How to get a literary agent for your nonfiction book

If you write memoir or other nonfiction, I think you'll appreciate my interview with literary agent Iris Blasi of Carol Mann Agency, and part two focused on memoir specifically. Each part links to the other so you don't have to worry about missing any of it. While she delves deep into exactly the types of books she is and isn't looking for, and how authors can position themselves to get signed by a literary agent, I think much of what she says could be applicable to other agents, in my layperson opinion. This is my first two-parter for Forbes.com, which I did for length.



And please follow me on Twitter or Forbes, because I have agent and editor interviews coming up and all sorts of interesting bookish content. October marked 12 months for me of having books as my beat there, which means a total of 84 articles. I'm so proud and excited to get to focus on one of my favorite subjects, and branch out for other publications, like my article on why book subtitles are so long for Washington Post Book World and curse word book titles for MEL Magazine. There's more book pieces coming soon too!

NOTE: I am NOT a literary agent or in any way employed in the publishing industry. The last time I wrote about how to get a cookbook literary agent and get your cookbook published I received many emails asking me what cookbook authors should do. The point of these articles is: I don't know so I'm asking the source! That's what I recommend you do: read the guidelines of the agency, submit accordingly, ask questions if they aren't answered on the site. But I'm not some magical publishing genie who has the answers, nor am I someone who can afford the time to dole out free advice.

In the erotica and sexuality nonfiction realm, I do consult with authors and offer professional manuscript critiques based on my work as a writer and editor, and can help with writing book proposals, market research, and advise on social media, author branding, getting articles and essays published to bolster your platform, etc. My consulting rates are going up January 1, 2020, though you can book me in 2019 at this year's rates for services to be completed in 2020. There's more information about what I do here and student and client testimonials here. I have room for one more client in December, and then any other work would have to be done in January.

Just announced: my next LitReactor erotica writing class starts February 11; register by December 31 to save $25

Want to learn how to write erotica, and how to market your work and get it published? You're in luck!



My next LitReactor 4-week online erotica writing class will start February 11th. And for the first time, they're offering an early bird discount! Register by December 31st and pay $350; register January 1 or later and the price will be $375. This will be my sixth time teaching the class, and each time I refine and learn more about how to best serve my students.

You can take the class from anywhere in the world, in any time zone, on your own schedule. You read the weekly lectures and assignments when you want to, and can participate in weekly homework assignments. I would say the people who will get the most out of the class will be able to dedicate at least 5 hours a week to it. I also encourage questions and enjoy researching the answers for my students. You will also be invited after class ends to join my secret Facebook group for my erotica writing alumni to continue to the conversation.

On the LitReactor site, you'll see a breakdown of the weekly lectures and assignments, plus quotes from former students. In addition to what's listed there, I also offer extra material, including over a dozen Q&As exclusive to the class with erotica professionals such as publishers, editors, agents as well as authors, including Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and others.

Have a question about the class? Email me at rachelkb at gmail dot com with "LitReactor" in the subject line and I'll get right back to you!

Pitching an Agent interview with Sam Hiyate of The Rights Factory

I interviewed literary agent Sam Hiyate of The Rights Factory for Mediabistro's Pitching an Agent section.

I met Sam through Polly Frost, and it turns out he's the agent for Andrew Boyd, who read "How to Cuddle" at last week's In The Flesh, and also represents Nobel Laureate Elfriede Jelinek (Greed), Emily Maguire (Taming the Beast), Tamara Faith Berger (A Woman Alone at Night) and many otehrs.