Join us in giving a BIG congrats to Jason Franklin for winning Elle Jasper and Deidre Knight's contest for a romantic getaway to Tybee Island, Ga.! He and his wife will enjoy two nights at The Lighthouse Inn on Tybee Island, dinner for 2 at Wiley's Championship BBQ in Savannah, and receive a $500 travel voucher.
The second prize winner was Candace Payne. She will receive the entire set of Gods of Midnight books by Deidre Knight and Elle's Dark Ink Chronicles series -- signed.
Thanks to all who came out to the chat last night. We had a blast!
If you couldn't make it, click here for the chat transcript.
UPDATE: The winner is Diane! Congrats! Please email your physical addy to contests(AT)knightagency.net.
Client News: Next week on Thursday, March 24th we're hosting USA Today bestselling author Katherine Garbera in our chat room at 9pm ET. If you've been to our monthly chats before, you know that it's always both fun and eductional. Katherine is the author of more than 50 books, so she has plenty to share about her experience, as well as give us the skinny on her hot new Miami Nights series. There will be giveaways and trivia. Click here to bookmark our chat room. Also, we're giving away a copy of the first Miami Nights book, TAMING THE VIP PLAYBOY for Freebie Friday. So don't forget to leave a comment in this post to enter the drawing!
TKA News: TKA pres Deidre Knight has been tapped to be the featured speaker at the Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers Retreat at Sea, which sets sail on August 8th. The retreat is open to both members and non-members. This is the perfect opportunity to get away from the daily grind and concentrate on your writing goals. Fees are due by April 1st. Visit PLRW's cruise page for more info.
Report from Cyberspace:
The industry awaited news of new Borders closings this week, with some estimates warning the retailer would shutter up to 75 new locations, according to Publishers Marketplace (subscribers only site). However, the final annoucement listed only 28 additional closings in California, Conneticut, Hawaii, Massachussets, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Washington state. - Official Store Closure List
Mass market paperback sales are were down 30% in January, as reported by the Association of American Publishers. Admittedly, that sounds like pretty scary news until you realize that ebook sales increased by 115.8%, up from $32.4 million to $66.9 million, during the same time period. Sounds like growing pains to us as the industry calibrates itself to new ways of doing business - via GalleyCat and eBookNewser
And in news that is probably only exciting to me, and, oh, about a 5 million other people, it was announced that Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins's infamous Hunger Games series was cast this week. Jennifer Lawrence, known for her Academy Award-nominated role in Winter's Bone, will take on the beloved badass heroine. I'm not that familiar with Lawrence, so I can't cast a vote in the heated actress debate, but I'm all for any move that gets this project closer to a movie screen near me - Eonline ________________________________________________________
Leave your name in the comment section to win a copy of TAMING THE VIP PLAYBOY by Katherine Garbera.
The 411: The sultry heat. The pulsing music. How could millionaire club owner Nate Stern have resisted taking Jen Miller into his arms? Though everyone in Miami considered him a playboy, Nate never flirted with his employees. Yet something about Jen had him changing his mind.
Sleeping with her VIP boss was risky, but the businessman’s charms had Jen throwing caution to the wind. Still, she’d been hurt before. Knowing Nate must play the role of Casanova for the press had her guarding her heart. But when Nate held her close, Jen couldn’t resist the flames...no matter what.
More than 400 entered, 125 sent in their work for review and just three are left in Deidre and Pamela's speed dating contest. We are excited to announced that the following writers are in the running to become America's next top model...er....oops...I mean a Knight Agency client: Bob Martinez, Rhea Ference and Brandy Shockley. We want to offer a BIG congrats to Bob, Rhea and Brandy for making so far in the competition and also send our thanks to the talented writers in the previous round for all of your hard work!
Stay tuned to our blog for the grand prize winner announcement on Monday, March 28th.
Now for a little fun from Deidre and Pamela who indulged TKA's PR Director (aka. me) in a twist on The Newlywed Game -- retitled Sisters Know Best.
