BookingIt

Here's the last part of Rachel's post! I hope you all find it helpful. You can find Rachel at her website , blog or at My Book Therapy . Here she is: Already have an agent? 1. Pray. Seriously, pray for your agent, the agency and the other clients. 2. Ask for a call once in awhile to keep communication open. If you’re not working on a project, or needing help, schedule a short call just to touch base. But make it brief. 3. When going into a contract negotiations, schedule a call with your agent to set expectations. Talk through all the possible ramifications of your deal. Ask for a marketing plan as part of the contract. 4. Ask for advice on marketing and promotions outside the publishers plan. 5. Ask your agent to be in the loop with your publisher on book covers, promotional plans, editorial ideas and issues. 6. If there are issues you believe your agent should’ve handled and did not, schedule a call. Don’t fester over it. And pray! Have an honest talk about your needs and ex...

To read part one, go here . And now Rachel: Here’s my advice on finding or working with an agent. 1. Ask God to direct you to the right agent. After talking with other writers, and watching the publishing world, it’s possible that some agents are wonderful for launching your career, but another agent will take you the rest of the way. I’m not sure how to recognize this with any particular agent, but go into your agent relationship with full confidence and faith that you’ll be together forever while keeping your ear to the heartbeat of Jesus. He will let you know if change is required. Pray for your relationship with your agent. 2. Be professional. Do your homework. Follow agent sites like Gardner’s and MacGregor’s . Thomas Nelson CEO, Michael Hyatt gives advice on how to find an agent. Meet with agents at conferences. Talk to other authors about agents or agencies. Look at agent or agency web sites. 3. Who does your potential agent represent? Look at their client list. Is this a good ...

Author Rachel Hauck was kind enough to offer some advice about finding and working with literary agents. Thank you so much Rachel! Here she is: I wasn’t looking for an agent when an author and friend called after reading the opening chapter of my first chick lit. Enthusiastic, (don’t you love those calls?) she suggested I submit the work to her agent. After learning of the agent’s reputation and client list, I whole heartily agreed. Up to this point, I wasn’t confident I was ready for an agent. I had one Heartsong published and wasn’t working on anything bigger, like a trade book. Then I started writing a chick lit in late ‘03. There’s a tendency to get in a hurry. Seeing other authors pick up agents, sell trade books out of the gate, win awards. “What, am I wood? Am I standing still?” you may ask yourself. Don’t be in a hurry. My prayer has always been and remains, “Lord, You’re my editor, agent and promoter.” I signed with my first agent in early ‘04. She really challenged me to go...