tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post5845468588157845786..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: Explain VoiceBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-53763365623616191552008-07-06T20:42:00.000-04:002008-07-06T20:42:00.000-04:00Very interesting and insightful blog :)Thank you.Very interesting and insightful blog :)<BR/><BR/>Thank you.Cara Carneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07264195291001142774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-81516244843755727202008-07-05T17:01:00.000-04:002008-07-05T17:01:00.000-04:00Ahem, Back to the SUBJECT here. :-)In regards to w...Ahem, Back to the SUBJECT here. :-)<BR/><BR/>In regards to what Kate said: <I>One thing I would caution new writers is to be careful of too much revision and rewriting--often the first words you put on a page are the clearest indication of your voice. When I was first starting out, depending far too much on critique groups during the early stages of a story, I allowed my own insecurities to overwhelm my writing.</I><BR/><BR/>Totally agree. And it's hard as a new writer, not to find yourself in this predicament. I've been here, and though some critique's can be very helpful, you have to sometimes pick and choose which one's really work for your story without butting heads with your voice. Critters usually have the best in mind, but might not realize the changes they state are a change for voice: a voice that is more closely to theirs.<BR/><BR/>So, with that said, once you've <B>found</B> your voice, be confident with it. I agree, as others have stated, it does change (and usually for the better) as you continue your writing.ChristaCarol Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02908423468344511136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-12409428911356802662008-07-04T23:18:00.000-04:002008-07-04T23:18:00.000-04:00"Most agents I've heard of are often scouting for ..."Most agents I've heard of are often scouting for new clients (which includes reading your queries)..."<BR/><BR/>LOL you're just typing things without stopping to think about what they mean.<BR/><BR/>"reading your queries"...which DROP IN ON THEIR DESKS! Of course they are hoping that one of these will equal money. <BR/><BR/>Think, people...think! You're not sheep. Agents are in stiff competition for salable mansucripts--they know that only 1 out of every 1,000 or so queries reslts in money, and that if they are thinking of representing it, other agents likely are too.<BR/><BR/>Most authors won't be offered contracts. But for the ones who are, it's their game. The agents are working stiffs.<BR/><BR/>Too many people one these blogs are obsessed with the agents--what does this one like, what does that one like, when it doesn't matter. If you're serious, you query them all (duh--aside from the ones that don't handle fiction when that's what you're writing, etc) (and if you're still in the query stage), and let them fight over you if you happen to get more than one offer. Using your time to attempt to read their minds is time you could have spent writing. So I think it's kind of sad how 7/10 people on these blogs are so obviously blind followers (Yes, Iagree! That's exactly what I was thinking!..."<BR/><BR/>I know I"m not the only one to see this. And no--put your "you're so bitter and jaded--you need to work on your craft!" arrows bac in your quivers. That's not it. I'm just commenting on the state of the preach-to-the-choir nature of these blogs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-6753792156561337612008-07-04T20:10:00.000-04:002008-07-04T20:10:00.000-04:00I think agents and editors work very hard. Their b...I think agents and editors work very hard. Their business is like a craft. They know the who, whats and wheres of a complicated business and they keep up to date on the publishing world. When I hear how many queries they go through each week I'm staggered. <BR/>As for it beging luck? Maybe a little about catching the agent/editor on the right day blah, blah, blah, but thats just human nature. Some days you're in the mood, somedays your not. (And I feel this from reading somethings that I can't believe were published!-no offense meant to anyone)<BR/>I think its useless to complain. Thats bad Karma. Use that energy to perfect your story and keep moving in a positive direction.Aimlesswriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03012050763172251381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-28457428949568796832008-07-04T19:54:00.000-04:002008-07-04T19:54:00.000-04:00Regarding the last comment from anonymous, I'm an ...Regarding the last comment from anonymous, I'm an editor and a writer and I can say that the assumption that agents just sit around waiting for publishable material is pure rubbish. Most agents I've heard of are often scouting for new clients (which includes reading your queries), busy marketing the books they've already got, and working with authors and sometimes editors to get a work up to snuff. The fact is, yes, a lot of editors, agents, and publishers rely on their own subjective tastes when it comes to what comes across their desk. That