I was loading laundry in the washer, thinking about (what else?) my writing, about where I want it to go in this new year. Initially, of course, visions of agent representation and publication bubbled up in my head, making me dizzy with want. And nerves. And fear.
But then, just as quick as I poured the detergent, I felt impressed to chillax, as my seven-year-old recently suggested. What I need to focus on became clear to me.
Just move forward.
Yeah, I could aspire to acquire an agent this calendar year. It's possible, right? And then beyond that, hope to get a book deal before the next ball drops? Forget that twelve months is rarely enough time to get the agent. It occurred to me that might not even be in the 2010 plan for me. It's possible I won't be ready. Or if I am at any point, that my agent match won't be.
Just move forward.
And you know, it really took a load of pressure off. Because I'm free to work on my craft, to read more, write more, learn all I can to get better. I can progress, see where it takes me.
That's what I want this year. As long as my writing moves forward, I'll be happy.
You?
Showing posts with label agent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label agent. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, September 1, 2008
Query vs. Proposal
So I think most who frequent my blog are familiar with the concept and process of a query. But for first-time visitors or non-writers, a recap: You write a letter briefly expressing the premise of your (usually) fiction book, and ask the agent you're contacting if he/she would A) like to look at your manuscript and B) consider representing you. Sounds simple, right? It's so not simple. You have to encorporate all the most crucial aspects of your story, catch their attention with a hook, stand out from all the hundreds of queries besides yours, time it so they don't read yours after eating a rotten tuna fish sandwich, and do it all in the most professional way. YIKES.
Proposals are an entirely different process and output. They're done with non-fiction books, and a proposal is an all-out presentation for the agent. A proposal includes these steps, in this order: title page, overview, the market, the competition, about the author, publicity, annotated table of contents, and sample material. Plus three or four optional inclusions, if you like. You have to know your non-fic idea backwards and forwards; you have to research whether there's a market for it, if your book fits in but also how it's different and special, and how publicity and marketing would work once it's published. Whew. And then you submit it to your chosen agent, just as you would the query.
And it's crazy, but writing my proposal was so much easier than that query I've been sending out. I'm still happy with my query, don't get me wrong, but that was such a nasty booger to get "right." The proposal, conversely, was much more cut and dry, black and white. I'd have been totally lost if it weren't for that AW thread I referenced in my last post, so I give those involved with it super-kudos.
Still, the ease of my proposal just reiterated the feeling that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Every section seemed, at first, overwhelming. But I said, "I can do this. I'm a writer and I can handle it." And, by golly, I did! Every part flowed out of me, with a great deal of Guidance, I know. And I am so thankful for that. I feel so sure in what I'm doing with this.
And so I'm going to submit my non-fic proposal sometime today. I'll be looking it over for the last (millionth) time, and will send it off with good wishes and prayer. Think of me!
***
I got a rejection from my novel query yesterday (Sunday) morning at, believe it or not, 5:21 a.m. (Talk about keeping up with your slush pile!) It was very nice, and expressed that though my premise didn't excite them as much as they'd have liked, my writing showed promise. And, in a nutshell, to keep at it. So YAY! for another nice, positive rejection. That makes:
13 rejections, 16 out
and
1 proposal out, as of sometime today
Proposals are an entirely different process and output. They're done with non-fiction books, and a proposal is an all-out presentation for the agent. A proposal includes these steps, in this order: title page, overview, the market, the competition, about the author, publicity, annotated table of contents, and sample material. Plus three or four optional inclusions, if you like. You have to know your non-fic idea backwards and forwards; you have to research whether there's a market for it, if your book fits in but also how it's different and special, and how publicity and marketing would work once it's published. Whew. And then you submit it to your chosen agent, just as you would the query.
And it's crazy, but writing my proposal was so much easier than that query I've been sending out. I'm still happy with my query, don't get me wrong, but that was such a nasty booger to get "right." The proposal, conversely, was much more cut and dry, black and white. I'd have been totally lost if it weren't for that AW thread I referenced in my last post, so I give those involved with it super-kudos.
Still, the ease of my proposal just reiterated the feeling that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Every section seemed, at first, overwhelming. But I said, "I can do this. I'm a writer and I can handle it." And, by golly, I did! Every part flowed out of me, with a great deal of Guidance, I know. And I am so thankful for that. I feel so sure in what I'm doing with this.
And so I'm going to submit my non-fic proposal sometime today. I'll be looking it over for the last (millionth) time, and will send it off with good wishes and prayer. Think of me!
