| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Prologue | 11/11/2009 |
Q: You've probably heard this question many times- to prologue or not to prologue? I've recently joined ...
A: I often use a prologue and I can tell you that (particularly in thrillers) they work extremely well. ...
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| book idea.. where to go from there | 11/7/2009 |
Q: The other day out of the blue while driving in my car... out of no where appears a thought for a ...
A: Firstly it is great you have an idea for a book and exciting that it arrived as it did. There is a ...
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| Publishing a book | 10/23/2009 |
Q: I have finished writing a book in spanish about personal growth and meditation and would like advise ...
A: Hola! Josė, Thank you for the question. Your book sounds very interesting and is certainly a ...
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| Trademark | 10/18/2009 |
Q: I have a friend who has written a biography about a longtime friend of his. He has been threatened ...
A: Although the law varies from country to country, there is usually no problem with writing a ...
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| Using quotes & names in a Memoir | 10/7/2009 |
Q: I have completed a memoir and mostly only used first names or referred to persons as "the twins" or ...
A: it is an important one. I am sorry not to have replied earlier but I am travelling at the moment. ...
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| Using real names in memoirs and personal essays | 10/6/2009 |
Q: McCutcheon, As the author of a memoir, I'm hoping you'll be able to speak to my question. I'm ...
A: but I have been travelling. There is no need to change anyone's name in a memoir unless you are ...
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| Margins/Typesetting | 10/1/2009 |
Q: I am a new author and have no clue how to get started. What margins and spacing should I use? And ...
A: This is a simple one. It does not matter! The most important thing is to write the story. I ...
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| queries | 4/5/2009 |
Q: In "On Writing" King has a model query where a person lists the short stories he has gotten ...
A: I think that you are better not to submit any unpublished work to an agent other than your ...
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| two page synopsis | 3/17/2009 |
Q: One agent wants a two page synopsis with the first 10 pages. Any suggestions on how to condense a ...
A: I NEVER double space - not even for a novel. I would not do it for a synopsis. The reason? ...
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| two page synopsis | 3/15/2009 |
Q: One agent wants a two page synopsis with the first 10 pages. Any suggestions on how to condense a ...
A: In the synopsis simply state the basic premiss of the novel. For example start with "(Name of Novel) ...
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| memoir | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I have finally gotten my book in shape to approach agents. I have noticed that the submission ...
A: This is an easy one and as the author of a published memoir I can answer without hesitation. Memoir ...
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| Writing a non-fiction book | 3/2/2009 |
Q: I am writing a book that is based on how I met my husband, our life together (trials and ...
A: In general terms you should have no problems as long as the physical descriptions of people are not ...
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| writing a novel | 12/4/2008 |
Q: My name is Blaine, I'm 20 from California (USA), I've written 9 short stories varying from 3-25 ...
A: Sorry about the delay, but I have been traveling from Morocco to Australia. My response is quite ...
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| Book marketing question | 11/24/2008 |
Q: With my brother, I created two books of artistic depictions of cliches, puns, etc. I submitted the ...
A: What a great idea for a book. I am surprised you have not managed to get an agent for such a novel ...
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| software suggestion | 10/26/2008 |
Q: McCutcheon: Could you recommend a software program or some sort of system to guide me through ...
A: The only program most writers use is Microsoft Word. It is particularly good for novels and short ...
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| Editing | 10/16/2008 |
Q: I've actually got a couple questions but I think they kind of tie in with one another. Hope that's ...
A: I have a couple of responses to your questions. Firstly, while I appreciate you enjoy writing by ...
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| To resubmit or not resubmit (2) | 10/2/2008 |
Q: I recently asked you about the wisdom of resubmitting a query to an agent if much time has past--and ...
A: I would advise against submitting to the same agency UNLESS you have made a direct connection with ...
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| writing a novel | 9/30/2008 |
Q: I am 11 years old, for years I have wanted to be an author, but I never had ideas, now that I ...
A: It was good to get your question as you are the same age as I was when I started writing. Sadly, I ...
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| To RE-submit, or not to re-submit? | 9/28/2008 |
Q: Life being what it is, things get in the way. Without going into unnecessary detail, suffice it to ...
A: There is nothing to stop you re-submitting. However, from my experience with agents they do spend a ...
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| To RE-submit, or not to re-submit? | 9/27/2008 |
Q: Life being what it is, things get in the way. Without going into unnecessary detail, suffice it to ...
