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COMMUNITY IS SO IMPORTANTIt is also not a thing that everyone is privileged to have, but I’m telling you, finding friends and community as a writer is like, the #1 most important thing you can do for your career (and your life! just in general!)
An agent is primarily a business partner, and I wanted to know how that person conducted business. I asked about communication styles, editorial style, advising, and how their agents handled disagreements or conflict. Then, depending on all that, I asked for an introduction.
I FELT WEIRD ABOUT IT, NGL. I hate asking for favors, and I worried it was somehow unfair to the legions of writers who were querying. But I was on a deadline and having stress nightmares, so I asked for one, so long as both friend and agent were ok with it.
(If you don’t have a friend to introduce you, I think the standard thing is to mention OFFER IN HAND in big-assed letters in the subject line of your query email. Hopefully that will get you noticed quickly!)
Of that original shortlist of 5 agents, I got introduced to 3. One agent declined (but gave me some advice through my friend — extremely kind of her). I decided to wait on another because you can usually only query one agent at a single agency at a time.
My query contained:
-a short bio heavy on my achievements (awards, shortlists, workshops attended) and describing my work
-the offer I’d received, and a copy of the manuscript
-a pitch for my next project and ten sample pgs
-a mention of why I wanted work with them
-thank you
-a short bio heavy on my achievements (awards, shortlists, workshops attended) and describing my work
-the offer I’d received, and a copy of the manuscript
-a pitch for my next project and ten sample pgs
-a mention of why I wanted work with them
-thank you
Two of those agents invited me to talk further — I feel like there are probably plenty of articles about how to navigate those conversations and the kinds of questions to ask. Also this thread is now EXTREMELY LONG and I have to get back to writing.
Hopefully this answered the why and how question of leveraging a book offer to get an agent. I’ll probably add onto the thread with QTs answering any questions I know, so feel free to ask!
The one I know right now is @TorNightfire. But others, especially small imprints and non-big 5 presses have periodic open submission periods.
I always learned about open subs periods on Twitter, Facebook groups, and Duotrope. https://twitter.com/SoupAlphabet1/status/1272912670048399362?s=20
I always learned about open subs periods on Twitter, Facebook groups, and Duotrope. https://twitter.com/SoupAlphabet1/status/1272912670048399362?s=20
Tbh, I don’t know! If there are any agents or editors on this thread, feel free to weigh in. My guess would be that unless an editor is actively trying to acquire it, it won’t be an issue to withdraw it — your agent will probs help you revise it anyway. https://twitter.com/GentleBronto/status/1272934982579900418?s=20
On the other hand, a good agent might be able to get your manuscript into the hands of bigger publishers with deeper pockets, better marketing, or get multiple publishers bidding on you. So it can probably be a trade off?
Also this is a GREAT thread about how to build and find a writing community. https://twitter.com/SarahPinsker/status/1272929068720238592?s=20
Another excellent point. You do not have to choose the first agent to make an offer. Bad, unscrupulous agents definitely exist, and can damage your career. Do not let an agent push you into signing with them if you’re unsure. https://twitter.com/JaineFenn/status/1272977262472843266?s=20
