tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post6422529149778654743..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: Getting the CallBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-86630021393833857192007-09-27T14:32:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:32:00.000-04:00Jessica, thank you for opening this up to talk fra...Jessica, thank you for opening this up to talk frankly about it.<BR/><BR/>I just recently left my agent for some of the reasons already talked about. <BR/><BR/>My agent could definitely sell and sold my first book within a week of signing. And I got another sale with another house a year later...all good stuff, but for me an agent is more than a salesperson. <BR/><BR/>I want an agent that not only likes my work but can see a future career, not just book sales. I dont' need gushing and praise but I need to trust that that someone is looking out for me in all contract negotiations and BELIEVES that I have a bright future ahead of me.<BR/><BR/>My agent wasn't bad per say...just not good FOR ME. <BR/><BR/>Now I'm on the hunt again, and I have a list of my top 3 agents, the criteria for me, was someone that has been agenting for awhile, has sold several projects in the genre I write in, has some big clients that I respect, name is known in the industry, and I talked to clients of each one and asked about working with them and what they did for them.<BR/><BR/>I'm hoping it will be enough to make a better decision this time.<BR/><BR/>It's scary out there, but I want those who've never had an agent to know, that it isn't permanent. Signing with an agent isn't signing your soul away...you can get it back, and you can fire that agent if you aren't happy and they aren't doing their job.<BR/><BR/>Remember that an agent is supposed to work for you, not the other way around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-6780764890285228002007-09-27T10:52:00.000-04:002007-09-27T10:52:00.000-04:00Anonymous 8:11,Re my statement about not wanting t...Anonymous 8:11,<BR/><BR/>Re my statement about not wanting to go to conferences until published.<BR/><BR/>I spent a few years as an RWA member and found the organization to be extremely helpful. I participated online, ordered conference tapes, and came away with huge respect for the authors active in RWA who write romance and are willing to help others learn. I always recommend RWA to anyone who wants to learn how to write compelling fiction and how to market their work.<BR/><BR/>However, I found the live chapter meetings depressing in the extreme because of the preponderance of people who were obsessed with being writers who either didn't write or who wrote very badly but refused to believe that maybe their ten novels had been rejected by every real editor who had ever seen them because they needed to learn something about writing. Several of these insisted they were "published authors" because they'd sold a few copies of their work on vanity download sites and pontificated to the rest of the group about the secrets of writing. <BR/><BR/>The level of self-delusion I encountered made me start to wonder about whether I was equally deluded. Until someone buys my work, there's no way of knowing. If I ever sell a book, you better believe I'll be at the big RWA conference, because I'd love to meet some of the women whose work I admire.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-7464265641857374272007-09-26T23:50:00.000-04:002007-09-26T23:50:00.000-04:00Anon 10PM (aka 11:57AM)I appreciate the feedback. ...Anon 10PM (aka 11:57AM)<BR/>I appreciate the feedback. Good food for thought. And congrats on your call from Jessica.<BR/><BR/>Angie-fox 10:42PM<BR/>Thanks for sharing how it came together for you. It sounds like it was slightly overwhelming all that activity at once. Congrats on finding your agent/author fit...and thanks for confirming that "Minnesota Nice" goes straight to the bone!<BR/><BR/>From Anon 8:59PMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-84695758357541189772007-09-26T22:42:00.000-04:002007-09-26T22:42:00.000-04:00Interesting discussion! I was in a unique position...Interesting discussion! I was in a unique position because I'd won a contest and the judging editor requested the full. Then she made an offer less than a week after I finished the book. When the offer came, I'd just sent queries to a half dozen agents at the top of my list.<BR/><BR/>I quickly emailed those agents, letting them know about the offer (most hadn't had time to even get to my query) and each agent agreed to read right away. It was a dream come true and at the same time completely intimidating when all but one offered representation.<BR/><BR/>And how do you know if an agent loves you for you? In the case of these agents, I’d done my research and felt they were all very reputable, so I doubted they'd offer representation without enjoying the book. Then, I just had to find out who was the best fit.<BR/><BR/>For me, it was important to feel like I could develop a strong business partnership with my agent. Jessica and I clicked really well when she called. She wanted to know my career plans and she’d already Googled me and learned that while I’d written a paranormal, I also attend mystery conferences. We talked about how she represents both, which was important to me. But what really made the impression was the fact that she was looking at me from a career perspective.