I just got back from a mind expanding couple of days up in Los Angeles, the Romantic Times BookLover’s Convention. Along with the great chances to see folks I either only know online or see very rarely and take great workshops, there’s the chance to see agents in person. Today is about that- agents in a controlled environment, but still wild and unpredictable.
At least one agent compared the relationship between writer and agent as a marriage- if so then events like RT are dating groups. Some agents have great online presence, they have active blogs, do webinars, have a ton of exposure. Kristin Nelson is a great example; you get a very good feel of who she is as an agent and as a person from all of her online activities.
But for many agents, there really isn’t that level of interaction.
I think writers get so caught up in the great search they forget to make sure the searchie is someone they can live with. For hopefully a VERY VERY long and successful time. We need to find an agent with a great track record-yes- but they also need to be someone who loves our work. Who gets it and gets us. The best agent in the world is useless for a writing career if they don't love the work and get along with the author.
Events like RT are wonderful in that you get to see a variety of agents roaming about. They are in panels, they do workshops, they take pitches, they are hanging out at the bar drinking just like you. And the writer gets to understand them, see who might be right- or wrong- for them. There are a few agents that upon meeting them, seeing them, or even in one case dealing with them online, whom I have taken off my list. All are successful- but there were personality differences that just told me even if that person totally loved my work- we would be heading for divorce court very quickly. Again, the writer has to decide if they are just going for a quickie one-book shot or a career. I’m looking for a career and I want someone who wants that as well.
This year a couple of agents really stood out as “keepers” just by the way they interacted in panels and socially. And one of them really got my work. I mean he totally got it. The fact that this was a very successful, talented, and well respected agent was just icing on the cake- HE GOT IT!
Now this agent was on my list, but until I saw him speak he hadn’t climbed head and shoulders above the crowd- he has now. Not only did he get my work, but the things he said about working with clients and the field in general really grabbed my attention. He’s a very cool guy.
Now, do I think you have to have a cool agent? No. But you do need someone you like. The agents I’ve taken off my list were removed because I really didn’t like them. They aren’t bad folks- it’s just we wouldn’t get along. Can you imagine being in a marriage where you didn’t LIKE the person? Why would you want to work with an agent you don’t like?
This agent who got my stuff was so good he made me change my mind about synopsis (if you missed it here’s my tirade on the subject over at Castles & Guns http://www.castlesandguns.com/2011/04/why-i-hate-synopses.html). Well, he modified my opinion of them anyway- I still don’t like them. But I have a better grasp of their reason for being, and thanks to his workshop I hopefully will write better ones ;).
So my long rambling point is that writers NEED to go meet agents. Not just to pitch, or network, but just to see who they are. See which ones will just chat with folks, and which ones build a barrier between them and the great unwashed masses (to which I do wonder WHY are they there?).
See who you might want to ask out on a date.
So save your pennies and find a conference to go to. RT has agents, RWA Nationals has agents, SDSU writer’s conference has LOTS of agents. The Guide to Literary Agents blog often posts conferences with- you guessed it- agent appearances (just sign up and have the blog sent to you-much easier). Don’t just look at their track record- also look at their personality.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Putting the guts in being a writer
"Talent is helpful in writing, but guts are absolutely essential." - Jessamyn West
Being out on the submission circuit is making me look at my own mental process a lot more closely than I do when writing or editing (or it could be argued- a lot more closely than any normal person should look ;)).
When I saw this quote it just really hit me. That is so flipping true. Even if you are the most talented writer in the world, if you don’t have a pretty big helping of guts, you’re not going to be published. There is no writer's soda fountain for an agent to discover you at ;).
Think of the time and emotion a novelist spends on a single work. Even the faster writers are still spending months. On a single project. Then we spend another huge slice of our life editing the thing. Then comes the terror…is it ready? We've invested so much time and effort in this single project that the idea that it may not be is enough to choke us.
Now many writers prowl around the internet, looking for signs their work is ready. Have others look at it (preferably not just folks who like us ;)), make sure the formatting is perfect, get query letter and synopsis in working order.
