tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post1574255542226979294..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: Stand ProudBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-29386031847888840542009-07-22T00:08:32.903-04:002009-07-22T00:08:32.903-04:00Dear Miss Faust:
Here's my book, I hope you l...Dear Miss Faust:<br /><br />Here's my book, I hope you like it. On second thought, it probably sucks and I shouldn't be bothering you with it. But, I heard you are really nice and I thought you might like to read my story. Unless you are too busy or have really important stuff to do.<br /><br />Thanks again. I'll be sitting by the phone knitting, ripping it all out because it's ugly, and then knitting it again, if you would like to talk to me. My phone hasn't rang in years, so don't worry about bothing me. You can call anytime. Signed Author<br /><br />Sigh . . . <br /><br />Like I tell my clients, I'm the first one you have to convince. How can I sell you to the judge if I don't believe in you?terrinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-37269545816618634752009-07-21T23:48:51.246-04:002009-07-21T23:48:51.246-04:00Well said, Louisa! We need to believe in ourselv...Well said, Louisa! We need to believe in ourselves and our work and not just try to impress agents or editors.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-55168235425853326832009-07-21T23:40:06.442-04:002009-07-21T23:40:06.442-04:00I've recieved four e-mails. Thank you. I was...I've recieved four e-mails. Thank you. I was not laid off. Friends and staff were. Emotional, political and difficult situation.Mirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558405035294107657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-75985325819146358352009-07-21T23:13:26.204-04:002009-07-21T23:13:26.204-04:00Great post, Jessica. As a retired opera singer who...Great post, Jessica. As a retired opera singer who has returned to my first love, writing, I know all about what insecurity can do when it comes to performance. And rest assured writing is a performing as well as a literary art. All artists are uncertain about their art to a certain degree. The key is NEVER to advertise that uncertainty. People don't pay to hear a singer who doesn't believe in their voice. If you've rehearsed and studied and gotten help and input from people you really trust (like a great agent) you can step out on that stage and gun down a 250 piece orchestra with confidence and panache. Leave the insecurity and doubt backstage where nobody can see it. The people who pay for your work don't pay to see the insecurities. They want magic and they don't want to see the strings.Louisa Cornellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12971924594129471055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-33699353183075566582009-07-21T22:55:40.030-04:002009-07-21T22:55:40.030-04:00I like this post a lot :DI like this post a lot :DS.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10637012429541938128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-4948504738335070042009-07-21T22:28:07.088-04:002009-07-21T22:28:07.088-04:00You know I want to clarify something. Sorry to be...You know I want to clarify something. Sorry to be talking so much and acting like I'm sooo important (I am to me, but I don't expect that other people agree with that), but I've been really vocal here the last two days.<br /><br />The reason I want to take a break here is because I'm not thinking clearly and I don't know the agents here as well. <br /><br />I do think that both Jessica and Kim welcome discussion and diversity of opinion which is something I truly respect, value and appreciate.<br /><br />But since I don't know them as well.....I don't want them to feel betrayed - like I turned on them. So, I want to take space here so I can make sure that I'm speaking my truth in a way that isn't hurtful, aggressive or attacking. <br /><br />I don't want, in any way, to give the impression that I think either agent here doesn't welcome disagreement. In fact, they are impressively open to it, and very generous in the space they give to blog participants. I want to make sure that I use that space in a way that takes the best advantage of the opportunity.Mirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558405035294107657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-70702118506343460392009-07-21T21:39:11.285-04:002009-07-21T21:39:11.285-04:00I always think back to college and the job-hunting...I always think back to college and the job-hunting workshops I attended. They would give us all of these picky things and I found myself going crazy worrying about every detail. Then, at my first job at a PR firm, I saw some of the people coming in to interview for jobs and I realized, "Oh...THOSE were the people they were referring to." There really are people who show up in job interviews in jeans and sneakers and there really are people who do ridiculous things in query letters. Still, I think we all have that paranoia when we read something like this of, "Oops. Did I ever do that?"Stephanie Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10461865229341760836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-70415957699752161682009-07-21T20:42:26.092-04:002009-07-21T20:42:26.092-04:00Ah ah ah, I said: "When faced with two book p...Ah ah ah, I said: "When faced with two book projects of equal worth"<br /><br />I have many books in my library that I cannot honestly say which one I like the best.