said, most people who have any likelihood to represent your book to sell it (be it the publisher, the editor working for a publisher, or the agent who can sell it to a publisher) are also extremely well read people who have reasons for not accepting your query when it's submitted. Voice is a rather subjective issue, and something every writer struggles with, including myself, but remember that most published authors have also experienced their fair share of rejection. <BR/><BR/>As to whether or not it's all just luck. . . that's a jaded excuse for the person who blames the publisher/editor/agent rather than turning to their own work and assessing it. There's certainly a measure of luck in it, but there's also whether or not the text is well written, whether or not the book is appropriate for the markets the publisher or agent is selling to, and whether or not the current market is ripe for the text or not. I fully understand that multiple rejections can make a person jaded, but taking out your anger on the people who may one day publish you if you act respectfully too them is pure stupidity. Moreover, ignoring their professionalism and insulting them by implying they do nothing is only likely to land you more rejections, because, among the things editors, publishers, and agents consider is whether or not the author is pleasant to work with (a publisher I worked with once broke contract with an author over that very issue). Once you're on the best-selling list, you can probably complain all you want, but until then, keep in mind that these people will be more friendly to your queries if you respect what they do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-39494447550005800462008-07-04T17:41:00.000-04:002008-07-04T17:41:00.000-04:00"Do you think they sit at their desks, rub their m..."Do you think they sit at their desks, rub their magic lamps and wish for publishiable material to drop on their desks?"<BR/><BR/>Yes, I do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-55219251556210227692008-07-04T10:23:00.000-04:002008-07-04T10:23:00.000-04:00No offense, but don't let the door hit you in the ...<I>No offense, but don't let the door hit you in the butt.</I><BR/><BR/>I second this. If you don't like the air, then get out of Dodge. It takes a lot of work to run something this and BookEnds does an excellent job at it-for which I am thankful for. <BR/><BR/><I>Let's skip the how to's of the craft and get on to the business of selling books, please. Isn't that what lit agents are for--selling stuff that's ready for the market? What's with the basic skills reviews? There are plenty of other sites for that. Let's talk business!</I><BR/><BR/>You're absolutely right, agents are all about selling stuff that's ready for the market. But how do you think stuff gets ready for the market? Do you think they sit at their desks, rub their magic lamps and wish for publishiable material to drop on their desks? Every morning, I know there's a piece waiting for me that can help improve my craft that prepares me for the business of selling. That's what this blog is all about, giving advice to make our material ready. And since it seems you've missed it, BookEnds has an email addy where you can ask questions. So instead of moaning about wanting more business, why don't you write in and ask something that's bugging your mind.Keri Fordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03342480359177235075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-37401819894870612952008-07-04T08:35:00.000-04:002008-07-04T08:35:00.000-04:00"Signed,Ready to delete Bookends from my publishin..."Signed,<BR/><BR/>Ready to delete Bookends from my publishing blogs Bookmarks."<BR/><BR/>No offense, but don't let the door hit you in the butt.<BR/><BR/>When an agent is generous enough with their time and expertise to give authors tips on how to make the journey easier, it's generally considered common courtesy to be appreciative.<BR/><BR/>I queried a suspense novel and a children's book eight years ago. That was when you bought the two major lit agent guides, got out your highlighter and Post It Notes to highlight with various colors ones who might be of interest and made submission notes. Then I made up a book with ledger pages and tracked all the pertinent information and my query logs.<BR/><BR/>The books had all the nuts and bolts information, but it was pretty generic.<BR/><BR/>Today there are all kinds of treasures for the aspiring author. Not only do agents and editors share publishing business information with the writers, but they also feed out endless useful, interesting information about how to succeed in this business. One thing that also means a lot to me is the chance to see the personalities of the agents peek through.<BR/><BR/>There are some agents I am pretty sure I would be miserable with even though they are successful at what they do. For me, I need an agent with a sense of humor. When crap happens, and it will, we need to get through the storm, salvage what we can and be able to laugh about it later. I need an agent who loves what I do and will be like a badger about fighting for my work.