In The Know: Pt. 4
First, Happy Memorial Day! I'm so glad that our country has set aside a day to honor those who've laid down their lives for our protection.
Back to our scheduled post...
When I began to query agents with my manuscript, I went straight down the agent list on the RWA website. After all, if they were RWA approved then I shouldn't have any worries, right?
Wrong. I got a full request from an agent who repped nothing I wrote. Furthermore, that agent had some iffy comments said about her and I only discovered these things after sending her the full manuscript.
It's so incredibly important to be in the know when it comes to agents. I've heard it said a million times (and you probably have too): a bad agent is worse than no agent.
There's a lot of things that can constitute bad. Lack of communication, disorganization, or even worse, someone who isn't really an agent at all. Most of you probably read agent blogs so you're ahead of the game. You know we don't pay agents to read our manuscript. I hope.
Awhile back, I was studying the agents attending a small Christian conference, and I noticed one in particular charges people just for a reading. I had to shake my head because there are many new writers who will attend that conference and think it's normal to pay that agent.
Research! Read their blogs. See what they've represented.
Any advice on choosing the right agent? Have you had a good experience thus far?
Back to our scheduled post...
When I began to query agents with my manuscript, I went straight down the agent list on the RWA website. After all, if they were RWA approved then I shouldn't have any worries, right?
Wrong. I got a full request from an agent who repped nothing I wrote. Furthermore, that agent had some iffy comments said about her and I only discovered these things after sending her the full manuscript.
It's so incredibly important to be in the know when it comes to agents. I've heard it said a million times (and you probably have too): a bad agent is worse than no agent.
There's a lot of things that can constitute bad. Lack of communication, disorganization, or even worse, someone who isn't really an agent at all. Most of you probably read agent blogs so you're ahead of the game. You know we don't pay agents to read our manuscript. I hope.
Awhile back, I was studying the agents attending a small Christian conference, and I noticed one in particular charges people just for a reading. I had to shake my head because there are many new writers who will attend that conference and think it's normal to pay that agent.
Research! Read their blogs. See what they've represented.
Any advice on choosing the right agent? Have you had a good experience thus far?
Comments
Hope you've had a great weekend!
Your very right, and all that stuff you listed (praying, etc.) is definitely best done before the query is sent. There are people out there who think nothing of stealing or taking advantage of someone.
Thank goodness for the internet.
:-) If there's bad news about someone, it can be found. LOL
Preditors and Editors is a great resource! I like Absolute Write Water Cooler too (different than P&E, right?)
Are you thinking of getting an agent soon?
~ Wendy
:-)
Have you started querying yet? Good luck!
I like agents who have websites too. I think Publishers Marketplace (or something) lists what agents sell. If you're a member you can see who's doing what. Also, sometimes I just google the agents name and find interviews. Good luck! And thanks for commenting. :-)
You only sent two queries and got a request? That's pretty good. :-) Homework isn't fun, but it'll prepare us for the test, so I agree with you. :-)
When I made the decision to get an agent (about five years ago) I kept a few things in mind. First of all, I didn't immediately jump to a big name, because big name agents are sometimes so busy with big name authors that the new authors get put on the back burner. Not always, but that's a question to keep in mind.
Another thing, personality. YOURS. What do you expect from an agent. I'm not really in need of hand holding, but I did want an agent that I clicked with on a personal level, and an agent that would 'get' my personality. I knew that I wouldn't do well with a 'too serious, non-communicative' agent.
Fortunately my agent is perfect for me. We've had a great relationship and I don't see that coming to an end.
I know it sounds kinda cheesy, but I'm not looking for just any agent. I want one that I can relate with and one that fits with me AND my book. I can't imagine making it through the publishing world with an agent that shares nothing in common with me and what's more doesn't really like the genre I've written about!
I would love to have an agent I just click with. :-) So what your saying is we should know our expectations and ask ourselves whether a prospective agent is likely to meet them?
I don't think that's cheesy at all. It kind of goes with what Brenda said too. I completely agree with you.
I've heard so much of them but haven't used them. Sounds great! Don't they show response times too?
When I hired a contractor to fix my roof, I contacted the Better Business Bureau, asked for references, etc. Why would I exercise any less caution with an agent? The key is check them out as thoroughly as possible.
And don't forget to pray.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Great idea checking with the DBB! LOL Wish we would've thought of doing that with some of our household stuff.
All of you are so right about praying. That's something I have trouble with because I want to just jump right in, then when something goes wrong, God hears from me. And I feel bad too, talking to Him after the fact instead of before.
You're not a weakling. :-) You're just learning to trust your voice.
I'm so excited to meet agents and publishers! You're going to ACFW, right?
I have not gone on many agent websites or blogs, but those I have have proved remarkably helpful to me. I'm finding out who represents what I do, and who is not a good fit for me. After awhile, you get a feel not only for the genres they like, but their personality and heart.
And there is also the "Editors and Predators" website.
Jen
Unfortunately it's getting easier and easier for agents and even publishers to get RWA "approved".
I am a new kid on the scene who is looking for encouragement and advice. So I apologize for not having advice, but I do thank you, Jennifer, that your spirit is willing to offer what you know.
smooches,
Larie
Anywho-- In my querying -that is still going on right now, I've noticed that the best thing I did was check out new books that I liked and searched to find out who that author's agent was. Of course, I also went on-line and read the blogs and such, but the best agents I found were initially chosen because I liked some book they represented. --and people need to really look at the agent's website, cuz- sometimes- an agent will work with a group of agents that say on their site that they accept unpublished authors, but -in reality- only ONE of the agents in that group does. There were a couple of places where that wasn't exactly made clear, and it was confusing for me.
I like to read agent blogs too. There've been some agents I've ruled out just because of the tone of their posts. We wouldn't fit. So you can def. hear their hearts with this.
I didn't know that about RWA. I thought everything was reputable on their list. Hmmm... Well, I learned the agents weren't so I guess that would go for publishers too.
We're all newbies once. :-) I'm not a newbie anymore, but I wouldn't say I'm a veteran either. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, that's awesome about your dad, and so sad people treated him that way. What a wonderful example of courage he is!
I get confused by some websites too. Like when they don't make clear if they want something as an attachment or in an e-mail. Oh well. We do what we can, right?