Read on Twitter
#amquerying writers, even if you aren't planning to query #CarrieHowland, I encourage you to read this thread on Absolute Writer. These accusations mirror much of my experience with another troubled agent, #DanielleSmith, and it details patterns to avoid. #WritingCommunity
If your agent
-isn't forthcoming with sub lists
-refuses to give you sub lists
-tells you things in confidence crossing professional boundaries (personal information about other clients or editors, or anything icky)
-regularly has excuses for not getting back to you
-isn't forthcoming with sub lists
-refuses to give you sub lists
-tells you things in confidence crossing professional boundaries (personal information about other clients or editors, or anything icky)
-regularly has excuses for not getting back to you
-when you reach out to resolve problems, they make you feel like you are being unreasonably ("no, it's your fault because...")
these are bad signs
A good agent
-admits they make mistakes
-apologizes for missed commitments
-strives for transparency
-accommodates reasonable Qs
these are bad signs
A good agent
-admits they make mistakes
-apologizes for missed commitments
-strives for transparency
-accommodates reasonable Qs
What's reasonable?
-you should get a sub list if you want one
-responds within a week to concerns*
-if they are an editorial agent, they should give you a window for when they can return feedback. They should stick to this window (mostly) and let you know when they can't.
-you should get a sub list if you want one
-responds within a week to concerns*
-if they are an editorial agent, they should give you a window for when they can return feedback. They should stick to this window (mostly) and let you know when they can't.
-you should hear back from 80% of the editors your agent submits to within 4 months. Maybe something crazy happens and you only hear back from 50% on one round, but this shouldn't be normal. Agents can't control black hole editors, but they also should avoid them.
-high non-response rates mean your agent doesn't have the connections needed to help you succeed.
*If it's the weekend, your agent is on vacation, family leave or medical leave, wait times will be longer. Agents are people, too! Everyone needs breaks.
*If it's the weekend, your agent is on vacation, family leave or medical leave, wait times will be longer. Agents are people, too! Everyone needs breaks.
However, if your agent is often sick or constantly embroiled in drama, maybe they don't have the bandwidth for agenting. It's okay to leave a hot-mess agent. YOU don't need to solve all their problems. They should be solving yours.
"Absolute Write" and here's the link: https://tinyurl.com/ybcl99dm
(I make mistakes, too, and try my best to own them)
(I make mistakes, too, and try my best to own them)