<BR/><BR/>It was also important to me to feel comfortable with my agent. So many authors, it seems, are scared to call their agents and Jessica is so incredibly approachable, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about that. I talked with Sally, who is also a client of Jessica’s, and she confirmed Jessica is just plain nice. Being from the Midwest, nice scores huge points in my book!<BR/><BR/>My whole agent search took place over just a few days (the editor needed an answer) and my brain was getting muddled. I ended up calling Jessica back, just to talk more and I'm sure I probably asked some of the same questions I’d asked before, or maybe I wasn't the most suave person (Five houseguests, including three children, had showed up at my door an hour after the editor offer/begin of the agent hunt, so I was also sleeping on the floor and entertaining people this entire time). But it was really easy to talk with Jessica. She's a very direct person, which is a good fit for me because I like to be able to just lay things on the table. I felt like we were on the same page and that she would be someone I could work with for a long time.<BR/><BR/>I think the agent/author relationship is different for everyone. You just need to decide how you like to work and what's important to you, then find someone who is on the same wavelength.Angie Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05843918280581285622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-11618783293884213162007-09-26T22:07:00.000-04:002007-09-26T22:07:00.000-04:00I ran my own business for 3 years before embarking...I ran my own business for 3 years before embarking on my writing career (which means waitering/gardening to cover living expenses) and prior to that I created and responded to many RFPs (Requests for Proposals).<BR/><BR/>As excited as I will be when an agent gives me "The Call", I will also make sure that this agent can provide the answers to my personal RFP.<BR/><BR/>I will be paying my agent out of my fee from the publisher. It's my money, therefore I do my research and only query agents who I think will represent me well (not just sell the book, but match my principles).<BR/><BR/>This is why I submit queries simultaneously (within reason - only a few at a time). I'm receiving "bids" from interested agents and I need different offers to compare before I make an educated decision.<BR/><BR/>Great topic and great answers everyone! Very helpful.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>AlexAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-86281773004947629822007-09-26T22:00:00.000-04:002007-09-26T22:00:00.000-04:00Anon 8:59 --You have to query the way you feel mos...Anon 8:59 --<BR/><BR/>You have to query the way you feel most comfortable. I didn't query large. In fact, I queried very, very small. There were two reasons for this:<BR/><BR/>1) I wasn't comfortable submitting to people I hadn't had some prior contact with. I had to know them from conferences or blogs. <BR/><BR/>2) I didn't want to send out my MS to a lot of agents, then get "The Call" and be so excited I ended up with someone I couldn't work with just because they were the first one to call. (I know myself well enough to know that's a strong possibility.)<BR/><BR/>So because I can't go to conferences every week, there are a limited number of agents I can meet and submit to. Luckily, I got "The Call" from the person I most wanted to hear from. And yes, I was so excited that I told her she was the only one who currently had the MS. If I hadn't heard from her in a few more weeks, I would have sent it to someone else. I only had three on my list!<BR/><BR/>So don't worry about querying widely. You have to consider your own personality and habits. But don't pin all your hopes on that one agent, either. <BR/><BR/>(I am Anon 11:57. And, for the record, my "call" was from Jessica.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-38701067279053303412007-09-26T21:56:00.000-04:002007-09-26T21:56:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Laura K. Curtishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08444534759113332744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-28602397637937716422007-09-26T20:59:00.000-04:002007-09-26T20:59:00.000-04:00Valuable post! So much experience being shared, i...Valuable post! So much experience being shared, it's quite the networking session. Great brainstorm, Jessica!<BR/>I also like the focus off self-promotion and onto the issues and that's why I'll leave this as annon. also.<BR/><BR/>I don't have an agent yet and I didn't query large (which could be why I don't have an agent yet...hmmm.) I researched through AAR, Pub Mktplc, Writer Beware, etc., and also did some extra googling of the names of those that I'm interested in for any other internet chatter that I hadn't already come across. Then I went with my gut on who I thought might be a good agent for me looking at the bigger picture of a long business relationship, and that was who I queried. One agent in particular jumped to reply to me quickly for my partial which I eagerly sent - 4 months ago. This agent is highly reputable, is also very busy and still has not read my partial after 4 months, though was quick to respond to my 3-month followup with needing more time to get caught up. I appreciated the response to my follow-up email, but it is now a couple weeks past that additional time this agent stated they needed and I'm beginning to wonder how much time allowance for a partial is considered appropriate? or does it vary? I really like this agent's profile, but also at this point, I'm starting to question...is this agent too busy to be a good agent for me? They've turned out a book of their own since I've been waiting for my partial to be reviewed (though I've not actually been "waiting" per say, but writing my other books). I realize patience is required in this process, but when does it become ridiculous? Is it time to query large?