tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post4610323601859989793..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Well, that's one way to look at it; here's the otherJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-14471047965276905462017-03-30T00:31:58.327-04:002017-03-30T00:31:58.327-04:00"Established" might be too long, JD, but..."Established" might be too long, <b>JD</b>, but if you break it up into bits you get "shed." That has possibilities! <br />Claire Bobrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15666082441972111293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-82313005890652521602017-03-30T00:25:10.707-04:002017-03-30T00:25:10.707-04:00Now I'm wondering if "established" w...Now I'm wondering if "established" will be the fifth word in the contest.JD Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05538238148744690853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-86876692616046245692017-03-29T23:46:39.277-04:002017-03-29T23:46:39.277-04:00Interesting.Interesting.Ardenwolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14053900506482830292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-81303932039514813642017-03-29T21:36:49.299-04:002017-03-29T21:36:49.299-04:00Congrats, OP, on your offer of representation. I t...Congrats, OP, on your offer of representation. I totally get what you're saying. Your book is your baby and you want to make sure you entrust it to a reliable babysitter. This literary world is new to a lot of us, we don't know how it all works. Very interesting to see Janet's perspective. You probably weren't expecting that. Thanks, Janet, for letting us into your world. I definitely understand your point of view too, but I wholeheartedly believe OP was coming from a place of innocence and worry. I think seeing it from Janet's POV, an agent with no skin in this game, really provides such insight. I didn't know this was a regular practice, just never thought about it; haven't got to that step yet! If I were to be so lucky as OP, I'd sign ASAP! But that's just me.<br /><br />Congrats, Kara!<br /><br />Good luck, Julie! Fingers and toes crossed.Gingermollymarilynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15684318210445109786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32283348041736604362017-03-29T20:53:30.631-04:002017-03-29T20:53:30.631-04:00Just popping in. Tried to read most of the comment...Just popping in. Tried to read most of the comments, but its been a busy in-and-out kind of day so I'm sorry if I'm repeating anyone.<br /><br />Congrats OP on the offer!<br /><br />I think QOTKU is in the right on this one. This isn't a bait and switch operation. It's important for writers to have a clear idea of what they want in an agent when going into the query process. And maybe you do. Perhaps you refused to query newer agents because you want someone who's an old hand at agenting. If that's the case, and you won't feel comfortable with a new agent, then the offer made to you isn't the offer for you. Politely decline. I get it. It can be tempting to jump at any offer (and boy oh boy is this offer a tempting one! I mean, it doesn't get much better than VEA AND enthusiastic young agent. It's amazing!) BUT trust must be implicit in this type of professional relationship. Don't jump at an offer when you're not sure if you'll put your trust the person making it. Unless you can take that leap of faith, and know you won't go above young agent's head to VEA (who would not be YOUR agent) query elsewhere. <br /><br /><b>Julie</b>: Congrats on the request for Rain Crow!!Megan Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00752842865397799428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-42750583426080978162017-03-29T18:59:02.640-04:002017-03-29T18:59:02.640-04:00Geez. Some of you are really coming down hard on t...Geez. Some of you are really coming down hard on this OP. I didn't see this so much as having doubts about the new agent as it was questioning whether this was a weird situation. Even with a reputable agency, no one wants to later find out they've been taken in by the publishing equivalent of a puppy mill. I've heard plenty of stories about "reputable" agents doing... less than admirable things. And if it's something you've never heard of happening before, it seems prudent to ask, "Is this weird?"<br /><br />OP, I hope you're relieved to hear that this is not only "not weird" but is normal and exactly how things work with establishing new agents in an agency. I'm glad you asked, because I didn't know either. I'd never really thought about how shiny new agents get their first clients. I hope you're back to doing that happy dance you referenced. I would caution, however, not to get sucked into the notion that having a "Big Name Agent" is some sort of badge of honour you need to impress people. If that's part of your reasoning, step back. The only opinion that matters is what your readers think of your stories. They won't know or care about your agent. Good luck finding one that suits you.<br /><br />As for antagonists seeing themselves as good guys: I read a very interesting article/interview with someone who had done years of deep undercover work for the military (I think? maybe CIA?) and she said that the biggest thing we get wrong when thinking about (and interrogating) people we call "terrorists" is how they see themselves. Every single one of them believe they're the scrappy rebels, the underdogs struggling on the side of right, fighting the big bad death star/battleship/oppressor. Wish I'd saved the link so I could share; it was fascinating reading.