Monday, May 29, 2006
Another Agent's View of History
A couple of days ago, I lamented the discovery that one of the agents I'm considering approaching one of these days has represented three recent books with historical theme that take great liberties with facts: invented scenes and invented quotes.
Today I searched out more detail about another agent high on my list. Now I feel better.
Robert E. Shepard represents only non-fiction. He's firm enough in his conviction to include a section in his website entitled "What Are Non-Fiction Books?" Here's his answer:
"When we speak of non-fiction, we are really talking about factual works. They may report on current issues or recount history, explore the latest avenues of scientific research or provide an in-depth examination of people, places, or events, or simply provide a great deal of useful information. But in every case, non-fiction works talk about what is, was, or may become real. Every 'character' who may appear in such a book will be a real person, identified by a real name. If dialogue figures in the work, the 'speakers' will actually have uttered the quotations."
Here is an agent looking for real history, not a book juiced up with fictional scenes to "bring the characters to life."
Today I searched out more detail about another agent high on my list. Now I feel better.
Robert E. Shepard represents only non-fiction. He's firm enough in his conviction to include a section in his website entitled "What Are Non-Fiction Books?" Here's his answer:
"When we speak of non-fiction, we are really talking about factual works. They may report on current issues or recount history, explore the latest avenues of scientific research or provide an in-depth examination of people, places, or events, or simply provide a great deal of useful information. But in every case, non-fiction works talk about what is, was, or may become real. Every 'character' who may appear in such a book will be a real person, identified by a real name. If dialogue figures in the work, the 'speakers' will actually have uttered the quotations."
Here is an agent looking for real history, not a book juiced up with fictional scenes to "bring the characters to life."
# posted by Tom Colvin @ 4:43 PM 