Sisters Know Best
Deidre on Pamela:
What is Pamela’s favorite color?
DEIDRE SAYS: Red for her house, navy blue for wardrobe! PAMELA SAYS: Red
If Pamela was standing in the romance section of a bookstore with only $10.00 in her hand, which type of book would she be most likely to reach for – a steamy historical, a light-hearted contemporary, a fast-paced suspense or a dark fantasy? DEIDRE SAYS: I’d say either a fast-paced suspense or a light-hearted contemporary. PAMELA SAYS: Light-hearted contemporary
What was the name of Pamela’s first boyfriend? DEIDRE SAYS: Tom PAMELA SAYS:Tom
What was the first book that Pamela sold? DEIDRE SAYS: Jessica Hatchigan’s HOW TO BE YOUR OWN PUBLICIST PAMELA SAYS: HOW TO BE YOUR OWN PUBLICIST
What is Pamela’s favorite comfort food? DEIDRE SAYS: Homemade mashed potatoes? I don’t really know-but I remember her making ME homemade mashed potatoes and they were very comforting! PAMELA SAYS: Homemade soup
Pamela on Deidre:
If Deidre couldn’t be a literary agent, what would she be? PAMELA SAYS: A full time writer DEIDRE SAYS: Hard, hard. Author, probably. Or maybe go into some kind of sales or marketing in another field.
Who would you say spent the most time in front of the mirror as a teen – you or Deidre? PAMELA SAYS: Me DEIDRE SAYS: Definitely Pamela because she’s always been the truly polished one out of the two of us.
If Deidre was forced to pick one or the other for her personal collection, what would she buy – a physical book or an ebook? PAMELA SAYS: Physical book DEIDRE SAYS: Hmm…depends on if you mean for long-term ownership, travel reading, or what. But I’m going to say physical book, still, because the question doesn’t specify bath reading, beach reading, bed reading…LOL. So I must pick the more durable of the two.
What was the model/make of Deidre’s first car? PAMELA SAYS: Pontiac Firebird DEIDRE SAYS: Pontiac Firebird 1980 with t-tops. It had silver leather interior and when hubs first started dating me, he joking referred to it as my “drug dealer car.” What can I say? I was a sweet, good girl in a wild ride.
What do you estimate is the highest number of books Deidre’s ever read in a week’s time? PAMELA SAYS: 15 DEIDRE SAYS:I have no idea! I haven’t been one of those people who historically keep up with what I read too closely, especially not as an agent where it kind of blends together (reading for clients/reading for pleasure.)
And...it looks like we have a tie. Seems this sisters know each other pretty well. :-)
Deidre and Pamela spent the weekend whittling the names of the speed daters down to 15 contestants. Below are the list of those folks who led the pack and will now be able to send in the first three chapters of their manuscripts for the next round. We've also included more Q&A from Deidre and Pamela.
Don't forget to join us back here on Thursday, March 17th for the announcement of the final three finalists, plus we're going to play a fun game with Deidre and Pamela to see which sister knows the other best! :-)
Bob Martinez Brandy Shockley Cathy Pritchard Christine Gallimore E.M. Lord Jenna Jaxon Kathleen Foucart Leeann Morgan Lin Christie Lisa Wells Liz Phelps Lizzie Friend Michele Shaw Rhea Ference Shari Lambert
Instructions: On Monday, March 14th we will email the 15 entrants* advancing to Round 3 and post their names on the blog by 10am ET. They must email us their first three chapters by 9:00pm ET that same day.
*All 15 entrants will receive a confirmation email that their work has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation, please follow up. At this time, we are still advising people to use our Contests@KnightAgency.net addy. If you had trouble with sending to that addy before, you can alternately send it to jia_gayles(AT)yahoo.com. Both inboxes will be checked.