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-45693357463203489872007-09-26T20:46:00.000-04:002007-09-26T20:46:00.000-04:00This has been the best discussion in the comments ...This has been the best discussion in the comments ever! I used to think that I was such a screw-up for going through 3 agents on 3 novels. Now I see I am not alone, and indeed my story seems more common than I ever dreamed. <BR/><BR/>There is a honeymoon period, I think, when author and agent are on their best behavior, each trying to say the right thing. But after time, true colors do show. My honeymoon period with my current agent lasted two months. After that, I saw what she was really like. I am still with her, but with eyes wide open.<BR/><BR/>Point is, you can't judge an agent by how well they answer the "critical" questions you're supposed to ask before signing. They will only tell you what you want to hear anyway. All you can do is choose wisely upfront and work with them and see if it works out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-38541122301779266772007-09-26T20:11:00.000-04:002007-09-26T20:11:00.000-04:00for Anon 3:07 I just wanted to comment on the foll...for Anon 3:07 I just wanted to comment on the following that you said: <BR/><BR/>"I have never yet been to a writers' conference and don't intend to go to one until I'm published. I find hanging around with hordes of people who are yearning to be "published authors" and who build their social life around being "writers" without having written much very depressing."<BR/><BR/>Honestly, I have to say that I ask you to think about reserving your judgement until you've been to such a conference! I am not really a romance writer at all, but I kind of fell (begrudgingly, almost) into going to a Romance Writer's of America conference, and I thought "these people aren't for me! I don't like Harlequin romances" and all that. I was so quickly proven wrong. It was far, far, far from depressing. Some of the workshops were very useful, some were completely outside of my scope of interest, but I found it to be filled with the most supportive people I could imagine. They understood what it was to be a writer. I've only gone to regional conferences two times, and each time I found it incredibly uplifting and fun. And, each time I learned a lot about the writing/publishing industry, which can't hurt you, right? All I'm saying is consider trying it before dissing it. You might like it! ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-31161731560857474502007-09-26T18:47:00.000-04:002007-09-26T18:47:00.000-04:00Jennifer Weiner tells a great story about an agent...Jennifer Weiner tells a great story about an agent who wanted to rep <I>Good in Bed</I> but suggested that they call it <I>Big Girl</I> instead, which was when she knew that agent may have liked the book, but kind of missed the point.<BR/><BR/>I had a similar experience - I turned down an agent who said she loved the book, but among other things, suggested a title change that was not only really dull, but indicated that she completely did not "get" it. That Jennifer Weiner story rang through my head as soon as she said it.<BR/><BR/>I signed with the agent who had suggestions that indicated she not only liked the book, but actually understood it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-2109246655916812532007-09-26T17:48:00.000-04:002007-09-26T17:48:00.000-04:00maprilynne, what you say aout choosing your agent ...maprilynne, what you say aout choosing your agent makes me feel better. I got "The Call" this Monday and though I had partials and fulls with other agents, I just jumped right away. I didn't even ask any of those questions you're supposed to ask. Oh dear.<BR/><BR/>The reason I leapt so quickly, was that this agent really was my first choice. Part of that was her experience and sales record. The rest was because, anon. 11:35, we had already gone through one rewrite together. I really liked how she approached my book. All her suggestions were dead on. And she really likes how I revised it.<BR/>So I am entirely content.<BR/><BR/>lkpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-36847255580682852292007-09-26T16:36:00.000-04:002007-09-26T16:36:00.000-04:00Well, no one here is more appreciative than me, lo...Well, no one here is more appreciative than me, lol, because in a previous comment section, I had asked the question that this post is addressing. I'm really grateful for the information being shared, and hope that in the near future I'll be actually able to use it (I'm on an agent hunt with book #4).<BR/><BR/>One poster here said that one sign of an agent demonstrating genuineness is that he or she comments on the writing and not just the premise/hook. No doubt that will be of immense help to many people, and it is very insightful.<BR/><BR/>This is the second time Jessica has answered a question of mine, so thank you, Jessica!