***
I got a rejection from my novel query yesterday (Sunday) morning at, believe it or not, 5:21 a.m. (Talk about keeping up with your slush pile!) It was very nice, and expressed that though my premise didn't excite them as much as they'd have liked, my writing showed promise. And, in a nutshell, to keep at it. So YAY! for another nice, positive rejection. That makes:
13 rejections, 16 out
and
1 proposal out, as of sometime today
Friday, August 29, 2008
Ho.ly.Wow
What a wild ride the last twenty-four hours have been.
I've mentioned in the not-so-distant past that I'm working on a non-fiction idea and proposal. Though it hasn't been my first "priority," what with querying my novel, I still knew it was something worth pursuing. Especially after this amazing sign.
So last night, after an opportunity presented itself, I felt led to follow the path laid before me and shot an e-mail to an agent. Would you be interested in seeing my proposal? I asked. His response came early this morning, with a request that I "send the proposal and a number of sample chapters." Having let him know in the beginning that I was merely near completion, he agreed to give me until next week. *squee*
I spent the day toiling over my proposal, expecting long, grueling days ahead of me, all-the-while my heart pounding like an energetic jackrabbit. Though I'd already put a lot of work and research into it (referencing this fantastic thread on AW), quite a bit remained. But, man, I worked it out. Each step of the proposal flowed out of me in such an amazing way. Like, in a way that told me this is supposed to be happening right now. It was the plan for me. And tonight my proposal is complete (and fantastic!) at sixteen pages.
The only thing is... after looking into this agent, I've decided to forego submission to him. Why? Because it just doesn't feel right. He's not what I'm after, especially when I want an agent for the duration of my career, for all aspects of my writing. But you know what? That's okay, because if I hadn't had this little blip of communication with him I wouldn't have pounded the proposal out. I wouldn't have dug around for information on him... nor would I have come up with details on an agent who IS perfect for me.
She deals with fiction and non-fiction, a definite bonus. Because I feel my strongest suit right now is this non-fiction book, I plan to send my proposal to her Monday. And, if/when the time comes, if it's a good fit? I'll mention I have a novel ready to go, too. Now of course my thinking she's a perfect fit doesn't mean she'll agree. But my confidence is so strong, so sure and affirmed by my faith in God right now, that I'm going to be okay whatever the outcome. I don't know, I can't explain it sufficiently. But this path I'm on right now is the path I'm to go down. I feel like my writing world is poised to explode, just down there... See it? I do.
I'll keep you posted.
I've mentioned in the not-so-distant past that I'm working on a non-fiction idea and proposal. Though it hasn't been my first "priority," what with querying my novel, I still knew it was something worth pursuing. Especially after this amazing sign.
So last night, after an opportunity presented itself, I felt led to follow the path laid before me and shot an e-mail to an agent. Would you be interested in seeing my proposal? I asked. His response came early this morning, with a request that I "send the proposal and a number of sample chapters." Having let him know in the beginning that I was merely near completion, he agreed to give me until next week. *squee*
I spent the day toiling over my proposal, expecting long, grueling days ahead of me, all-the-while my heart pounding like an energetic jackrabbit. Though I'd already put a lot of work and research into it (referencing this fantastic thread on AW), quite a bit remained. But, man, I worked it out. Each step of the proposal flowed out of me in such an amazing way. Like, in a way that told me this is supposed to be happening right now. It was the plan for me. And tonight my proposal is complete (and fantastic!) at sixteen pages.
The only thing is... after looking into this agent, I've decided to forego submission to him. Why? Because it just doesn't feel right. He's not what I'm after, especially when I want an agent for the duration of my career, for all aspects of my writing. But you know what? That's okay, because if I hadn't had this little blip of communication with him I wouldn't have pounded the proposal out. I wouldn't have dug around for information on him... nor would I have come up with details on an agent who IS perfect for me.
She deals with fiction and non-fiction, a definite bonus. Because I feel my strongest suit right now is this non-fiction book, I plan to send my proposal to her Monday. And, if/when the time comes, if it's a good fit? I'll mention I have a novel ready to go, too. Now of course my thinking she's a perfect fit doesn't mean she'll agree. But my confidence is so strong, so sure and affirmed by my faith in God right now, that I'm going to be okay whatever the outcome. I don't know, I can't explain it sufficiently. But this path I'm on right now is the path I'm to go down. I feel like my writing world is poised to explode, just down there... See it? I do.
I'll keep you posted.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Like Shoes
Wow, thanks for the birthday greetings, everyone! Littlest had a blast, and it was a great and blessed evening.