TKA Q&A with Deidre and Pamela -
What has been one of your proudest moments as an agent? DEIDRE: It is very hard to pinpoint a proudest moment because quite frankly there have been many. Here are a few greatest hits: seeing 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN pass the four year mark on the New York Times bestseller list; Gena Showalter being the first Harlequin Teen author to hit the New York Times; Cara Lockwood’s movie of I DO, BUT I DON’T airing on Lifetime with the hunky Dean Cain in lead role; my recent sale of “pie lady” Beth M. Howard’s memoir, MAKING PIECE in a pre-empt after a great deal of heated interest from publishers; the first time I did a six figure deal (to Doubleday for ACHIEVING YOUR FINANCIAL POTENTIAL by Scott Kays); my very first NYC trip, when I found out what I was truly made of inside—overcoming fear and potential intimidation and instead successfully meeting editors from cold calls.
What is the best part of working with a member of your family? DEIDRE: I love getting to travel with Pamela to all sorts of fun and exciting destinations, particularly all our trips to NYC. We always inspire each other during these trips and challenge each other to go farther in the business.
Sisters by the Seashore in Newport, R.I.
Left: Deidre; Right: Pamela
Left: Deidre; Right, Pamela
What part of your job gives you the biggest thrill? PAMELA: It sounds trite, but being able to tell a first-time author that we have an offer is truly the most rewarding aspect of my job. It's an honor to play a part in the realization of someone else's dream.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned about how to be successful in the publishing world PAMELA: In this business, perseverance is the key to success. I have told many people about a nonfiction project that I once sold after showing it to no less than 35 different publishers. It was a project I deeply believed in, and I just couldn’t let it go. It proves the point that it’s all about getting the material in front of the right people.
UPDATE: Please find the 125 entrants for Speed Date 2 below, alphabetized for your reading pleasure. We are grateful to EVERYONE who entered. If you didn't get selected today, we strongly encourage you to submit to our agency via the traditional channel of querying our submissions coordinator.
As for the 125 lucky ducks, you have until 12:00pm ET tomorrow (3/8/2011) to email your first three pages to Contests@KnightAgency.net. Consult the rules for details on how to format your email. If you have any questions about the below or the contest in general -- you can use "Contests" email addy given above. And without further ado...
Alison Hendrie
Amanda Jensen
Amanda Lee
Andrea Aten
Angel Leigh McCoy
Ann Childs
Annette F. Boone
Arlene Hlttle
Ashley Gafford
Ashley Graham
Audrey Lockwood
Barbara Weitz
Belinda Christ
Bethany Morrow
Bill Breedlove
Bob Martinez
Brandy Shockley
Brenda Heald
Bryce Daniels
C.C. Wiley
Caitlyn Nicholas
Candice Green
Carla Kempert
Carol R. Wood
Cary Barbor
Cathy Pritchard
Chad Corrie
Cheryl O' Donovan
Christine Gallimore
Christine Kuczmynda
Connie M. Keller
Dan Wickline
Debora Dale
Deborah Grahl
Debra Rodensky
Dex Raven
Donald Cummings
Dorothy Dreyer
E.M. Lord
EK Ellis
Felithia Holiday
Gina Mosley Lamm
Jackie Felger
Jacquelyn Sylvan
Jani Grey
Jared Garrett
Jen Duffey
Jen Ward
Jenn Nixon
Jennifer Froelich
Jennifer Myers
Jennifer Santiago
Jess Huckins
Jessica Williams Jo Delong
Jodie L. Boduch
JohnO Joseph Wise Julia Hoye
Julie Gupton
Karyn Bristol
Kate Martin
Kathleen Foucart
Katie Kelly
Kay LaLone
Kelly Bryson
Kerri M.
