By Jane Friedman, Strategic Director of Writer’s Digest

12 things that matter to agents and editors when being pitched by writers.



EMOTION

The No. 1 thing that sells books is word of mouth, which is driven by the emotional power of the book. Editors look for that emotional element in a pitch: "What reason I would want to tell five or more people about this book? Would I be emotionally involved with…

Here is an excerpt from an awesome article by Amber Forbes, YALITCHAT's editorial intern and self-proclaimed Goth princess regarding the gothic influence on paranormal YA.

Despite all those crazy stereotypes out there about us, I don't wear white face make-up, I don't feel repressed by society, I'm not angry, I'm not hateful, and I most certainly don't self-injure or try to frighten people. I also don't always wear all black. I am a minimalist in all aspects of my life, including…

If you're not making it to LA for the Summer Conference, then be sure to check out the blog for pre and post-conference interviews and information. We'll be checking in with reports from YALITCHAT members and posting news here! Also, do check the blog and twitter for important tidbits and info from the conference. If you haven't yet joined SCBWI, you can…

The New York Times weighs in on the effectiveness of book trailers. Just check out the many trailers in our Video section and you'll see all kinds--even ones for books by members who've yet to secure book deals! We also have a…

Agent Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary has put together an awesome blog post on when a writer can expect to be paid upon signing a contract for writing and or collaborating.

Don asked, “In light of your recent post on income, I’m not clear as…

Many of you know Colleen Lindsay as the outspoken and talented literary agent from Fineprint Literary Management. She is also a great colleague and active member of YALITCHAT. She has a great post on her blog I thought you should read (with links out to many related posts).

Posted June 27, 2009

Last week I started conversations on Twitter about two different topics related to the…

“Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young.”

Paul McCartney, Singer/Songwriter

I like this theory! Though, I’ll be the first to speak up on behalf of the “mature” sector of us, sometimes our imaginations need a little lift.…

Posted June 29, 2010 by Jim McCarthy

Last week I admitted to having a bad case of blogger's block and asked for suggestions for future topics. Thanks to those of you who offered suggestions! Two people wanted to know what happens when we don’t sell…

By Shelli Johannes-Wells From the Market My Words Blog

Marvelous Marketer: Dan Ehrenhaft: (Friend is Not a Verb)

Today, we have…