Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Follow-up Questions to the Previous Post

Continuing from the last post.

What weight is assigned to previous writing credits?

It depends. If you had a review of that new Italian restaurant published in your neighborhood newspaper, not a whole lot. If you've had a previous book published and then turned into a little-known 80's movie, a lot. Either way, we still have to like your writing.

And what if you don't have writing credits?

If your writing is good, it doesn't matter at all if you have no past experience in publication.

Should we mention if we read their blog or subscribe to their newsletter?

...I guess you could. It might help. It won't hurt.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay, that said, does one mention prior sales to small presses or e-pubs? or does that create the "ewww factor" for larger publishers and/or agents?

T2

Anonymous said...

You'd be surprised how easy it is to get published in regards to racking up writing credits.

Since you're writing a book, go ahead and take on small projects on the side. Newspaper articles (if you live in a small town), magazines, anthologies... it's all experience for you to work with an editor and see the process. No matter how small, there's something to be learned. Later, you can put it on your cv.

The Rejecter said...

It's okay to mention small presses and e-pubs, but it will not help you if your book idea is bad.

Katie said...

I was wondering how you acquired your current job. I am a writer (not a published one) and I am currently working at a publishing company as an EA. I graduated from college a year and a half ago and have been trying to figure out a way to get a job at a literary agency. I am not happy with my current position and have been sending out my resume to no avail. Any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!