<br /><br />I am not an agent, but I we can pretend to be one for a minute!<br /><br />When you subjectively love two things, but only have room for one, non-subjective criteria come into play.<br /><br />Strangely, pretending to be an agent for a minute has me reaching for the scotch...Lucas Darrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01405530729663443670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-74084625859726744312009-07-21T16:02:20.619-04:002009-07-21T16:02:20.619-04:00Yes, that is a hard line to straddle. "I'...Yes, that is a hard line to straddle. "I'm new and probably suck, but also the best thing ever." I wish you accepted sci-fi, because I would submit to you in a second. This blog has been so helpful to me. Thanks so much for what you do! The articles are great and I've passed the link on to my writing group.Dan Mumfordhttp://alpinmack.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-67788372886864692922009-07-21T15:30:18.571-04:002009-07-21T15:30:18.571-04:00"including a detailed marketing plan can have..."including a detailed marketing plan can have the opposite effect and show a certain amount of ignorance of the publishing business"<br /><br />Kim's comment reflects what I have heard from the majority of agents. <br /><br />I have 23 years of sales experience and a large file of promo ideas for my ms but would never include this in a query. I have mentioned it in cover letters sent with fulls though. I hope this is acceptable and I haven't doomed myself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-89853989190823094372009-07-21T15:15:45.942-04:002009-07-21T15:15:45.942-04:00I agree with this post. You must be quietly confid...I agree with this post. You must be quietly confident. No bombast, no flowery or exaggerated claims or comparisons (when in doubt, leave out comparisons if you can't think of a good one). But don't apologize for your work--ever.Josiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11745370676930629418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-69519094158933985522009-07-21T14:54:19.731-04:002009-07-21T14:54:19.731-04:00Stellar advice, Jessica.
I've been catching m...Stellar advice, Jessica.<br /><br />I've been catching my friends degrading themselves in day to day conversation – and I keep having to snap them out of it!<br /><br />There exists a vast difference between humility and humiliation.<br />:)<br />G.Genella deGreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13129942813842907408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-38104602764165589232009-07-21T13:46:11.079-04:002009-07-21T13:46:11.079-04:00Never settle.Never settle.The Rejection Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01288683065588449736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-80668017136587168652009-07-21T13:39:47.726-04:002009-07-21T13:39:47.726-04:00It’s funny how an author is supposed to sell their...It’s funny how an author is supposed to sell their book. I have never bought a book because of the author’s ability to market it. However I have bought a book by a particular author because I liked their writing. There is nothing wrong with a shy author. Seriously, how many authors have you bought a book based on their marketing skills?<br />Out of the hundreds of books in my house only two of those I actually can say was purchased because of marketing. One was because the author came to my daughters highschool. The other was from a writer's conference.<br /><br />On another note, another very popular agent blogger says not to compare your book to others. What if they don’t like the books you are comparing to?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-49431800108572108062009-07-21T13:29:22.431-04:002009-07-21T13:29:22.431-04:00You know what. I'm going to take a break from...You know what. I'm going to take a break from responding here for a week or so.<br /><br />We're having lay-offs at my job. It's a extraordinarily difficult situation, and I'm very much feeling powerless in my world right now. So, I'm going to places where I think I can have more of an impact, and striking out against the unfairness of the world.<br /><br />I do not want to damage relationships with people I like and respect. I'm going to take some time off.<br /><br />Sorry.Mirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558405035294107657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-54591709646813820732009-07-21T12:48:15.820-04:002009-07-21T12:48:15.820-04:00I just can't believe that someone would write ...I just can't believe that someone would write something like that in their query. If they have done their homework - first time writer or not - they would know this is NOT the way to approach an agent.<br /><br />I mean really - who in their right mind would start a query letter by selling themselves short?Steena Holmeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03585255306121495098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-71215596223009269262009-07-21T12:08:15.484-04:002009-07-21T12:08:15.484-04:00And Anon 11:35, also very well said.
