industry insider tips, Carly will show you how it’s possible for you.
Getting Published in the 21st Century will share with you:
•How to begin your book and why you’ve probably been starting in the wrong spot
•10 self-editing tips that will transform your manuscript
•Carly’s 9 ways to write smarter, not harder
•5 tips to make your query letter stand out (from someone who reads over 800 a month!)
•The top 7 reasons why agents stop reading your manuscript
•What agents are looking for in a client
•12 ways to create an author community
Whatever question you have about crafting your novel and how to get it published, Getting Published in the 21st Century has the answers.
Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency. She completed her MA in Publishing Studies at City University London with a thesis on how winning literary book prizes influences sales and author brands. Clients include Taylor Jenkins Reid, Julianna Scott, Colin Mochrie, Jay Onrait and more. Find Carly on Twitter at @carlywatters and online at www.carlywatters.com.
It has never been more difficult to get traditionally published than it is right now. But with the right tools, and industry insider tips, Carly will show you how it’s possible for you.
Getting Published in the 21st Century will share with you:
•How to begin your book and why you’ve probably been starting in the wrong spot
•10 self-editing tips that will transform your manuscript
•Carly’s 9 ways to write smarter, not harder
•5 tips to make your query letter stand out (from someone who reads over 800 a month!)
•The top 7 reasons why agents stop reading your manuscript
•What agents are looking for in a client
•12 ways to create an author community
Whatever question you have about crafting your novel and how to get it published, Getting Published in the 21st Century has the answers.
Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency. She completed her MA in Publishing Studies at City University London with a thesis on how winning literary book prizes influences sales and author brands. Clients include Taylor Jenkins Reid, Julianna Scott, Colin Mochrie, Jay Onrait and more. Find Carly on Twitter at @carlywatters and online at www.carlywatters.com.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2013
4 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 2, 2016
As a first time author, my head is filled with hundreds of questions about who a literary agent is and how her world looks like. Carly Watters in her book explains the sound and smells of the world of a literary agents with such amazing clarity and details that as an author I no longer feel scared of approaching them. I rather feel that they are also people who love the books as much as I do.
Any writer who is serious about approaching literary agents with a Query MUST first read this book. Highly recommend.
Any writer who is serious about approaching literary agents with a Query MUST first read this book. Highly recommend.
September 25, 2014
If the mind of one literary agent were extracted as open letter to prospective authors
September 14, 2014
I devoured this book in one sitting. I loved reading Carly Watters’ insights on writing, agenting, and publishing. This short e-book is totally worth the read, especially if you’re preparing to query agents as a debut author.
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September 21, 2022A great little book full of wonderful information. Often I felt like topics could have been expanded on, but overall there's such great info that it's a valuable tool for writers.
February 18, 2018
Lots of useful information!
April 13, 2016
GETTING PUBLISHED IN THE 21st CENTURY: ADVICE FROM A LITERARY AGENT is without question the best book on getting published traditionally I’ve ever read, and I’ve been reading books on this subject for over two decades now.
Carly Watters is one of those top-of-the-line, no-nonsense agents that serious career authors have on the very top of their wish list. She works with big publishing houses, is the VP and Senior Literary Agent at P.S. Literary Agency, and has signed numerous debut and bestselling authors.
I met her at a conference, and Ms. Watters is as impressive and professional in person as is she is in this book.
Her writing is to the point, easy to read, and a breeze to reference. I read—scratch that—studied this short book in a matter of hours.
Though you can jump to any section you like, and get exactly the information you’re looking for, I suggest committed writers read this book from cover-to-cover.
Carly Watters confirms what I have heard many agents say in conferences, but more important, she corrects several common misconceptions, such as the belief that agents do not like debut authors, or that agents chase trends.
GETTING PUBLISHED IN THE 21st CENTURY starts at the very beginning with how to craft a breakout novel. This includes basic skills, such as writing from the true beginning of a story, how to grab the reader’s attention in the first five pages, how to write great dialogue, crafting characters from inception to conclusion, showing versus telling, writing high-stakes tension, and plenty more.
The book continues with how to repair a broken manuscript, how to deal with writer’s block, and nine ways to write smarter, not harder.
None of this was new to me, but I found it reassuring to see an agent who has her finger on the pulse of the market confirming what I have learned over the years.
