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book inc’s Book Submission Bootcamp prepares writers to submit their memoirs or novels to publishers. From crafting the query letter and synopsis to developing a strategic submission plan, we guide you through the entire submission process.
We are excited to announce that as part of our Bootcamp, participants will receive a one-on-one evaluation from our submission coach, Sofia Lesko.
We “sat down” with Sofia to learn more about the Book Submission Bootcamp and her thoughts on the submission process.
BOOK INC: Hi Sofia. We are thrilled to have you leading our Book Submission Bootcamp. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how your publishing experience has prepared you for this role?
SOFIA: Thanks, I’m so excited to be here! Having worked in various roles like assisting bestselling authors, licensing, and being an agent assistant, I’ve really gotten a well-rounded view of the industry. But my time assisting at a literary agency in New York was pivotal. I got to see firsthand the crucial relationship between writers and their agents.
Gaining representation is usually the first big step for a writer, and there are so many nuances involved. I remember firing off queries myself and feeling overwhelmed by the process. But once I was managing an agent’s submission inbox, I started to really understand what agents are looking for in those initial pitches to judge if a writer is a good fit for them. While there’s no guarantee, I realized there’s sort of a formula to successful querying, and I hope to share that with the Bootcamp participants.
BOOK INC: That’s great insight. What do you hope participants will gain from this program?
SOFIA: Above all, I want them to genuinely enjoy learning about the publishing process! The submission journey can feel really daunting with all the advice out there. My goal is for them to leave with a clear understanding and solid game plan for submitting their work confidently.
BOOK INC: From your agent assistant experience, what are some common pitfalls writers make in their submission packages? How does the Bootcamp address those?
SOFIA: Agents are looking for very specific information in query letters to evaluate the project and writer. A major mistake is not including those crucial details upfront, like word count, comparison titles, etc. Agents aren’t just considering the work alone, but how it fits into the larger market. So we’ll focus on breaking down query letter structure to ensure writers concisely deliver what agents need in each section.
BOOK INC: That makes total sense. Last question: How important is community for writers going through the submission process?
SOFIA: Community is everything! The submission process takes time to perfect, and rejection is inevitable at some point. But that happens to everyone. Having a supportive writing community to get feedback and guidance will only strengthen submission materials. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
book inc’s Book Submission Bootcamp begins July 16. Register now to join!
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