Comments on: Do You Need An Agent?

By: James Huskins

James Huskins — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:09:19 +0000

I have been following the pitching/agent segments closely as I too shall be looking for the dreaded monsters soon - I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to meet Cheryl Klein tonight at a workshop here in Atlanta; her shrewd comments were dead-on! She was also very approachable - so take heart, they’re not all monsters.
I’m really seeking advice for how to go about finding the RIGHT agent/editor for your genre & someone you’re comfortable with in the on-going process of making it all happen? Especially for an unknown.

By: Andra M.

Andra M. — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:33:06 +0000

“Did anyone ever tell you that you look much nicer than the south end of a north-bound rhino?”

Wow, if my husband had said that to me while we were dating, I would have married him much sooner.

Thanks for answering my question, Randy.

By: Hannah D.

Hannah D. — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:09:43 +0000

I have a question regarding not finding an agent. What are your views on being an agent to oneself? For me and for many of my European colleagues finding an agent is just not an option; we have to talk to the editors first hand at all times. So, my question is, how do you become your own agent?

By: Camille

Camille — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:21:47 +0000

Randy sez: Don’t get an agent if:
* You have all the contacts with editors you need
* You can negotiate a publishing contract skillfully
* You don’t need help with proposals
* You don’t need career advice

So you’re saying the answer to, “Do you need an agent?” is pretty much “Uh, yeah…duh.”

That’s running on the assumption/delusion that our work is actually saleable.

But even if it’s not, I’m sure a literary agent could still come in handy. I hear some are very good babysitters; others aren’t afraid of dirty laundry and some are experts at picking up the mess left by an exploding helicopter or novelist.

By: Ann Marchiony

Ann Marchiony — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:46:28 +0000

As a well-published journalist writing for national trade pubs about food safety, foodborne illnesses, chefs, since 1990, I decided to write a book for the home cook. Apparently Prentice Hall heard about this and called and said they wanted to publish it. I was thrilled..after several years of working on the manuscript, I signed with them. And worked even harder to be sure all was correct.

Long story short, the day my printed book arrived,
I called my “editor” and said I would not promote this book that had 12 mistakes in it. As a long time journalist, all I have to offer is accurate work. I asked for my manuscript back and for PH not to have anymore rights. Everyone laughed, but since I always say “never mind the indians, call the chief”, I contacted the head guy at PH. Only a few weeks later, I got full permission and severed all ties with PH. However, I still haven’t rewritten it…Now I realize I really didn’t have a real “editor”, but someone who was in charge of sending my work on to other people who would “fix” it–one woman took something out just because she had never heard of it!!
So, yes, I think I need an agent…
Best
Ann

By: Ann Isik

Ann Isik — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:39:06 +0000

I have noted your excellent advice on recording interviews with agents etc Randy. Thank you! I shall have to work on the ‘pleasant smile’ though. Haven’t done that for years. I think the muscles might have atrophied. To make the most of a feeble smile perhaps I should have diamonds embedded in my two front teeth and have the rest of them sprayed: pink, I think. If only I’d kept that set of false teeth with purple gums, made specially for me by a dental student when I was at university, as a token of his deep affection for me. I couldn’t decide whether he was enamoured or enameled with me. I know I put them in the tank with my goldfish, but after that …?

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:53:54 +0000

Hmmm all very interesting. Knowing that the ideal situation is probably to develop relationships at conferences, can email also work if you are on different continents? I’m not at that stage yet (realistic expectations!), but assuming that when I am ready, I don’t make it over the ocean, is it likely that I would have any luck via email? I’m guessing (hoping) the answer is that if the writing is good and I’ve done my research and chosen the right agent/s, it is likely. I wonder though, how to get their attention (professionally) in a mail box that’s likely full to the brim of people they do know…

All of this is probably on their websites or whatever I guess, but I haven’t gotten as far as looking for an agent yet, so I’d love to hear the short answer…

Karen

By: Mark Goodyear

Mark Goodyear — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:00:50 +0000

Ok, I’m sold on the idea of agents. I guess the folks who have been disenchanted with agents were probably stuck with the wrong agent. Maybe they were in between agents rather than headed into a solo career without any agent.

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:37:12 +0000

Oh, no, not another question!!
‘Fraid so.

Do publishers prefer to work through an agent or directly with an author?

By: Pam Halter

Pam Halter — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:06:57 +0000

I enjoyed Cheryl Klein’s speech very much and was encouraged by her ending: write what you love.

Thanks, Randy!

By: Gary Towner

Gary Towner — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:30:23 +0000

I am completely frustrated regarding agents. I have written four Adventure novels — and all the agents reply that while they found my work “interesting,” it does not fit into their “list.” What they really are saying is that publishers are only paying for “non-fiction” these days. Where does that leave fiction writers like me? I can tell you, it leaves us wishing the writing bug had never bitten.