Kimberly Nee
Kristin Lynn Thetford
KT Grant
L. G. Vernon
Landon Rogers
Landra Graf
Laura Kaye
Leah Marie Brown
Leeann (commented @ 12:17pm)
Lisa Troy
Lisa Wells
Liz Phelps
Lizzie Friend
Lori Hahnel
Lucy River
Lynette Schneider
Mandy Mikulencak
Matt Manzella
Melanie LeGrand
Meredith Simmons
Michele Shaw
Mila Ramos
Mimi Cross
Morgan Baden
Nancy Kattenfeld
Nancy Smith Gibson
Naomi Rawlings
Nicholas Denmon
Nick Burnette
Pat Jeanne Davis
PaulaRose
Peggy Bird
Rena Rossney
Rhea (commented @ 12:06 pm)
Robert Ryan
Robin Boisseau
Rona Altrows
Rubianna Masa
Ruth Donnelly
SA Brown
Sandra Gale
Scot Douglas Celley
Shari Lambert
Sheri Downing
Sherrie Snow
Stephen Hayes
Susan Bohnet
Tara Kennedy
Theresa Sanchez Bazelli
Tiana Bragg
Timothy Reynolds
Tina Lynn Sandoval
Tom Honea
Toni Morrow Wyatt
TracyA (commented @12:02 pm)
Viviane Brentanos
Wendy Bunker
Xandra James _______________________________________
Today is the big day, and you are in the right spot. Deidre and Pamela are both BEYOND excited to see some fresh, new talent, and can’t wait to start reading your work!
Leave a comment in THIS post between 12:00pm and 1:00pm Eastern Time to win a Speed Date with Deidre and Pamela. When 1:00pm rolls around, we will pull all of the names entered during the specified entry period and randomly draw 125 participants. THIS post will be updated with the selected names by the end of the business day today, and the lucky 125 must send in their first three pages by 12pm ET tomorrow, March 8th. If you already read the rules, this is all old news. But just in case, here’s a link to review the rules if you need to.
As we mentioned, Deidre and Pamela are going to be strolling down memory lane as we update the rounds here on the blog. In Thursday’s blog post, we’ll post some Q&A from the sisters about The Knight Agency’s history along with the names of those advancing to the next round. In the meantime, we know you just want to get to “it.” So get going!!! Good luck!
Valentine's Day Afterglow Chat with the ON THE HUNT Authors
Don't forget to join Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen and Deidre Knight for the Valentine's Day Afterglow chat tomorrow TONIGHT @ 9pm ET. The authors of the New York Times bestselling ON THE HUNT anthology will be on hand to dish about their books, share insight on the publishing experience, and give away tons of prizes -- including annoncing the winner of an iPod Nano and 10 hot releases from Signet Eclipse. The iPod Nano contest is a part of our ten-day scavenger hunt and ends at 3pm on Feb. 17th, more details on how to enter here.
WHAT: Valentine's Afterglow Chat with Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen and Deidre Knight
The Official Post for Speed Dating with Deidre Knight -- Comment Here To Win!
UPDATE: Okay, wow. Like, we hardly know what to say. You guys are so awesome! 129 comments in 2 minutes! So, we're feeling like we need to do something special since you all worked so hard to be a part of this contest. Therefore, we will randomly draw 8 (eight) people from the names of those who left a comment at or before 8:30 WHO ARE NOT one of the first 125 to send a query letter directly to Deidre Knight. She will only reply with yay or nay, no critiques or feedback. Names will be posted by 3pm ET today, and she will reply to you by the end of the business day tomorrow.
It's the BIG day! Time to get this party started! Let's see... We need a bit of music to set the mood, something entertaining to break the ice and some sort of signature party drink...and... Wait one second. Are you actually still reading this?!?! If you've already reviewed the "Speed Dating with Deidre" rules, then you should be leaving a comment with your name IN THIS POST like NOW. Go on. Scoot! The rules are also listed at the end of this post if you need a refresher. We'll still be here when you come back.
Okay, done? Did you make it in time? If so, awesome and good luck! If not, well it's not the last time we'll be throwing a totally spectacular contest. In fact, we really like giving things away around here. On Thursday, December 16th @ 12:30pm we're holding our annual online holiday party in the chat room. Our agents, authors (possibly YOU!), their fans and TKA friends will be mingling while TKA Santa gives away TONS (and we do mean tons) of signed books.
In the meantime, we can have our own little contest kick-off party below now that you've left your comment and a bit of the pressure is released. You deserve it. As promised...
