NEWSLETTER:
Sign up to receive Kristy's newsletter and we'll send you exclusive book news, cover reveals, and giveaway alerts just for newsletter subscribers! Sign up HERE.
CONTACT:
For all publishing and collaboration inquiries, please contact Rachelle Gardner at: rachelle@gardner-literary.com.
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The best way to chat books with Kristy is to follow on her social media. While we're unable to answer DMs, Kristy truly enjoys connecting with reader friends and tries to answer as many public comments as she can. You can find Kristy on: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X).
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To receive exclusive book news, giveaways, and sale alerts, sign up for Kristy's newsletter and follow on book sites such as Amazon, BookBub, and GoodReads.
SPEAKER, CONFERENCE & EVENT BOOKING:
Whether storytelling from the stage in a keynote address, leading a conference workshop session for aspiring authors, or a book club or local bookshop is discussing one of her books. . . Kristy loves to connect with readers and writers!
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For 2024-2025 booking inquiries, connect with us on the EVENTS PAGE.
MEDIA:
For digital/print articles, podcast interviews, video storyteller files, or for a 2024 Media Kit & downloadable author headshot, connect on the MEDIA PAGE.
RIGHTS, PUBLISHING & COLLABORATION INQUIRIES:
For rights, foreign translations, collaborations, and general book/publishing inquiries, please contact:
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Rachelle Gardner
CEO and Literary Agent,
rachelle@gardner-literary.com
MEDIA, INTERVIEWS, & BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS:
Margaret Kercher
Publicity Manager, Fiction
HarperCollins Publishers
margaret.kercher@harpercollins.com
ENDORSEMENTS:
Thank you for your interest! Kristy loves to connect with authors on their stories. Endorsement requests are currently closed through summer, 2024.
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For autumn 2024 - 2025 endorsement requests, agents and editors please contact: rachelle@gardner-literary.com
BOOKPLATES:
While we wish we could send bookplates to everyone who asks, we currently send bookplates to bookshops, libraries, or conferences/organizations that book Kristy for a a new release event.
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To inquire about bookplates for a new release event, please contact: margaret.kercher@harpercollins.com
AI DISCLOSURE:
*NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s [and publisher’s] exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this author's work (including but not limited to past, current, or future published works, newsletter content, social media post content, or any content on this website, and/or unauthorized copies of works, such as pirated book sites) to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of works for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
LITERARY AGENT:
In addition to her author role, Kristy also serves as Vice President and literary agent with Gardner Literary, and represents clients in both fiction and nonfiction. (*We are unable to accept manuscript submissions or representation inquiries via Kristy's social media or website.)
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For manuscript submissions, clients, or for information on the types of projects we represent, please visit: Gardner-Literary.com.
COACHING:
*Coaching services are currently closed. (Kristy is only able to offer coaching to her current Gardner Literary clients.)
FAQ:
Read on for answers to some of the authorly questions I'm asked most.
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Q: I wrote a book. . . now what?
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Have a fantastic idea that you turned into a book (well done, you!), but don't know what to do next? For a general FAQ and how-to guide for publishing, review our agency Your Path to Publishing guide. Here you can read up on some of the decisions you'll need to make (such as pursuing a traditional or indie publishing path) and gain knowledge for the business side of being an author.
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Q: Can Kristy read my book?
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Congrats -- writing a book is a huge accomplishment and you've done it! While I wish I had time to read everything I'd like, with my current roles as author and literary agent (and wife and mom), I'm only able to read limited books for endorsement consideration. (Please see Endorsements section above for more info.) But one of the best things you can do to find feedback, community, and/or readers to endorse your books is to join a professional writing organization or writing group local to your area. There you can meet other writers who share in your love for story, and just may encourage you along the way. (Hint: If there are no local writing groups close to you. . . consider starting one of your own!)
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Q: What's your best advice for aspiring authors?
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One of the first questions I ask in response to this is: What are you reading?
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Read, read, read. It's a big red flag that you might not be ready to be an author if you don't have the desire or time to read. You have to fall in love with stories first before you can hope to write (and share) yours for readers to enjoy one day.
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Read in the genre in which you write. But read other genres too. Explore! Find out what styles, genres, tropes, and types of books you enjoy most, and those you don't. Spend time learning about the book communities in which you'd like to share your own stories -- whether on Bookstagram, BookTok, bookish podcasts, at writing conferences etc. -- and find out what makes those readers tick. (If you're a rom-com author for example, get to know what those readers want and expect out of those books. If you're only reading classic literature or cozy mysteries, how can you really get to know what makes a rom-com book. . . a rom-com book? Or what readers want today?)
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The other piece of advice (while you're doing all this reading) is. . . Write. Every. Day.
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Be smart and disciplined about it -- set aside non-negotiable writing time as part of your regular routine to just get words down on paper. (You know what they say: You can't edit a blank page. . .) This will probably take sacrifice -- like setting the alarm clock an hour earlier and writing before work. You may have to write on your lunch break. Give up nights out with friends to pursue your writing dreams. Or write in those select time slots where kiddos are napping. (I used to write chapters on my phone during long elevator rides at work, at airports in-between business travel flights, and even wrote my debut novel on my phone while home with a newborn.) Whatever it takes for your life and schedule, protect your writing time. And give it your all to improve in the writing craft and invest in learning the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Your future author self will thank you!
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Q: Can you recommend an editor, agent, web professional or writing coach?
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There are tons of resources and a host of professionals with the skills to help kick-start your author career.
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While I'm unable to recommend specific goods or services for your situation (and I can make no claims nor offer promises here), I encourage authors to make smart decisions and find [reputable] professionals to assist with your needs. Do your homework and research any entity you're considering working with. (Hint: Reputable literary agents will NOT ask for money up front. Nor will they charge to edit your work and then offer to represent or publish it. If there are hidden editing costs, reading or printing fees, or surcharges to sign you to represent your work. . . consider with caution.)
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Professional writing organizations such as the Authors Guild or asking for referrals in writing groups can be wise places to start. Attending writing conferences or author events can also be helpful to network and learn about the industry. Above all, seek the appropriate legal or financial counsel for your specific situation, and make the right decisions for you. Best of bookish good luck!
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MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS:
All Gardner Literary manuscript submissions are managed through Query Manager. (*We are unable to accept submissions via DMs or through Kristy's social media or website.)
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To review the types of projects we represent and/or for manuscript submission guidelines, click HERE.
BOOK CLUB:
Who doesn't love to pair a warm cuppa with great conversation and a memorable book club read?
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Join bestselling authors Katherine Reay, Kristy Cambron, & Sarah E. Ladd as we read literary classics in our virtual book club -- What the Dickens Book Club. We have monthly book club reads, exclusive giveaways, and live book chats with the authors on Facebook and Instagram. See you there!
