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The Inside Scoop: Two Agents Dish on Getting Published
Insider publishing tips revealed
You yearn to get published, but the journey looks perilous and complicated. Don’t give up! Two literary agents break it all down, dishing up pointers for you. In an easy, step-by-step format, learn how to take your concept from the seed of an idea to a published book.
•What’s right for you--DIY or traditional publishing?
•Should you get an agent or go it alone?
•How does an agent or an editor know if an idea is dead on arrival?
•Which elements make a proposal stand out?
•What does silence mean from an agent?
•What takes an author’s book marketing efforts from wasted to meaningful?
Avoid the pitfalls on the path to publication. Learn the dos and don’ts, the ins and outs, from two insiders willing to tell it like it is.
You yearn to get published, but the journey looks perilous and complicated. Don’t give up! Two literary agents break it all down, dishing up pointers for you. In an easy, step-by-step format, learn how to take your concept from the seed of an idea to a published book.
•What’s right for you--DIY or traditional publishing?
•Should you get an agent or go it alone?
•How does an agent or an editor know if an idea is dead on arrival?
•Which elements make a proposal stand out?
•What does silence mean from an agent?
•What takes an author’s book marketing efforts from wasted to meaningful?
Avoid the pitfalls on the path to publication. Learn the dos and don’ts, the ins and outs, from two insiders willing to tell it like it is.
- GenresWriting
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 11, 2022
A helpful, practical, and sometimes humorous guide on submissions, queries, and an inside view of the nitty gritty of publishing--and what makes a book "publishable".
While The Inside Scoop was penned for those desiring traditional publishing, this is a solid reference for indie authors and writers as well. I highly recommend it as an essential reference for all writers.
While The Inside Scoop was penned for those desiring traditional publishing, this is a solid reference for indie authors and writers as well. I highly recommend it as an essential reference for all writers.
March 26, 2017
From Idea to Book Launch, These Agents Cover the Gamut of Book Publishing
Two veteran literary agents combine forces to write an insider guide to the publishing world. Authors Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton work together at Books & Such Literary Management. Between the two of them, they have successfully sold more than one thousand books. Their wealth of experience shows in these short chapters of THE INSIDE SCOOP.
This book is broken into short chapters organized into nine sections—and include: what makes a book publishable, how to decide between Do It Yourself and Traditional publishing, how to present your idea to an agent, how to craft your proposal and query, how the author and agent work together, contracts and being paid for your work, what happens after the book is contracted, marketing strategies to sell books, and finally about the book launch. Grant and Lawton write different chapters throughout the book.
I found the book loaded with communications insights and value. For example in the chapter called Working Together (Chapter 47), three principles are emphasized:
1. Involve your agent when a problem persists.
2. Copy all involved individuals on your communications.
3. Help others do their jobs, when necessary.
Every author can gain value reading and studying the pages of THE INSIDE SCOOP. Whether you are writing your first book or your 30th book, you will find information gems in these pages. I highly recommend it.
Two veteran literary agents combine forces to write an insider guide to the publishing world. Authors Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton work together at Books & Such Literary Management. Between the two of them, they have successfully sold more than one thousand books. Their wealth of experience shows in these short chapters of THE INSIDE SCOOP.
This book is broken into short chapters organized into nine sections—and include: what makes a book publishable, how to decide between Do It Yourself and Traditional publishing, how to present your idea to an agent, how to craft your proposal and query, how the author and agent work together, contracts and being paid for your work, what happens after the book is contracted, marketing strategies to sell books, and finally about the book launch. Grant and Lawton write different chapters throughout the book.
I found the book loaded with communications insights and value. For example in the chapter called Working Together (Chapter 47), three principles are emphasized:
1. Involve your agent when a problem persists.
2. Copy all involved individuals on your communications.
3. Help others do their jobs, when necessary.
Every author can gain value reading and studying the pages of THE INSIDE SCOOP. Whether you are writing your first book or your 30th book, you will find information gems in these pages. I highly recommend it.