Holiday Music (insert "an agent" for "you"):
Entertainment (Lots of snarkiness in this video, but definitely LOL!):
Signature Drink (we know it's early still, so we'll keep it light): Mix orange juice and your favorite champagne to taste. A la mimosa!
Thanks to everyone who participated! We appreciate all of you for making this contest a smashing success!
CONTEST RULES---
HOW IT WORKS:
TODAY!!!!!!: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH-- 1. The first 125 people to leave a comment (including their name or pen name) in the contest post on The Knight Agency Blog will be automatically entered and should promptly send in the first three pages of their completed manuscript to Contests@KnightAgency.net. You will be able to leave comments from 8:00am ET to 12pm ET to gain entry in to the contest. Your first 3 pages must be received by 2pm ET.
The name entrants choose to post in the comment section MUST ALSO BE noted in their emailed submission. If we cannot match the name provided in your email to the one left in the comment section – your entry will be deleted without notice.
2. Only the first 125 entrants will receive email notifications about contest results (i.e. whether they’ve made it to the next round or not). If you’re not one of the 125, please do not email your 3 pages – we will not reply.
DAY TWO: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2ND-- 3. Deidre will select up to 25 entries to advance to the second round from the initial 125 entries. The names of the selected entries will be posted publicly on The Knight Agency blog by the end of the business day Thursday, December 2nd, and the selected writers will also be notified via the provided email address to submit 10 pages. The pages must be emailed to Contests@KnightAgency.net by Friday, December 3rd at 12:00pm ET.
Those not chosen to advance to the next round will receive email notifications. However, please remember this is speed dating. There will be no critiques, recommendations or explanations given as to why an entry was picked or not at any time during the contest. Please do not contact us for any type of feedback. Not being chosen doesn’t mean your literary dreams are over. It just means your perfect literary match is elsewhere. Remember, there are other fish in the sea.
DAY THREE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH– 4. On the third day of the contest, Deidre will pick an undetermined amount of entrants to send in the first three chapters of their manuscripts based on the ten pages sent by entrants the previous week.
5. The selected entrants for Day Three will be posted on The Knight Agency blog and notified via email. They must submit their first three chapters no later than 12:00pm ET, Thursday, December 9th.
DAY FOUR: MONDAY, DECEMBER 13TH– 6. On the fourth day of the contest, Deidre will select an undetermined amount of entrants to submit their full manuscript. The names of those advancing to the final round will be posted on The Knight Agency blog, and they will also be notified via email. Full manuscripts must be received no later than 12:00pm ET, Tuesday, December 14th.
THE BIG REVEAL: MONDAY, DECEMBER 20TH-- 7. On the fifth day of the contest, Monday, December 20th, Deidre will reveal her new client on The Knight Agency blog, and the winner will also be notified via email. If none of the material submitted meets the needs of The Knight Agency at this time, the prize of representation will be void. However, a final winner will be selected to receive a general manuscript critique from Deidre. The first chapter critique winner will also be announced.
IMPORTANT DETAILS: - International participants are welcome. - If another Knight agent is actively considering your query, you are not eligible for the contest (active means an agent has informed you that they are considering your manuscript and would like to review more material) - If we have previously rejected your manuscript, please do not enter this contest unless your work has undergone a substantial rewrite - The only genres that will NOT be accepted, are those that are outlined in our submission guidelines.Here is an excerpt from our guidelines page regarding what we do not represent:
"5. Due to the the wide range of tastes and preferences that exist among The Knight Agency's six acquiring agents, we are currently looking for material in a wide spectrum of genres. Please reference the list below for the types of submissions we are NOT currently accepting.
