Author Challenges | The Writing Room

WRITING ADVICE FOR AUTHORS

What are publishers looking for in an author?

When you approach a publisher or agent, they aren’t just reading your book — they’re looking at you. In non-fiction, the author is part of the product. Publishers want writers who show up, take a stand, and are already in conversation with the world. A platform doesn’t have to be huge, but it does need to be alive. They want voices that are visible, engaged, and unafraid to be heard. They’re also asking practical questions: What’s the big idea? What does the reader gain?

Finishing is the hard part in getting published

Still midway through the book? Or stuck on your first version? Or it’s still sitting unfinished. Oh boy does it take a lot of real grit to finish a book. Starting is the fun bit. I start with great enthusiasm and a spring in my step. Its really fun getting all the information into the right place and doing the interviews and research.

Sarah Bullen is an international writing mentor and literary agent. She works with writers all over the world to tell their stories, and write that book. Founder of The Writing Room and Kent Literary, she has had over 180 books published by writers she has mentored over the last two decades. As well as being a regular guest on talk shows, podcasts, literary festivals and writers’ circles, Sarah has been leading international writing retreats and adventures since 2014.