The Chopping Blog

Book Broker – An interview with Kat Kerr

February 22, 2019

I love being an advocate for books I believe in.

Agent interviews

Read more

Book Broker – An interview with Andrew Lownie

February 11, 2019

Andrew Lownie is a former director of Curtis Brown and has run his own agency since 1988. A former Cambridge history fellow, he is president of the Biographers’ Club and the author of lives of the writer John Buchan, the spy Guy Burgess, and a forthcoming dual study of Lord and Lady Mount

Agent interviews

Read more

Book Broker – An interview with Andy Ross

February 08, 2019

In fiction, I am mostly looking for a writer with a strong voice. Voice is ineffable. But it's easy to see, usually in the first paragraph. The next thing I look for is the concept of the story. Publishers like subtle literary fiction but they still want something with a high concept. I am also looking for authors who have previously been published, who have successful sales records, and who have won prestigious awards. But if I fall in love with a novel by a debut author, I'll champion it.

Agent interviews

How to write a synopsis

February 03, 2019

A synopsis is a clear and direct summary of your manuscript that should highlight your engaging protagonist, your emotional arc, the originality of your vision, and the logic of your plot.

Read more

Just Walk Away: how to know when you're finished your novel

January 30, 2019

The day I finish a novel is always the best and worst day. Best, because it’s a relief to finally close a file I’ve read ten thousand times and let someone else have a go at it. Worst, because . . . what do I do now? My whole life has been organized around that imaginary world. Suddenly my real, messy life demands my attention and I can’t use my novel as an excuse anymore.

On the craft

Read more

Driven to Distraction

January 18, 2019

Multi-tasking might be a good thing for some professions, but for writers, it’s a death knell. You don’t want to be multi-tasking when you’re writing. You want to be absolutely focused on the one thing you’re doing: bringing to life the picture that’s playing in your head.

On the craft

Read more

"Dear Writer" – How to deal with rejection

November 30, 2018

It takes courage to send out your work, as well as a large measure of faith. I’d like to share a secret that might help. Yes, the writing is personal. But sending out your work? Pure business. If you can separate your heart from the business side of things, you’ll be ahead of the game.

On the craft

Read more

Self-Publishing: Book Marketing 101 with Dave Chesson

November 26, 2018

If you have decided to self-publish your novel, then you have also decided to do your own marketing. That is no easy task, but with the right support and direction, many people are succeeding in the self-publishing world. For some, their self-pub success is such that they never pursue traditional publishing. For others, one great self-pubbed title can be the stepping stone to representation and a house contract.

On the craft

Read more

Beginnings & Endings

November 24, 2018

The end of a story, as well as the beginning, exists as one arbitrary point in time for the characters who are presumably going about their day, unaware that they are about to enter or even conclude a critical and story-worthy segment of their lives. What I'm referring to is narrative plausibility.

On the craft

Read more

The End... For Now – how to proceed beyond your novel's first draft

November 11, 2018

Another thing that happens when you come back to a manuscript with fresh eyes: you spot things like thematic connections and symbols you had no idea were there. Most of this is stuff you did without even realizing it (yes, you are that smart). The trick now is to tease out these connections with a light touch, plant the seeds that need planting—and then walk away and trust your reader to get it.

On the craft

Read more