- Screen Plays - Short Story Collections - Poetry Collections - Essay Collections - Photography - Film Treatments - Picture Books (although graphic novels will be accepted) - Children's Books (although young adult and middle grade titles will be accepted) - Biographies - Non-fiction Historical Treatments" - Entries shoould be double-spaced
- Only full manuscripts can be entered. - Contest is open to both unpublished and published authors. - To find out what type of books the agency DOES NOT accept, please visit our submission guidelines page. - We will check out spam filters to make sure no one gets caught there; however, if your email becomes otherwise delayed, deleted or falls through a black hole – your entry will be declared void. We are not responsible for lost entries. - Your materials must be sent in by the deadlines outlined above. Late submissions, even by mere minutes, will result in forfeiture of your entry. - Everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, will receive the same generic “yay” or “nay” reply letting them know whether or not they have advanced to the next round. Please don’t ask us for any additional explanation or feedback of any kind. Deidre is reading these entries as fast as she can while maintaining her busy schedule – so there’s no time for hand-holding. - Do not send your entry to any other email address besides Contests@KnightAgency.net. Failure to follow this instruction will result in deletion of your entry. - Multiple entries are not allowed. If you enter more than one manuscript, only your first entry will be counted. - Corrections are not allowed. What you send in the first time is what Deidre will judge. No exceptions. Make sure you’re attaching the right document. - Do not send pages more than we ask for at any time. If we ask for 10 pages and you send 20, your entry will be deleted without notice. - To protect ourselves from potential viruses and other random flotsam and jetsam, the first three pages you send in should be pasted within the body of your email. Not attached separately in a Word document.
However, once we’ve established communication after the first round, subsequent pages, should be properly formatted for submission and sent as Word document attachments. The Word document should ALWAYS include a cover page with your name, physical address, genre and overall word count.
- The only information that we will ever reveal about you publicly is the name you provide. The only places we will post your name is on our company blog, and possibly in the company newsletter.
- The winner of the random drawing must claim their prize via email to Contests@KnightAgency.net 30 days from notification of their win. The critique will be returned within eight weeks after receipt of materials.
- All entrants will be opted in to The Knight Agency newsletter. The newsletter contains a link that allows you to easily opt out at any time.
Tea Time with Deidre Knight and Gena Showalter -- Steampunk Style
I'm sure you're wondering what exactly is going on in the picture below... Lots of fun stuff I assure you. Deidre and Gena are co-hosting a Steampunk Tea Party to celebrate Deidre's latest Gods of Midnight release, RED DEMON. So grab your petticoats and get over there! Prizes include two winners' choice of signed Gods of Midnight books. Five signed bookplates are alao up for grabs. You can also use the name generator to create your own steampunk moniker and there are links to an interactive etiquette quiz and much more!
Deidre Knight is blogging about her latest release, BUTTERFLY TATTOO, on Leah Braemel's blog today! She's talking about her dream movie cast for the book, taking surfing lessons as part of her research, and much more. As an added bonus, Leah's giving away both a digital and print copy of the book. Click here for the blog.
RWA's Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter (FF&P) is kicking off an exciting new feature! Members of the chapter can enter an online raffle to pitch to some of the industries leading agents. Deidre Knight, president of The Knight Agency, is kicking off "Win a Pitch" on October 29th @ 8pm ET in FF&P's chat room.
An interview with Deidre Knight, president of The Knight Agency and author of the GODS OF MIDNIGHT series and BUTTERFLY TATTOO, will air today on the literary radio show, From Cover to Cover, on Houston's KPFT FM station. Also on the program, Rachel Caine, author of the uber--successful MORGANVILLE VAMPIRE series, and Marjorie M. Liu, author of the DIRK & STEELE series, were interviewed about their journey to the New York Times bestseller list. Click here to access the show via KPFT FM's live streaming radio.*
Once the show is archived will will provide a link for those that are not able to listen live. Check back soon!
Chick-n-scratching Blogger Takes on Romance Naysayers
Check out Chicks-n-scratching blogger Inez's thoughtful and comedic take on why women love romance (and should be left alone with their version of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, among other hilarities). Not only does she argue that romance is escapism at its best, but that it is also a powerful tool that empowers women in their relationships. And what did she denote as the perfect example of romance done right? I won't make you read the whole post to find out (though you really, really should because it's SO worth it)...BUTTERFLY TATTOO by our own Deidre Knight!
