Comments on: An Interview With An Agent http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/ America's Mad Professor of Fiction Writing Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:46:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Camille http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6320 Camille Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:00:22 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6320 Thanks Chip and Tom --- er, Randy. Well done. I wonder if all agents are as cool as Chip. Hmm. Question: If you buy Hunt For Red October on Kindle, does it come with any cool sound effects? Does the thing light up or zap you when you get to the torpedo scenes? I hear guys (and a few girls) who like exploding helicopters need to experience the explosion through multiple sensory stimulation over, say, reading about it. McClane's copter-killing car might not be <i>quite</i> as cool in a book as it was on the BIG screen. Thanks Chip and Tom — er, Randy. Well done. I wonder if all agents are as cool as Chip. Hmm.

Question: If you buy Hunt For Red October on Kindle, does it come with any cool sound effects? Does the thing light up or zap you when you get to the torpedo scenes? I hear guys (and a few girls) who like exploding helicopters need to experience the explosion through multiple sensory stimulation over, say, reading about it. McClane’s copter-killing car might not be quite as cool in a book as it was on the BIG screen.

]]> By: Rosslyn http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6321 Rosslyn Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:07:20 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6321 Randy and Chip - This post is a wonderful service to every writer who needs a concrete example of a pitch. Thank you very much for going to the effort to put it together. I'm sure that you will get gazillions of hits on this article; friends will email it to friends and writing sites will link to it for years to come. Randy and Chip -

This post is a wonderful service to every writer who needs a concrete example of a pitch. Thank you very much for going to the effort to put it together. I’m sure that you will get gazillions of hits on this article; friends will email it to friends and writing sites will link to it for years to come.

]]> By: Krista Phillips http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6322 Krista Phillips Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:27:34 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6322 Ok, here is my question. Is it frowned upon if you bring a brown paper bag into the interview with you in case nerves get the best of you? Just kidding:-) LOVED the interview. I think my nervousness comes in with how to start. Kinda like a book, I fret and fret over the first page and then after that it starts to flow much better. Real question: Is it ok to do the whole copout of "this is my first time... sorry if I'm a bit rusty" at the beginning? I think it is leading try to get reassurance and help starting from the agent, but I'm sure if we thought of a better lead in we would look a bit more professional. Unless of course we have to use our brown paper bag... I'm sure it would all go down hill after that... Ok, here is my question.

Is it frowned upon if you bring a brown paper bag into the interview with you in case nerves get the best of you?

Just kidding:-)

LOVED the interview. I think my nervousness comes in with how to start. Kinda like a book, I fret and fret over the first page and then after that it starts to flow much better.

Real question: Is it ok to do the whole copout of “this is my first time… sorry if I’m a bit rusty” at the beginning? I think it is leading try to get reassurance and help starting from the agent, but I’m sure if we thought of a better lead in we would look a bit more professional.

Unless of course we have to use our brown paper bag… I’m sure it would all go down hill after that…

]]> By: Chip http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6323 Chip Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:42:46 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6323 No. All agents are definitely NOT as cool as me. Most are taller, however. No. All agents are definitely NOT as cool as me. Most are taller, however.

]]> By: Tim http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6324 Tim Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:44:13 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6324 I am a bit of a wander when it comes to my writing. I actually call myself a story teller because I have great confidence in crafting a story, I am working on the writing part. Anyway, when I start talking about my novel series I go on forever, any suggestions to help stay on track when talking with anyone, especially an agent or editor? I am a bit of a wander when it comes to my writing. I actually call myself a story teller because I have great confidence in crafting a story, I am working on the writing part. Anyway, when I start talking about my novel series I go on forever, any suggestions to help stay on track when talking with anyone, especially an agent or editor?

]]> By: Carrie Neuman http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6325 Carrie Neuman Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:07:37 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6325 Good question, Tim. In my public speaking class, we always made notes of the highlights on index cards and used that to stay on track and on time. Would an agent or editor be offended if you had note cards for the interview? Good question, Tim. In my public speaking class, we always made notes of the highlights on index cards and used that to stay on track and on time. Would an agent or editor be offended if you had note cards for the interview?

]]> By: Lynda http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6326 Lynda Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:51:02 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6326 Thanks Randy and Chip. The process doesn't look quite so scary now. Thanks Randy and Chip. The process doesn’t look quite so scary now.

]]> By: Sam http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6327 Sam Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:35:56 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6327 Thank you Chip and Randy. That was a terrific example. I was wondering how to submit a few pages or a one-sentence + one paragraph summary to an agent without attending a conference. Chip had mentioned submitting through email but referencing the conference so he knew it wasn't a cold submission. Do agents just ignore cold submissions? How can we find an agent (that will help us either market the book or tell us it needs work) that will accept a cold submission? Thanks again. Thank you Chip and Randy. That was a terrific example.
I was wondering how to submit a few pages or a one-sentence + one paragraph summary to an agent without attending a conference. Chip had mentioned submitting through email but referencing the conference so he knew it wasn’t a cold submission. Do agents just ignore cold submissions?
How can we find an agent (that will help us either market the book or tell us it needs work) that will accept a cold submission?
Thanks again.

]]> By: Sylvia http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6328 Sylvia Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:02:19 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6328 This example helped me a lot. It seems like just another conversation with a new acquaintance about one's book. The crux is the outcome of the conversation -- a nod or a "Sorry, this isn't for us." Since I have no control over the outcome -- only whether my manuscript and story line is the best it can be -- I think I'll be able to focus and enjoy the chat, remembering that 15-minute deadline. Thank you both for helping me relax about an editor-or-agent interview. Bravo! This example helped me a lot. It seems like just another conversation with a new acquaintance about one’s book. The crux is the outcome of the conversation — a nod or a “Sorry, this isn’t for us.” Since I have no control over the outcome — only whether my manuscript and story line is the best it can be — I think I’ll be able to focus and enjoy the chat, remembering that 15-minute deadline. Thank you both for helping me relax about an editor-or-agent interview. Bravo!

]]> By: Gina http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6329 Gina Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:15:40 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6329 Randy, thanks for bringing us great, practical examples like this. I met with Chip at ACFW and other agents and editors, and I haven't met a scary one yet...well, maybe one at my first conference! But it was all out of my own fear and perception. Chip, you were just as cool at our meeting and so glad my agent search is over! :) Randy, thanks for bringing us great, practical examples like this. I met with Chip at ACFW and other agents and editors, and I haven’t met a scary one yet…well, maybe one at my first conference! But it was all out of my own fear and perception.

Chip, you were just as cool at our meeting and so glad my agent search is over! :)

]]> By: Paulette L. Harris http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6330 Paulette L. Harris Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:54:39 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6330 Thank you two for all the hard work you do and the effort that you put into helping us be the best we can be. I enjoyed this very much because I have run into a couple of rude agents and it left me wondering why I spent all my hard earned money to go to a conference to meet up with these types. A good lesson on forgiveness and the realization that there are all types in the writing business. I imagine the poor people were tired and frustrated by the time I got to the appointment. Thank you two for all the hard work you do and the effort that you put into helping us be the best we can be.
I enjoyed this very much because I have run into a couple of rude agents and it left me wondering why I spent all my hard earned money to go to a conference to meet up with these types. A good lesson on forgiveness and the realization that there are all types in the writing business. I imagine the poor people were tired and frustrated by the time I got to the appointment.

]]> By: Daniel Smith http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6331 Daniel Smith Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:31:49 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6331 Great information! I don't think you could have explained this better using paragraphs or a bulleted list. I felt like I was actually there - and that was the point, wasn't it? Love the blog. Keep it coming! Great information! I don’t think you could have explained this better using paragraphs or a bulleted list. I felt like I was actually there - and that was the point, wasn’t it?

Love the blog. Keep it coming!