Publishing ...And Anon 11:35, also very well said.<br /><br />Publishing is a business. The whole point is it needs to be run as an effective business. That means hiring the right person for the job.<br /><br />Can I just take a second to acknowledge the folks at Bookends, though, for allowing this discussion?<br /><br />I can not tell you how much I appreciate that. Without discussion like this, things can not change.Mirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558405035294107657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-66432234995274043642009-07-21T12:03:16.962-04:002009-07-21T12:03:16.962-04:00Anthony:
I'd pick the best book.Anthony:<br /><br />I'd pick the best book.Mirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558405035294107657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-41327800181746160582009-07-21T11:53:26.793-04:002009-07-21T11:53:26.793-04:00You can tell I'm in editing mode on my WIP bec...You can tell I'm in editing mode on my WIP because I saw this post and immediately started wondering... is that really supposed to be "affect" or is it "effect" ? I think it's #2.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-84658736771292536812009-07-21T11:50:45.790-04:002009-07-21T11:50:45.790-04:00c: the one with the most bada** book.c: the one with the most bada** book.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-25303248778288990072009-07-21T11:47:36.966-04:002009-07-21T11:47:36.966-04:00This isn't rocket science, folks. When faced w...This isn't rocket science, folks. When faced with two book projects of equal worth, if you were an agent, would you pick:<br /><br />A) The author who is oozing passion for their project and is a pleasant prospective client.<br /><br />B) The timid mouse who is a pleasant prospective client.<br /><br />The dirty little secret here is sometimes someone's success <i>is</i> your failure.Lucas Darrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01405530729663443670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-63256899219087168252009-07-21T11:44:57.274-04:002009-07-21T11:44:57.274-04:00In these intial stages, it has to be about story a...In these intial stages, it has to be about story and the quality of the book. I think everything Dan Brown writes is hogwash, but I admit that he tells appealing stories. With him, it's not just about marketing, and it certainly isn't about Dan Brown's marketing scheme. People like the books (no matter how poorly they are written). And sure, the buzz follows and it does become about marketing. But do you think Dan Brown outlined/predicted his success in his query letter? When I read all these blogs by agents, I find myself looking for the easy answer in them, as though somehow I'll find some post that convinces me I can easily find represenation once I start querying. That isn't the case. I have to sell the thing. The same goes for agents and publishers. When you read a query or full you like, the writer's not going to outline for you exactly how the book will succeed. You have to determine for yourself if it's a good story, if it can find an audience, if it can be marketed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-83430849197589758592009-07-21T11:35:56.532-04:002009-07-21T11:35:56.532-04:00Mira, well said again (anon 10:50 and 10:23 here)
...Mira, well said again (anon 10:50 and 10:23 here)<br />You pay for what you get. You want the writer to do a lot of the marketing work or planning for free, well then you've just hired yourself an amateur marketer to market the product you are paying to develop. Not good business strategy. See, this isn't about artistic integrity or wanting to avoid work... it's about smart business, good captialism.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-52483607651009322382009-07-21T11:29:45.711-04:002009-07-21T11:29:45.711-04:00Hiring a professional publicist is fine, but that ...Hiring a professional publicist is fine, but that doesn't mean you can leave it in their hands. You will always have to market your book, whether it's in conversation or in a marketing campaign. A publicist can distribute bookmarks and ARCS and set up a marketing plan, but you can't opt out completely. Well, you can, but I don't see why anyone would want to. Who cares about your book more than you?Becke Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05347467350985614111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-17894953914811574082009-07-21T11:28:20.559-04:002009-07-21T11:28:20.559-04:00Nicely said!Nicely said!Jessica Brockmolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05333664969192588015noreply@blogger.com