tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post6718255485693702172..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: The Why Not TheoryBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-67651497039695395712008-09-29T03:00:00.000-04:002008-09-29T03:00:00.000-04:00I think I need to start using this theory more oft...I think I need to start using this theory more often for writing and submitting my work in any situation. Maybe it'll make a good excuse to get off my lazy butt and finish what I've started. Thanks.Matthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13661968297027198340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-57481278424733279162008-09-26T12:32:00.000-04:002008-09-26T12:32:00.000-04:00I'll probably stick to the ones who either rep wha...I'll probably stick to the ones who either rep what I am writing or I have a feeling they might like my style at least.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-32272571844717280102008-09-26T12:30:00.000-04:002008-09-26T12:30:00.000-04:00"Would it be a good idea to submit to an agent who..."Would it be a good idea to submit to an agent who does not represent half the things I write/want to write?"<BR/><BR/>In my previous life as a writer I had one agency for my suspense and another for my children's books.<BR/><BR/>Ideally, a person can find someone who reps everything they write, but sometimes that just isn't going to happen. Your agent might even recommend someone.<BR/><BR/>In this life I am writing fantasy, but I do want to write some historicals someday. Ideally, my agent will be able to rep both or at least recommend someone who likes historicals.<BR/><BR/>Yes, I know it's not good to genre hop, but my ladies will haunt me in the afterlife if I don't do their stories. I just want to rest when I cross the river, not run from irate spirits.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-78779244916495193682008-09-26T00:18:00.000-04:002008-09-26T00:18:00.000-04:00I'm also taking this advice as not going hog wild ...I'm also taking this advice as not going hog wild with submissions, but to take a risk. Jessica isn't the only one who has said this. I was on Nathan's blog earlier and he said *paraphrased* "A good book is a good book."<BR/><BR/>People are more willing to put their necks out on a good book that's different, than the same ol' variety that's bad.<BR/><BR/>Your mileage may vary.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-20184724404985528702008-09-25T23:05:00.000-04:002008-09-25T23:05:00.000-04:00My line of thinking, Jessica! What's the worst tha...My line of thinking, Jessica! What's the worst that can happen, a rejection? We're all expecting some of those anyway. :DChristaCarol Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02908423468344511136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-28839913092202589392008-09-25T21:00:00.000-04:002008-09-25T21:00:00.000-04:00I can relate to what Aston West said. I know we're...I can relate to what Aston West said. I know we're talking about "why nots" with agents on this blog, but it's also true with editors at magazine and book publishers.<BR/><BR/>I was recently in a critique workshop with a St. Martin's editor who's not one bit interested in fantasy, but I chose her group because I wanted professional feedback on an unfinished project. She really liked my steampunk urban fantasy sample enough to request the full manuscript. So you just never know what will hook an editor, or an agent, who normally doesn't care for the genre you write. There could be "something" there that trips a trigger. <BR/><BR/>At the same time, as far as agents go, I completely get the concern many have expressed. That's really true. It's risky. So it's up to you whether or not to take that risk. Wow, tarot cards anyone? Rune stones? How about tea leaves? You just need to decide how much of a risk you're willing to take.Karen Duvallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01839711547501582977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-33787015345699986392008-09-25T20:51:00.000-04:002008-09-25T20:51:00.000-04:00As the old adage goes: We have nothing to fear, bu...As the old adage goes: We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.<BR/><BR/>'Why not' makes this first step a little less daunting.<BR/><BR/>Thanks Jessica.Santahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770231939962704822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-52288770006793312882008-09-25T20:37:00.000-04:002008-09-25T20:37:00.000-04:00How about Christian fantasy? I've got just the ma...How about Christian fantasy? I've got just the manuscript to make you love it. ;o)Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04600030574995481267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-44281140731123135932008-09-25T20:24:00.000-04:002008-09-25T20:24:00.000-04:00I take the post to mean if you have something that...I take the post to mean if you have something that is straddling the fence of what the agency normally likes, there is no harm in still querying. <BR/>It's obvious if they state no YA that you wouldn't submit a query about a YA novel.<BR/>Your story, or your voice, may be the one to change their mind if the manuscript is fairly close to what they like. And you've got nothing to lose. So, take the risk. It's just a query, and by email. You don't even have to lick a stamp.Robena Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18389730409379890816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-12224601218574744012008-09-25T19:00:00.000-04:002008-09-25T19:00:00.000-04:00I think the qualifier here may be do as much resea...I think the qualifier here may be do as much research into an agent as you can and THEN say "why not?" We can't (I wish!) step inside an agent's mind before querying them, so there's always a risk. But I know, if I don't take those risks, I can be SURE nobody will represent my book. If I do take the risk, at least I'm giving myself that chance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-7229363815060196142008-09-25T18:53:00.000-04:002008-09-25T18:53:00.000-04:00Jessica @2:30 -- Re: "Couldn't it be shopped to th...Jessica @2:30 -- <BR/><BR/>Re: "Couldn't it be shopped to the right editors after it was shopped to the wrong ones?"<BR/><BR/>See, here's where it all gets sticky and why I think "Why not" isn't good advice. When the "Why not" agent has exhausted the five or six editors they have relationships with that might buy that "Why not" novel, they lose steam for the project all together. <BR/><BR/>They don't know the market well enough to name editors off their head who might love it. They start shooting it off to editors at random -- sending to houses only to find that YA editor left for a different company three months prior, sending to editors that do contemporary, not fantasy, ect... And having no pull, no reputation in that arena they're trying to sell in makes for a tough sale for even the best of books. <BR/><BR/>These clients also often get dumped after no sale comes through, as well. And no "other" agent wants an already "shopped" book. It simply doens't happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-66886890428280312022008-09-25T18:36:00.000-04:002008-09-25T18:36:00.000-04:00Would have given this a "bah!" and moved along, bu...Would have given this a "bah!" and moved along, but had a recent experience which lends more credence to the notion. Accidentally submitted (a short story) to a place that doesn't accept my sub-genre, but came to find out that rather than rejecting it outright, one of the editorial team liked it a lot.<BR/><BR/>Go figure...<BR/><BR/>Don't think I'm up to going against submission guidelines on purpose though...even if it could be a "why not" moment.T. M. Hunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04315726033990784930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-6907485454208872932008-09-25T18:32:00.000-04:002008-09-25T18:32:00.000-04:00Needed to read this. Thanks!Needed to read this. Thanks!Madisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05024547064928928272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-7758599717629782182008-09-25T18:30:00.000-04:002008-09-25T18:30:00.000-04:00Thanks, Jessica. Now I know who to query first whe...Thanks, Jessica. Now I know who to query first when my fantasy is ready.<BR/><BR/>And thank you for all your previous sage advice.Barbara Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00610140328527165017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-7624997572452170912008-09-25T17:43:00.000-04:002008-09-25T17:43:00.000-04:00I can hear hundreds of agents cringing at the thou...I can hear hundreds of agents cringing at the thought of this. Onslaughts of queries because the sender thought, "why not?" will be pouring in in no time.<BR/><BR/>I have had terse replies from agents I "why not"-ed. I don't think this is good across the board advice. <BR/><BR/>Research the agent - read their blogs if they have them, then you can see who might be a little more open to your sci-fi-cooking-cozy-romance novel. You can learn a lot about an agent's personality and out-of-the-box thinking potential by reading any interview, blog, article, forum that they've put their thoughts on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-72258424619618163502008-09-25T15:20:00.000-04:002008-09-25T15:20:00.000-04:00Not sure I agree with your definition of the worst...Not sure I agree with your definition of the worst thing that could happen. For me the worst thing is sending something and not getting any response at all. Does that mean i'm not even worth of a 'no'? (Includes your agency by the way)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-17009798397550619792008-09-25T14:58:00.000-04:002008-09-25T14:58:00.000-04:00I loved this post. People should always take a cha...I loved this post. People should always take a chance if they truly believe in their work.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for another positive uplifting post.Lizahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08763211385606299365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-76826397158883755842008-09-25T14:30:00.000-04:002008-09-25T14:30:00.000-04:00Breaking rules is great! Sometimes.I like everyone...Breaking rules is great! Sometimes.<BR/>I like everyone else's comments and don't have too much to add.<BR/>Interesting post :-)<BR/>Oh, but even if a book was shopped to "wrong" editors, couldn't it still be shopped to the right editors?<BR/>Just wondering.Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-39163472712472935682008-09-25T12:51:00.000-04:002008-09-25T12:51:00.000-04:00This is fabulous advice. Thank you, Jessica.This is fabulous advice. Thank you, Jessica.Isabelle Santiagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09447992284262446608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-69042852856255711452008-09-25T12:45:00.000-04:002008-09-25T12:45:00.000-04:00As the old ladies in the casino are fond of saying...As the old ladies in the casino are fond of saying, "Ya can't win if ya don't play." Liking this blog.Angie Ledbetterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16407006980893727627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-32152200324800611162008-09-25T12:39:00.000-04:002008-09-25T12:39:00.000-04:00I can tell you 'why not.' I most write fantasy, an...I can tell you 'why not.' I most write fantasy, and currently have an adult fantasy novel to sell. So why not indeed. The thing I am working on, however, is YA fantasy, and I do have a science fiction idea in the queue (admittedly, somewhere way later). <BR/><BR/>Would it be a good idea to submit to an agent who does not represent half the things I write/want to write? <BR/><BR/>In the end, I think it comes down to trust - it's great for an agent to be enthusiastic about a new genre and willing to learn about it - but do they understand the ideosynchrasies of that particularly genre? Are they widely read? Do they know the editors who are buying and do they know what those editors are looking for? Just because an agent has a good track record in one genre does not mean they're automatically a good agent for a different genre, and especially as a fan of speculative fiction I have come across a number of people whose understanding of fantasy is limited to the urban fantasy/paranormal romance spectrum; querying such an agent seems like a waste of their time and mine.<BR/><BR/><BR/>And while I am overjoyed that you are now accepting fantasy, could you please update your submissions page to reflect that?green_knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16499896006012152260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-27267796535161849132008-09-25T12:29:00.000-04:002008-09-25T12:29:00.000-04:00I also agree with Anon 9:48, but my first thought ...I also agree with Anon 9:48, but my first thought after reading your post is that a lot of writers won't take a "why not" chance because they're afraid that, despite putting hours of research into the agents they're querying, they'll inadvertently break some rule/guideline and shoot themselves in the foot forever. Glad to see someone encouraging us to take that chance though!Kristin Laughtinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01536556357622503501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-73390511134085175152008-09-25T11:10:00.000-04:002008-09-25T11:10:00.000-04:00I've been muttering this to myself all week as I d...I've been muttering this to myself all week as I debate between agents I think I might have a shot with and agents I really love, who probably get hundreds of queries a week.<BR/><BR/> A very timely post!Heidi Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18420802651029097379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-42262086843826146902008-09-25T10:40:00.000-04:002008-09-25T10:40:00.000-04:00kimber an--I believe that if you are yourself, you...kimber an--<BR/>I believe that if you are yourself, you follow what YOU think works, then you'll find the right representation. I don't mean run roughshod all over submission guidelines, but you won't want to work with someone you don't agree with anyway. Send the best you've got to every agent with an inkling of interest in your genre. And good luck!!ssashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15527483283426518167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-48250761489691516782008-09-25T10:06:00.000-04:002008-09-25T10:06:00.000-04:00LOL, Way to break the rules!Writers love to here s...LOL, Way to break the rules!<BR/>Writers love to here stuff like this.<BR/><BR/>In an industry that has so many rules - of which many of us bend in the name of creative license - one of the one biggest rules is, don't query the wrong agent.<BR/>Do your research, learn what they like.<BR/><BR/>Mt guess is that most agents just love good writing, obviously within the areas they agent, but still good writing is the key.<BR/><BR/>I like knowing agents haven't become robotic. I want to know my agent doesn't pass my book through a formula checker to see if it fits. I want to know that they read it as a reader first, then take on the challenge of refining.<BR/>And are actively looking for someone who wants to do something 'new'.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com