Dear Editor…

Writers Digest asked Robopaclypse author Daniel H. Wilson how he got his agent. His answer? “I wrote a query letter to an editor — a friend of a friend. The editor called me an idiot, told me never to contact an editor directly, and then recommended three literary agents he had worked with before. Laurie Fox was one of them, and I’ve never looked back.” So, do NOT contact an editor directly nowadays?

Sincerely,
Kate

Dear Editor…

I just pitched my book as “Glee meets West Side Story” to an editor, who loved the idea. Yesterday, I read that Glee is doing WSS. I’ve never even watched the show. What do I do? Is my novel dead? I’ve been working on it for three years.

Sincerely,
Cathy

Dear Readers…

The Editor realizes that next week will be full of vacation, family, and food. Hopefully, you’ll spend some time with your WIP, too. In the interest of not contributing to the massive backlog of emails that will likely greet you upon your return to the regular grind, The Editor will take Thanksgiving week off. (Plus, she’s got vacation, family, and food plans, too!) Look for the next DearEditor.com post on November 29.

Best wishes for a safe holiday.

Dear Editor…

How do I tell if my novel’s basic premise is unique, and how can I research to see what other books have been published similar to my new idea? I’ve heard some editors do this for marketing purposes and in-house meeting proposals, so they must have SOME way of going about it!

Thanks!

Carol

Dear Readers…

With Christmas just days away, I am officially doffing my editor’s hat in favor of a warm, red Mrs. Santa cap. I will switch hats again on Monday and field a new writing question. Until then, my best wishes for a happy holiday full of family, fun, and stockings bulging with writing supplies.

The Editor

Dear Readers…

Have you emailed a question that The Editor hasn’t gotten to yet? Been mulling something but haven’t asked? Now’s your chance to phone that question in to The Editor—for a short time, anyway. Read on for details….