Resources for Writers:

Writer's Market:

     You want to publish? This is the bible. Available in every major bookstore and on the web, updated annually, it contains a list of agents who publish what you write, as well as helpful essays on getting published.

Herman's Guide:

     This is the major competitor to Writer's Market. They don't have an online version (a major drawback in my opinion), and less tutorial information. They also list slightly fewer agents. However they have higher listing standards, and list some agents not available in "Writer's Market". They also have more detailed information on exactly how to approach each agent.

Agent Verifier:

    The number of illegitimate agents in the United States is astounding. Any agent who requires ANY fees up-front (even for photocopying, which should come out of commissions) should be highly suspect. Legitimate agencies accept less than 1% of queries, because they can only afford to take materials they know they can sell. Fee charging agencies accept over 80% of queries because they can survive solely on the fees (many of these agencies have never published even a single book they represent).

Predators and Editors:

    Another good source for information on legitimate agents and editors.

Workshops:

    I run Read & Critique workshops with emphasis on producing professional quality work, and tips on on querying, publishing, and the business and craft aspects of writing. We also do exercises to improve your writing skills.

Seminars:

    I give seminars on querying, getting an agent, maintaining suspension of disbelief, and other areas of craft and business. Contact me for more information.

Conferences:

     If you're serious about writing, you need to attend conferences. Most agents get their clients from conferences, and conferences distill the serious from the amateur. I regularly attend and/or speak at the following conferences:

    La Jolla Writers Conference:

          This is a teaching conference, better for beginners trying to learn skills. It has a low ratio of agents to writers and is a more personalized experience.

    Southern California Writers Conference:

          This conference is for far more advanced writers. It offers pitches (10 minutes, no more) to try to get your completed manuscript sold, and a larger number of agents and publishers. The atmosphere is a bit more intense.

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