What do Agents Want?
An Online Course for Writers of all Genres
What do AGENTS want?
This course will leave you informed and confident, no matter where you are within the publishing process. And no matter if you’re just beginning to build a platform or looking to grow yours even more, this mini-course will set you on the path to accomplish your platform goals, while feeling motivated and supported
STOP GUESSING WHAT PUBLISHERS WANT. LEARN DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE.
What Agents Want: Masterclass for Writers has everything you need to know about writing for today’s audience, whether you’re a collaborator or an aspiring author. Manhattan-based literary agent Lucinda Halpern shares insider information on exactly what agents and publishers are looking for today in her exclusive presentation. This course also includes the scoop on what catches an editor’s eye as well as how to kickstart your writing career in exclusive interviews with executive editor Diana Ventimiglia (Sounds True) and ghostwriter Paul Randall Fair.
Our Course Package Includes:
A lesson on what agents and editors most want from writers today, taught by Lucinda.
A comprehensive how-to for writing query letters, from starting your draft to following up when you don’t get a response from agents to the right amount of agencies to reach out to.
The basics for building your author platform.
Advice for beginning your writing career and determining whether a collaborator is right for you.
How to catch an editor’s eye and have your work pulled out from the slush pile.
The top things that agents (and editors) don’t want to see in a book submission.
Lucinda, Paul, and Diana’s exclusive Q&A, addressing burning questions from aspiring authors just like you.
Bonus takeaways: Your Book Submission Cheat Sheet, and Lucinda Literary’s Book Proposal Template.
Meet Our Guests
While Lucinda brings the perspective of an agent—which is invaluable to aspiring authors—we like to bring in experts from other parts of the publishing world, as well. Meet ghostwriter/collaborator Paul Randall Fair and book editor Diana Ventimiglia.
Paul Randall Fair
Ghostwriter and Co-author
Paul Randall Fair is a ghostwriter, co-author, and editor who has worked on over 30 titles for independent and Big Five publishing houses alike. Paul had an unusual start, telling stories as characters at Walt Disney World. He soon realized his skills transferred to writing books, and he wrote Content Based Networking as a favor to his friend James Carbary. Following that success, he began working full-time as a ghostwriter and has worked with some of the most prestigious names in the business. His notable clients include bestselling Shawn Kanungo, New York Times bestselling David Goggins, and Olympic gold medalist Lindsay Dare Shoop.
Diana Ventimiglia
Executive Editor at Sounds True
Executive Editor at Sounds True, with 16 years of experience in publishing. Her focus at Sounds True includes self-help, spirituality, female empowerment/feminism, relationships, pop culture, gender identity, social justice, psychology and conscious business. Diana is dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled and neurodivergent authors and publishing books that challenge and start bigger conversations. Notable authors include New York Times Bestselling Gabrille Bernstein and Kyle Cease, International Bestselling author Mo Gawdat, National Bestselling Keke Palmer.
INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING PUBLISHED.
GET STARTED FOR ONLY $99
Includes two hour video recording, two exclusive resource downloads, and the opportunity to book further time with a Lucinda Literary agent to review your query letter or consult about other matters related to your manuscript.
PRAISE FOR LUCINDA LITERARY ACADEMY EVENTS
[Lucinda Literary] provides a true creative sanctuary. It offered me not just access to top publishing professionals but a space to feel seen, supported, and inspired. Now I'm thrilled to report that I've signed with a top NYC agency! I wouldn’t have taken that leap without the clarity, confidence, and contentment [Lucinda] provided. It’s been nothing short of transformational.
-Dr. Dympna Weill, Self-Help Writer
Lucinda is an aspiring author's secret weapon. Getting to work alongside a prolific industry insider, who rolled up her sleeves to help me craft the most compelling pitch possible, was an absolute dream come true. By August, I was offered representation, and by December, I had a book deal!
-Sara McElroy, Nonfiction Author
Lucinda's course opened my eyes to how to become an author—not a struggling writer. She gave me the tools, the strategy, and the mindset. She built a real community and showed us how to sell ourselves. I now have hope and a plan.