<BR/><BR/>These blogs help me identify which agents have the qualities I seek in the perfect literary mate.<BR/><BR/>They also help me identify problems or potential mistakes in my work before I submit.<BR/><BR/>In my previous efforts, my work really was rougher than a cob. I am amazed anyone contacted me, but several did. I still have a book full of letters with handwritten notes about what was and wasn't working. Many actually called me and discussed my work. One even called to visit with me and give me some pointers even though she felt the work wasn't right for her. She then told me to send it to a friend of hers after I made some changes. How utterly amazing is that?<BR/><BR/>Now, these agents put out information on their blogs. Serious authors take note and avoid a lot of potential pitfalls. The agent, hopefully, deals with less things over and over that could have been easily avoided. They get work that is closer to representation. And, I am willing to bet, they get moved to the top of the list of some writers who are or will be looking for representation.<BR/><BR/>Blogs are pretty much a win-win situation for the writers and the agents.<BR/><BR/>I know agents who resound with me online are at the top of my list when the process begins. (They are all undoubtedly thrilled to hear that.)<BR/><BR/>When you're in a people business, part of your success comes from having a presence in your chosen industry.<BR/><BR/>And, on a final note, Happy Independence Day to all!Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-75691905051900509382008-07-04T08:17:00.000-04:002008-07-04T08:17:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-43707150671395060692008-07-04T07:48:00.000-04:002008-07-04T07:48:00.000-04:00"I don't mean to be discouraging, but the syrup ru..."I don't mean to be discouraging, but the syrup runs awfully thick in here sometimes."<BR/><BR/>That philosophy comes from a very old story. Two kids are put in a room with a pile of horse manure and a shovel. One sits down and cries because there is so much of that yucky horse pooh they have to shovel. The other is giggling and happily shoveling through the pile. When asked why she was so excited, she replied, "With all this horse pooh, I know there has to be a pony in here somewhere."<BR/><BR/>Having shoveled horse crap all my life, literally and figuratively, I pretty much know where there is horse pooh, there are horses. I don't need to be out riding the pony to be happy. Just having the pony around to hang out with makes me happy. And, frankly, I have more than once offered to shovel it just to be around them.<BR/><BR/>Getting back to the writing end of it, I have a good story. I have strong, vivid characters. I have a unique way of telling my story. I'm willing to keep working on my craft until it shines like an old maid with a secret. And, finally, I am willing to keep querying until I find the perfect fit for it and me. A rejection just means it wasn't right for that agent, not that the work has no value. So, I am very happy to keep shoveling.<BR/><BR/>Ah, what's that I hear? Something's nickering at me. <BR/><BR/>Hello, Pony!<BR/><BR/>Sorry, you feel so jaded. I hope you find the magic again soon.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-29704134840596511992008-07-04T04:57:00.000-04:002008-07-04T04:57:00.000-04:00"In other words, when you have to shovel a lot of ..."In other words, when you have to shovel a lot of horse pooh, it just means a pony is in there somewhere."<BR/><BR/>Actually, it could mean that whoever is paying you to shovel the pony crap is out riding the pony (and they expect the pony's stable to be clean by the time they return), so there may not be a pony in there after all.<BR/><BR/>..." A rejection letter is just another shovel closer to my pony."<BR/><BR/>Put in the above context...is it really?<BR/><BR/>I don't mean to be discouraging, but the syrup runs awfully thick in here sometimes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-86683617791423607762008-07-04T04:56:00.000-04:002008-07-04T04:56:00.000-04:00"In other words, when you have to shovel a lot of ..."In other words, when you have to shovel a lot of horse pooh, it just means a pony is in there somewhere."<BR/><BR/>Actually, it could mean that whoever is paying you to shovel the pony crap is out riding the pony (and they expect the pony's stable to be clean by the time they return), so there may not be a pony in there after all.<BR/><BR/>..." A rejection letter is just another shovel closer to my pony."<BR/><BR/>Put in the above context...is it really?<BR/><BR/>I don't mean to be discouraging, but the syrup runs awfully thick in here sometimes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-76637928003589791882008-07-04T04:46:00.000-04:002008-07-04T04:46:00.000-04:00Let's skip the how to's of the craft and get on to...Let's skip the how to's of the craft and get on to the business of selling books, please. Isn't that what lit agents are for--selling stuff that's ready for the market? What's with the basic skills reviews? There are plenty of other sites for that. Let's talk business!