Q: Could you recommend an agent for me?
A: Writers who come to me for a referral to an agent are like the hungry seeking food. Sure, I could feed you a meal, but I’d rather show you to fish so you’ll never starve again. If I were to give you a few names and phone numbers, there’s no guarantee the agents I recommend would agree to represent you. Instead, I teach writers how to find a good agent on their own so they no longer have to depend on consultants like me. If you’d like to learn more, please visit: Services. In addition, you can find tips in the FAQ section of the October 2003 issue of Latinidad® by visiting: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marcelalandres/.
For Spanish language writers, I recommend the Spanish Language Publishing Marketplace Directory published by the now-defunct Criticas magazine. The directory lists publishers, translators, bookstores and--most notably--agents seeking Spanish language writers; find it by visiting: http://www.criticasmagazine.com/info/CA440014.html.
Q: Would you be my agent?
A: I am honored you want me to represent you, but I’m not an agent. Instead, I’m an editor who helps writers get published by editing their work and educating them on the business side of publishing. In other words, I help writers become agent-worthy. For details on how I work with writers, please visit: Services.
Q: I would like you to publish my manuscript; may I submit a proposal to you?
A: I’m an editor, not a publishing company, nor am I affiliated with a publishing company. While I can’t publish you, I can teach you how to get published.
Q: What kinds of writing do you edit?
Q: What kind of editing do you do?
A: Generally speaking, there are two kinds of editing: copyediting and developmental editing. Copyediting focuses on grammar and punctuation. Your publisher will be responsible for copyediting your manuscript, so you do not need to pay a freelance editor like me to do this work for you. Developmental editing focuses on voice, structure, plot, character development, dialogue, etc. In other words, developmental editing strives to improve those aspects of the manuscript that affect the quality of the read--and that often determine whether or not an agent wants to represent you or a publishing company wants to publish you. I provide developmental editing.
Q: Do you work only with Latino writers?
A: A lot of people assume I work only with Latinos, but in reality the majority of my clients are not Latino.
Q: When are you coming to speak in my city?
A: All my scheduled appearances can be found by visiting: Workshops. If your town isn't listed, then I do not currently have plans to speak there. If you would like to me to speak in your area, please visit: Request A Workshop.
Q: You don’t have any workshops scheduled in my city, but I’d really love to have your handouts or an audio or video recording of your presentations. Do you have any available for sale?
A: You’re not the first person to ask! Due to numerous requests like yours, I have published an e-book version of my workshop How Editors Think and plan to create e-book versions of more of my workshops. For more information, visit: E-book.
Q: How do I sign up for your newsletter?
A: Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marcelalandres/ and click the "Join This Group!" button near the top of the page.
Q: How can I update my e-mail address on your newsletter's distribution list?
A: Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marcelalandres/, click on the “Edit Memberships” link near the top of the page, then under “Step 1. Your Contact Information” click on the “Add new email address” link.
Q: I would like to post an announcement on your web site and newsletter. How much does it cost?
A: It's free. Just e-mail a short announcement to: marcelalandres@yahoo.com. Use the postings in the Resources section of this web site as models. Be sure to include the name and contact information of a person or the url of a web site to which people can go with queries.
Q: I sent you an e-mail over a week ago, and haven't heard back. Why?
A: As you can imagine, I receive a great many e-mails. While I will respond to your message at some point, I cannot guarantee I will do so in a timely manner. Before you contact me I recommend you thoroughly review the entire content of this web site--particularly this page--as well as all the back issues of the Latinidad® e-zine, as it is likely they already offer the information you seek. To find Latinidad®, please visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marcelalandres/.
