I’d like to thank Richard Curtis of Richard Curtis Associates, Inc. for taking the time to answer my questions. Richard Curtis Associates, Inc. is o­ne of the publishing industry’s leading literary agencies, representing over 100 top authors in every category of popular fiction and non-fiction. For further information o­n this agency, please go to: http://www.curtisagency.comME: What are the hottest market trends you are seeing right now.

RC: Paranormal fantasy romance. I hate vampires and can’t believe the trend hasn’t died , but they seem to be going strong as an important
subgroup of paranormals.

ME: Are you looking to see romance submissions in particular? If so are there certain categories that you would prefer not seeing.

RC: We’re not much in the market for category romance submissions, but are mostly invested right now in building up the authors we already represent.

ME: What other fiction genres besides romance would you prefer to see?

RC: We handle science fiction and fantasy, contemporary romance/chick lit, and some nonfiction. Best thing to do is visit our web site for
submission guidelines, www.curtisagency.com

ME: We hear rumors that Chick Lit is dying. Do you feel this is the case? If not, are you requesting any new Chick Lit and if so what particular genre within it? (Paranormal, Erotica, Suspense.)

RC: See above about Paranormals. Chick lit isn’t even close to dying.

ME: Do you provide editorial input? Career guidance?

RC: For authors we accept for representation, we provide both, and quite openhandedly. But we’re very tough about whom we accept. A national sales record in romance is important.

ME: What are some of your most recent sales?

RC: Books by Kim Harrison, Mary Spencer Paul, Nancy Fairbanks, Beverly Barton, Linda Winstead-Jones, Dan Simmons, Barbara Parker.

ME: Are you taking new authors at the time?

RC: See above. The short answer is, darned few.

ME: What is the best way for a writer to grab your attention in a query letter?

RC: First and foremost, recent fiction sales to national publishers, and good sales numbers.

ME: What are some common mistakes you see new writers make?

RC: A lot of fiction seems to be weighted heavily in the area of narrative and dialogue, but not dramatic action. Authors must learn how to show and not tell.

ME: Any advice you would like to pass along to new writers to help them along the way.

RC: It’s definitely better to start out in genre fiction than general and mainstream. But study and absorb the successful writers in your field.

Hope that’s helpful. Thanks for inviting to contribute.

Richard

Currently, Mary Eason has three e-books in publication, a short story due out in November along with two more e-books in September. Her article entitled, Keeping The Faith, published through Romance at Heart allowed her the opportunity to connect with many talented Inspirational Chick Lit writers. You can learn more about Mary at: www.maryeason.bravehost.com

You might also be interested in:

1. Interview with Ralene Raelene Gorlinsky, Publisher Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc by Mary Eason I’d like to thank Raelene Gorlinsky of Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc for agreeing to answer some questions about Ellora’s Cave as well as Cerridwen Press. For further information o­n this publisher, please go to: http://www.ellorascave.com and Cerridwen Press, their sister site that publishes mainstream fiction: http://www.cerridwenpress.com ME: Tell us a...
2. Interview with Shara Lanel How long did it take for you to get published and what was the journey like? SL: I had a couple of short stories published right out of college, but it was several years later before I finished my first novel, which wasn’t really a novel. It was only 145...
3. Feb 22:Writing A Series With Multiple Main Characters by Linda Wisdom From Monday, February 22 2010 To Sunday, March 21 2010 Sometimes you want to write a series but you don’t want to use the same heroine and hero for each book. And no reason why you should. Linda Wisdom created a series with a different witch in each book, but...