My first novel was traditionally published without an agent, and I'm looking for an agent for my second one. This was really helpful and much appreciated.
I have a QueryTracker account, but when I find an agent I like I also check some of those other sites, social media, and of course their website. No bites yet, but nobody can say I'm not trying.
Thanks for this, Kate. I had an agent for 10 years, and she's retired before me, so I'm querying. Sigh!
She gave a talk at a bookstore in the Australian city where I live, chatted at the coffee and cake afterwards, and asked what I wrote. "Things you've told us you don't rep," I said, "how-to books...on calligraphy..."
"Oh, but I love paper crafts," she replied, and at a later arranged meeting, we became a team.
Opportunities to meet can reveal more tastes than only those you'd guess from wishlists.
......................
I've been lucky and proactive in getting contracts. A friend with expertise was offered a deal but said she didn't have time, and suggested they contacted me instead. My first books.
I asked an editor for social media 'friendship', and as well as acceptance (was my website visited?), they asked if I'd be interested in a project (1/3 of a kids' book of things to do before you grow up—science experiments and survival techniques)...with a calligraphy book to follow that the agent negotiated. She did get me double what the publisher offered, but also added clauses that were important to me, like my name must go on any spin-off product (and there have been sixteen over 15 years).
TIP FOR WRITERS
If you write non-fiction, go to book fairs and front-up to publishers' stands and look at their books. They may wonder if you are their next appointment, or just be curious as to why you are looking. My winning line has been:
"I'm a writer wondering if you have any gaps in your list for which I may be able to send you a proposal."
Years ago, I came away from the Bologna Children's Book Fair and London Book Fairs with about 12 wants... Recipes children can cook (there are dozens of books already released on this, but the publisher was desperate for one on their list); The Seashore; Baby Animals; Fungi; Papermaking; Crafts ... ...
I pitched 'Fun Lettering for KIds' to a publisher at the LBF—they said, "No, but can you write one for adults instead on Calligraphy for Greetings Cards and Scrapbooking?" Done! They knew what they wanted.
I've since wondered if publishers tell agents what they really want next.
A picture book was contracted after an editor appraised the text at a SCBWI conference. (The agent couldn't get the offer increased for that.)
...................
Now, since my agent retired, I've had a synopsis and chapters of a MG narrative historical non-fiction work appraised by publishers' editors at a conference, and been asked for submission of the full, when revised, by two of them. I'd much prefer an agent to send the document...how long will the editors wait before they think I'm too slow?? Finding a new agent who wishes to partner is hard. Sigh...again!
The vast majority of writers have never published. They want to skip all that and go right to the top. Said it before, but I feel really bad for agents : )
This is great information. Indeed, why is it so hard? The work of submitting can take me away from the work of writing...and I have great intuition except when it comes to sending out my own work! I wonder if you have ever written about that. I have restacked it so hopefully my subscribers will find you.
My first novel was traditionally published without an agent, and I'm looking for an agent for my second one. This was really helpful and much appreciated.
This is incredibly useful—thank you very much!
Restacked.
Though I no longer have the physical endurance necessary, someone may make good use of your valuable information.
Thank you.
This is such a helpful list - thank you :)
Thanks saw you on zoom with Jeanne.
Looking forward to learning more at your event this Saturday! Congratulations 🎉
Getting ready to query in a few months and the overwhelm is real! Posts like this are so helpful!
I have a QueryTracker account, but when I find an agent I like I also check some of those other sites, social media, and of course their website. No bites yet, but nobody can say I'm not trying.
Thanks for this, Kate. I had an agent for 10 years, and she's retired before me, so I'm querying. Sigh!
She gave a talk at a bookstore in the Australian city where I live, chatted at the coffee and cake afterwards, and asked what I wrote. "Things you've told us you don't rep," I said, "how-to books...on calligraphy..."
"Oh, but I love paper crafts," she replied, and at a later arranged meeting, we became a team.
Opportunities to meet can reveal more tastes than only those you'd guess from wishlists.
......................
I've been lucky and proactive in getting contracts. A friend with expertise was offered a deal but said she didn't have time, and suggested they contacted me instead. My first books.
I asked an editor for social media 'friendship', and as well as acceptance (was my website visited?), they asked if I'd be interested in a project (1/3 of a kids' book of things to do before you grow up—science experiments and survival techniques)...with a calligraphy book to follow that the agent negotiated. She did get me double what the publisher offered, but also added clauses that were important to me, like my name must go on any spin-off product (and there have been sixteen over 15 years).
TIP FOR WRITERS
If you write non-fiction, go to book fairs and front-up to publishers' stands and look at their books. They may wonder if you are their next appointment, or just be curious as to why you are looking. My winning line has been:
"I'm a writer wondering if you have any gaps in your list for which I may be able to send you a proposal."
Years ago, I came away from the Bologna Children's Book Fair and London Book Fairs with about 12 wants... Recipes children can cook (there are dozens of books already released on this, but the publisher was desperate for one on their list); The Seashore; Baby Animals; Fungi; Papermaking; Crafts ... ...
I pitched 'Fun Lettering for KIds' to a publisher at the LBF—they said, "No, but can you write one for adults instead on Calligraphy for Greetings Cards and Scrapbooking?" Done! They knew what they wanted.
I've since wondered if publishers tell agents what they really want next.
A picture book was contracted after an editor appraised the text at a SCBWI conference. (The agent couldn't get the offer increased for that.)
...................
Now, since my agent retired, I've had a synopsis and chapters of a MG narrative historical non-fiction work appraised by publishers' editors at a conference, and been asked for submission of the full, when revised, by two of them. I'd much prefer an agent to send the document...how long will the editors wait before they think I'm too slow?? Finding a new agent who wishes to partner is hard. Sigh...again!
HAHA footnote 1: brilliant.
The vast majority of writers have never published. They want to skip all that and go right to the top. Said it before, but I feel really bad for agents : )
This is great information. Indeed, why is it so hard? The work of submitting can take me away from the work of writing...and I have great intuition except when it comes to sending out my own work! I wonder if you have ever written about that. I have restacked it so hopefully my subscribers will find you.
You might just need practice with your submission-intuition! It can be learned. :)
So helpful! Thank you for taking the time to write this up.
Some great resources here...
What a fine and useful list. Thank you! (And points for 'rupt.' It's getting borrowed ...)
Great advice. Thank you!!