Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers

There are four “gatekeepers” in publishing: Agents, publishers, editors, and readers. So how do authors win their hearts?

Agents

Love ’em or hate ’em, agents are a necessity in the publishing industry. Former agent Hope Bolinger will walk you through what makes a good agent, how to win them over, and how to break up with a bad agent.

Publishers

Becoming a published author can be one of the most exciting and rewarding events in your life. However, understanding (and enduring) the publication process can be one of the most frightening and frustrating. Publisher Linda Fulkerson offers tips and tidbits that can help alleviate your angst and bypass the bafflements.

Editors

On the road to publication, editors can be your greatest challenges and your best friends. This section focuses on how editing before submission can better prepare your manuscript for presentation to publishers and what you can expect from editors throughout the life of your work. Rowena Kuo shares how to create that masterpiece manuscript that can navigate through the publishing process, pre-contract to post-publication.

Readers

Once all the other gates have been opened, the author must now win the hearts of readers. Influencer Carrie Schmidt offers practical tips and behind-the-scenes insights that will show you the path to getting your book in front of new readers–and keeping them for the long haul. Your story matters. Here’s how to get it read.