Articles
Andrew Lownie uses his expert knowledge in the publishing field to maximise the potential of his clients and build up their careers. Here Andrew Lownie, and some of his clients and guest columnists, share advice on a variety of topics to writers. Elsewhere on the site you can find a Frequently Asked Questions list on literary agents, as well as advice for submitting work to agents.
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How I Found the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency (part 5)
13 Apr 2009
Andrew Lownie extracts a fifth selection of how authors came to the agency. QUINCE ADAMS In 1995, as I was finishing my biography of Bonar Law, I mentionedto a distinguished historian and close friend, that I was thinking of seeking a literary agent. Having negotiated publication of my previous books myself, I thought it time to put this in the hands of a professional. Andrew and I met (remarkably, we were living in the same building in Bedford Square at the time), and after a long talk about books and publishing, we agreed to work together. He has represented me ever since. He is...Read more
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The Importance of a Good Website
09 Apr 2009
Alan White , a writer and founder member of MyiFolio which provides £99 websites for writers and other creatives, gives his tips on building your own website. The Internet is one of the most powerful publicity tools available to a writer, whether they have a book to promote or are just hoping to get spotted by an agent. For the aspiring writer it’s the most competitive marketplace there is. They’ve all heard about the success stories: those bloggers like Belle de Jour and Girl With A One Track Mind who managed to secure a book deal on the strength of their online work. T...Read more
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Submission Tips
30 Mar 2009
Andrew Lownie offers some submission tips with examples from recent submissions of what not to do. 1/ ADDRESS THE AGENT PROPERLY Dear Ms. Leonie, Dear Lownie Agent: Dr Mr Andrew Dear Literary Coordinator: My dear Andrew Lownie, Gentlepersons , Dear Sir Andrew Lownie, Respected, Andrew Lownie Hey! Here is Juana. Wanna date? Dear Most Beloved The Andrew Lownie Literary Agency Ltd I greet you in the wonderful name of Christ Jesus, Dear Reputable Literary Agent, Hello, and warm Winter greetings to you Hello and greetings of the bountifully majestic day to all at the Andrew Lowni...Read more
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How I Found the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency (Part 4)
15 Mar 2009
Authors – as indeed am I - are often fascinated at how writers come to the agency and I ask each author to write a short explanation on their website page. Here is a fourth selection showing just how varied are the routes to the agency. CAMERON ADDICOTT My partner and I were in Waterstones; I was browsing whilst she was paying. I picked up Crack House and started flicking, liked the premise and bought it. I immediately thought that if a book could be written about Harry Keeble then maybe I should investigate. On googling Kris Hollington I was advised to contact his agent...the rest...Read more
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An Interview with Cathy Glass
15 Mar 2009
Cathy Glass is probably the most successful current writer of inspirational memoir . In this Q&A she explains why she writes and the reaction to her books. What inspired you to write your books’? I have always written – right from when I was at school, with poems in the school magazine. In my teens I progressed to short stories and articles etc. Damaged (published Feb 2007) was my first ‘fostering memoir’, where I told the story of one of the children I’d looked after. At the time, writing Damaged was purely cathartic - I hadn’t thought about findi...Read more
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Predictions
15 Feb 2009
January's article 'The Books of 2009' on what editors were looking to buy in 2009 and what they thought would sell was picked up widely in the media, including the Guardian. Here six more editors give their predictions for the year ahead. "Military non-fiction remains a healthy market and the popularity of shows such as Ross Kemp's Gangs and Afghanistan series suggest there are further big sales in the wider concept-driven crime and war non-fiction genres. And having read plenty about other people fighting, men will also want to learn how to do it themselves; therefore books on mixed ...Read more
