Do you have a burning question you are just dying to ask an agent? Here's the place to do it. We have several agents on standby to answer any questions you may have about the writing life, what editor's are looking for, the state of the publishing business and how to get your own novel in the hands of an agent. Don't be shy, ask--it's the only way you'll ever learn. Submit all questions to: storytellermag1@yahoo.com    Put Q & A in subject line

Below are a few sample questions and answers.

1. Question:  What recourse do you have when a literary agency goes belly-up and they won't return your manuscript? Answer: If the agency has gone belly-up and hasn't returned the manuscript then just let your new agency know that you have no idea where that first agency sent the book and tell the new agency to start fresh, but apologize up front if this is a duplicate submission since there are no records.  2. Question: Is Southern Literature on the up-swing? Or does anyone care anymore about the genteel ladies and gentlemen of the south? Answer: There are a number of Southern Literature books coming out, but as with all work--it depends on the writing and the story whether anyone cares about the genteelness of the south.  3. Question: I'm thinking about going back to school to get my MFA. Do agents and /or editors pay more attention to writers with letters behind their name? Would it help my chances of being published if agents and editors knew I had an MFA? Answer: Basically, letters after a name will only help if it is a non-fiction work relating to the letters after the name. It doesn't mean anything if you are writing fiction.  4. Question: Are flashbacks ever a good idea? Answer: Only if it is pertinent to the story and that is the only way you can fill in the gaps and pass the information along.  5. Question: Are there any "must include" or "must omit" rules to writing romance? Must there be a number of pages set aside for the romance?  Answer: Romance must be throughout the book...it must be pertinent to the plot and the plot must have something in there to move the romance forward. I generally think that the romance should be more than 50% of the storyline. 6. Question: What is a mid-list book? Answer: Publishers used to put possible move forward books in their mid-list--meaning they are hoping that with more books and a backlist the author will move up the list to being a good or very good seller. Now publishers have done away with what they call the mid-list book. Now they have their top authors...and any other books they buy.      http://www.freewebs.com/fossilcreek to order copies and subscriptions Webmaster: CheyDok Designs