I'VE seen lots of discussion of this, with contradictory opinions expressed. I've also attended writers' groups and events where the same question arises. It's hard sometimes to know who to believe.
So when I asked for challenges to address here, it was no surprise that this was one of the first raised, from blogger and former production director CoffeeCurls.
Is it a better idea to pitch your book idea to an agent or a publisher?
My experience
My view has always been that for fiction you should pitch an agent, while with non-fiction you may want to talk directly to a publisher. Guidance I latched on to was if you are an unknown writer, there may not be enough money to be made in non-fiction by an agent working on your behalf -- the publisher could offer a tiny advance and/or royalties. This is definitely the case with small presses responsible for many non-fiction titles.
Continue reading "Authors' advice: Should you pitch to an agent or publisher? " »
Hello there, thanks for dropping by. I'm now back here in the run-up to my new book, Freelance Writing, coming out in April.
I'm also due to speak at the Chipping Norton literary festival in April and at the Cybher conference on May 12.
Upcoming posts requested so far are:
- Can you make a living (enough to support a family) from freelance writing?
- Focus on pitching a literary agent or publisher
- How to invoice and keep track of income/expenditure
Continue reading "Welcome back: Book, blog and events news " »

I'M offering a place on an upcoming workshop for new and aspiring freelance writers in the Authors for Japan auction.
It's being held in Birmingham city centre and is on Saturday, July 2. I hope this information is useful for anyone considering bidding.
This workshop is for you if:
* You are considering launching a freelance journalism career
Continue reading "Place on Kick start your freelance writing career workshop in Authors for Japan auction" »
THIS is a cross-post from Authors for Japan. The sessions mentioned below also include exercises set between phone calls and tailored feedback. These are included in an auction and the hope is that people will bid and raise money to help relief efforts in Japan.
Please see the Authors for Japan website for more information, plus some amazing offers from high profile authors.
ITEM: One place on four-week telephone mentoring sessions for aspiring freelance journalists (usual price £250 plus VAT) plus signed copies of The Greatest Guide to Freelance Writing, publication late 2011; Love to Write: A School Run guide to helping your child in literacy (provisional title), publication due 2011.
Continue reading "Freelance journalism mentoring included in Authors for Japan auction" »
I'VE edited various publications over the years.
These include an English-language newspaper in Russia, charity and business magazines, women's sections, culture guides and now, the parenting website Ready for Ten.
My work has also seen me enjoy stints as a news editor on regional newspapers and my former employer, the Wolverhampton Express & Star, kept me on as a part-time sub after I had my children, before I left to go freelance.
In my personal life, I am quite happy-go-lucky but I know that on a professional level, when new writers have approached me with their ideas or copy, for some reason they may have felt intimidated.
Continue reading "Ten writing howlers to spoil (this) editor's first impression" »

LAST week when I rounded up some travel writing opportunities, I had in mind that it could also be useful to include some tips on what to write.
Here, journalist and author Catherine Cooper shares some guidance with us. Catherine has written about travel for newspapers, magazines and websites.
Catherine's book, Travelling With Children, a Parent's Guide, is out now and is packed with information for the family traveller -- however adventurous they are feeling.
It's available from all good book shops and through Amazon here:
Travelling With Children: A Parent's Guide (Need 2 Know)
Catherine also has her own fantastic blog at Travelling with children.
Continue reading "Travel writing tips by author and journalist Catherine Cooper" »