tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post2311441410745944015..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: What to Do NextBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-43549174084977182992008-09-29T09:58:00.000-04:002008-09-29T09:58:00.000-04:00It's tough on a writer when an agent turns "freaki...It's tough on a writer when an agent turns "freakishly unresponsive" and "mysteriously silent". This has now happened to me. For six months I had, what I thought, was a perfect relationship with an agent who then suddenly fell silent. When ten weeks had passed without communication I sent an e-mail to ask where we stood and I was told that the agency no longer wished to represent me. I then asked for a show sheet but this was not forthcoming. What am I doing speaking of a show sheet? They did not even have the professionalism, or decency, to acknowledge receipt of my e-mail! I am therefore now in the position of not knowing which publishers have been pitched.<BR/><BR/>I am not however abandoning my book - it is non-fiction and I spent two years researching the subject and two years writing the book - because of a bad agent. Being a journalist and being used to pitching my work to editors,I am now my own agent. If I should pitch a publisher the ex-agent had already pitched, so be it.<BR/><BR/>From a writer who is not very happy at the moment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-49902969365057238362008-09-25T18:37:00.000-04:002008-09-25T18:37:00.000-04:00Now I understand why I was told to write "stand al...Now I understand why I was told to write "stand alones" for my series. Thank you so very much. May you find the next best selling blockbuster.Barbara Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-73394254928546544932008-09-23T17:42:00.000-04:002008-09-23T17:42:00.000-04:00It seems that the likelihood of a second-book sale...It seems that the likelihood of a second-book sale would depend on whether the series was based on a continuing character or continuing story line (sequel). But in this rapidly changing industry, almost anything seems possible.<BR/>Lj<BR/>http://thesexclub.netL.J. Sellershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10213491074676394406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-65120245712606571802008-09-23T15:24:00.000-04:002008-09-23T15:24:00.000-04:00But, but, but, I just KNOW that first book will se...But, but, but, I just KNOW that first book will sell. It HAS to. If it doesn't, what am I going to do with the other twenty-seven that follow it?<BR/><BR/>(j/k)Jake Nantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16637039507172446111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-36288580931349059422008-09-23T13:24:00.000-04:002008-09-23T13:24:00.000-04:00Great advice, Jessica, about series books. And abo...Great advice, Jessica, about series books. And about planning ahead. My agent is shopping the first book in my series, and we've had enthusiastic response so far but no offers yet. But before I even got my agent, I started writing a new book in a whole new series just in case plan A doesn't work out. We already have interest from one editor in the new unfinished book. So who knows where that will lead? And though I'm chomping at the bit to write book two in the first series, I'm equally excited about the new series, especially now that I know I have editor interest. It's a wacky business. No wonder writers are neurotic.Karen Duvallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01839711547501582977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-18599188183204237462008-09-23T12:39:00.000-04:002008-09-23T12:39:00.000-04:00I do know many writers who were able to sell their...I do know many writers who were able to sell their second book in a series as their first book. I believe all had agents, though, so obviously, these agents counseled them to try again, based on editor feedback.<BR/><BR/>When the first book in my series was on submission, I got a lot of advice from fellow writers that I should write the second in the series. My agent didn't advise me either way (I stupidly didn't ask and she didn't offer the information). But based on what editors were saying, I knew it was time to move on to a fresh project, in case #1 didn't sell. And sure enough, it didn't.<BR/><BR/>I still pine occasionally for that series. And it's hard to wave goodbye to several years of hard work. But I know I need to put on my big girl panties and get on with it if I'm going to be a published writer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-84207689088850340012008-09-23T11:10:00.000-04:002008-09-23T11:10:00.000-04:00If one can maker series books truly stand alone al...If one can maker series books truly stand alone all isn't necessarily lost. Way back when I had a trilogy the first book of which no one wanted. <BR/><BR/>The third book turned out to be the one that sold--to you actually, for the old Time Passages line.Barbara Sheridanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16136767476101027087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-6845708012898589702008-09-23T09:18:00.000-04:002008-09-23T09:18:00.000-04:00I think it’s a mistake to put all of your eggs in ...I think it’s a mistake to put all of your eggs in one series basket, and this is a prime example of why. <BR/><BR/>This is really hard advice, but valuable. I, of course, hope this wip sells because I love the story and the characters. However, if it doesn't, having an entire series done based on one book that may or may not sell would be heart-breaking.<BR/><BR/>If the next book sells a person can always dust off the first book.<BR/><BR/>Having said that, I think a true series that just uses the same characters and settings, but offers a stand alone book each time is different. I believe Tony Hillerman published for years before one of his Native mysteries hit it big. They then went back and re-released earlier works.<BR/><BR/>A continuation series, not sure of what the proper terminology is, depends on the first book to sell.<BR/><BR/>There are too many variables to hang your hat on one book.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-2710438016874803982008-09-23T09:14:00.000-04:002008-09-23T09:14:00.000-04:00Is it typical for an agent to submit to one editor...Is it typical for an agent to submit to one editor at a time/ I have a friend whose book is out on submission and that's what his agents plans to do. Seems a little odd and time consuming to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com