2021 edition of Writers' Handbook now available to buy
firstwriter.com – Saturday November 21, 2020
The 2021 edition of firstwriter.com’s bestselling directory for writers is out now, and represents the biggest overhaul of the book to date!
The number of listings of literary agents, publishers, and magazines has increased dramatically – from just over 1,300 in the last edition to over 3,000 in the new one. In fact, there are so many new listings that we've increased the page size by 70% to accommodate them. The new page size makes the book even easier to use as a physical object: while thicker books with smaller pages refuse to stay open on the page you want, the 2021 edition of The Writers' Handbook is much happier to lay open at the page you leave it on.
New Literary Agent Listing: Robert Kirby
firstwriter.com – Friday November 20, 2020
I have an interest in science, psychology, cultural history and environmental issues. I enjoy gripping adventure fiction, speculative fiction and emotionally driven commercial fiction. Submissions should be sent to my assistant by via email, with a synopsis and first three chapters. Please do not send submissions via the post.
'NYT' Says HC, PRH Top Contenders to Buy S&S
publishersweekly.com – Wednesday November 18, 2020
In a New York Times story this morning, the paper reported that the country’s two largest trade book publishers are the leading candidates to buy the country’s third largest trade publisher. HarperCollins and Penguin Random House are favored, and were cited as such after private equity firms reportedly dropped out of the bidding.
Several international publishers had been thought to be looking at S&S as well, with France's Vivendi believed to still have interest.
New Literary Agent Listing: Sarah Levitt
firstwriter.com – Wednesday November 18, 2020
Most interested in narrative nonfiction in the areas of popular science, big ideas, history, humor, pop culture, memoir, and reportage, in addition to voice-driven literary fiction with a bold plot and fresh, imaginative characters. She’s excited by strong female and underrepresented voices, the strange and speculative, and projects that ignite cultural conversation.
Paranormal and romance- a shared magic by Tracey Shearer, author of Raven
femalefirst.co.uk – Tuesday November 17, 2020
Two years ago, when my literary agent had to suddenly retire to take care of her ailing hubby, I prepared to pitch to new agents at a local writers’ conference. Before I could join the pitch session, an agent buddy pulled me aside and told me not to tell anyone my book was a Paranormal Romance. Call it anything else, but not that.
We stood in a quiet hallway at the conference while I tried to process what she’d just shared. Then she leaned in close and whispered, “Tracey, Paranormal Romance is dead.”
I couldn’t hold back my disbelief, mouth dropping open, eyes blinking, seeing nothing. Paranormal Romance dead? How could that be when I see bookshelves, both physical and virtual, filled with books in this genre? Readers are hungry for these stories.
The agent went on to share that the Big 5 publishers weren’t actively acquiring Paranormal Romance. They had too much already on their author roster. So agents were steering clear of anything with even a whiff of Paranormal Romance. It would be a hard “no.”
I believed my friend, I truly did. But in my heart, I knew that nothing would ever kill this genre.
New Magazine Listing: The Scribbler
firstwriter.com – Tuesday November 17, 2020
Each issue contains reviews of much-loved and less well-known fiction for women and children, and a short story.
New Literary Agent Listing: Jodie Hodges
firstwriter.com – Tuesday November 17, 2020
"I enjoy strong, original storytelling and a unique voice. I have a passion for funny writing for 7-12s and also a penchant for the realisms of teenage life - be that gritty or hilarious - in writing for that age group. That said, I also love classic, epic adventure stories and a sprinkling of the fantastic."
"Additionally, I'm always searching for children's book illustrators or writer/illustrators with a contemporary, quirky style. A kind word of advice, though, please ensure your portfolio is ready for children's books. Make sure you're showing the best of yourself by showcasing the sort of illustration found in children's picture books in the UK."
Submit by email to the agent's assistant.
New Agent Listing: Chelsey Heller
firstwriter.com – Friday November 13, 2020
Seeking nonfiction across all categories, especially self-help, memoir, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, history, big ideas, popular science, and cookbooks. She is particularly drawn to fresh narratives, whether in the form of history explored through a new lens, an innovative concept that stokes self-improvement, or an electric voice in memoir.
Alumna launches magazine as ‘safe space’ for writers
temple-news.com – Thursday November 12, 2020
After losing her fiancé to suicide, Jenna Faccenda began wrestling with her life’s purpose.
“Those deep thoughts and how my footprint on this Earth could really be impactful toward someone else,” Faccenda said.
Amid her grief, Faccenda, a 2017 journalism alumna, turned back to her love of writing and ventured to create a community for other artists experiencing trauma. She launched Eclipse Lit, a literature magazine for writers to discuss trauma and heal through their artwork.
With writer submissions open from Oct. 1 through Nov. 15, Faccenda intends to publish her first edition, a collection of short stories, essays and multimedia art from artists around Philadelphia, in March 2021.
New Agent Listing: Chloe Davis
firstwriter.com – Wednesday November 11, 2020
Particularly enjoys reading submissions, especially middle grade adventures and contemporary YA love stories.
Get the free newsletter | Submit a news item or article | Get Writers' News for your website