Deidre Knight Guest Blogging on ESPAN (Electronic and Small Press Authors' Network)
On ESPAN's blog, Deidre Knight is challenging RWA to fully recognize the importance of digital publishers and the changing landscape of publishing. Click here to check out this lively debate and weigh in!
Deidre Knight & Gena Showalter Chat Transcript Now Available!
Deidre and Gena Showalter had a blast answering questions in their Knight Agency chat last night! "Live" from Greece, of course. Everyone had fabulous questions about their respective series and publishing/writing in general. Lots of great info and plenty of "LOLs!" If you missed it, click here for the chat transcript!Don't forget to visit Gena's blog for the LAST day of Deidre and Gena's KISS & SEDUCE party. They are going out with a bang :)!
Guestblogger Maria Geraci: How To Get Published - TKA Style
UPDATE: The winner of five signed books by TKA authors is Sherry Ficklin! Please email your physical address to contests @ knightagency.net (remove spaces). Congrats!!!
This past weekend 5 TKA authors, Jennifer St. Giles, Shannon K. Butcher, Debby Giutsi, Deidre Knightand myself, Maria Geraci, had the opportunity to go on a little road trip. We hit 4 different book stores in less than 3 days and met some of the nicest people in the Atlanta area! At three of the signings we did a Q & A session on how to get published.
Left to Right: Jennifer St. Giles, Deidre Knight, Debby Giusti, Shannon K. Butcher, Maria Geraci
Here’s a sample of our more frequently asked questions and how we answered them.
How did you get an agent? (this was asked a lot!) Of course, the answer to this question was different for everyone, but one common theme was that networking was very important. Organizations like Romance Writers of America and other writing organizations are good venues for meeting other writers and professionals in the business. Meeting agents at conferences and attending workshop panels featuring agents, is one way you can gauge if an agent might be the right one for you. Once you’ve established a list of agents that you’d like to work with, a killer query, and of course, a good book are essential elements. One point that Deidre made was that as a new writer, you should have a completed manuscript to query. As an agent, there’s nothing more frustrating than to get excited over a good query and a promising partial, only to request the full and find out that the book isn’t written yet. Also, be sure to check the submission guidelines for each agency and stick to the rules. For instance, if the guidelines for an agency say only email queries accepted, don’t send a copy of your manuscript via snail mail. A simple thing like following directions (or not following directions) can make a good (or not so good) first impression.
Where do you get your ideas from? Most everyone on the panel said that dreams, day dreams, and vivid imaginations all play major roles in formulating ideas. As writers, we tend to be big “what if?” people. We see a curious headline or hear about a new scientific discovery and immediately the “what if?” gene kicks in. People watching is a big idea stimulator too. Personally, I love to observe people when they think I’m not looking. So maybe a little voyeurism plays into it as well!
What’s your writing schedule like and how long does it take you write a book? Our answers to this varied from 6 weeks to almost a year (depending on the size of the book). Some of us (like Shannon ) can sit at the computer for hours ( 8-10 hours at a time!) and keep pounding at the keyboard, while Debby writes at intervals during the day, interspersing chores like cooking dinner, and promotion time with her writing. One thing we all agreed was that while writing a book, daily writing (if possible) is the key to to staying on schedule. The longer you’re away from a project, the longer it takes to catch up.
Is the current economic climate keeping publishers from buying? (this one was answered by Deidre, I’m paraphrasing here, but this is her basic response). A few months ago it seemed that Publishers Weekly was beginning each day with a similar headline, “Black Monday- Big layoff at xyz publishers!” For a while, publishing was in a tailspin and there’s no doubt that people were getting laid off and restructuring took place in a lot of publishing houses. However, as seen by recent news coverage, romance book sales are actually on the rise! In tough economic times, people are finding that escapism is a good way to deal with their stress, so right now, there’s a lot to be optimistic about and book deals are happening.
After all was said and done, a good time was had by all. Books were signed and sold, new friendships were made, and maybe we inspired a few writers out there!
