The Chopping Blog

Animal characters or children? Both have been well represented in deeply loved, long-lasting, heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, and inspiring books.

Nonfiction these days demands a strong author platform.

These were the kinds of books that made me fall in love with reading (and writing) in the first place. They were filled with story, pure and simple.

There needs to be a strong story arc throughout the book, as well as smaller arcs of change within each chapter or even within each scene. Characters should be growing and evolving with every new plot development.

Win a free critique of your query letter, synopsis, or opening pages.

When I first became an agent, I made myself a promise: that I would never forget what it feels like to be on the other side.

Whether you are working on a picture book, early reader, or middle-grade novel, our team of kidlit specialists is here to help.

A huge congrats to Darling Axe editor Ty Johnson on the release of his latest: The Lost Kings.

Set up the urgency about why this book now and why you are the perfect person to write it. Then I’ll definitely want to read!

When writing kidlit, it’s particularly useful to consider time alongside friendship, since the business of meeting and making new friends is central to many children’s books.

A huge congrats to our client DV Berkom on the release of her latest: Fatal Objective—a Leine Basso thriller.

Readers are diverse; they each bring their own expectations and preferences to any story they read. As such, it's best to get a wide range of opinions about your narrative.