I’m thinking of writing a book? How can I get published?
First thing, don’t worry about getting published. Write! I have a lot of people ask me about how to get published before they even write one word. Write! And write about what interests you, not what is “hot” at the moment. You will have to edit and edit and edit your book and read it dozens and dozens of times. Write for yourself first and foremost. Everything else can wait until later. Ask someone you trust who will give you an honest opinion to read your manuscript. Don’t be afraid of criticism, look it at a way to improve your work. Good luck!
Okay, okay. I’m finished writing my book. How can I get published?
You need a literary agent. Most publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts that don’t come from an agent. There are a lot of great resources online to help you find an agent – writersdigest.com and literarymarketplace.com are two good places to start. I’m also writing about the publishing experience on my blog – so be sure to check that out. Also, I’ve been writing a series of blogs called “Behind the Book” that talks about the publishing process.
Can I send you my book to read? Can you help me get it published?
Unfortunately, I can’t read any manuscripts or proposals. Not only would I not have time to write if I read everything sent to me, but as an employee of a publishing house, I’m not allowed to read unsolicited material.
I hear that you know [insert author’s name here].
Can you give me their information? Can you forward a message to them?
Sorry, but no.
Why are you so mean?
Believe me, I’m not mean. I’m actually a very nice person. And because I’m so nice, I respect the privacy of the people I work with. If you are on this website in hopes to get in contact with another author, try going to that author’s website and see if they have contact information.
THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB
Will there be a sequel to The Lonely Hearts Club?
I hope so! I already have an outline for a sequel, but have been under deadline for other books. I’ll be sure to make an announcement if I go ahead with a sequel.
What’s going on with the movie?
The book has been optioned by Mandalay Pictures. Very exciting! But note, that although the book has been optioned, it doesn’t mean that the book will for sure be made into a movie. It means that there are very cool people currently developing my book and thinking about making it into a movie. There are a lot of steps involved, but we are moving in the right direction. I’ve had a chance to meet with the people at Mandalay and they have been beyond awesome, so it is in very good hands. Once I have news I can share, I’ll be sure to let everybody know!
Who is who on the cover of the book?
The girls on the cover of the book aren’t technically supposed to be a certain character. But if you were to ask me (which you did!), I see them as (from right to left): Diane (with the dress on), Tracy, Penny (with flip flops) and the fourth person could be Morgan or Jen or Amy…
Where did you get the idea for the book?
Good question! Check out the Back Story on the LHC page!
Are you a Beatles fan?
Heck yeah! They are the greatest band of all time after all. I have a section on them (including an embarrassing photo of me from college) on the LHC page.
Favorite Beatles song?
Gah! I knew I’d be asked this question when I wrote a book that is heavily influenced by the Beatles, but I still don’t have a good answer for this because I can’t pick just one Beatles song. I love them too much. So here are my top picks: “Ticket to Ride,” “Blackbird,” “We Can Work It Out,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Something,” “Penny Lane,” “Revolution,” “Come Together,” “I’m Looking Through You,” “Eleanor Rigby,” – I could seriously go on and on...
Kirk Benshoff