A: Sorry about the delayed reply but have been on a couple of long-haul flights from Australia to ...
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| where to go? | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I'm a Nigerian, I've lived in Cote D'Ivoire for 12 years and just written my first novel set in Cote ...
A: Having had some experience in publishing books set in non-English speaking countries (Morocco, ...
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| Title!!!!!! | 8/12/2008 |
Q: I can't figure out what to call my novella!!!! It is historical fiction, and everything I think up ...
A: First, a question - have you completed the novella? If not, don't worry about the title until you ...
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| Memoir | 7/16/2008 |
Q: I've completed my memoir entitled Killing Of Innocence. The story tells of my upbringing as an ...
A: What a fascinating and exciting project! My first reaction is to agree with the suggestion that you ...
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| Agent in AustralAsia for Non-fiction | 6/30/2008 |
Q: Your advise to all budding authors is to definitely get an agent to act on their behalf. I realise ...
A: The best place to start hunting for an agent who works around the world but is based in Australasia ...
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| Different Question | 2/7/2008 |
Q: No, this may resemble a previous question, but it is different. An agency says too things this times ...
A: Never send an unsolicited manuscript. I have always found it best to set up a meeting with an agent ...
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| author bio | 1/28/2008 |
Q: What and where should an "author bio" appear? What if the writer is unpublished and doesn't have ...
A: I would add the bio as a single page attachment. But keep it very simple - DO NOT over-sell ...
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| Authors | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I had another question about agencies stating "obtains most new clients from recommendations from ...
A: What happens is that if you send a book to an agent and it is seen as good but not in a genre they ...
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| virtual or literal? | 1/19/2008 |
Q: McCutcheon (Sandy?), It would seem there is no doubt. Every book on "how to write a query letter" ...
A: Sorry about the delay in replying but I have just arrived home after being overseas. When an agent ...
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| Non-fiction book | 12/8/2007 |
Q: I recently wrote two books via Blurb.com and used their software. These were books for my family; ...
A: Firstly, sorry for the delay in answering, but I have been travelling from France to Australia and ...
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| Manuscript | 10/7/2007 |
Q: I am currently writing a book using Microsoft Word. I know what the proper manuscript form is but, ...
A: Sadly, I can't assist as I do not use Microsoft. However, I can say that the correct format is ...
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| agents | 10/4/2007 |
Q: Is it ever appropriate to ask an agent for feedback on a rejected book or why it was rejected? One ...
A: Sorry about the delay in replying but I have been flying from France and Morocco for the last week. ...
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| starting | 9/7/2007 |
Q: My biggest problem is starting a book. I know EXACTLY what I want to happen. I'm starting a book ...
A: A really interesting problem! Of course this is what happens to every writer - with every book. The ...
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| Middle Grade Synopsis | 8/31/2007 |
Q: My son and I have written the first book in a series for middle grade readers. I've tried various ...
A: sorry about the delay in my reply but I am travelling in Morocco and not near many internet cafes! ...
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| Copyright form TX | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I've a problem with item #6 ("Derivative work or Compilation") on the copyright Office's Form ...
A: Sorry I took so long to get back to you, but I am travelling in Morocco at the moment. Firstly I ...
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| Agents and Contracts | 6/17/2007 |
Q: If you bring a manuscript to an agent, can he or she sell your idea or an idea similar to yours? ...
A: Sorry about the delay in responding, but I have been travelling from Morocco back to Australia. I ...
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| Agents | 6/15/2007 |
Q: Is this how it works: the publisher will send the check to the agent, and the agent takes his cut ...
A: Yes, that is exactly how it works. To find out about contracts, ask your agent. The agent is the ...
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| Proposal | 5/21/2007 |
Q: Since you have written books, and you've had to write proposals to agents, so they will send it to a ...
A: Sorry I did not get back to you straight away, but I am traveling in Morocco and have to find ...
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| Agents | 5/14/2007 |
Q: I'd like to know is there a way to find out which agents have made the best deals for new writers?
A: Sorry for taking so long to reply. I am travelling and writing in Morocco at the moment. Sadly ...
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| 1st person writing | 2/3/2007 |
Q: I'm one of those people that start and stop fiction writing all the time. I think I have 3 stories ...
A: You can turn around and tell anyone who says that they shouldn't write in the first person that they ...