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-62223519684958791192007-09-26T16:34:00.000-04:002007-09-26T16:34:00.000-04:00Thank you so much for opening up this discussion. ...Thank you so much for opening up this discussion. The information is invaluable even for writer's who don't write in the genres you are interested in (like me).The Grumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10016970340725999041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-10302607100552854662007-09-26T15:38:00.000-04:002007-09-26T15:38:00.000-04:00I love what Anon 12:48 has to say -- "You can't kn...I love what Anon 12:48 has to say -- <BR/>"You can't know if an agent will work out for you. All you get is a few phone calls and emails and try to predict the future..."<BR/><BR/>This is so true! I've had two agents and unfortuately found that when some agents in this business want your work they'll pretty much tell you anything to get it. To have to WORK with that person, though, THAT'S a whole different story. Once the courtship is over you start seeing their true colors and sometimes that can be good -- "Oh, who knew my agent had such a great personality?" or that can be very, very bad, like, "How did I sign with THIS!"<BR/><BR/>I also love what Anon 2:45 said. That for all the talk of doing you homework, truly, you never really know about the "nitty-gritty." It's only when push comes to shove that you start seeing what YOU mean to that agent and it might not be a whole lot.<BR/><BR/>As for me, I don't necessarily need an agent to love my work, I ned them to respect it, and me. If they love it and it doesn't sell that love can turn to disdain. If they RESPECT it and me, they'll keep trying for a sale.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-8135530886052249352007-09-26T15:07:00.000-04:002007-09-26T15:07:00.000-04:00Anonymous 8:41 here again, writing in answer to An...Anonymous 8:41 here again, writing in answer to Anonymous 9:12.<BR/><BR/>I was writing in the historical Romance genre. I got the information about how to contact the editors acquiring in my genre via RWA newsletters and their web site, since I was active online with RWA back then. <BR/><BR/>I sent editors who published my kind of novel exactly what their guidelines on the RWA site said to send. Some wanted one page letters, some 3 chapters, some various combinations of those and a synopses of some specified length. <BR/><BR/>I have never yet been to a writers' conference and don't intend to go to one until I'm published. I find hanging around with hordes of people who are yearning to be "published authors" and who build their social life around being "writers" without having written much very depressing. <BR/><BR/>Having already been a bestselling author in a modest way, the big thing I learned was you better love the act of writing itself, because being a successful author feels, day to day, exactly like being an unsuccessful author. <BR/><BR/>Book sales are very invisible. You rarely get to meet your readers. You rarely get to meet your editors. When people hear that you write, their next question is "What?" and if the answer is "Business books" or "Romance" most people change the subject. <BR/><BR/>Or they tell you how they would have written a great book themselves if they hadn't been so busy succeeding at whatever it is they do. Or they tell you they have a great idea for a book and suggest you write it and they'll split the proceeds. <BR/><BR/>I can't stop writing, which is why I'm a writer. If people don't pay me to write, I write for free--something the web has made all too easy to do. If I do manage to sell a novel, I know I'll have to write more to build up a readership and my life will pretty much be what it always is, sitting in front of my screen writing! <BR/><BR/>To get back to the topic under discussion here, if I were to get "the call" my hope would be that the agent would see my book as having the potential to get some kind of push from a publishing house. <BR/><BR/>Publishing a book that just plugs a space in the schedule and which, worst case, disappears in 2 months without ever having made it to the shelves can be worse than not publishing it. <BR/><BR/>I've seen some writing careers ruined by publishers who published books in ways that doomed them. Once the authors had bad chain numbers they couldn't publish anything else. <BR/><BR/>I'd rather NOT do that and I'd like to find an agent who is knowledgeable enough about editors and publishers to find me one who would give me a fighting chance to build a readership. How long the book is available, and where it will be available is more important than the amount of the initial advance. <BR/><BR/>I didn't get big advances for my nonfiction books, but I got publisher commitment, excellent shelf placement, and big earn outs. <BR/>I have friends who got much better nonfiction book advances but never sold more than 12,000 books! When that happens you can forget every publishing another book. <BR/><BR/>It all comes down to understanding the publishing business, which is a very brutal one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-81014528716009381042007-09-26T14:50:00.000-04:002007-09-26T14:50:00.000-04:00I did my homework when I queried agents after my f...I did my homework when I queried agents after my first sale. I was not going to go to contract without an agent. As it turned out, my top pick immediately answered my e query, and asked for material, which I sent.<BR/>When I got the call from her the next Monday she was just excited, period. About me, my work and our future together. We've contracted eight books now and she reads all of them and I know just by her tone when we talk what's up. and she doesn't sugar coat anything either. She just tells me what she likes what she doesn't. lol a few times I've even gotten an "Eww." <BR/>I like direct frankness. I like a connected, educated agent. I don't need anyone to hold my hand and she doesn't do that. <BR/>A friend and I were just chatting about agents the other day. And while one agent may be perfect for many writer's, she or he may not be for another. Chemistry is a big part of the author agent relationship.