And thanks for enjoying the brownies with me. *burp* Oh! Excuse me.
***
I had kind of suspected, and have decided for sure, that finding the right agent is like finding the right pair of shoes: If it's gonna work out, it's gotta be the right fit. Another rejection tells me I haven't yet found my match. But I know I can't get upset over just one. Many more possibilities, just like in the seemingly-endless shoe department at my favorite store, are waiting to be approached. Maybe tried on for size.
Yesterday my thoughts wandered to those people you hear about (I know they're out there) who get partial request after partial request from agents. What does it mean, exactly? Obviously, they've done something right with their query letter. They've pitched their book just so, had that necessary hook, grabbing the attention of one professional after another. But I have to ask, how often does the manuscript (ms) live up to the expectation? What if the writer has sailed through the query stage because short, summarizing blurbs are their specialty, but when it comes to the full length of their novel, they've failed? On average, how many agents give time to those books seeming so promising, but so quickly kick it out the door because it just wasn't good enough?
I'm not judging, by the way. Just curious.
Conversely, how often is it that a query gets little or no attention, regardless of the story that lies behind it? What if it's a diamond in the rough, to use the old cliche? The diamond is the ms; the rough is the query.
My book is good. I know it is. (And if saying that makes me sound presumptious, then presume I'll have to do.) So is it that my query's bad? Am I one whose query just doesn't cut it, so no agent gets far enough to see what qualities my ms may hold? If so, I need to reassess. My friend, Wendy, who also lives this writing life, suggested I post my query on AW (the writers' forum site) for critiques. As much as I've avoided it before (though I did get feedback from 5 fellow writers whose thoughts I value, including Wendy herself), it may be time. If I'm missing that one crucial element (or dozens) and have included a no-no (or dozens), I really should correct it all.
As for the most recent rejection, received day-before-yesterday from the agent's assistant, it was generic. "Dear Author... Thanks for ... the opportunity... not the right agents for your work..." EXCEPT THAT "...we wish you success with your work... keep writing... [and] we strongly urge you to keep submitting elsewhere, as you might already have a bestseller in your hands." (bolding is mine for empasis)
What?! Oh my holy canoli. Did you read that like I did?
Okay. I know that, given the generic nature of the rest of the e-mail, it's not a statement I should plan my world around. It could simply be their way of boosting a writer's - any coherent writer's, for that matter - morale and esteem. But then again, why would they say such a thing? Create false hope? And they wouldn't do that with every Jane (or Janna, as it were) who comes a long. Would they?
Either way, I'll take it for what it may be worth. I'll hold on to that little glimmer and keep searching. 'Cuz someday I'll find the perfect pair of shoes. Er, agent.
8 rejections; 9 out
And thanks for enjoying the brownies with me. *burp* Oh! Excuse me.
***
I had kind of suspected, and have decided for sure, that finding the right agent is like finding the right pair of shoes: If it's gonna work out, it's gotta be the right fit. Another rejection tells me I haven't yet found my match. But I know I can't get upset over just one. Many more possibilities, just like in the seemingly-endless shoe department at my favorite store, are waiting to be approached. Maybe tried on for size.
Yesterday my thoughts wandered to those people you hear about (I know they're out there) who get partial request after partial request from agents. What does it mean, exactly? Obviously, they've done something right with their query letter. They've pitched their book just so, had that necessary hook, grabbing the attention of one professional after another. But I have to ask, how often does the manuscript (ms) live up to the expectation? What if the writer has sailed through the query stage because short, summarizing blurbs are their specialty, but when it comes to the full length of their novel, they've failed? On average, how many agents give time to those books seeming so promising, but so quickly kick it out the door because it just wasn't good enough?
I'm not judging, by the way. Just curious.
Conversely, how often is it that a query gets little or no attention, regardless of the story that lies behind it? What if it's a diamond in the rough, to use the old cliche? The diamond is the ms; the rough is the query.
My book is good. I know it is. (And if saying that makes me sound presumptious, then presume I'll have to do.) So is it that my query's bad? Am I one whose query just doesn't cut it, so no agent gets far enough to see what qualities my ms may hold? If so, I need to reassess. My friend, Wendy, who also lives this writing life, suggested I post my query on AW (the writers' forum site) for critiques. As much as I've avoided it before (though I did get feedback from 5 fellow writers whose thoughts I value, including Wendy herself), it may be time. If I'm missing that one crucial element (or dozens) and have included a no-no (or dozens), I really should correct it all.