And then comes the really juicy part—how to actually get an agent.
Here Carly Watters goes into great depth on query letters. How to write one, the hook, the synopsis, the pitch, and six tips to make a query letter stand out.
She goes into detail with six reasons she would stop reading your manuscript, and she also writes about when to follow-up with agents.
She even delves into non-fiction proposals (which was of special interest to me).
Ms. Watters then discusses the agent-author relationship. Whether you have an agent or not, this gives you a great insight into publishing and prospects for your future.
Finally, she talks about publication and promotion in the digital age. I’ve heard tons of advice on branding and marketing from the self-publishing community, but this is the first I’ve heard regarding this critical—yet too often underemphasized—aspect of being an author from the perspective of the traditional publishing industry.
I view this book as a bible for people who are committed to a long-term career as a traditionally published author.
My take from the book is that success in traditional publishing is a matter of persevering, and offering agents what they want, while at the same time being true to yourself.
GETTING PUBLISHED IN THE 21st CENTURY is an absolute must-read for anyone wanting to publish traditionally, especially with the major presses.
Carly Watters is one of those top-of-the-line, no-nonsense agents that serious career authors have on the very top of their wish list. She works with big publishing houses, is the VP and Senior Literary Agent at P.S. Literary Agency, and has signed numerous debut and bestselling authors.
I met her at a conference, and Ms. Watters is as impressive and professional in person as is she is in this book.
Her writing is to the point, easy to read, and a breeze to reference. I read—scratch that—studied this short book in a matter of hours.
Though you can jump to any section you like, and get exactly the information you’re looking for, I suggest committed writers read this book from cover-to-cover.
Carly Watters confirms what I have heard many agents say in conferences, but more important, she corrects several common misconceptions, such as the belief that agents do not like debut authors, or that agents chase trends.
GETTING PUBLISHED IN THE 21st CENTURY starts at the very beginning with how to craft a breakout novel. This includes basic skills, such as writing from the true beginning of a story, how to grab the reader’s attention in the first five pages, how to write great dialogue, crafting characters from inception to conclusion, showing versus telling, writing high-stakes tension, and plenty more.
The book continues with how to repair a broken manuscript, how to deal with writer’s block, and nine ways to write smarter, not harder.
None of this was new to me, but I found it reassuring to see an agent who has her finger on the pulse of the market confirming what I have learned over the years.
And then comes the really juicy part—how to actually get an agent.
Here Carly Watters goes into great depth on query letters. How to write one, the hook, the synopsis, the pitch, and six tips to make a query letter stand out.
She goes into detail with six reasons she would stop reading your manuscript, and she also writes about when to follow-up with agents.
She even delves into non-fiction proposals (which was of special interest to me).
Ms. Watters then discusses the agent-author relationship. Whether you have an agent or not, this gives you a great insight into publishing and prospects for your future.
Finally, she talks about publication and promotion in the digital age. I’ve heard tons of advice on branding and marketing from the self-publishing community, but this is the first I’ve heard regarding this critical—yet too often underemphasized—aspect of being an author from the perspective of the traditional publishing industry.
I view this book as a bible for people who are committed to a long-term career as a traditionally published author.
My take from the book is that success in traditional publishing is a matter of persevering, and offering agents what they want, while at the same time being true to yourself.
GETTING PUBLISHED IN THE 21st CENTURY is an absolute must-read for anyone wanting to publish traditionally, especially with the major presses.
February 2, 2014
Inspiring and intimidating! Like any good cookbook this has the recipe for success if you follow the directions. Also like a cookbook you'll want to keep it on hand for constant reference as you go through the steps to publication.
August 27, 2014
There are many great books on the process of writing, but this one approaches it from the business side of things, and it is invaluable. I picked this up for $2.99 on my Kindle and found it's succinct chapters helpful and, thankfully, easy to navigate for an e-reader edition.
June 26, 2016
My Go-To
There are many books out there on writing and publishing but this one has elements that others don't. I definitely recommend it. It is worth the read.
There are many books out there on writing and publishing but this one has elements that others don't. I definitely recommend it. It is worth the read.
August 15, 2016
Great overview with lots of helpful tips for writers getting ready to query. Would defintely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews