Marry Me

Let’s talk commitment. Like the kind you make when you procure an agent and sign a contract to be faithful and honest and share part of the proceeds of your work with them. This will also involve compromises at times and lots of open communication with each other. Why does this sound familiar? Because it’s what you promised your spouse when you married.

I’ve heard one or two writers claim their author/agent relationship is purely professional and they like it that way. But I think it means much more for the majority of published authors. Writing is a personal endeavor, it’s your heart and soul on the page and your agent will become your first reader. How can the relationship maintain its professionalism?

It’s a marriage, plain and simple. Only more like a rogue Mormon sect multiple wives kind of marriage because your agent will have several commitments. I take this sort of promise very seriously. I’ve been married to the same man now longer than I was single and when I sign with an agent it will be after serious deliberation and with the same strong commitment.

I’m not saying divorces don’t happen…they do. Just not in my house.

If you could find an agent through a personal ad mine would read like this:

Story-teller seeks Story-seller
Twisted sense of humor and ability
to shotgun full beer a must.
Long term commitment only, if looking
for one-night stand, call my sister.

Just marry me already!

Note: Just to clarify, 'call my sister' is sort of a catch phrase.  I am not implying my sister is some sort of slut...at least not anymore.  As for the beer slamming, I hardly ever get a chance to drink but I think it would work in my favor if my agent did.

Taco Bell Query

Summer had arrived and with it the need to find employment for the teenagers in my house. Not that it’s imperative they work but it will help feed their endless need for stimulation. Because life is just so damn boring…I mean, obviously. You can only eat so many hot pockets or play Call of Duty for thousands of hours before even that gets old. And cleaning their room or mowing the lawn is not an option.

So what is there available to offer their insatiable appetite? Not only to occupy their time but provide them with extra money for more games? Fast food franchises, sackers at the local grocery store, or mowing other people’s lawns. In other words, a lot of work for a little pay, at least until they develop more skills. Then they will be able to offer an employer more and receive more in return.

This led me to ponder the similarities between this situation and the query process. We are essentially offering employment to agents, not the other way around. Most of these agents have incredible skills and are offered wonderful opportunities every day. When we send our query and pages we are essentially saying read this and come to work for me. Take a look at what I can offer you, are you interested? You may have to work really hard and be paid very little or not at all for quite a while but it’ll be worth it. I promise.

We shouldn’t feel too discouraged if we are turned down, instead we should take a good look at what we are offering.

Minimum wage at Taco Bell might not be what their looking for…unless you thrown in free Volcano Nachos. ‘Cause those are just awesome.

Contest Alert!

We break from our regular blog posting schedule to bring you awesome news!

Ammi-Joan Paquette of Erin Murphy Literary is participating in a pitch contest over at YAtopia.  This agency is closed to unsolicited queries so this is a rare opportunity!

The contest is only for children's and young adult categories so if this is your thing, then head over there right NOW!  It's going to end at midnight on March 24th or cap at 150 entries (think they're going to have to cap this one) so there isn't much time left.

The only other rules are:
Be a follower of YAtopia
Blog/Tweet/Facebook about the contest

You need a two sentence pitch and you have to include the opening line of your manuscript.

Good Luck!!!

Query Who?

Aspiring writers are encouraged to query widely in order to increase the chances of finding representation. I agree but I also think we should query wisely.

Not all agents have the time or the inclination to maintain a blog but I love those who do. You receive valuable insight not just on which genres they represent but how they think and interact with clients. You have a better idea if they will mesh well with your ideas and career goals.

Research every agent that you decide to query. Websites and submission guidelines will often tell you if they are editorial agents or not, the particulars of what they are interested in, and who they currently represent. Ask yourself if it is important that they represent multiple genres or specialize in yours? Do you plan on staying with this genre or do you see yourself branching out in the future? If so, will this agent still be a fit for you? Do you need someone to give you that added help before submitting to publishers or is your ms ready to go? Be honest.

It may not be possible to know details about every agent that you query but make the effort to find out what you can. It is important to have a list of questions ready for when that offer comes but if you know who you are querying before the call, then you are already ahead of the game.

SuperAgents

The term 'superagent' evokes the image of a caped superhero, with a kindle in one hand and a contract in the other, able to leap buildings in a single bound, and talk multiple publishing houses into competing for your manuscripts.

This is the agent we all want. We have a top ten list and keep our fingers crossed when we pluck up the courage to query them. In reality, these are the busiest agents in the business and they might not be the right fit for you. Do not be hesitant to query those agents who are newer to the business and making a name for themselves. They can sometimes be more eager, more energetic, and have the time to give you that a busier agent might not have.

When you receive that offer of representation, you should have already researched the person and house they work for, but take the time to speak with them. Find out those personal factors that might or might not make them perfect for you. You do not want the equivalent of a one-night stand, you want a long term relationship with this person. Do not leap without careful consideration.

Do not be discouraged, your superagent is waiting for you....and ironing that cape in their free time.

Congrats to Stephanie Faris for signing with an agent!