]]> By: Sally Ferguson http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6333 Sally Ferguson Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:00:16 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6333 Good perspective, Paulette. I had that happen with one editor as well. If we have something worth saying, then we will find the right niche! At what point would an agent be willing to talk about representing you? Does that happen at the conference, or later? Does the agent contact you, or wait until you contact them? Good perspective, Paulette. I had that happen with one editor as well. If we have something worth saying, then we will find the right niche!
At what point would an agent be willing to talk about representing you? Does that happen at the conference, or later? Does the agent contact you, or wait until you contact them?

]]> By: Bonnie Grove http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6334 Bonnie Grove Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:05:12 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6334 Here is something to consider as well: What sort of agent do you want? At conferences there is a tendency to jump at whatever agents are attending. I don't think that is the best plan. Publishing is as much about relationships as it is about money, great books, and Starbucks. When I was ready for an agent, I was fortunate to have a well connected and wonderful friend who offered to send a query introduction to any agent she knew (she knows many) on my behalf. She presented me a list of names that made my jaw drop. (Yes, Chip's fab name was on the list, but I didn't choose him, for reasons I will make clear in a moment). I spent a few minutes researching the various agents, sharpening my knowledge. All of them were stellar. How to choose? Then I asked myself, "What do I want in an agent?" I write fiction for women. I'm comfortable talking to women. Men I don't know freak me out. It came down to the fact that I knew I would be better able to work with a woman. It's just how I am. I choose a fantastic woman from the list and two days later I had an agent, two months later a two book deal from a major publisher (books are coming out summer 2009 and spring 2010 - there is talk of a trilogy - how thrilled am I?), and a budding writing career. Lovely story, but my point is, I needed to understand myself and how I work, and what I needed before I could approach someone to represent my work. Because it's about relationship. Agents take on work they love and know they can sell, but they also take on the author. Most agents go above and beyond the call of duty for their authors, working all sorts of hours and offering all sorts of support. Ideally, they want to work with authors who understand, respect them, and can work with them. Take home: Look for an agent you believe is a good fit. You, the agent, and your career will benefit. Here is something to consider as well:

What sort of agent do you want? At conferences there is a tendency to jump at whatever agents are attending. I don’t think that is the best plan.

Publishing is as much about relationships as it is about money, great books, and Starbucks.

When I was ready for an agent, I was fortunate to have a well connected and wonderful friend who offered to send a query introduction to any agent she knew (she knows many) on my behalf. She presented me a list of names that made my jaw drop. (Yes, Chip’s fab name was on the list, but I didn’t choose him, for reasons I will make clear in a moment).

I spent a few minutes researching the various agents, sharpening my knowledge. All of them were stellar. How to choose? Then I asked myself, “What do I want in an agent?”

I write fiction for women. I’m comfortable talking to women. Men I don’t know freak me out. It came down to the fact that I knew I would be better able to work with a woman. It’s just how I am.

I choose a fantastic woman from the list and two days later I had an agent, two months later a two book deal from a major publisher (books are coming out summer 2009 and spring 2010 - there is talk of a trilogy - how thrilled am I?), and a budding writing career.

Lovely story, but my point is, I needed to understand myself and how I work, and what I needed before I could approach someone to represent my work. Because it’s about relationship.

Agents take on work they love and know they can sell, but they also take on the author. Most agents go above and beyond the call of duty for their authors, working all sorts of hours and offering all sorts of support. Ideally, they want to work with authors who understand, respect them, and can work with them.

Take home: Look for an agent you believe is a good fit. You, the agent, and your career will benefit.

]]> By: Andra M. http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6335 Andra M. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:04:51 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6335 Ditto to Bonnie (with the exception of my books being published. I have a long way to go before I'm at that point). The other difference for me is I'm more comfortable talking to men. Perhaps it's because I work in the engineering/land surveying industry which is still male-dominated. Plus my stories are geared more toward the male vs female audience. But enough about me. I look forward to more answers to our questions. Already I'm less nervous about presenting my novel to agents/editors. There I go, talking about myself again. Stopping . . . Now! Ditto to Bonnie (with the exception of my books being published. I have a long way to go before I’m at that point). The other difference for me is I’m more comfortable talking to men. Perhaps it’s because I work in the engineering/land surveying industry which is still male-dominated.