As for the most recent rejection, received day-before-yesterday from the agent's assistant, it was generic. "Dear Author... Thanks for ... the opportunity... not the right agents for your work..." EXCEPT THAT "...we wish you success with your work... keep writing... [and] we strongly urge you to keep submitting elsewhere, as you might already have a bestseller in your hands." (bolding is mine for empasis)
What?! Oh my holy canoli. Did you read that like I did?
Okay. I know that, given the generic nature of the rest of the e-mail, it's not a statement I should plan my world around. It could simply be their way of boosting a writer's - any coherent writer's, for that matter - morale and esteem. But then again, why would they say such a thing? Create false hope? And they wouldn't do that with every Jane (or Janna, as it were) who comes a long. Would they?
Either way, I'll take it for what it may be worth. I'll hold on to that little glimmer and keep searching. 'Cuz someday I'll find the perfect pair of shoes. Er, agent.
8 rejections; 9 out
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
In My Dreams
Last night I dreamed of an agent. She had no name; at least, not one I can remember. She contacted me via phone, offering advice for my book. And then BOOM! she showed up at my house, ready to represent me. She was warm and friendly and, despite having misinterpreted my book for Young Adult in genre (whereas it's more like Mainstream or Women's Fiction), she rocked.
I woke up perplexed. And excited. My interaction with her in the dream felt tangible, and I hope someday I see it happen for real. Even if it's not with my "dream" agent.
Har har. Get it?
I woke up perplexed. And excited. My interaction with her in the dream felt tangible, and I hope someday I see it happen for real. Even if it's not with my "dream" agent.
Har har. Get it?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Why Isn't There A Lit Agent In The Family?
We've got a wide range of careers represented by our family, both immediate and extended: Nurses, Air Force, electricians, Wal-Mart associates, a private investigator, a plastic surgeon, computer programmers, teachers, musicians, a police officer, an airline employee, a government contractor, and jacks of all trades, etc.
But not a single one in the literary field. No one to help me get my foot in the door.
I was even willing to throw the family's annual cheesecake contest. As a judge this year, I'd have chosen Crazy Uncle Jeb's Mussels and Sprouts Cake* for winner, if he'd had an in with an agency. But I couldn't find any relative, even the most distant, who could help me.
Which, I guess, is okay. In the end, reaching my goal of publication all on my own will make the reward that much sweeter. Right?
*We have no Crazy Uncle Jeb. And I wouldn't have voted for a mussels and sprouts cheesecake. Ucky!
ETA: New count, as of two minutes ago: 6 rejections, 5 queries out
But not a single one in the literary field. No one to help me get my foot in the door.
I was even willing to throw the family's annual cheesecake contest. As a judge this year, I'd have chosen Crazy Uncle Jeb's Mussels and Sprouts Cake* for winner, if he'd had an in with an agency. But I couldn't find any relative, even the most distant, who could help me.
Which, I guess, is okay. In the end, reaching my goal of publication all on my own will make the reward that much sweeter. Right?
*We have no Crazy Uncle Jeb. And I wouldn't have voted for a mussels and sprouts cheesecake. Ucky!
ETA: New count, as of two minutes ago: 6 rejections, 5 queries out
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
In Less Than Five Minutes
I sent another query out today, this time to a well-respected agent I've become familiar with through this here Bloggerland. Drawing on his advice and thinking I had nothing to lose, I prepped my info and sent it off.
Imagine my surprise when, in less than five minutes, I had a response waiting in my inbox. My palms grew sweaty, my heart paced quickly. And I opened the e-mail to find a very nice, very personal, rejection. Ouch. It took a few minutes to sink in; I was reeling from his lightning-speed reply.
But, even given my disappointment, I'm ever-grateful for his kind words. And I do respect what he had to say.
So, though interest didn't come from him, I'll keep moving forward.
Current count:
2 rejections; 1 I'll contact you within 3 weeks if I'm interested; 7 out
Imagine my surprise when, in less than five minutes, I had a response waiting in my inbox. My palms grew sweaty, my heart paced quickly. And I opened the e-mail to find a very nice, very personal, rejection. Ouch. It took a few minutes to sink in; I was reeling from his lightning-speed reply.
But, even given my disappointment, I'm ever-grateful for his kind words. And I do respect what he had to say.
So, though interest didn't come from him, I'll keep moving forward.
Current count:
2 rejections; 1 I'll contact you within 3 weeks if I'm interested; 7 out
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Rejection
I got my first rejection today. I know, already. I was shocked the response came in less than a week; not-so-shocked it was a BIG FAT NO, since it was from an agent I queried before I had my things spit-polished.