But how do we KNOW when it’s ready? I think part of the terror, and the part where the guts step in, is that we don’t. Not really.
Let’s face it- is any work REALLY done? Most authors would still find things to fiddle with in their published and much loved books if they were given the chance.
So how can an unpublished author tell when it’s done? We have to go by feel. Ask ourselves, is this the best I can do AT THIS TIME? Knowing full well that in even a few weeks our answer could be different.
Part of this is the fear of closing doors. If my work isn’t where it needs to be, should I really send it to my “A-list” agents now? Even if I think it is as good as it can get right now? Do I sit on it? Constantly revisiting it, re-writing, re-working- always not sure it’s there yet?
Fears and self-doubt aside, I have to take a deep breath and hit send. That is probably the hardest things in the world. To take a project that has taken months to complete, and sending it out without any assurance that it is good enough. Knowing that it may run through all of the agents on my list and still come back alone.
But I’m in this for the long haul, a writing career not a single book- so I have to do it. The thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that this isn’t my only book, that I’ve shown I can write more. But it still causes a pit of terror when that email or letter gets sent.
Writing is definately not for the timid of heart.
Being out on the submission circuit is making me look at my own mental process a lot more closely than I do when writing or editing (or it could be argued- a lot more closely than any normal person should look ;)).
When I saw this quote it just really hit me. That is so flipping true. Even if you are the most talented writer in the world, if you don’t have a pretty big helping of guts, you’re not going to be published. There is no writer's soda fountain for an agent to discover you at ;).
Think of the time and emotion a novelist spends on a single work. Even the faster writers are still spending months. On a single project. Then we spend another huge slice of our life editing the thing. Then comes the terror…is it ready? We've invested so much time and effort in this single project that the idea that it may not be is enough to choke us.
Now many writers prowl around the internet, looking for signs their work is ready. Have others look at it (preferably not just folks who like us ;)), make sure the formatting is perfect, get query letter and synopsis in working order.
But how do we KNOW when it’s ready? I think part of the terror, and the part where the guts step in, is that we don’t. Not really.
Let’s face it- is any work REALLY done? Most authors would still find things to fiddle with in their published and much loved books if they were given the chance.
So how can an unpublished author tell when it’s done? We have to go by feel. Ask ourselves, is this the best I can do AT THIS TIME? Knowing full well that in even a few weeks our answer could be different.
Part of this is the fear of closing doors. If my work isn’t where it needs to be, should I really send it to my “A-list” agents now? Even if I think it is as good as it can get right now? Do I sit on it? Constantly revisiting it, re-writing, re-working- always not sure it’s there yet?
Fears and self-doubt aside, I have to take a deep breath and hit send. That is probably the hardest things in the world. To take a project that has taken months to complete, and sending it out without any assurance that it is good enough. Knowing that it may run through all of the agents on my list and still come back alone.
But I’m in this for the long haul, a writing career not a single book- so I have to do it. The thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that this isn’t my only book, that I’ve shown I can write more. But it still causes a pit of terror when that email or letter gets sent.
Writing is definately not for the timid of heart.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Rejection is like public speaking…sort of
Bear with me here- there’s a connection between these two topics-or rather my reaction to them.
My oh so glamorous day job used to involve outreach to current and future students (I’m a college counselor). Budget cuts ended that, but when I first started it was extremely stressful. You’re thrown up in front of a few hundred parents and students talking about financial aid. The students are tuned out and the parents are panicked and /or hostile. Like probably the vast majority of you out there- I’d get stressed before a workshop. Public speaking is on many folks’ short list of things that cause terror.
Then one day I had an epiphany- I was more stressed because OTHERS thought I should be stressed. My perception of what I was doing was negatively modified by the reactions of others. Once this idea popped up, I was no longer afraid or stressed by speaking. I realized I was fine with it. In fact (looks around furtively) I even liked it!
Today I had another epiphany. My reaction to rejections is massively influenced by how people around me react or how I THINK they’ll react. It doesn’t help that most non-writers usually really don’t understand the process. Some of my non-writer friends totally get how psychotic this industry is. Others think you write a book in a few weeks then get rich (and can’t really figure out why I haven’t done either ;)). So when I tell them that I got rejected, they look at me (at least in my mind) like a huge loser. Even other writers can cause this internal reaction. But today I asked myself how did I really feel (I got a form rejection from an agent I was interested in). My gut fell about two feet when I saw the email, then another foot when I read the email. Then...I was fine.
It sucks, don’t get me wrong. This was an agent I was very interested in- but let’s face it none of the agents on my list are ones I don’t think I could work with or they wouldn’t be on my list. I still have more agents. I still have more books. I am already planning ANOTHER book to add to the collection. I am a writer- rejection sucks, but if I’m honest to myself- and NOT thinking about what others will say, do, or think about it- I’m fine.
Seriously, don’t even need chocolate to recover fine. It’s part of the business, and if I want to play with the big kids I need to deal with it. So what about you? Are your reactions to events around you really YOURS or someone elses?
My oh so glamorous day job used to involve outreach to current and future students (I’m a college counselor). Budget cuts ended that, but when I first started it was extremely stressful. You’re thrown up in front of a few hundred parents and students talking about financial aid. The students are tuned out and the parents are panicked and /or hostile. Like probably the vast majority of you out there- I’d get stressed before a workshop. Public speaking is on many folks’ short list of things that cause terror.
Then one day I had an epiphany- I was more stressed because OTHERS thought I should be stressed. My perception of what I was doing was negatively modified by the reactions of others. Once this idea popped up, I was no longer afraid or stressed by speaking. I realized I was fine with it. In fact (looks around furtively) I even liked it!
Today I had another epiphany. My reaction to rejections is massively influenced by how people around me react or how I THINK they’ll react. It doesn’t help that most non-writers usually really don’t understand the process. Some of my non-writer friends totally get how psychotic this industry is. Others think you write a book in a few weeks then get rich (and can’t really figure out why I haven’t done either ;)). So when I tell them that I got rejected, they look at me (at least in my mind) like a huge loser. Even other writers can cause this internal reaction. But today I asked myself how did I really feel (I got a form rejection from an agent I was interested in). My gut fell about two feet when I saw the email, then another foot when I read the email. Then...I was fine.
It sucks, don’t get me wrong. This was an agent I was very interested in- but let’s face it none of the agents on my list are ones I don’t think I could work with or they wouldn’t be on my list. I still have more agents. I still have more books. I am already planning ANOTHER book to add to the collection. I am a writer- rejection sucks, but if I’m honest to myself- and NOT thinking about what others will say, do, or think about it- I’m fine.
Seriously, don’t even need chocolate to recover fine. It’s part of the business, and if I want to play with the big kids I need to deal with it. So what about you? Are your reactions to events around you really YOURS or someone elses?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Lisa Shearin book release TOMORROW!
Hey folks- a really wonderful lady and amazing novelist Lisa Shearin has the next book of her fantasy series coming out TOMORROW! Telling you now so ya all can make plans to buy it this week :).
GO GET IT!! (TOMORROW ;)). If you haven't read these yet- get all of them!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The battle begins...
Technically, the battle began with the previous post when I launched my four unprotected little query missives into the great big world. However, there has been a re-evaluation so it's two steps forward, one step back-LOL.
I decided to take a query class just to tighten up this query. Two of my other books actually have a query that has run through an agent for a critique (due to some cool contest/webinars last year. sadly, the book I am launching forst has not. So I decided to give it something...so far the class hasn't been very productive, but I still have hopes. That does mean no more "launches" since March 1. Updating: one reject (form- OUCH!) and one assumed reject (a "non-respond" agent who is very fast with positive responses). So two are still out there, and more will be flung into space when this class is over.
Now on my to current annoyance-LOL.
Agents who just check off they rep certain genres (this happens on both Query Tracker as well as Publisher's Marketplace) who show NO real sign they rep them.
I've got a good sized list that I've winnowed out over on Query Tracker, but since I've paid to join Publisher's Marketplace I figure I best us it ;). On both sites I keep coming across these agents who checked off F/SF yet they have no clients in the genre. Worse, sometimes you go to their actual website and they don't even mention an agent in that agency who takes that genre!
Now, I understand, some agents have the mindset that while they may not be huge fans of a genre, they are still open to something amazing that just sweeps them away. But come on, especially with something so specific like Fantasy/SF? You really think if you don't read it you might LOVE one out of the blue? And even know who to sell it too? Hmmmm...no.
I do wish that agents would be more specific when they check their little boxes on things like Pub Market- would make life better for both of us ;). (I can't think it's fun having a bunch of useless queries. )
Anyone else out there have an opnion?
I decided to take a query class just to tighten up this query. Two of my other books actually have a query that has run through an agent for a critique (due to some cool contest/webinars last year. sadly, the book I am launching forst has not. So I decided to give it something...so far the class hasn't been very productive, but I still have hopes. That does mean no more "launches" since March 1. Updating: one reject (form- OUCH!) and one assumed reject (a "non-respond" agent who is very fast with positive responses). So two are still out there, and more will be flung into space when this class is over.
Now on my to current annoyance-LOL.
Agents who just check off they rep certain genres (this happens on both Query Tracker as well as Publisher's Marketplace) who show NO real sign they rep them.
I've got a good sized list that I've winnowed out over on Query Tracker, but since I've paid to join Publisher's Marketplace I figure I best us it ;). On both sites I keep coming across these agents who checked off F/SF yet they have no clients in the genre. Worse, sometimes you go to their actual website and they don't even mention an agent in that agency who takes that genre!
Now, I understand, some agents have the mindset that while they may not be huge fans of a genre, they are still open to something amazing that just sweeps them away. But come on, especially with something so specific like Fantasy/SF? You really think if you don't read it you might LOVE one out of the blue? And even know who to sell it too? Hmmmm...no.
I do wish that agents would be more specific when they check their little boxes on things like Pub Market- would make life better for both of us ;). (I can't think it's fun having a bunch of useless queries. )
Anyone else out there have an opnion?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!
I told myself I would be back in the submitting gambit by March 1- and being as it is currently 8:30pm and I have sent off four shiny new queries- I have made my goal!
And OMG- those were the hardest four emails I have ever sent! LOL!!! In Psychology it’s called a feeling of absolute (ok, that’s not what it’s called- I remember concepts better than names, bear with me ;))- the feeling that if something goes wrong it means EVERYTHING is wrong. For an example just look to any teenager who is sure the world is ending at least 15 times a day. Well, I’d argue that same fear hits writers too.
I have a list of agents over on Query Tracker. ALL of which are ones I believe would be a good fit for my body of work. There are over 50. And yet, each one of the four I sent off tonight left me with a feeling of, “OMG- what if they reject me tomorrow? I’m DOOMED!!”
Never mind the whole slew of qualified folks still sitting on my list. Including some of the heavy hitters who I didn’t send to tonight due to still being unhappy with my synopsis.
Noooooooooo- those other folks don’t matter, just those four ventures into the scary publishing zone. Hands got sweaty, brow crinkled, a nervous tick grew in my left eye. Each “send” caused another series of heart palpitations.
And I loved it. (Work with me folks- I also loved jumping out of a plane years ago ;)).
That rush of terror just reminded me that I am in the game. I am back submitting and sending my little darlings forth to do battle armed with nothing but my words. And if these agents aren’t interested, then another flight of queries will launch. And another. And another. I have four series that are looking for some love- and after last year’s writing time, I know I can write more besides.
So raise your swords and once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!
And OMG- those were the hardest four emails I have ever sent! LOL!!! In Psychology it’s called a feeling of absolute (ok, that’s not what it’s called- I remember concepts better than names, bear with me ;))- the feeling that if something goes wrong it means EVERYTHING is wrong. For an example just look to any teenager who is sure the world is ending at least 15 times a day. Well, I’d argue that same fear hits writers too.
I have a list of agents over on Query Tracker. ALL of which are ones I believe would be a good fit for my body of work. There are over 50. And yet, each one of the four I sent off tonight left me with a feeling of, “OMG- what if they reject me tomorrow? I’m DOOMED!!”
Never mind the whole slew of qualified folks still sitting on my list. Including some of the heavy hitters who I didn’t send to tonight due to still being unhappy with my synopsis.
Noooooooooo- those other folks don’t matter, just those four ventures into the scary publishing zone. Hands got sweaty, brow crinkled, a nervous tick grew in my left eye. Each “send” caused another series of heart palpitations.
And I loved it. (Work with me folks- I also loved jumping out of a plane years ago ;)).
That rush of terror just reminded me that I am in the game. I am back submitting and sending my little darlings forth to do battle armed with nothing but my words. And if these agents aren’t interested, then another flight of queries will launch. And another. And another. I have four series that are looking for some love- and after last year’s writing time, I know I can write more besides.
So raise your swords and once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Let the games begin!
Ok, so I'm a month (or less) behind schedule. My plan was to begin the "Great Agent Search 2011" on Feb 1. Welllllll, being as I'm still editing, and working on synopsis and query letters, that clearly didn't happen.
The good thing is I'm waiting on some feedback on two of the mss's that should really help them both shine.
New deadline- March 1 but hopefully WAY before that.
Current status of projects:
Warrior Wench- edits done, synop done, short synop- in progress, query letter done. Waiting for some critiques and spit polish. Probably will be the second one to go out.
The Glass Gargoyle of the Last Elven King- waiting for a professional critique (should be back this week-end) then will launch a hardcore edit- want to tighten up the ending as it is too rushed. Synop done; short synop- still need to do; still need query. I just re-read the first 3 chapters and I really think this will be my first book out of the gate. I just hope I can find an agent who gets it and loves it as much as I do!
A Curious Invasion- third in the line up- needs editing, synop, short synop, query letter not bad- was deemed “very good” in an agent crit- so that’s nice.
Essence of Chaos- OY- my trouble child that I won’t have a chance to work on until the others have their run through. Plus is that it’s more tweaking over everything, than writing new (synop, query). Right now fourth in line.
I’m going through Query Tracker, Agent Query, and Publisher’s Marketplace to build my list of “tier one” agents. The ones I think would be the best choice for not only the book I’m submitting, but all of them. I want a career, not to just sell one book ;).
I plan on blogging once a week on the ups and downs of the “Great Search”- so come along for the ride!
The good thing is I'm waiting on some feedback on two of the mss's that should really help them both shine.
New deadline- March 1 but hopefully WAY before that.
Current status of projects:
Warrior Wench- edits done, synop done, short synop- in progress, query letter done. Waiting for some critiques and spit polish. Probably will be the second one to go out.
The Glass Gargoyle of the Last Elven King- waiting for a professional critique (should be back this week-end) then will launch a hardcore edit- want to tighten up the ending as it is too rushed. Synop done; short synop- still need to do; still need query. I just re-read the first 3 chapters and I really think this will be my first book out of the gate. I just hope I can find an agent who gets it and loves it as much as I do!
A Curious Invasion- third in the line up- needs editing, synop, short synop, query letter not bad- was deemed “very good” in an agent crit- so that’s nice.
Essence of Chaos- OY- my trouble child that I won’t have a chance to work on until the others have their run through. Plus is that it’s more tweaking over everything, than writing new (synop, query). Right now fourth in line.
I’m going through Query Tracker, Agent Query, and Publisher’s Marketplace to build my list of “tier one” agents. The ones I think would be the best choice for not only the book I’m submitting, but all of them. I want a career, not to just sell one book ;).
I plan on blogging once a week on the ups and downs of the “Great Search”- so come along for the ride!
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