Plus my stories are geared more toward the male vs female audience.

But enough about me. I look forward to more answers to our questions. Already I’m less nervous about presenting my novel to agents/editors.

There I go, talking about myself again.

Stopping . . .

Now!

]]> By: David Benedict http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6336 David Benedict Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:31:59 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6336 Randy and Chip... I want to add my thanks to all the others for this great role-play example. I'm a long way from completing my WIP and can't put the information to use right now, but your efforts encourage me to believe the time will come. The responses to the post are helpful, too. Thanks all of you. Randy and Chip…

I want to add my thanks to all the others for this great role-play example. I’m a long way from completing my WIP and can’t put the information to use right now, but your efforts encourage me to believe the time will come. The responses to the post are helpful, too. Thanks all of you.

]]> By: PatriciaW http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6341 PatriciaW Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:48:44 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6341 This was very eye-opening. I have two questions: 1) Do agents always offer a time period in which to get back to them? What if you felt right away that you couldn't do it in that time? Would suggesting a slightly longer time period cast you in a negative light? 2) Isn't another possibility that the agent doesn't like the premise at all? (I'm betting not everything Tom Clancy proposed was accepted.) How would the agent say this and how should the author react? Should the author be prepared with other ideas? Okay, that's more like two groups of questions but I'd be interested to know. :) This was very eye-opening. I have two questions:

1) Do agents always offer a time period in which to get back to them? What if you felt right away that you couldn’t do it in that time? Would suggesting a slightly longer time period cast you in a negative light?

2) Isn’t another possibility that the agent doesn’t like the premise at all? (I’m betting not everything Tom Clancy proposed was accepted.) How would the agent say this and how should the author react? Should the author be prepared with other ideas?

Okay, that’s more like two groups of questions but I’d be interested to know. :)

]]> By: Lynda http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6343 Lynda Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:46:42 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6343 I was reading about a conference. They said there would be public and private interviews with agents. Does this mean some interviews are done with an audience listening in? Or a panel of agents? Dispair!!! I was reading about a conference. They said there would be public and private interviews with agents. Does this mean some interviews are done with an audience listening in? Or a panel of agents? Dispair!!!

]]> By: Bekah http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6353 Bekah Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:34:53 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6353 Enjoyed reading this -- I've never thought much about this part in the process, but (hopefully) this will be helpful someday! Enjoyed reading this — I’ve never thought much about this part in the process, but (hopefully) this will be helpful someday!

]]> By: Robert Treskillard http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6362 Robert Treskillard Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:56:29 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6362 See what happens when my computer goes down for two weeks? Great content like always! Thanks Randy ... I'll be at ACFW, so hope to meet you in person. I'm in your workshop as long as there was room for a late signer-upper. See what happens when my computer goes down for two weeks? Great content like always!

Thanks Randy … I’ll be at ACFW, so hope to meet you in person. I’m in your workshop as long as there was room for a late signer-upper.

]]> By: Carly Brown http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6377 Carly Brown Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:48:51 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6377 Hi Randy and Chip, My question is what are the responsibilities of an Agent? Wow, this question will show just how much of a freshman I am: What is the difference between the Agent and the Editor? Everytime I read your blog I learn something that I didn't know that I needed to learn. Thank You Carly Hi Randy and Chip,

My question is what are the responsibilities of an Agent?

Wow, this question will show just how much of a freshman I am: What is the difference between the Agent and the Editor?

Everytime I read your blog I learn something that I didn’t know that I needed to learn.

Thank You

Carly

]]> By: Mark Anderson http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6441 Mark Anderson Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:30:18 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/08/14/an-interview-with-an-agent/#comment-6441 Hi Randy, just wanted to say I've been reading your blog for awhile now and as I approach my first attempt ever to contact, meet with and hopefully seduce an agent - this article was very insightful. Thanks, Mark Hi Randy, just wanted to say I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now and as I approach my first attempt ever to contact, meet with and hopefully seduce an agent - this article was very insightful.

Thanks,

Mark

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