<BR/>Great post btw, Jessica.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-39875640747487488232007-09-26T14:45:00.000-04:002007-09-26T14:45:00.000-04:00You can do all the research in the world, ask all ...You can do all the research in the world, ask all the right questions, and still not know how a relationship with an agent is going to work out. Other clients, sales, etc. tell you one thing. The nit-gritty stuff is another. Does this person return calls/emails promptly? Does he/she remember what they told you the last time you spoke? Is this person organized? These things are important, and you'll never know the answers until you actually work with a person. So yes, 3-4 agents is totally possible and not at all extreme. And "doing your homework" doesn't always provide the answers you need.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-34230883156378806672007-09-26T14:25:00.000-04:002007-09-26T14:25:00.000-04:00Yes, my friend - not me, darn - is wealthy and old...Yes, my friend - not me, darn - is wealthy and older. Never thought of that. Hmmm money. Guess it's not such a great idea after all.<BR/><BR/>The discussion, today, has been great. I've written a couple of questions and have learned something from every reply. I love it when writers set aside their egoes and share info like this.<BR/><BR/>Thanks guys. And thanks Jessica.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-77037436986269112422007-09-26T13:41:00.000-04:002007-09-26T13:41:00.000-04:00It was important to me to meet my agent in person....It was important to me to meet my agent in person. Fortunately I met Jessica at a conference, but I would have considered a trip to NYC if necessary. I'm someone who trusts her gut more with an in person vibe. However, I am on the East Coast and could do a day trip for a couple hundred dollars. If I lived in Australia...whole different story.<BR/><BR/>However, I didn't think of the cost vs. my advance--I was thinking of my career--years (I hope) of advances and royalties. And should Jessica and I part company some day far down the road, she'll still be the agent of record for many of my books. That's something else to keep in mind in choosing an agent--assuming he/she sells your work, you will probably have some ongoing contact with the person. (Yes, you can get your royalties split, but not all houses are happy to do that.)Sally MacKenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15166303880685146915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-19460718397781771312007-09-26T13:32:00.000-04:002007-09-26T13:32:00.000-04:00(I'm anon 12:48 as well)....I dont think even meet...(I'm anon 12:48 as well)....<BR/><BR/>I dont think even meeting in person would tell you what the relationship will be like: how many of us had first dates where we thought we had a real future with somoene, only to realize after date 5 that you can't stand him/her? <BR/><BR/>The Client-Agent relationship is something that develops and evolves over time, and there's simiply no way of knowing if that relationship will grow or fizzle. . all you can do is ask as many questions as possible to avoid the most obvious issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-78668227404437379692007-09-26T13:24:00.000-04:002007-09-26T13:24:00.000-04:00Great posts. Lots of good information. I'm prepub ...Great posts. Lots of good information. I'm prepub so I don't have anything good to add but I just thought I'd mention agent blogs. After reading the back and forth on the blogs I think I've gotten to know some agents a little better. I know some I've crossed off my list because their blogs were too ego-centered and other's I've moved to the top because I like the work ethic I see. <BR/>I don't think I'd want to be treated like a princess. Treat me like a business partner and give me some room to be an artist.Aimlesswriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03012050763172251381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-24740590132351166152007-09-26T13:23:00.000-04:002007-09-26T13:23:00.000-04:00Advances can be considerably more than that, espec...Advances can be considerably more than that, especially in genres outside romances. In fact, in romance, some first time authors recieve more than that. All depends on the house you're with. A flight can be as low as 200-300 bucks, easy. Don't know that I'd do it, but hey, whatever works for the individual!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-53517728479618533802007-09-26T13:16:00.000-04:002007-09-26T13:16:00.000-04:00Hopping a flight to meet the possible agent in per...Hopping a flight to meet the possible agent in person?!! Either your friend is wealthy, or expects a lot more than the usual $4k - $6k first time average advance!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-30158200935270765542007-09-26T13:06:00.000-04:002007-09-26T13:06:00.000-04:00To Anon 12:48 - I have a friend who has an agent a...To Anon 12:48 - I have a friend who has an agent and is published. When he got the call, he booked a flight to New York because he believes the only way to get a good handle on an agent is to meet them in person.<BR/><BR/>And so far, so good.<BR/><BR/>Expensive, yes. But necessary?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com