Columns

Ask The Lit Coach: "Is It Possible To Sell A Novel On Three Sample Chapters?"

February 6th, 2012

For this issue of Q&A with The Lit Coach, I'm answering a great question I received on Twitter.  Question from Glory S. in London, England What are the chances of getting a book deal based on a 3 chapter submission [and earning an advance] that pays for living expenses while finishing the book?

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hitRECord: Where the Wild Things Are

February 6th, 2012

For most, the Internet is little more than a glorified science fair. People create something with a computer and then post it online for the planet to evaluate. Whether it's a Facebook status update, a poem about the delicate nuances of young love or a cell phone video of grandpa taking a golf ball to the prunes, the Internet is essentially a two-part exchange between the author and the viewer. Conversationally, the digital revolution boils down to this: "Hey, check this out."

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LURID: Crazy, in Love.

February 3rd, 2012

LURID: vivid in shocking detail; sensational, horrible in savagery or violence, or, a twice-monthly guide to the merits of the kind of Bad Books you never want your co-workers to know you're reading. It’s February, and, as restaurants, florists and card-shops build up to their most lucrative day of the year, I have to ask, who’ll be your 2012 Valentine?

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The Girlie Show: Are Literary Women Finally Getting The Recognition They Deserve?

February 3rd, 2012

In 2010, some infographics published in a blog post by VIDA caused a big kerfuffle in the literary world, because they did what infographics do best--graphically represent something everyone probably already knew. In this case, the images illustrated the fact that men still handily dominated publishing and press, both in works produced and works reviewed. It was no longer a matter of speculation--it was fact. More men were getting published, read, and reviewed.

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Indie Bookstore Spotlight: The Strand, New York City

February 2nd, 2012

ADDRESS: 828 Broadway (at 12th St.) HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM-10:30 PM Sunday 11:00 AM-10:30 PM Rare Book Room Closes Daily at 6:15 PM Buying Desk Open Monday-Saturday 9:30AM-6:00PM FOOD/DRINKS:  Not in the main part of the store, but you can rent the Rare Book Room for parties

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The Path To Publication Part 2: Preparing For Battle

February 2nd, 2012

Background image via pexels, photo courtesy of author Recap: I'm writing a monthly column about trying to publish my crime/noir/something novel, 'Apophenia'. Part 1 explained a bit about the book and its history, as well as my decision to seek an agent. On to Part 2, and some actual useful information. 

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New Release Roundup: Recommendations for February 2012

February 1st, 2012

Every month I'll be toiling in the dank, dark mines of literary obscurity, scouring the catalogues of every major publisher to bring the LitReactor faithful a few choice titles hitting the shelves. The following is a brief look at what's worth checking out for February. Full disclosure: unless otherwise noted, none of the below books have been reviewed by myself or other LitReactor staff. These are just a few recommendations based on publisher's notes and my own opinions. Without further ado:

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The Period Part 2 - Dot Dearth: Postponing The Period On Purpose

February 1st, 2012

Last month we discussed the frequent use of periods in the article The Period Part 1--Lots o' dots: How frequent and deliberate use of the humble period can create maximum impact. The article discussed three possible reasons why a writer might opt for shorter sentences:

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20 Common Grammar Mistakes That (Almost) Everyone Makes

January 31st, 2012

I’ve edited a monthly magazine for more than six years, and it’s a job that’s come with more frustration than reward. If there’s one thing I am grateful for — and it sure isn’t the pay — it’s that my work has allowed endless time to hone my craft to Louis Skolnick levels of grammar geekery.

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Q&A with The Lit Coach - Announcement Issue 9

January 30th, 2012

It's that time again - The Lit Coach is accepting your burning questions relating to writing, agents, editors, publishing, and the writing life for the ninth issue of Q&A with The Lit Coach. Submit ONE clearly crafted question to Erin Reel, The Lit Coach, by Saturday, February 4th. She'll choose a few of the best or most frequently asked questions to answer, Monday, February 6th . Submit your question to The Lit Coach!

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