Joelle Delbourgo
@JLDelbourgo
NYC-area literary agent, former editor, unabashed foodie, culture hound, citizen of the world, dedicated environmentalist, proud mom, dances to a Latin beat.
Montclair, NJ (NYC area)
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · Sep 19
Writers: If you don't bother to sign your query letter, it's unlikely you'll hear back. Just sayin'.
#pubtip, #litagentadvice
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · Feb 21
It always amazes me how many clients move without notifying their agent. If you are an author, remember to keep your lit agent, editor & publisher apprised of address changes as long as your book remains in print or available in some form. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · Feb 11
If you're pitching a book to an agent, make sure you're well read in the genre you're writing--know your competition so you can stand out in how you pitch. #pubtip, #publishing
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · Feb 10
Query letters to lit agents that plunge in to elaborate plot description are off-putting. Hooking in the agent with a great log line or premise is more effective. #pubtip, #publishing
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 18 Dec 2018
"To Whom It May Concern" is not an auspicious opening for a writer's query letter to an agent. Write to specific person and research that person's interests to make sure it's a fit. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 6 Dec 2018
Literary agents play many roles: muse, advocate, cheerleader, editor, marketer, negotiator, contracts analyst, accountant, publishing consultant through the life of the book. Just sayin'. #publishing, #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 20 Nov 2018
Give literary agents a break. Hold off sending your query letters until after the holiday. Just sayin'. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 13 Nov 2018
Writers: it's rarely a good idea to begin a query letter to agents with a question (e.g. "Are you looking for your next bestseller?"). Get right to the point. Pitch your book without pretense or tricks. #pubtip, #amwriting
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 7 Sep 2018
Some writers send out query letters literally as a stab in the dark, hoping to connect with an agent or publisher. By doing research into who might be responsive to review your work & crafting a superb and respectful query, you will increase your chances of success. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 29 Aug 2018
Writers: keep your query letters to the point. Avoid meandering, long paragraphs, self-advertising, telling an agent that this will be our next bestseller. Let us decide. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 22 Aug 2018
Self-publishing is now a viable option for authors. But that means literally doing everything yourself: writing the book, getting it copy-edited, designed, produced, distributed, marketed, and sold. Are you prepared to do this? Not to mention investing $$ in the process. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 17 Aug 2018
If you are a writer approaching an agent or publisher, craft your query carefully following established guidelines, and run it by a number of trusted readers before sending. Many queries go unread because they are so poorly written. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 15 Aug 2018
Brenda Copeland @Brendacopeland
"Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be."--Mark Twain
#amwriting #Editor @indieauthors #amreading #WriterWednesday
Best writing tip ever! #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 2 Jul 2018
Writers: when querying agents, do not address your letter to "Dear Sirs." (Indeed, at our agency, there are no sirs on staff!) Do a little research on agency websites and other listings of agencies and choose a specific agent to address. Just sayin'. #pubtip, #publishing
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 25 Jun 2018
Diane O'Connell @WriteToSell
Every single scene in your novel should be focused on moving the story forward. Watch video for more #writeadvice youtube.com/watch?v=p3DJXX… #amwriting #writetipsExcellent advice. This applies to any kind of novel, not just suspense. #pubtip, #writetip, #amwriting
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 15 Jun 2018
Many publishers have "summer hours" which allows employees to work longer during the week so as to get off mid-day on Friday. Agents often follow suit. So writers, wait until Monday to get in touch. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 3 Jun 2018
Juliet Madison @Juliet_Madison
A common reason for book rejections is "I couldn't connect to the character..." I've gone through all the character building strategies that have worked for me and put them into a downloadable course - now available! 😀😀writingmojoacademy.com/character-mojo… #amwriting #writetip #charactersFiction writers, take note. This is 100% true! Juliet Madison offers excellent advice and is a proven success as a novelist. #amwriting, #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 2 Jun 2018
Brenda Copeland @Brendacopeland
Every good book has to be about at least two things. There must be a rising tide. And there must be an undercurrent.#Amwriting #Editor #indieauthors #writers #fiction #books #Authors
Wise advice from a veteran editor. #pubtip, #amwriting
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 18 May 2018
I received a writer query today addressed to: "Dear Specific Name of Agent or Publisher." Needless to say, this one will go unanswered. #pubtip
Joelle Delbourgo @JLDelbourgo · 14 May 2018
Writers, query letters that immediately launch into plot without introducing your genre/theme/premise are confusing and generally warrant a rejection letter. Take care to hook a prospective agent or editor first. #pubtip