Full time job has me resting this week at home. But I consider this my I’m writing time. Making slow progress, but real progress on the WIP. I have an idea of what I’m writing next now too. Because I signed with an agent. Guess I must continue to put on my dark hat and write another contemporary gothic romance though I am pretty sure the last one which is now represented with Dawn Dowdle from Blue Ridge Literary Agency was more on the suspense side.
Second I am going to New Jersey Put Your Heart in a Book Conference as a speaker this October. Be Your Own Agent is career focused on how you can sell your own novel, even if no one else will. I call this motivating even more because writing is a journey. With the advent of the online houses and self publishing, new writers are even more empowered but less guided than ever before. To me partnerships make more sense and I’m excited to grow with an agent on my side.
Third, we ordered the wedding cake. How it is getting from the bakery to the reception hall the day of the wedding is now an issue. The $400 delivery difference makes finding a friend important. Or family. My brother won’t be getting his hair done, so he’s on deck as a possibility.
Fourth, writing. Yeah.
Fifth, the dentist. I am not looking forward to that part of today, but I’m off.
Hope everyone’s day is well. And I do have to finish my novel. Did anyone else sign up for Camp Nanowrimo? I’m calling it finish the book month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find an agent for a contemporary gothic romance novel?
Finding an agent for a contemporary gothic romance involves querying literary agencies that specialize in genre fiction. Author Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency represents this subgenre, which often blends gothic atmosphere with suspense elements. Persistence is key — signing with an agent means continuing to write in your established genre while gaining a professional partner to help grow your publishing career.
What is the New Jersey Put Your Heart in a Book Conference?
The New Jersey Put Your Heart in a Book Conference is a writing conference where authors can attend sessions and hear from industry speakers. One featured talk, ‘Be Your Own Agent,’ focuses on career strategies for selling your own novel, including exploring self-publishing and online publishing houses, empowering writers who may not yet have traditional representation.
Is self-publishing or signing with a literary agent a better choice for new writers?
Both paths offer advantages for new writers. Self-publishing and online publishing houses provide more empowerment and control, but less guidance. Signing with a literary agent offers a professional partnership and career direction. According to one author’s experience, having an agent on your side creates a collaborative growth opportunity, making the traditional route appealing even in today’s expanded publishing landscape.