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-24544085899331105042017-03-29T18:57:37.704-04:002017-03-29T18:57:37.704-04:00Yowza Kara. Congrats. I love good news.Yowza Kara. Congrats. I love good news.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3701682682130301982017-03-29T18:29:57.451-04:002017-03-29T18:29:57.451-04:00Thanks, Colin! Seems like a reasonably sound answ...Thanks, <b>Colin</b>! Seems like a reasonably sound answer to me!Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-78584261790151773872017-03-29T18:27:31.895-04:002017-03-29T18:27:31.895-04:00All characters are living their own stories, and t...All characters are living their own stories, and they are the hero of their own story. Every character. Including the antagonist.<br /><br />Keep that in mind when you're writing a scene. Ask yourself, "How does this scene fit into this character's story?" This is often translated to, "What is the character's goal in this scene?", since every character should have their own goal in a scene, and this is what creates the conflict in the scene.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-1876432726963065322017-03-29T18:15:44.928-04:002017-03-29T18:15:44.928-04:00Yes, I love the thought that really bad people thi...Yes, I love the thought that really bad people think they are good. It explains them more than anything else I can think of.<br />I have a really inspiring family member or two!<br /><br />I'd be happy to have a newbie agent at a good agency. As her First Client, she'd be out there working like crazy to sell my book and she'd probably be happy to have lunch with me in the Big City. I'd get all her attention and besides, as a new author I don't figure I really deserve Big Agent.<br />So newbie and I would have a good time working to hit the big time together.<br />Maybe she'd even go with me to the Mysterious Bookshop!<br />Sharyn Ekberghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11987304898246173619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32944215596153119322017-03-29T18:05:33.947-04:002017-03-29T18:05:33.947-04:00Amy
(Ooohh, a question I can ponder: Are we all ...<b>Amy</b><br /><br /> (Ooohh, a question I can ponder: Are we all (at least sometimes) antagonists thinking we're in the right? Hmm...)<br /><br />A villain is always the hero of their own story.<br /><br />Sherman proposed to Lincoln to kill every man, woman, child, and dog in the south in order to make the war so horrible for them the rebel soldiers would not have the heart to fight. By making war so terrible, he felt he was doing a heroic act.<br /><br />In Far Rider, my antagonist is inspired by Elizabet Bathory the blood countess. The agent who just asked me to submit the historical when it's done loves the villain. She's a horrible woman, but she thinks she's doing things for the right reason. She's trying to turn around a patriarchal society. Wiping out several kingdoms in the process and the genocide of an entire race might not be the the best way. Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32060937337667196382017-03-29T17:59:36.812-04:002017-03-29T17:59:36.812-04:00I once saw a video of a guy being interviewed (I t...I once saw a video of a guy being interviewed (I think by a street preacher) and he was quite literally one of those hard core white supremacist guys. Almost every other word out of his mouth was foul, violent, don't-meet-dude-in-alley vitriol. Then the interviewer asked him if he thinks of himself as a good guy. He said yes! <br /><br />Hit me like a ton of bricks.abnormalalienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08666555569560028852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-16947931992065985642017-03-29T16:59:22.760-04:002017-03-29T16:59:22.760-04:00The best villains think they're the hero.
oh t...The best villains think they're the hero.<br />oh that's great!<br />And bad people believe they are good.Sharyn Ekberghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11987304898246173619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88351073682833400622017-03-29T14:42:50.204-04:002017-03-29T14:42:50.204-04:00Personally, I think I would love this set-up. Juni...Personally, I think I would love this set-up. Junior agents at respected agencies have some training under their belts already. You get the enthusiasm of being someone's first client AND the benefit of wisdom and guidance from an established agent. Seems like a pretty good deal. Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03365582623380288038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-69958024762127414752017-03-29T14:35:21.556-04:002017-03-29T14:35:21.556-04:00Congrats, Opie, on reaching this milestone! Your w...Congrats, Opie, on reaching this milestone! Your work has not one but two people excited about it, and that is a terrific accomplishment. Woo hoo!<br /><br />I was in your shoes not too long ago. I had queried a senior person at an established agency, and she had really complimentary things to say about my manuscript, but she ultimately passed me on to her assistant, a new agent who was just starting her list. New agent was also very enthusiastic and read my book overnight. We had a lovely chat, and she seemed like a fun person, knowledgeable and passionate, and I'm sure she's going to be a super agent. Just not for me.