<BR/><BR/>Signed,<BR/><BR/>Ready to delete Bookends from my publishing blogs Bookmarks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-55172890765422256372008-07-04T01:23:00.000-04:002008-07-04T01:23:00.000-04:00Anyone that compares ANYTHING to dessert has my fu...Anyone that compares ANYTHING to dessert has my full attention. Good thing I found your blog, I tend to drift if cheesecake isn't thrown into a conversation. I'll be scanning your pages. I'm currently working on a query in regards to one of my recent blogs that received 107 comments...it definitely struck a chord with my readers. Until then HAPPY 4TH....I hope you celebrate with many hot dogs and fireworks. Oh, and cheesecake of course.Chelsea Talks Smackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17998747129805795801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-85291145023440356152008-07-03T23:23:00.000-04:002008-07-03T23:23:00.000-04:00"However the kid had managed the feat, s/he had de..."However the kid had managed the feat, s/he had defined what it meant to have a voice: you don't capital-W Write. You just write. Your voice will be on the page even before you go back to revise it."<BR/><BR/>Exactly.<BR/><BR/>I've been thinking about this question today and wondering, once again, what defines my voice.<BR/><BR/>My writing usually has "unique" characters, bordering on insane, and reluctant heroes. There are surprises and generous doses of very warped humor. It's a constant regardless of whether I am on the suspense or the historical or the fantasy. This, of course, means some people will love my writing and some people loathe it.<BR/><BR/>In researching my historical, I came across a newspaper article from the 1850's about the heroine's proper, preacher fiance' whose gentleman's debate club got very animated and broke out into a fist fight. Stuff like that just tickles me witless and invariably finds its way into my work.<BR/><BR/>Obviously, what I find entertaining isn't going to appeal to everyone. I think we just need to find our wee, small voices and sing with joy. Those who are meant to be with us, will love our song.<BR/><BR/>I think JES is right, it's just there. For better or worse, it's just there.<BR/><BR/>This is one reason I don't dread the query process. I firmly believe the right agent will love what I have to say and how I say it.<BR/><BR/>In other words, when you have to shovel a lot of horse pooh, it just means a pony is in there somewhere. A rejection letter is just another shovel closer to my pony.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-36152224259167397612008-07-03T22:50:00.000-04:002008-07-03T22:50:00.000-04:00I have to agree that there are a number of things ...I have to agree that there are a number of things that defines what an author's voice is and even I, as a reader, would be hard pressed to define any one voice in the books I've read. <BR/><BR/>However, I will say this, it is the voice that draws me into a story and keeps me there. It's that voice that tells the story and keeps me engaged. The author's voice must speak to me from the get go or all is lost. <BR/><BR/>It's that voice that keeps me reading on.Santahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770231939962704822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-47962068012773377482008-07-03T20:56:00.000-04:002008-07-03T20:56:00.000-04:00The best description of voice I ever heard was tha...The best description of voice I ever heard was that it's the writer's personality. <BR/><BR/>That description works for me because I think voice is as distinct and indescribable as personality, and I think it's as difficult to hear your own voice as it is to recognize your own personality.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-73599036348674430192008-07-03T20:01:00.000-04:002008-07-03T20:01:00.000-04:00This is where MFA programs and writing workshops p...This is where MFA programs and writing workshops pay off: spend some time at either of those and you'll <I>know</I> what "voice" is and whether or not you have it.<BR/><BR/>I'm going to say that Julie Weathers' comment is great: voice is a lot like "reading with color" -- how would your narrator retell the actual events?<BR/><BR/>Writing well isn't just mechanics, and it isn't just about plot either. "Voice" often gets translated into "character" especially if you're writing in the first person or a close-third. <BR/><BR/>And I <B>do not think it's mysterious or an X-factor</B> it is quite simply the diference between a technical writer and a story teller. If you can't establish a voice within a novel good luck ever finding a reader who cares.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18382258703126540760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-39950370313417008882008-07-03T15:21:00.000-04:002008-07-03T15:21:00.000-04:00Another fabulous blog, Jessica. The comments have ...Another fabulous blog, Jessica. The comments have been so helpful and uplifting. <BR/><BR/>It feels good to know the agent I just conferred with on a MS wasn't blowing smoke up my skirt by asking for anything else I might have after she rejected the requested material.<BR/><BR/>And Kim, congratulations on your new client! (I have to say I'm a little envious). She must have some voice to make you hesitate on a story you didn't like. She was smart to begin a new one while the other one was under consideration.