I’m offering an autographed copy of each of our newest releases to one random lucky winner. Just leave a comment and you might find the following books in your beach bag this summer!
It’s a regular smorgasbord of reading! Leave a comment to enter Maria's AMAGING giveaway for ALL five of these signed books! The contest is open from Friday, June 12th to midnight Sunday, June 14th. The winner will be announced Monday morning. Good luck!
Deidre Knightand Gena Showalter are bringing their KISS & SEDUCE party to The Knight Agency chat room tomorrow night, Thursday, June 11th @ 9pm ET!! Both ladies will be dishing about their latest releases and can't wait to answer your questions. Of course there will be trivia and fab prizes. Make sure to mark your calendars! Directions for accessing the chat are below:
What: Online Chat with Authors Deidre Knight and Gena Showalter
How Do You Chat: Visit the chat room here: http://client1.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=115545. Enter a username and password (this can be any combination). Your computer must be Java enabled to chat.
Deidre Knight & Gena Showalter Partying Around the World!
Deidre Knight & Gena Showalter are celebrating Deidre's new release, RED KISS, and Gena's upcoming release, SEDUCE THE DARKNESS, in sunny Jamaica today...well virtually speaking. LOL. Take a break from your hectic Monday and join them by the pool for a sip of rum punch and a few beefcake sightings :)! Leave a comment and possibly win FREE BOOKS from Deidre and Gena. They're partying all week long -- so check back often! Who knows where they'll end up next!
Atlanta Listen Up! The Knight Agency is on the road this weekend, and we're coming to a bookstore near you!!
If you are going to be in the Atlanta area THIS WEEKEND, you don't want to miss the fabulous signing events that we are planning beginning June 5th!! The tour line-up includes Deidre Knight, an award-winning paranormal romance author who is also president of The Knight Agency, along with USA Today bestselling author Jennifer St. Giles, Debby Giusti, Shannon K. Butcher and debut author Maria Geraci!
This is not your ordinary book signing. Three of the events will feature a "How To Get Published Q&A," followed by a one-on-one meet and greet with the authors during the signing portion. See details below!
1--Borders at Stonecrest Mall in Lithonia – June 5th, 5pm ET 8000 Mall Parkway, Lithonia, GA 30038
2--Books For Less in Buford – June 6th, 1pm ET* 2815 Buford Dr, Buford, GA 30519
3--Dog Ear Bookstore in Madison – June 6th, 5pm ET** 142 Academy Street; Madison, GA 30650
4--Borders in Athens – June 7th, 2pm ET 196 Alps Road, Athens, GA 30606
If you have any questions, please direct them to info @ knightagency.net (remove spaces).
*Debby Giusti will not appear at the Books For Less event. **The Madison signing will not include a Q&A session.
UPDATE: The winner of signed copies of RED FIRE and RED KISS is azteclady!!! Please send your physical address to contests @ knightagency.net (remove spaces). Congrats!! See everyone next week :).
It's release day for Deidre Knight, and we want to give her a Happy Release Day shout-out for the premiere of the second book in her thrilling GODS OF MIDNIGHT series, RED KISS. To celebrate we are giving away an autographed copy of RED FIRE, the first book in the series, and RED KISS!!! You know what to do ;). Leave your name in the comments and the winner will be announced tomorrow morning.
The 411:Immortal warrior and Spartan slave River Kassandros has a special gift—the ability to transform into any weapon. But in a recent battle, he was trapped as a dagger, unable to become human again. His one hope of salvation is a mere mortal…
When Emma Lowery beaches her kayak on an uninhabited island off the coast of Savannah, an ancient dagger seems to call out to her. Compelled by dark forces, Emma draws blood with his blade, freeing River. Now he’s stronger, angrier—and exudes more sensuality than Emma can resist.
But a sinister power wants to claim River’s destiny, and his precarious freedom. The pair must join the Spartan warriors to fight Ares himself. But can they face sacrificing their love to protect humankind from the war god’s demonic plan? Book 1:
