In continuing our series of writing articles here at Plotmonkeys on Saturdays, I’m re-running a blog I posted at my old Marisela site about agents, thanks to Jodie, who posed the question to Carly.
Here it is…it’s in THREE parts, with the WHO and HOW/WHEN articles to follow.
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There’s been a lot of discussion on my local chapter loop from time to time about scam agents. It made me think. I mean, at this point in my career, it would take the mother of all punk’n agents to be able to scam me. (Not to say I wouldn’t get SCREWED by an agent…not my current one, of course, but scammed & screwed, while similar, are two different things.) A perfectly legitimate agent can easily stop taking calls, answering emails, sending checks. Screwed, not scammed. (Similar to shaken, not stirred…well, it is at 11:30pm on a Friday night…you know where my brain is.)
Let’s get back to my original thought. Which is–when is an author ready to find an agent?
I think I have an answer. It’s arbitrary, I’ll admit, but I think one year. ONE YEAR AFTER BEING AN ACTIVE, WORKING WRITER.
What does that mean?
You’ve been “in the biz.” Submitting? Not necessarily, though the submission process, while educational, can also be arbitrary and frustrating and without any particular guidance. Editors certainly don’t owe you an explanation for why they passed on your work. If you get feedback? Consider yourself lucky, but just because the editor said, “your writing is crisp, but the story doesn’t work for me” doesn’t mean you’re a good writer or anywhere near ready to sell.
What I mean by “in the biz” is that you are connected to the industry. You’re reading this blog. You’re reading blogs from other authors and industry pros. That’s connected. You are an active member of an RWA chapter or other writer organization that has published authors (and I mean, published authors in the industry you are aiming to break into…if you want to be a NYC print pub and your writer’s group only has vanity press authors, you are NOT connected.)
You read blogs like Miss Snark (may her blog rest in peace…but the archives are still active for anyone who is interested,) Buzz, Balls & Hype, EvilEditor and the blogs by agents like Kristen Nelson and Rachel Vater. You understand, at least on a rudimentary level, what a print run is, what a sell-through is and what’s the difference between a blurb and a cover quote. (There is none…trick question. Well, actually, the word blurb is used in many ways. If you can name two, you’re connected.)
All this takes about a year if you work at it.
Oh–and one more thing–you MUST have a completed manuscript.
Sorry, but shopping for agents without a completed manuscript is like shopping for a car without a driver’s license and auto insurance. You can buy the car, but you certainly can’t drive it without exhibiting hazardous behavior. I’m not saying (GOD FORBID) that a first-time author can’t sell on a proposal but you’re not exactly practicing street smarts by trying to get an agent before you even have a book to show for it.
Oh, you say…agents take so long to respond. If I start querying now, I’ll have PLENTY of time to finish the book.
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha. ::snort::
Yeah, and what if you don’t? What if a dream agent happens to get your query letter on the precise day that (insert planet here) is perfectly aligned with (insert celetrial object here) and they want the book yesterday because they have an editor who was looking for JUST THIS BOOK and has a six-figure advance budgeted to pay for it? The chances of this happening EXACTLY this way are remote…but it’s still a sticky-wicket.
If you haven’t finished a book, how do you know you can?
I think the reason some writers get taken in by scam artists or deadbeat agents is because they simply don’t know enough to see the red flags or to be able to differentiate between a red flag and a simple cause for concern.
Like membership in AAR, another topic that came up on my chapter loop. Is AAR membership REQUIRED? If an agent isn’t in AAR, is it a deal-breaker? No, but it’s a red flag. WHY isn’t this agent in AAR? They might have a darned good reason. What is AAR? Aha! You are SO not ready to get an agent.
When did I start seriously looking? Well, after my 10th book, when I was getting ready to move out of category romance and into single title. However, I actually started foolishly looking for an agent the first time waaaaaaaaaaay back when I was first starting out (less than a year into my apprenticeship). I found some of those rejection letters recently that I got from those agents. They were dodged bullets. I certainly didn’t know squat about this business back then. I had NO business looking for an agent. I would have had no clue if they were treating me right or not.
I stopped, got wise, learned about contracts and negotiating and then sold my first book on my own. And I negotiated the contract. And it wasn’t pretty. I wouldn’t recommend this for the feint of heart. At this point, an agent could have come in handy. (Yes, category authors need good agents…but that’s a whole ‘nuther topic.) But I knew I was tough, educated and confident. I had an editor I trusted with my life. (Still do.) But anyone else might have needed an agent then.
I waited. By the time I was really ready for my search, I knew exactly what I wanted. In fact, I knew WHO I wanted and I got her, too. Don’t you love happy endings?
“A bad agent is worse than no agent at all.” You’ve all heard that, right? Truer words were never spoken. But how do you know if your agent is bad (for you, might be great for someone else) if you don’t know exactly what an agent does. Oh…I think I know my next blog topic…WHAT an agent. Then WHY. Then HOW. How frickin’ clever!
So when should you start looking for an agent? 1) after you have a completed novel to market and 2) after you’ve been connected to the business for one year. Only then will you be even close to qualified to start your agent hunt. It’s not an easy hunt…trust me, you’ll need the thick skin that time in the industry will give you.
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
3 Seductions and a Wedding
Hot Number
Play With Me
Wild For Him
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Thank you so much for answering this question but, 8O I think I get more and more confused all the time.
I’ve joined an online chapter of RWA that is great, very helpful and friendly. Several unpubbed writers on there keep talking about resubmitting to their agent, who scraps this idea or has them rewrite an entire section, etc. Most everyone talks about the importance of an agent but it just seemed kind of early to me to be thinking that way.
I’m a naturally curious person. I love to read and learn, I probably could have been a professional student, but I’m telling you this gets more and more complicated all the time.
I laid in bed last night rethinking my entire manuscript – running every character through the GMC chart. Then I started throwing in the 3 act screenplay class that I’ve been taking. I was awake a whole lot more than I slept last night and I’m thinking of having a bonfire tonight! :wallbash:
My problem is, that I expect pefection from myself with everything I do. I don’t usually allow myself to experience a “learning curve,” I just expect it to be right straight out of the gate. :doh:
OK, enough whining – I’m going to go through myself into a serious yard project and forget GMC/plotting/black moments (while I have my own!)lol.
Thanks so much for answering this question. I feel much, much better having heard your answer and I’m going back to my original plan…in a hundred years when I end up with a completely ms I like.:lol:
p.s. hope Barry brings you much needed rain and nothing more. We’re supposed to get 2-4″ of rain tonight through tomorrow so I’ve got some yard projects to get wrapped up.
Sorry to ramble – Hope everyone has a great day and weekend!!!
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Jeez – look at all those typos – I guess I’m getting over the expected perfection thing!
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Jodie, the thought of revising extensively for an agent makes my skin crawl. Honestly, I look at it this way–an agent is like the business manager of a doctor’s office…the EDITOR is the doctor. While I’m sure the business manager has picked up some great health tips while in the office, they aren’t the doctor and don’t have the training to actually do a diagnosis.
Now, I’m not saying that some agents don’t have great editorial backgrounds…but I’m leery. I’ve done some revisions for my agent, but really nothing a beta reader or critique partner wouldn’t have caught. It’s best to learn your craft yourself and just leave an agent for piddly editorial stuff…and most importantly, selling the book and getting a great deal for it.
You’re right to give yourself some time. And the learning curve is huge, so don’t beat yourself up. It’ll all fall together…if you keep at it!!!
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Hi Julie, I’m so glad I was thinking on the right track on that. I was really surprised when it sunk in that she was saying “agent” instead of “editor” but then I thought, well…what do I know? I’ll ask the experts – that would be you guys!:thumbsup:
Thanks again for your kindness and willingness to help those of us who don’t have a clue (that would be me). But I’m pretty tenacious so I’m sure it will come to me in bits and pieces. I hope….
Thanks and have a great day!
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Okay, I woke up this morning feeling very clueless and overwhelmed and then I clicked on Plot Monkeys and feel a little better. Thanks Jodie, for making me feel like I’m not the only struggling aspiring writer (I’m a perfectionist too.) And a HUGE thank you Julie for always putting things in perspective and giving such valuable advice!
I have only been at this for abut 9 months so hearing the one year rule was music to my ears! And something I will abide by now (especiallly since I don’t feel connected by any means (part of my blah morning I think). And I say now, because silly me did send a query, synopsis and my first three chapters to an agent just about a month ago. :wallbash: Thought I’d give it a try knowing that with my personality (I’m quiet and shy and happy to just stand in the background watching) an agent might be helpful. I have completed two manuscripts and am almost halfway done with my third.
But here’s the kicker – with things I’m learning from you, my local RWA chapter (which has been awesome) and an online class I took from Lori Wilde, I learned that great books aren’t written, they’re rewritten.
Truer words have never been said. And so now I am rewriting my first manuscript (thank goodness because there was a lot that needed to be fixed in my “perfect first book”).
Which leads me back to the whole agent thing (so sorry if I’m rambling on and on). I’m expecting a rejection which is a good thing, since I’ve totally changed the first three chapters and am hopefully writing something much better.
So…I’m going to try and relax a little, realize this whole process takes a long time, and really polish my first two manuscripts before finishing the third and even thinking about any of the business side of writing.
Does that make sense to you? Any other suggestions?
Again, this was a fantastic blog and I really, really appreciate all of your advice, guidance and generosity.
Thanks Julie!
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Hi Julie,
This is interesting even though I have no desire to become an author! I’m content with being a reader that buys & reads a lot of books!! These Saturday blogs & the struggles you all post on the daily blog make me appreciate how hard all of my favorite authors work to produce the books I enjoy. :)
Everyone have a great weekend.
Good luck to all of you that are writing & not yet published. Keep trying! :)
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Nope, Robin, you are certainly not alone. I had my first ms almost finished – actually the first draft is finished – and now that I’ve finished Debra Dixon’s GMC (suggested my Julie a couple of weeks ago), I’m going back and redoing big chunks of it.
I know it will make it a better, stronger copy in the end but it’s so frustrating to think you’re seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, only to realize its a freight train! :happy2:
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Thanks Donna, I plan on trying until something happens :)
Jodie, you are so right! Sometimes it feels like I’m in the wrong tunnel altogether. But I try to remind myself that just finishing a manuscript is a big accomplishment – so congrats to you and good luck with the rewrite!
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Robin, you are quite right…truer words never WERE spoken! And rewriting takes skill…a whole second layer or knowledge. I applaud you and Jodie and all the other hardworking writers out there who respect the craft enough to work at it. Nothing in this business happens fast. The average time from serious submission to publication is counted in years, not months or days.
Donna M, I’m so glad that readers enjoy these writing discussions. I know I love having them!
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I really enjoyed reading this article. Thanks, Julie! You mention that agents for category authors is another article altogether — can I ask if that will become a post here on the blog? I’d be very interested to read your thoughts on that, too.
Jess x
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Jess, I will definitely think about how to wrangle my thoughts on this subject!
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Thank you, Julie!
I’d really look forward to reading your thoughts on that topic.
Jess x
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Seeing as how I’m currently doing the agent search thing, this should be very interesting. I already have a question that maybe you can address in the next few posts:
I started my search in February. I’m still waiting for a response from my initial contact with several agencies. How long should I wait before querying them again? Or should I not query them again?
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Celise, I think you have every right to follow up on a submission after 3 months, which is where you are. How you respond depends on if you know for a fact the submission was received. If you do, a short note via email or letter would be fine.
If you’re not sure it was received, then follow up (via email or letter with stamped return envelope) and check on that, as well as status.
Do not call…and it pains me to say that, honestly. Because I’d call. But a lot of agents, particularly those who are smaller agencies without a receptionist, really frown on it. Better to look to email.
If it’s a big agency, then I’d feel safe to call. :-)