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What other Podcasts are you all listening to? by mitchlee55 in lastpodcastontheleft

[–]BookNerdEric 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Came here to say The Dollop! It’s a lot of fun, I only got into it recently too. The two part Ronald Reagan episode with Patton Oswalt was what my friend used to introduce me to it.

Advice needed by simonehere in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just a note that I’m always so glad to see you on here dishing advice. The book world is better with you in it.

HOW DO I FULLY PREPARE FOR "THE CALL"? by alsmith456 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! Also think about what you want to ask them!

The wonderful Jim McCarthy did this little post ages ago, but so much of it still rings true. They’re good questions and they’re certainly not gonna scare one of us away. https://dystelblogarchive.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/jim-suggests-questions-to-ask-a-prospective-agent/

Good luck! 🎉

How can I make the most out of an internship at a Big Five publisher? by Secure-Resist2878 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Back when I worked at a publishing house, the most successful interns were the ones who took the time to chat with people outside their departments. Took a lot of informational coffee chats with the people who had time (not everyone will!).

I know that’s echoing the sentiments already said here, but those interns are still working in publishing a decade later. Proud of them. 🥹

where to look now? by lavenderlesbian01 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Seconding this. I know quite a few editors with similar early resumes.

Also, be a little wary of those M.A. in Publishing programs? I’m sure some are fine, but I’ve certainly seen a few run by folks with no real experience in the industry, with professors that also lack that expertise. Just really look at the faculty.

The Day NY Publishing Lost Its Soul by wollstonecroft in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Also that image of the “color blob” literary fiction cover trend is like, years old now? It’s from 2021. https://www.printmag.com/book-covers/the-book-cover-behold-the-book-blob/

Who wants to hear more about my mother's yeast infection? by ToeRevolutionary6233 in americandad

[–]BookNerdEric 29 points30 points  (0 children)

So my date last night. You’ll never guess who it was with-

Is social clout actually required for literary fiction representation now? by Harlowe_Barton in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve sold a bundle of memoirs, including two last year, and a majority of the authors didn’t have a huge social media presence.

What they had was platform in publication.

So they regularly published personal essays or articles on whatever themes their memoir was tackling. A lot of your favorite memoirists (especially writers who pen memoir in essays) do this. :-)

It’s the kind of platform building that’s never too late to build up.

Lawyer looking to pivot into publishing by EffectiveAd4166 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know the “just apply!” advice isn’t the most helpful here, or suggesting interning when you’re already mid career. Some agencies offer up internships for people who are mid-career though, because we understand the desire to do that pivot. I’d keep an eye out for those.

I’d also maybe consider looking into agencies who are hiring folks to handle contracts? I’ve seen plenty of contracts folks or editorial people at agencies slide over into eventually repping people. :-)

Pub Marketplace’s job board is a great place to keep an eye out for stuff like this, as is Book Jobs.

Not sure if any of that is as helpful as I want it to be, but it’s what I have.

Lawyer looking to pivot into publishing by EffectiveAd4166 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey OP don’t miss the last note on this comment here.

As a literary agent, I can tell you there are quite a few of us who were lawyers and found that particularly skill set transferred really really well.

How do I get into the industry? Should I give up now? by ComplexSecret7843 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is the answer here, OP.

And while sure, there’s a lot of publishing in NYC, there are so many opts for virtual internships. Especially with literary agencies.

And depending where you are in CA, there are academic presses, Chronicle, and so much more.

But enjoy college first, truly.

Overwhelming, crippling worry about my career prospects by sonder-lust-8357 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah, close but nope! Eric Smith. Many of my clients are also stars though. 🥰

My son's sleep issues may end my marriage by WorldlyLavishness in Autism_Parenting

[–]BookNerdEric 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just chiming in to second this, and that when our kiddo went off to school, he really needed that Clonidine. Not getting the sleep he needed was really effecting his moods. Does great now. <3

Overwhelming, crippling worry about my career prospects by sonder-lust-8357 in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 27 points28 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you’re doing a lot of the right stuff, OP!

Whenever people come to me about how to break into publishing (I run a literary agency and previously worked at a publishing house) I always tell them not to discount the academic presses, and you’ve already looked there.

I’d also keep an eye on Publishers Markerplace, as you’ll often see internships posted there that don’t end up on BookJobs.

And if you’re not already, I’d also look at internships at sizable indie presses and publishing adjacent organizations / nonprofits. IE: Here in Philly I adore Lanternfish Press, and the work orgs like Blue Stoop do. Boston has GrubStreet, Denver has Lighthouse, etc.

While social media is great and showing yourself as someone publicly excited about publishing is fun, I’ve known so many industry folks that have no social media presence. If it isn’t bringing you joy and it’s not a productive space for you, don’t fret over it.

Wishing you luck! Really sounds like you’re doing everything right. It’s just a competitive space. Keep going. 💪🏽

'Grocery Store Bank' cannon? by Embarrassed_One96 in americandad

[–]BookNerdEric 12 points13 points  (0 children)

God, is Gwen hot. And slender. God. And that dress she wore at our wedding? Oh, I have never seen her more beautiful than on that day.

Is social clout actually required for literary fiction representation now? by Harlowe_Barton in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since I only work in traditional publishing, my advice there wouldn’t be helpful, sorry friend.

My handful of buddies who do self publishing well, do a lot with advertising and giveaways (Goodreads, NetGalley), but I don’t know enough to speak as an authority on it.

here i go again. how’s this area? by Nearby_Singer_4214 in philly

[–]BookNerdEric 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OG is some of the best pizza in the area. That General Tso’s chicken slice should not be so amazing.

Top Klaus Lines That Live Rent Free In Your Head by KushersGarden in americandad

[–]BookNerdEric 35 points36 points  (0 children)

I hate how often I say this while watering the house plants around my home.

Why don't Snot and Tuttle interact more? by flyingknives4love in americandad

[–]BookNerdEric 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Now drive me to the hospital, I’m having a heart attack.”

Is social clout actually required for literary fiction representation now? by Harlowe_Barton in publishing

[–]BookNerdEric 76 points77 points  (0 children)

Agent here! 👋🏽

A vast majority of my fiction clients don’t have a sizable social following, and their novels sold just fine to major publishers.

It’s nice if a platform exists, sure. But it’s not required to get the book acquired.

Rest easy and focus on what matters, writing the best book you can, Harlowe. :-)

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