Laurie McLean, Literary Agent and Dean of the San Francisco Writer's University, discusses the state of publishing industry today and how to create opportunities from the chaos of constant change.

Literary Agent Jessica Regel offers perspective on whether a book should focus on plot or character and about how to ensure your character's voice speaks accurately to your reading audience.

Literary Agent Pam van Hylckama Vlieg talks about themes that she thinks will be popular in the coming years. Less vampires and super heroes, and more "issue" books.

Agent Jennifer Weltz offers thoughts on the YA market today and how it has changed over time and what makes good YA Fiction today.

Literary agent and Dean of San Francisco Writer's University, Laurie McLean, discusses the need for authors to learn about and use social media and start using it now.

Do you have an amazing story, and just want to get the attention of an agent? Author and freelance writer Aline Newman can tell you what will get you noticed and what will get you ignored. Click here to play this audio clip

Author Tom Angleberger discusses how he became very discouraged with the traditional publishing process and almost gave up on his dream...until he found the right agent to represent his work . Click here to play this audio clip

Literary Agent Pam van Hylckama Vlieg discusses her favorite part about reading YA fiction, and the things that YA authors can get away with, that others might not

Harvey Klinger, literary agent, provides perspective on the need for strong prologue that hooks the reader with a cliff hanger that draws them into the story. He also shares thoughts on how to effectively employ a flashback in your story.

Literary agent and publishing veteran Laurie McLean shares her expertise on the Young Adult fiction market, sharing why it's such a hot market and explaining the basics of what kind of books fit in this market.