<BR/>I hope her MS gets snatched right up by an editor and does great in the pub world!<BR/><BR/>Good lesson for us writers. We have to keep whipping out those MSS, because one of these days we're going to nail it: right book, right agent, right publisher.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-23823797680442899362008-07-03T15:07:00.000-04:002008-07-03T15:07:00.000-04:00That's interesting that you say that, Kate. I pers...That's interesting that you say that, Kate. I personally made exactly the opposite experience. In the end it took me half of the first draft of my novel to finally find 'my' voice and know that this is how I wanted to write. I guess just as writing matures, so does the voice at times.<BR/><BR/>Oh and I really liked the dessert analogy, though it made me hungry ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-63442339107916259862008-07-03T14:01:00.000-04:002008-07-03T14:01:00.000-04:00One thing I would caution new writers is to be car...One thing I would caution new writers is to be careful of too much revision and rewriting--often the first words you put on a page are the clearest indication of your voice. When I was first starting out, depending far too much on critique groups during the early stages of a story, I allowed my own insecurities to overwhelm my writing. I listened to other writers and ended up changing my style, or voice, to suit theirs. I've learned to hold off on showing my work to critique partners until I have a finished story. Then they're more apt to comment on the flow of the prose, the plot or character development than to try and rewrite my words to better coincide with their own style.Kate Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05486916548114546095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-54830125168567967422008-07-03T13:44:00.000-04:002008-07-03T13:44:00.000-04:00Great post, but this was all I could think of:Sall...Great post, but this was all I could think of:<BR/><BR/>Sally Albright: But I'd like the pie heated and I don't want the ice cream on top, I want it on the side, and I'd like strawberry instead of vanilla if you have it, if not then no ice cream just whipped cream but only if it's real; if it's out of the can then nothing. <BR/><BR/>Waitress: Not even the pie? <BR/><BR/>Sally Albright: No, I want the pie, but then not heated.Eva Galehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08834856467514439544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-25687690752495407232008-07-03T13:42:00.000-04:002008-07-03T13:42:00.000-04:00I read most of Stephen King's stuff. In Duma Key h...I read most of Stephen King's stuff. In Duma Key he is in GREAT voice. The voice we fell in love with long ago. Its not always there in all his books. I think voice is part rythmn, part words. When a person forgets they are reading and gets sucked into a story as it comes alive in their head--that's great voice. <BR/>I think this would be different for every person/agent. People like what they like. Everyone has an opinion. Of course, good agents listen with "selling" in mind but they still look to hear the voice that pulls them along. <BR/>Amy I wrong here?Aimlesswriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03012050763172251381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-85817661632087711272008-07-03T13:15:00.000-04:002008-07-03T13:15:00.000-04:00Am I the only one whose stomach growled as Jessica...Am I the only one whose stomach growled as Jessica described all of those desserts? <BR/><BR/>And I'm living proof that voice alone will not sell. I wrote three books before the one that sold and each time, agents would write back to say they loved the voice. The stories? Not so much. Sigh. <BR/><BR/>But whoever said voices evolve was right. Storytelling and craft skills are also sharpened with every book. And when you finally hit on a combination of the right voice for the right story, that's when things start to happen.Angie Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05843918280581285622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-18629689507641637172008-07-03T12:41:00.000-04:002008-07-03T12:41:00.000-04:00I think Kim answered all of the questions well. I ...I think Kim answered all of the questions well. I wanted to pipe in quick to say though that I don't think I said that a rejection means I didn't connect with the voice and if I did say that I apologize.<BR/><BR/>The first thing that grabs me when I read something is the voice, after that the rest has to follow through for the book to work for me. Unless I tell you that I am specifically rejecting your work because the voice didn't work for me I would always encourage you to resubmit. <BR/><BR/>What anon 8:23 said, "you didn't like one story" and that could very well be the reason for the rejection. The story, not necessarily the voice. However, I also agree with what everyone else said, voices can change and grow.<BR/><BR/>Hope that helps explain the answer a little.<BR/><BR/>--jhfBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.com