Writers Unblocked Magazine Volume 1/ Number 1

Be organized
Use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track
of who and when you’ve submitted your
queries. When or if you receive constructive
feedback from agents that have rejected your
manuscript, rework your manuscript using
this feedback.
Create an online presence
Agents want to sell books. Nowadays, it’s
pretty much imperative that you have a
website and social media channels for your
fans to engage with you and learn about you.
Agents like it when you already have online
followers. This can be Instagram, Twitter,
and Facebook for some examples.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Becoming a novelist was a childhood fantasy
of mine for the longest time, and now it
might become a reality. I can’t believe how
far I’ve come from years of writing fiction
as a hobby to trying to get my first novel
published. And what an incredible journey
it’s been. I’ve learned so much, met some
wonderful professionals in the industry,
as well as mingled with fellow authors
through Centennial College’s Writing Circle.
In my full-time job as a career coach, I see
many parallels between the job search
and publishing process. The query letter is
basically the cover letter. Authors should
research literary agents and publishing
agencies the way job seekers research
employers to confirm their legitimacy and
the culture fit. Network with like-minded
people and industry professionals, while
diversifying the types of agencies you submit
your queries to or your job search strategies.
Lastly, hang in there, it could take months
for a positive response from an agent or
employer. With lots of hard work and some
good luck, you will get published or hired.
As I continue to wait to hear from the rest
of the literary agents, I am trying to stay
optimistic that my one “yes” will come.
If not, I will not
give up; I will
self-publish
my novel.
ALICE HSIUNG
VOL. 1 / NO. 1 • WRITERS UNBLOCKED
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