Your Career: What to Know About Proposals, Agents, and Editing in Mainstream Publishing

Writing a book for a general audience is a more grueling process than for an academic readership. ADVERTISEMENT [Your Career Logo]( Did someone forward you this newsletter? [Sign up free]( to receive your own copy. Writing a book for a general audience is a more grueling process than for an academic readership. People in higher education often think they want to write a book for the general public, but they may balk at what it actually takes to do so. For example, to publish a mainstream book, you need to be represented by a literary agent. So how do you go about getting one? The best introduction to an agent — and eventually to book editors — is proof of your scintillating prose in outlets they recognize. So your first step is to start writing op-eds, features, or reviews for mainstream publications, or create your own [Substack]( or other type of public blog and write regularly. If you already have a solid record of public writing, you are ready to query agents. Here’s how to get started: - To find a good agent, read the acknowledgements section of popular books you admire and want to emulate. If that doesn’t work, do a Google search or scan the book-deal announcements on [Publisher’s Marketplace](. - Once you have a list of names to query, send them a short email with a very brief (two to three sentences) description of your project. Say that you have a book proposal and a sample chapter ready (if you do) and link to your op-ed pieces or other public writing. Think of this process as akin to dating several agents. Eventually, you’ll choose one to marry and start down the path of getting your submission ready to ship off to editors at major publishing houses. - Don’t be swayed by a fancy literary agency. The largest agencies aren’t always the best at walking new authors through this grueling process, simply because they are too big and don’t have the time. Make sure to ask how closely they’re willing to work with you in editing your proposal or drafting your eventual book. Continue reading: “[So You Think You Want to Write a Popular Trade Book?]( by Theresa MacPhail Share your suggestions for the newsletter with Denise Magner, an editor at The Chronicle, at denise.magner@chronicle.com. If you’d like to opt out, you can log in to our website and [manage your newsletter preferences here](. ADVERTISEMENT SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. Latest Career Advice, Opinion, and News INVESTIGATION [Inside the Academic-Freedom Crisis That Roiled Florida’s Flagship]( By Emma Pettit and Jack Stripling [STORY IMAGE]( A Chronicle investigation tracks how a decision to silence professors emerged from the depths of bureaucracy. 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