Looks like an empty beach right? But as all writers know, you can't walk down even an abandoned beach without some literary agent jumping out from behind a palm.
"Here's my card," they say smoothly.
"I don't except business cards with that format." I patiently explain. It's no use, they're like paparazzi.
The writers are giggling. The Literary agents, not so much, mostly because they don't read author blogs.
Breaking into the "book world" is like trying to get into the Merchant Marines. You can't get a job aboard a ship without a Seaman's Card. "How do you get a Seaman's Card?" You ask. It's easy, they mail it to you once you have a job aboard a ship. Similarly, if you want your very own literary agent to help you secure a great contract with a major publishing house ––it's easy–– first write a "Bestseller."
The odds of me working on a ship, or landing a literary agent are about even. Lucky for me, the chances of walking down this beach are pretty high, it's near my house. If you're a literary agent, I have some free advice ––watch out for the coconuts.
If it sounds like I've given up on finding an agent or writing a best selling novel you would be mistaken. I found my literary agent a coconut's throw from the beach at the Kauai Writers Festival. Now I just have to finish my manuscript and send it to her. Then all my dreams will come true and I'll finally be able to get off this tropical island.