March 17, 2017
The Inside Scoop: Two Agents Dish on Getting Published
By Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton
I’ve been a reader of the award winning website and blog by Books & Such Literary Management for several years now, and this brand new book by Janet and Wendy covers all and more than what I’ve learned from following their blog posts. Like me, I’m sure many readers were hoping they’d come out with a book that helps writers navigate their way to a publishing contract. "The Inside Scoop" has been divided into 9 parts and 76 concise chapters. Each section is titled for ease of finding just what the reader is looking for.
Janet and Wendy have each written separate chapters in their own voices, which adds to the richness of this work. Chapter 44 is absolutely hilarious and provides comic relief in the middle of an information packed offering (I won’t give any spoilers).
I appreciated the behind-the-scenes details that help writers understand the why behind decisions made and replies given and/or not given. I also admire their acceptance of self-publishing as a viable option for manuscripts that are well-written, well-targeted, and professionally edited. But they also do an excellent job of pointing out why, for most authors, traditional publishing—via an agent—is the Holy Grail worth pursuing.
If you’re serious about getting a traditional publishing contract, I seriously recommend this book. It’s a no-nonsense and necessary read for today’s writer; it gives honest, up-to-date literary wisdom that is both sobering and encouraging. It's a five-star dish.
By Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton
I’ve been a reader of the award winning website and blog by Books & Such Literary Management for several years now, and this brand new book by Janet and Wendy covers all and more than what I’ve learned from following their blog posts. Like me, I’m sure many readers were hoping they’d come out with a book that helps writers navigate their way to a publishing contract. "The Inside Scoop" has been divided into 9 parts and 76 concise chapters. Each section is titled for ease of finding just what the reader is looking for.
Janet and Wendy have each written separate chapters in their own voices, which adds to the richness of this work. Chapter 44 is absolutely hilarious and provides comic relief in the middle of an information packed offering (I won’t give any spoilers).
I appreciated the behind-the-scenes details that help writers understand the why behind decisions made and replies given and/or not given. I also admire their acceptance of self-publishing as a viable option for manuscripts that are well-written, well-targeted, and professionally edited. But they also do an excellent job of pointing out why, for most authors, traditional publishing—via an agent—is the Holy Grail worth pursuing.
If you’re serious about getting a traditional publishing contract, I seriously recommend this book. It’s a no-nonsense and necessary read for today’s writer; it gives honest, up-to-date literary wisdom that is both sobering and encouraging. It's a five-star dish.
March 2, 2020
I purchased The Inside Scoop at the 2019 West Coast Christian Writer's Conference. While I've been a freelance writer and online publisher for most of my career, I am new to the traditional publishing world. This book was essential in helping me understand what the process looks like to go from idea, to proposal, to submission, to (hopefully) a book contract. From taking an idea through the book marketing and selling process, this guide is essential for authors at any stage to reference and help along the way. I highly recommend this book and have shared it with quite a few author friends who were delighted by the in-depth information available in this work. To Ms. Grant and Lawson--thank you for taking the time and energy to create such a useful and nicely written guidebook. It sits on just behind my desk in my writing and publishing book corner offering me inspiration and encouragement daily.
July 29, 2017
I loved how every chapter in this book is just a bite. It's like a gourmet restaurant where you get this little plate, but it's satisfying. The information covered was broad from where to start researching your agent, all the way to social media and how to interact with your future publisher. A great primer. Those looking for a great how-to need look no further.
September 18, 2017
A whole writers conference rests between the covers of this terrific book! Mine is now filled with highlights, and I have a whole new "to do" list.
July 24, 2019
A fantastic book full of insight and wisdom for any writer hoping to be published someday!
April 20, 2020
Reading this book is like sitting down with two pro agents and harvesting gold. Could be re-titled: Everything You Wanted to Know About Agents But Were Afraid To Ask.
October 19, 2025
If you are looking to write for the traditional publishing industry, this book is a handy, easy-to-read guide.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews