I had that wonderful call back in February, and you touched on many of my questions. There is no way of knowing. Luckily, he sold my manuscript during the first round of submissions. I think the thing that surprised me the most was the length of time to actually have the book on the shelves. I had no idea how far out lists are planned.
I am new to your column and I apologize I don’t know you. Do you have any articles about your profession? Agent? Editor? When I’m finished my rewrites do I query you (agents? Or editors first?). I need basic lessons 😬
When I finally had THE CALL with the person who became my agent, the conversation flowed so naturally and organically that I chucked my list of questions (which were really intended for newer, less experienced agents anyway). I knew which questions it was pointless to ask her. She was clear what was and was not under her control. Now the ball is in my court doing the rewrites she and I agreed upon. So it goes...
Some good advice in here. However, I will say from the author side I never expected perfect answers. Perfect answers would be a red flag the agent isn’t genuine or lying about the truths of publishing.
Also, while I can understand that our numerous questions can seem anxious (lol) it’s because there are genuinely bad agents out there who take advantage of authors. I have friends who have been in some crappy partnerships.
The call is the best way to explore a working partnership and make sure we are all aligned on the visions and expectations of selling a book or future books. It’s less about anxieties. More trying to sus out the perfect fit and partnership to the best of our ability.
Just my two cents as someone who had a very RAW conversation with my now agent in which there were no glib answers— and I was thankful for the blunt honesty and straightforward communication. :)
Thank you! That's good to hear! (not about the crappy agents part ofc) I guess I have my own anxieties that a potential client will be like *I can't believe she didn't have a 10 step marketing plan ready to go!!!!* to the group chat. Agents, we're just like writers. :)
Hahaha nah! Not the expectation. However, I’ve had friends who were told agents wouldn’t sub their books to Big5 yet or that they wanted an author to completely change the ending in a way that didn’t align. Those are the things that become huge decision makers on our side.
I had that wonderful call back in February, and you touched on many of my questions. There is no way of knowing. Luckily, he sold my manuscript during the first round of submissions. I think the thing that surprised me the most was the length of time to actually have the book on the shelves. I had no idea how far out lists are planned.
I am new to your column and I apologize I don’t know you. Do you have any articles about your profession? Agent? Editor? When I’m finished my rewrites do I query you (agents? Or editors first?). I need basic lessons 😬
Here’s a link to the archive! TONS of info here https://www.agentsandbooks.com/archive
I love how honest and sensical this advice is! Yay!
XOXOX Karen. I have the call tomorrow! 😬😜
Congrats!!!!!!
When I finally had THE CALL with the person who became my agent, the conversation flowed so naturally and organically that I chucked my list of questions (which were really intended for newer, less experienced agents anyway). I knew which questions it was pointless to ask her. She was clear what was and was not under her control. Now the ball is in my court doing the rewrites she and I agreed upon. So it goes...
Some good advice in here. However, I will say from the author side I never expected perfect answers. Perfect answers would be a red flag the agent isn’t genuine or lying about the truths of publishing.
Also, while I can understand that our numerous questions can seem anxious (lol) it’s because there are genuinely bad agents out there who take advantage of authors. I have friends who have been in some crappy partnerships.
The call is the best way to explore a working partnership and make sure we are all aligned on the visions and expectations of selling a book or future books. It’s less about anxieties. More trying to sus out the perfect fit and partnership to the best of our ability.
Just my two cents as someone who had a very RAW conversation with my now agent in which there were no glib answers— and I was thankful for the blunt honesty and straightforward communication. :)
Thank you! That's good to hear! (not about the crappy agents part ofc) I guess I have my own anxieties that a potential client will be like *I can't believe she didn't have a 10 step marketing plan ready to go!!!!* to the group chat. Agents, we're just like writers. :)
Hahaha nah! Not the expectation. However, I’ve had friends who were told agents wouldn’t sub their books to Big5 yet or that they wanted an author to completely change the ending in a way that didn’t align. Those are the things that become huge decision makers on our side.
ABSOLUTELY! Couldn't agree more there.
I am 100% here for the honest/complicated/it depends answers and much prefer them to the shiny and glib. Thank you for this.