I know. I'm bad. And I kicked myself, really beat myself up, for allowing such a thing to happen. I'd finished my query and synopsis with such confidence, I shot them off to a couple agents before having them critiqued. I regretted it the next day, of course. And I let it be a lesson learned.
So anyway, I cringed when she said--very, very nicely, I might add--that she has to be very selective with who she chooses to represent. And she's not right for my book. My first thought was But that query sucked! Now she thinks I suck! If only she knew I changed it all, made it better...
But there's no turning back. My chance with her is past. And that's okay, because I know I've got better footing now. And there are more agents out there.
***
The count has begun.
1 rejection: 5 out
I know. I'm bad. And I kicked myself, really beat myself up, for allowing such a thing to happen. I'd finished my query and synopsis with such confidence, I shot them off to a couple agents before having them critiqued. I regretted it the next day, of course. And I let it be a lesson learned.
So anyway, I cringed when she said--very, very nicely, I might add--that she has to be very selective with who she chooses to represent. And she's not right for my book. My first thought was But that query sucked! Now she thinks I suck! If only she knew I changed it all, made it better...
But there's no turning back. My chance with her is past. And that's okay, because I know I've got better footing now. And there are more agents out there.
***
The count has begun.
1 rejection: 5 out
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
How It Works
I know most of my readers are writers, but for those who aren't, here's where I'm at...
I've polished my manuscript until it shines. I've written my query letter (the letter asking agents to consider reading, and then representing, my book) and synopsis (a comprehensive summary of the book), rehashing and revising until my mind is fuzzy. I've researched agents and the best way to get my foot in the door, to be given even half a chance.
Some literary agents get at least a thousand queries a month. Mine will be added to their piles.
I've submitted my query (with synopsis) to 6 agents so far, all of them in New York City. It will likely take weeks, maybe even months*, before they read just that much, at which point they'll decide if they're interested in looking at any portion of the manuscript.
Should one (or more) choose to read my entire book, that could again take weeks to months. If they'd agree to take me on as a client and represent me, they'd begin their job of trying to sell my book to a publisher. Yet again we're looking at months and, if a publishing house actually bought my book, it could be a couple years before it went to press. *exhales* So, after the year I spent writing the book, and the 3 months editing, my journey has only just begun.
Did you catch all those IFs?
Some writers query upwards of a hundred agents, and I still have many, many more to consider, even if one I've already contacted should like to represent me.
In the meantime... I'm corraling thoughts for novel 2...
*Especially since the later summer months are slowest in the literary world, what with conventions and vacations and such.
I've polished my manuscript until it shines. I've written my query letter (the letter asking agents to consider reading, and then representing, my book) and synopsis (a comprehensive summary of the book), rehashing and revising until my mind is fuzzy. I've researched agents and the best way to get my foot in the door, to be given even half a chance.
Some literary agents get at least a thousand queries a month. Mine will be added to their piles.
I've submitted my query (with synopsis) to 6 agents so far, all of them in New York City. It will likely take weeks, maybe even months*, before they read just that much, at which point they'll decide if they're interested in looking at any portion of the manuscript.
Should one (or more) choose to read my entire book, that could again take weeks to months. If they'd agree to take me on as a client and represent me, they'd begin their job of trying to sell my book to a publisher. Yet again we're looking at months and, if a publishing house actually bought my book, it could be a couple years before it went to press. *exhales* So, after the year I spent writing the book, and the 3 months editing, my journey has only just begun.
Did you catch all those IFs?
Some writers query upwards of a hundred agents, and I still have many, many more to consider, even if one I've already contacted should like to represent me.
In the meantime... I'm corraling thoughts for novel 2...
*Especially since the later summer months are slowest in the literary world, what with conventions and vacations and such.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
To Search Or Not To Search
It occurred to me today, just minutes ago in fact, that nothing would stop me from beginning an agent search now. Though my edits aren't done (though they're going well!) - and I haven't constructed a query yet - I could certainly start perusing agencies and making my pick list. Right?
And then I got to thinking, if I did actually find the nerve to go ahead and query, the prospect of responses would drive me to push through my edits.
I'm not committing here. But I think I will, in whatever spare time (yeah, right) I may be able to take hostage, give it some serious thought.
To be continued...
And then I got to thinking, if I did actually find the nerve to go ahead and query, the prospect of responses would drive me to push through my edits.
I'm not committing here. But I think I will, in whatever spare time (yeah, right) I may be able to take hostage, give it some serious thought.
To be continued...
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