Sign up or login to track your favorite teams on Bleacher Report
  • RSS Feed

Brad's Bio

B.S. - Bridgewater College

Former bassist and songwriter for Static Union - www.staticunion.com

Current guitarist, singer, songwriter for The Alchemy Project - No Website

Currently writing first novel

Brad Writes About

  • Brad's Play-by-Play

The Short List facts and information about Brad

Favorite Athletes

GSP, Lyoto Machida, Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin

Favorite Sports Teams

Boston Red Sox, Washington Redskins

All Time Sports Moment

For me, it was being part of an undefeated, state championship football team. I know that's egocentric, but I'll never forget it.

Pac 10, Big 12, Big 10, SEC, ACC, or Big East?

SEC

Bulletin Board (21) Post a note »

« previous | next » page: 1 of 2

  1. by Jonathan
    about 17 hours ago

    Per Brian's article I'd like to extend the offer to write for our site AtlanticMMA.com. Email me at jstamey@atlanticmma.com if you might be interested.

  2. by Brian
    1 day ago

    I profiled you in my first "young guns" article- let me know what you think of the idea.

  3. by Brian
    2 days ago

    Who is your MW "Peoples Champ?" Vote in my latest (just for fun).

  4. by Joseph
    11 days ago

    Sure Brad,

    I'll be happy to read your cover letter. If you are unfamiliar with cover letters, or it's been too long since you've written one, check the net for some dos and dont's and read a few sample letters.

    This way, the cover letter you send me may very well look like a winner. In that case, you'll have completed the hardest part.

    My e-mail is josephlupoli@gmail.com

  5. by Brian
    16 days ago

    KenFlo or the Muscle Shark; who wins? Chime in on my latest article =)

  6. by Mike
    16 days ago

    Whats up man, I just took a stab at a humor peice. Let me know what you think

  7. by Mike
    19 days ago

    Just thought you might want to check out my preview of the WEC event. Id really appreciate your thoughts.

  8. by Mike
    20 days ago

    Check out my newest article, Id really appreciate your thoughts.

  9. by Joseph
    22 days ago

    Brad,

    I prefer to write non-fiction because that market isn't as flooded as is fiction. I do pen fiction, but it's very closely based on things I've done in the past. And my past is pretty rugged.

    Most writers find it easier to write in the first person, present tense. Lately, I've been trying that, and the words do tend to tickle the keys faster and more smoothly.

    Here's what agents look for in a novel: both original and technically sound dialogue (a beginners tendency is they make all the characters sound the same), your ability to pen all ranges of emotions in detail, your ability and willingness to pen in detail all the five senses, and knowing how and when to make that smooth transaction from beginning, middle, and ending to your book. Sounds daunting? It's not really, especially if you grew up as a voracious reader like me.

    Anyone who has completed a book usually can do all that. But technical knowledge alone won't get the reader racing in anticipation to turn to the next page.

    The story itself (in theory) does that part. A successful story can be about anything, but it must convey powerful emotions, subplots, and detailed descriptions of each character.

    Now, about the literary market. Yes, it is vicious out there. Theoretically, your odds of being published is very slim.

    On the other hand, your book may win the Pulitzer Prize for literature even though it's been rejected by two-hundred agents. It's happened thousands of times. Or, your book may be accepted on just the tenth try and flop on the bookshelves, although that is fairly uncommon. Agents rarely make investment mistakes. The bottom line is: one hit and you're in. In the event that does happen, make a deal immediately. Then your name is out there and you suddenly have a portfolio.

    Tip: never accept offers to self publish. Also, never accept offers that require so much as a dime of your money. Never respond to their ads. They are both scams, and cleverly worded come-ons are plastered all over literature websites.

    Based on your overview, your novel is a drama. These day's the market on drama novels is luke-warm. But again, your cover letter can beat the odds.

    One more thing: after you've submitted your transcript, and while you're waiting for those inevitable rejection letters, I strongly suggest that you enter some of the many online short story writing contests. there's nothing to lose, you'll stay sharp and your stories will be read even if you don't win.

    If you have confidence that your story-telling ability is fairly strong, then jump into the rat-race. I've read some really lousy best sellers out there. You can probably do better than many of them, so think positive.

    Is that enough info for you?

  10. by Joseph
    23 days ago

    Brad,

    What genre is your novel? Can you give me a brief overview? I ask you this because some genres are hot...some are ice-cold.

    Okay, here's the deal about fiction novels. If your submitting your very first work, send it to an agent; never a publisher. Here's why: publishers are just that. It would be impractical and time consuming to ship out copies of your work to a host of individual publishers. Agents have connections to hundreds of publishers. Generally, agents take fifteen percent of whatever book deal they make with a publisher.

    Just Google "literary agents" and read what what kind of works they are accepting. And check out the list of books they've already accepted. Are any of the stories similar to yours? If so, that's a good thing.

    You may already know this, but here's a mistake you'll want to avoid: never hard-mail copies of your book to agents. they'll want it sent in a SASE envelope only. It makes it easier for them to ship it back to you with a generic rejection form letter without having read the transcript. Find out which agents accept E-mail attachments.

    A quick overview of how agents work: because of the great volume of submissions they receive, your your book will need to pass at least three lines of defense before an actual agent will even read it. Naturally, you don't want your unread work stuck in a pile on some junior editors desk. If an agent accepts your book, it WILL be published. Agents have their own editors and book cover artists. You, as the author, will collaborate with them on those details.

    So, that brings us to the sell-point. Because of fierce competition you'll want to outwit other would-be authors. This is where the cover letter comes in. The quality of your cover letter is far more important than the quality of your book. You, as the author, have no idea whether or not your book is any good (in the eyes of an agent). The creativity of your cover letter will determine whether or not an agent will take the time to sample your wares. It's called "The Hook." And that, alone, is fifty percent of the battle. A cover letter will be the hardest thing you've ever written. But you can access from the internet valuable tips on how to compose the ideal cover letter.

    Once you've done that, send your work (and cover letter) to as many agents as you can find...no matter how long it takes. Tip: If you get rejected left-and-right, don't edit or rewrite your book...just write a different cover letter and resend it along with your manuscript.

    I hope this helps you. Any questions? Just ask me.

    Good luck!

  11. by Joseph
    28 days ago

    Brad,

    Did you not receive My answer to your question about agents and publishers? I don't see it on your bulletin board.

  12. by Todd
    29 days ago

    Thanks for the add. I have returned the favor, Im not sure why i didnt do it yesterday after reading that great article. Later bro.

  13. by Brian
    about 1 month ago

    I published my Couture/Lesnar article if your interested in taking a gander...

  14. by Brian
    about 1 month ago

    Would you mind commenting on my latest article, "Will the UFC Ever Be KOed By Injuries?"

  15. by Brian
    about 1 month ago

    You need to get you a cool picture up bro!

« previous | next »