Getting Published

Why Writers Need an Agent

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:48:15 +0100

1/ An agent can advise you on your manuscript and on how to make it more attractive to a publisher. Some of them will act as unofficial ‘editors’ to their clients or at the very least can suggest changes or improvements.

2/ An agent can find the right editor or publisher for your work – like a book matchmaker. And they can sell your UK, US, digital and foreign rights. They can also look after any film or television rights.

3/ Agents deal with the difficult and technical area of contracts....

Still Learning - Claire Allan

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:17:07 +0100

The simple truth is, all writers, are perpetually on a learning curve. If you want to be proud of your work, and challenge yourself with each new project, then you have to realise that you are a student. And being student means leaving your ego firmly at the door. That's not to say it is easy for us writers, especially those of us who have been doing it for a while, to leave our ego at the doors. While I write books so that they will be read (and hopefully enjoyed) by the gene...

The After Novel Feeling - Nuala Ni Chonchuir

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:45:00 +0100

I’m a pretty organised and neat person. I love clutter but my clutter tends to be arranged: vases in threes, books on their shelves, pictures aligned. I am prompt with bill paying and I am always on time. But, in one place in my life, I can let loose, relax and go with the flow and that is in writing. This fact, when it dawned on me, surprised and delighted me. Look, I’m not a control freak! I can live happily in a land where plot is loose; where characters go off on tangents that turn out to...

Finding the Time to Write

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:24:05 +0100

Everyone has commitments on their time. Sure don't we hear constantly how life is busier than ever for everyone? A great deal of my writer friends hold down day jobs as well. Many are parents. Others have commitments to elderly relatives, or friends, or social clubs. There are few and far between who have the (I can imagine) unadulterated luxury of having no distractions to their time and are able to devote their lives entirely to their writing.

My own story is typical of many writers - ...

How to Choose Your Agent

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:12:57 +0100

I knew the first step I wanted to take was try and get an agent to represent my work. I figured an agent would act as a good buffer between myself and publishers and if anyone was going to tell me my book wasn't up to scratch I'd prefer not to be the publishing house I longed to sign with. I was, however, completely clueless as to how to go about getting one those agent things. The Writers and Artists Year Book was placed before me like a Holy Grail and I flicked through it com...

In touch: Publishing News

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:25:45 +0100

Keep in touch with what's happening in Irish publishing here - this page will be updated whenever we hear of publishers looking for specific types of submissions, new initiatives and with news that impacts on you the writer.

For more detailed industry information, information on new releases and the Irish Top Ten, Irish Publishing News is a must visit website for all writers.

So what's new in Irish Publishing?

Little Island, the children’s and young adults imprint that was formed last year w...

Getting Published

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:50:33 +0100

Writers need readers, and although not every writer wants to be published, seeing your work in print is a marvellous experience.

If you write fiction and you have just finished your first draft, this is a good moment to read these articles. BUT, and this is a big but, you may have finished that first draft - but you haven't finished your book. It is now that the work really starts.

Writing is re-writing, and if you speak to any published writer they will tell you that the skill comes in redraft...