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| Need some advice on the writing biz. | 2/1/2007 |
Q: McCutcheon: I'm presently working on a novel, my first. I have just finished the first chapter. ...
A: You will certainly need an agent at some stage, as most publishers will not accept a manuscript ...
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| motivation | 1/26/2007 |
Q: I have come to realize that I only write when I am upset. I have enough experience in life to know ...
A: You ask a series of questions that haunt almost every writer I know. Firstly, I don't think that ...
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| Advances for first novels | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I am writing my first novel, a supernatural horror and I have just signed a contract with an agency. ...
A: First of all congratulations on getting so far down the way to having your book published. Many ...
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| Book Presentations | 12/26/2006 |
Q: I've just published two political thrillers (a third will be out in '07). I live in the U.S. ...
A: Happy New Year! Over the last ten years I have done hundreds of these presentations and been a ...
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| Author's Contract | 12/20/2006 |
Q: I have written a book and, beyond reason, a publisher has expressed an interest in it. We've opened ...
A: Firstly, congratulations! Finding a publisher is always very hard and to have done that says a lot ...
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| Fantasy 'How to Make a Monster' | 1/29/2006 |
Q: my name's Jake and I've been attempting to write a book for five years. Each time I attempt, I get ...
A: You appear to be at the point that many people get to and then get stuck! No problem. You need to ...
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| public speaking/reading | 1/28/2006 |
Q: I have a few hobbies, one of which is creative writing. I have been pondering the idea of ...
A: The answer is very simple! No, there is no compulsion to do reading or appear in public. It is an ...
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| just a reply and a Thank you! | 1/23/2006 |
Q: Sir; Thank you for replying to my question about my writing a book. I was a very active Gang Crime ...
A: Although I am flattered by the offer of working with you, I must decline as I am involved in three ...
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| attempted 17 times to write about my career as a Chicago Gang Crimes Detective | 1/22/2006 |
Q: I wrote a short story to Readers Digest years ago, they denied publishing it because it was to ...
A: You obviously have a wonderful story to tell, and probably a very important one. A memoir of your ...
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| General | 1/15/2006 |
Q: Hey there, i'm just a 16 year old, but i want to start writing a book to be constructive with my ...
A: Sorry it took so long to reply, but I have been travelling and only just returned. My suggestion is ...
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| spacing part 2 | 1/4/2006 |
Q: ------------------------- sandy, thanks for your answer. but, if i send my manuscrpit through the ...
A: It would probably be best to ask the publisher or agent you are sending the manuscript to about ...
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| spacing | 1/2/2006 |
Q: i have read that when i am sending my manuscrpits out, to be published, that i should double space ...
A: In the old days of printed manuscripts it was true that publishers required double spacing. However, ...
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| book cover | 12/19/2005 |
Q: WOw impressive your profile is. Hi! I am in a creative writing class, and the whole class will have ...
A: Best answer is for youo to visit a bookshop and check out the style of "blurb" writing, as it is ...
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| literary agent | 12/16/2005 |
Q: I have a manuscript and I would like to try and find a literary agent to represent me. My ...
A: These days getting an agent is almost as hard as getting published. But my suggestion would be to ...
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| Hints/tips on How to write a best seller | 12/14/2005 |
Q: I studied literature at A levels and Journalism at College if I may use the American system. I have ...
A: This is a frequently asked question, usually by younger writers. The skill in writing comes only ...
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| book proposals | 11/14/2005 |
Q: i'm confused. when you query a publisher, do yu have to have a book propals. i thought book propals ...
A: It is normal, if a book is already completed to only hand in a synopsis (one page) and the completed ...
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| an agent | 11/22/2004 |
Q: as a followup question, I went to the library yesterday for a book on writing and picked up Dan ...
A: Self publishing is known in the trade as "vanity publishing"... it serves only to allow you to see ...
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| getting started on my first book | 11/21/2004 |
Q: I just completed an around the world motorcycle tour in 60 days and I've started a book about ...
A: It sounds like a fabulous project. First, forget about page numbers. The way to work is by word ...
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| book title law | 11/13/2004 |
Q: ..my book "Band-Aide" Survival Guide for Bands and Gigs, has a publication date of May 1, 2005 and ...
A: Good question! You have no worries at all. Don't add the "E" Because the words "Band" and "AID" ...
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