Chrysalis Editorial Services - Herta B. Feely

In being able to focus on detail and perspective, Herta gives her clients the best of both worlds.  She is as talented with copy editing as she is with discussing broader structural issues.  Her work clarified significant issues, enabling me to complete an immensely satisfying rewrite of my manuscript.  Herta is perceptive and genuinely interested in the writer's process.  Her critique is generous, muscular and thorough.  I highly recommend her services. 

                                      -Sandra Hunter (found an agent for These Little Ones)

 

In my own search for an agent I discovered what works and what ends up being a waste of time and money. As a result, I can make recommendations about the process, provide you feedback as to whether your manuscript is ready for the marketplace, and how you might go about finding an agent or publisher.

 

My understanding of the publishing world has been enhanced by having had my own work published, having worked for a literary agency, and finding publishers for my clients.

In my capacity as the executive editor of a literary agency I received and read hundreds of query letters and manuscripts.  Hence competition for representation is fierce.  The journey to landing an agent and then getting published is steep and arduous.  Rejection is part of the process but don't give up.  

Keep Writing.  This is not time poorly spent.  Rather these efforts will hone your writing skills and deepen your understanding of the writing process and what it takes to become "really good."  If you stick with it, eventually, you will succeed in finding an agent and a publisher.  And, of course, a good editor can be useful in paving the way.

One of the services I have found immensely helpful is Publishers & Agents.  Their website address is www.publishersandagents.com.  The service is professional, affordable, and a quick way to find an agent or a publisher. 

If you use www.publishersandagents.com you can get 10% off your order by using the code HERTA9809.

 

Some tips to landing an agent: 

Tips:

• Build up your writing resume
• Network
• Attend writing conferences and workshops

Once an agent or two show interest, make sure he/she is best suited for your project and will return your calls/e-mails. 

 

Client Testimonial:

I am very impressed by the intensity with which you read the manuscript. In many instances, you were able to find contradictory details I had missed. The manuscript reads much more smoothly now as I am revising it. I also like the way you focused on character development. Your comments helped make the characters in my novel more credible and understandable to readers. This reflects your solid background in literary critique and the creative writing process. I'm certain these changes helped me find an agent.

Most important to me, however, was your involvement in the philosophical discussion of the fundamental underlying ideas of the novel. Your comments in this respect were enlightening and helpful in truly understanding the characters and their actions.

In conclusion, I want to say how grateful I am that I found you. Friends can be helpful, but they either lack the skill or the objectivity in providing cool-headed assessment of a manuscript. Your service is invaluable. I will call you again when I have a new project.

            -Yunshi Wang, Author, The Friendship (found agent after my critique of his novel).

 

Be sure to check out my Literary Agency Service page.

We are also selling names and e-mails of agents if you are interested.  Send an e-mail to herta@starpower.net for more information.