A Special Night with Aspen Words: What Writers Most Need to Hear

Last night I gave a book event for Get Signed for the Aspen Writers Network, hosted by Aspen Words, the literary arm of the Aspen Institute. What I find so gratifying, as both an author and agent, is that even well over a year since its launch, this book continues to make writers feel positive and motivated about the publishing process, whether they’re deep in the query trenches or simply reconnecting to the joy of writing after a long creative pause.

I also continue to notice how so many writers sweat the small stuff, and that gets in their way: the word count, the line spacing, the perfect list of comps. While all of those details matter eventually, what truly captures an agent’s attention is the core of the concept. Is the idea unique enough to stand out in a crowded marketplace? Both timely and timeless?

Rather than obsessing over formatting perfection, I would rather writers direct that energy toward their agent research strategy. How are you creating proximity to agents in your genre? Are you tapping into communities, author networks, conferences, or alumni circles that can help you procure a warm introduction? Are you following up strategically and personally, rather than sending cold, mass queries that fall flat?

This is the part of the process that so often goes overlooked. And yet, it’s often the most critical to a great novel or nonfiction proposal landing in the right hands. The writers who break through are the ones who understand that publishing, like any business, is relationship-driven. They treat agenting not just as a submission, but as an ongoing conversation. Equally important as perfecting your pitch is mastering the path to get it seen.

A heartfelt thank you to the Aspen Writers Network for the warm welcome and thoughtful conversation. It’s groups like yours that remind me why I wrote this book in the first place—to demystify a process that too often feels gatekept and empower writers to believe that their story can get signed.