From: mburkert.wordpress.com
When I did the recent redesign of my author/writing home page, I knew I wanted a page aimed squarely at any wayward agents or editors who happened across my blog. I didn’t want it to replace my “about” page, I wanted it to be a place to espouse my writing philosophies and to talk a little about my work.
I’m sure a lot of you are sitting there thinking, “George, are you daft? Agents and editors don’t come looking for you. You have to go find them!” Okay, point well taken. I’ve no plan to sit on my haunches and let the world come to me. With that said however, it makes perfect sense to have all of my soldiers in place. Just in case the sneaky little devils try to get in from my flank.
Last I checked, agents and editors are human and most are apt to have a computer, no? Who is to say there might not be one or two on a late night surfing expedition. Not necessarily looking for the next NYT Bestseller, just poking around. Suppose they came across my blog through one of my posts. Do you think it’s possible they might click on a page titled, “For Agents and Editors“? I think it is possible.
Here are the ingredients to bake the perfect Agents and Editors page:
- Author Picture – You want an outstanding picture at the top of the page. A picture that would look great on a book jacket. It personalizes you, makes you a real person. It may also allow the person viewing the page to picture what you would look like at book signings.
- Writing Philosophy – Just a few paragraphs about what drives your writing. Avoid long dissertations about theory and the long, troubled journey that you have trekked in your mission to get a book published. Write as if the person were sitting in a coffee shop with you and has just asked you to tell them a little about your writing philosophy. Here is a snippet from my page: I guess I’m like a lot of authors in that I really do love to write. In some ways I’m not like a lot of authors out there. My philosophy about getting my books published is simple: I have a product (book) I’d like to sell. Your efforts to reach that end goal should be complemented and bolstered by my efforts to accomplish the same.
- Current Projects – Outline the current writing projects that you have on your plate. Divide them into fiction and non-fiction. A sentence or two about each is sufficient, and be sure to include a genre for each.
- Other Writing – If you have any e-books out there, or magazine articles this would be a good place to list them. Think of it as your list of clips. If you have some web content out there, be sure to hyperlink to it.
That’s it, really. Relatively short and sweet. Don’t make the thing 10,000 words or anyone who does stop by will quickly get outta Dodge. It should take you no more than an hour to get the page up and running.
Finally I’ll just ask, “What could it possibly hurt?”
That’s not daft at all, George. You’re just making sure you’ve got all bases covered. You photograph well, George. With or without kilt, your pics are sure to lit up this agents and editors page. Couple that with your succinct writing and I dare say, it’s a foregone conclusion: resistance is futile. Splendid pointers, George.
.-= jan geronimo´s last blog ..Happy New Year, Guys =-.
Thanks Jan. Hey, I thought those pics of me without a kilt were all taken down. Oh wait, I see. You meant with pants instead of a kilt!
Cheers!
George
Yes, you make great sense here. Of course, it can’t hurt to have all the bases nicely arranged. I think anyone would be frustrated if site is too cluttered and difficult to navigate.
Oh, sorry I’m not an agent or editor.
Always enjoy your posts.
.-= Marisa Birns´s last blog ..Blue Moon =-.
Thanks Marisa, and it’s always nice to see you here.
Covering all of the bases is exactly what I had in mind with this.
Cheers
George
These are fantabulous tips, George. Agents and editors (and even publishers) do come looking for us, thought. Tina (from CarrotsnCake.com) and Jenna (from EatLiveRun.com) come to mind. They both recently “got book deals” because someone found them via their food blog. Pretty cool, huh?
The Internet changes everything for us writers. Woo hoo!
*smiles*
Michele
P.S. I’m totally not saying I think we should “set back and let folks come and find us” – but it wouldn’t hurt if they do.
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl´s last blog ..Raw, Vegan, Organic ShimmerOrganics Mask Review =-.
Michele,
Aha! I knew it! Thanks for letting me know – that is so encouraging! Yes, us writers are very lucky to be living in the age of internet.
George
You’re welcome, George! Pretty cool, eh?
And sorry for my typo up there (thought instead of though). *giggles*
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl´s last blog ..Raw, Vegan, Organic ShimmerOrganics Mask Review =-.
I’ve never thought of putting an “Agents and Editors” page on my blog, but the way you describe it, I think its a good idea. Sort of like a special page for press inquiries. I’ll be curious to know how it works out, if you get any contacts from it.
.-= Charlotte Rains Dixon´s last blog ..Process or Product? =-.
Hi Charlotte,
I’ll be sure and post something if there is a response. Thanks for your thoughts and for coming by.
George
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Hey George!
I’ve been thinking about doing this sort of thing for awhile – but haven’t made any actions toward it. I like what you have to say here, though, and I agree it makes a lot of sense!
Please keep me up to date about what you unearth with your page. I’m all ears! And thanks for continuing to post insanely valuable content here at your blog. You rock!
(BTW: I agree with Jan re: pics in a kilt!) Also, I see you have Headway rocking your site. Shaka that! Looking great!!!
~xo
.-= Lori´s last blog ..CYD 2010 =-.
Well Done!
.-= Profilo Blogger Forum ´s last blog ..Setting Up Your Agents and Editors Page =-.