What Do Literary Agents Want - Jeff Bailey

I was recently asked, "What Do Literary Agents want?" I have to admit that when I started breaking into the industry, I didn't know. To some extent, I still don't know. But, I do know how to find out: Ask them. No, I'm not recommending that you call all of them. There is easier way.
I recommend that an inquiring mind do two things. For general knowledge, look up their web pages. either google 'literary agents' or 'lists of literary agents.' The writers-free-reference.com is a good place to start. Most of the agent home pages will have a link to something like 'how to work with us', 'what we want', 'submission requirements', etc. These pages will provide the simple, basic answers.
For a more 'insider' answer, find literary agents who have blogs and subscribe to them. Let the agents tell you on a daily basis what is on their minds. The blog narratives are full of pet peeves and effective hints. Leave questions, join discussion, and express your opinion. Become involved. Let this simple act help you to start building your social network as a writer.
Now, not all blogs are worth the effort. Some (many) blogs are used as an avenue to free advertising. A blog dedicated to selling and selling alone is useless. But, Take you time. You may have to review dozens of blogs before you find a couple that are compatible to your needs. Trust me, It's worth the effort.
 Read more of my bio at: https://sites.google.com/site/jeffreyabaileyauthor/home

My writing style

A reader asked me to describe my writing style. Well, I spent 40 years working with nuclear weapons, nuclear power plants, and in nuclear research. That is the world that I know. I believe that a writer should write what he knows. A first hand account of the trials of a cancer patient written by a cancer survivor is always more real, more gripping. Dr. Robin Cook writes medical thrillers. John Grisham writes law thrillers. Clive Cussler writes sunken treasure stories.

For my stories, I take real events connected to a nuclear industry from the news and base a story around the true events. Of course, none of the events in my books are factual. The cover ups are too complete. I also incorporate some real events that have no nuclear connections to help tell the story. I find that there is usually more to a news story than is told. As part of the irony that I try to create, I present a fiction about the possible extended real news story to help me present my story. Last, I incorporate scenes, situations, and places from my life into the books. The book I'm a Marine was based, in part, on my granddaughter who was a Marine Aviation Firefighter when I was writing the book. Part of the story is also a reflection of my time as a technician in the Army Nuclear Weapon Program stationed at Fort Sill, OK.

Each of my books is based on some element of truth and a back filled with a lot of pure story telling.

More of my profile can be found on my home page:     https://sites.google.com/site/jeffreyabaileyauthor/home

Follow the links to read the first few pages of my current books. My first book, The Defect, is scheduled for release in May, 2016. Inquire at your local book store, today.

The Release of The Defect

My first book, The Defect , is scheduled for release in four short months. Things are starting to heat up quickly. I had no idea how fast things happen. It's not a whirlwind of events, it's a hurricane of events. I'm working with a couple of book chains and independent stores to arrange some book signings. I have several readers previewing the story. I will post their comments and reviews as they come to me. You can preview the first few pages of all three of my books, on line. Click on the link below. The individual pages are available from there. On top of it all, I'm half way through my next book, Wine Country and want to be writing.

As such, this entry will be short today. I must prepare something for my tomorrow's writers guild.

https://sites.google.com/site/sagebrushwritersguild/ tomorrow.

https://sites.google.com/site/jeffreyabaileyauthor/home

So you want to be a writer?

If you're contemplating trying to become an author or writer, you should answer one important question first: Will you enjoy the world of writing and publishing? For me, this question was answered when I followed the first piece advice that book agent every gave me, "Join and become active in a local writers critique group or a writer's guild." I fought this advice for long time.
Eventually, I investigated several writers groups in my area. One was too formal. One admitted only"published" authors. Another met at a time that was impossible for me. I eventually selected the Sagebrush Writers Guild ( https://sites.google.com/site/sagebrushwritersguild/ ). It's a small, diverse group and it fit me perfectly.
I try to attend every meeting possible. I find it fascinating to listen to accomplished writers discuss works in progress. I enjoy reading other peoples writings and looking for what works for me and what does not. I learn something new from every critique that I listen to or deliver. I find areas where I can improve my own work.
My association with my writer's guild answered the enjoyment factor for me. I really look forward to the meetings. I enjoy the company of writers who share my interest. I come home invigorated and encouraged. I especially like the reviews of my work, even the negative ones. I learn from all of them.
Join a writer's guild. If the experience is positive and you can't wait until the next meeting, you have a small measure of the tools that you will need to succeed in the industry. If you don't enjoy the experience, well, you have to decide.

Are You a Writer

When I was first researching the web trying to figure out how to become a writer, I ran across a site that had a little 'writer's test.' I've never been able to find the site again. The test was easy. In one paragraph or half a page, describe an event in your life. The caveat was that if you're a male, you had to write the paragraph from a female point of view. If you're a female, write it as a man would. Writer's often have to write scenes from the point if view of the opposite sex, other religions, other cultures, and different age groups. It was a good test that I struggled with. Are you interested in becoming a writer? Try to write this simple scene. I'm interested in what you come up with. Post your paragraphs in the comments section. Happy writing.

https://sites.google.com/site/jeffreyabaileyauthor/home

 jeff.bailey4007@gmail.com

My Website

This is the link to my home website:

https://sites.google.com/site/jeffreyabaileyauthor/home?pli=1

I have a short bio and a few words about each of my books. On my homepage, there are links to other sites that have the first chapter of each of my books. Check out the sites. Contact me with any questions or comments.

Jeff

Kickoff Blog

This is my first blog. It's a whole new world for me. I want to use this forum to introduce myself as a new author. I want to tell my blog followers about myself, my history, my venture into writing.
I will focus on what I have done that worked for me and what I have done that didn't work. I want to keep it all positive and constructive. I will also provide insider content about my books, characters, and story lines.
Of course, I will post notices of upcoming events like book releases and book signings, and milestones for me as an author.
I write stories in the terrorist thriller genre. Most of the story lines are based on real events in history. For instance, The Defect is based on the core meltdown at Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Station. I give a fictional alternate background for the story
The Chilcoat Project is based on my experience as a senior scientist at a national nuclear research laboratory and on a real life event where a cyber-terrorist stole nuclear weapons secrets from a different national laboratory.
I'm a Marine is based on my oldest granddaughter who is currently an aviation firefighter in the Marines and on my experience as a Army nuclear weapons specialist in 1968. Much of the story is fictional, some is not.
While I touch on the subjects of terrorism, religion, our government, and homeland security, my stories are fiction. I ask that my blog not be used for general discussion on these topics. My books are solely for the entertainment of my readers. I appreciate your understanding.