- Dave Davison
I wanted to thank you for all your help. I believe the query letter that you helped me draft was instrumental in helping me finally sign with an agent. Ultimately, it took 99 queries exactly to get there; 49 for SUPERS and 50 for MORTIFIED. I am working on novel 3 and excited for what might lie ahead. I know I still have a long ways to go on my writing journey, but this was a great step in the right direction. Thanks again for the work you do to help newbie writers like me move forward
- Kristy Jackson
I had the privilege of consulting with Lucinda for my upcoming debut novel. As a Black writer, I have often felt the need for advocates who genuinely understand the importance of diverse voices in literature. Lucinda’s dedication to championing writers of color and aiding us in telling our own stories resonated deeply with me."
-Yasin Kakande, Novelist
Lucinda's workshops are an invaluable resource for authors facing the daunting task of getting their book to market. I have taken two of them -- a 90 minute interactive workshop on book proposals, and one built around a series of recorded Zooms from previous interactive workshops focused on query letters to agents. Both were well-organized, crammed with important information and absolutely worth the fee. Lucinda Halpern is highly experienced, giving and perceptive -- in short, she's the real deal!
- Peter Melnick
The tips and feedback I received from Ms. Halpern’s workshop have helped me improve not only my query letter, but my novel as a whole. If you’re serious about getting an agent, you don’t want to miss this.
- Rachel Waxman
Lucinda Literary's classes were captivating and offered exceptional advice and tips
- Melanie D.Spencer
Lucinda and her entire team are professionals with not only expertise but hearts. They know the industry, they know writers, they know content and strategy. This course was informative, supportive, and I left with a clear path forward to get signed. It was all worth every cent.!
- Gretal Patch
I filled up my notebook with enough ideas and information to put together a bang-up book proposal for my memoir.
- Frank Hyman
FAQs
Who is this Masterclass for?
While nonfiction authors will absolutely benefit from the course, it also provides great value to writers of all genre types! Anyone can take this who wants to learn about book marketing and publicity.
How do I know I'm ready to take this course?
Our program was designed for writers of all genres at any stage of the publishing process. Whether you write in the nonfiction, memoir, or any fiction genre, you'll get the guidance needed to make great strides for your book.
It doesn't matter if you have or have not yet written your manuscript or book proposal, or whether you have or have not queried agents. Writers who are just beginning will benefit greatly from this experience! And if you've published before, this program will also be of value to you, providing real-time industry insights from the experts that you should now about publishing a book in today's market.
What will I learn from this Masterclass?
You’ll gain insights directly from industry experts about:
What agents and publishers are looking for in today’s market.
How to craft a compelling query letter.
Building an author platform and pitching your book effectively.
What editors want to see in a manuscript—and what they don’t.
How to position your book to stand out from the slush pile.
Who are the instructors?
Lucinda Halpern: A literary agent with over a decade of experience representing bestselling authors.
Paul Randall Fair: A renowned ghostwriter and collaborator with experience on 30+ titles for major publishing houses.
Diana Ventimiglia: An executive editor at Sounds True with 16 years of publishing experience and a focus on impactful, genre-defining books.
What is included in the $99 course fee?
Your enrollment includes:
A two-hour video Masterclass featuring Lucinda Halpern, Paul Randall Fair, and Diana Ventimiglia. Two exclusive downloadable resources: The Book Submission Cheat Sheet and Book Proposal Template.
Does this program take place in-person or online? Is it a live training or pre-recorded?
The program is pre-recorded.
Can I join the Masterclass if I’m not based in the U.S.?
Absolutely! The Masterclass is virtual and accessible to writers from anywhere in the world.
Will I receive feedback on my manuscript?
No, an in-depth feedback on your manuscript or query letter can be booked as an additional service.
How long will I have access to the course materials?
You will have lifetime access to the video recording and downloadable resources, so you can revisit them as often as you like.
What is the refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of the course materials and the inclusion of the 20-minute coaching call, all sales are final.
How can I get additional support after the Masterclass?
Lucinda Literary offers various consulting services, from one-on-one manuscript reviews to query letter feedback. Details on these services will be shared during the Masterclass and in follow-up communications. Learn more about our services here.
Have more questions? Contact our team at [email protected]
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