Steven Hutson
Literary Agent
WordWise Media
Literary Agent at WordWise Media Services, member AALA. Check out my blog: wordwisebooks.blogspot.com
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Writers! Don't ever underestimate the power of a good platform. It's your brand. When I worked in supermarkets, Oreos always outsold the store brands. Even though they cost more. (Yes I'm looking at you, too, novelists.) #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
A felow agent recently tweeted about an agent's job: It's straight-commission self-employment, with no union or benefits. Well, the same goes for book authors: You only eat what you kill, and no one owes you anything. Get used to it. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Want to succeed in publishing? This is a business, just like any other. Network like crazy (and no I don't mean FB and Twitter). After a while, you'll know who to trust. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Don't be defensive and suspicious toward agents and publishers. It's a waste of energy and emotion. Instead, learn what a good deal looks like, and you'll know when the good isn't there. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Want to learn how to succeed as an author? Attend a writers' conference at every opportunity. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Don't ask "which are the best-selling genres?" before you write your book. Just find your passion, and write your book. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Don't give in to the paralysis of analysis. Just write your book! If you're waiting until (you're perfect, you learn more, you gain confidence, etc.), it will never happen. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
If the muse is whispering in your ear RIGHT NOW,
And the ideas are flowing RIGHT NOW,
Then the time that you should be writing, is RIGHT NOW. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Writers! Before you submit your work to an agent or publisher, PLEASE get a handle on your genre. "Christian," "children's," and "fiction" are not genres. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Writers! Your genre is NOT "general fiction." #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
How to pitch an agent. wordwisebooks.blogspot.com/2017/01/how-to… #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Yes, you need professional editing. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Social media will not get you where you want to go. Get on a plane and go do some real networking in the biz. It's who you know. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Your straight-A's in high school composition don't matter anymore. You're in the big leagues now. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Yes, you need decent platform to sell a novel. Don't let anyone tell you differently. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Know the vocabulary: Query, proposal, synopsis, etc. What that editor calls, you need to know what to do. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
If an agent asks for your proposal, don't say "Google me." Even "what's a proposal?" is better. It means you're thinking. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
Thousands of social media contacts are nice. But how many of them represent your target audience? #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1704605047710273536/epFSHeNK_bigger.jpg)
Literary Agent
By the time that you identify a trend, chances are that it has already passed you by. Write your own story. #pubtip