<br /><br />I was very fortunate to end up with multiple offers, so I had the chance to talk with various agents. I was ideally looking for someone who:<br /><br />1. Was knowledgeable about my genre<br />2. Had a track record of sales in my genre<br />3. Was enthusiastic about my work<br />4. Seemed to be on the same page as me regarding what my work is and how to market it, and yet was not afraid to offer criticism about how said work could be improved<br /><br />In the end, only one of the agents I talked to met all of these criteria, and she's the one I signed with. So far, so good! I think New Agent could have also been a great option, but as I am a clueless newbie on my own, I am leaning on my agent to be the Voice of Experience in navigating the publishing waters. New Agent was also very reluctant in our conversation to share any ideas about how my work might be improved. She was in hard sell mode, trying to land her first client. I appreciated all the many compliments (boy are they fun!) but in the end wanted someone who would push me beyond where I already was. <br /><br />That was my decision making process. As you can see, it's a highly personal accounting. I wish you all the best with yours, Opie!Jollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07018363413798306315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90978162749801176082017-03-29T14:31:00.624-04:002017-03-29T14:31:00.624-04:00Hi OP,
First, congratulations!! Second, Janet mak...Hi OP,<br /><br />First, congratulations!! Second, Janet makes great points as always, and she's right - if you can't feel comfortable than you shouldn't accept as it is such a stressful process even when you love everything about your agent. If you are still considering whether to accept new agent, can you schedule some time to talk to him/her? Just knowing that the agent is part of a reputable agency means there's a great support system and network in place, so then it comes down to 1. Trust/comfort 2. The details (agency agreement, etc.) Maybe talking through what junior agent saw and hearing his/her thoughts on how she wants to approach the sub process will help set you at ease?lamandarinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13816210610621918740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-56684194722426299092017-03-29T14:28:41.382-04:002017-03-29T14:28:41.382-04:00Kara,
You!
Hope I get the starring role in your ...Kara,<br /><br />You!<br /><br />Hope I get the starring role in your story one day.John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-1523435956731323222017-03-29T14:07:36.324-04:002017-03-29T14:07:36.324-04:00Kara: Well howsabout you, sitting perdy in a right...<b>Kara</b>: Well howsabout you, sitting perdy in a right nice situation. Way to go!<br /><br /><b>Beth</b>: Thanks for that. Good stuff. I'll keep it in mind when writing. :)Amy Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05324408700941398495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-47851562977328849942017-03-29T13:57:03.011-04:002017-03-29T13:57:03.011-04:00I can see both sides to this. When I started readi...I can see both sides to this. When I started reading OP's thoughts, my first reaction was, "What is the problem here?" but OP explained quite well their concerns.<br />But putting myself in the same situation (what else do writers do?), my thought process went more like this:<br />- I really, really like VEA!<br />- VEA is part or a Respectable Agency.<br />- I would be thrilled to have VEA@RA representing me.<br />- VEA trusts and is personally grooming Junior Agent.<br />- VEA promises to be very involved with my book if I sign with JA@RA.<br />- I would totally trust VEA to represent me.<br />- Therefore, I would trust VEA to make sure JA represents me well.<br />So for me, it would be a win-win. OTOH, if I had been burned in situations where things were not spelled out in contracts, I can understand a hesitancy. It all comes down to risk, trust, and relationships. (It usually does.) But if I trust VEA, I trust VEA. If I don't, I probably don't want VEA or VEA+JA representing me.<br /><br />roadkills-r-ushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14029861300358380117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-9192411396865038242017-03-29T13:15:09.832-04:002017-03-29T13:15:09.832-04:00Lennon: I know Janet's opinion is worth more t...<b>Lennon</b>: I know Janet's opinion is worth more than mine, but my answer is to grill the agent with whom you will be working primarily. If that's the junior agent, then it's simply respectful to treat her no differently than if she was the referring agent. I think this would serve to demonstrate your confidence in her. Clearly, you would adapt the questions to the situation (as you would anyway), so asking to speak to other clients may not be applicable.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-51211062009415791712017-03-29T13:14:19.452-04:002017-03-29T13:14:19.452-04:00Sometimes, after all the hard work, folks just don...Sometimes, after all the hard work, folks just don't realize how lucky they are to have fallen through the mailslot of someone who loves your work.<br /><br />We are NOT beggars at the banquet of publishing but we're not royalty either. You're new, the agent is new. Humility is not a bad thing.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40128117207878598242017-03-29T13:11:42.140-04:002017-03-29T13:11:42.140-04:00Funny how one's one perspective colors the wor...Funny how one's one perspective colors the words. When I read OP's note, I assumed her first impulse was to grab the offer with both hands, but because we've all heard so many horror stories, she's trying to do the business-like thing and approach with caution. Because that's exactly how I would react. <br /><br />Once I'd gotten reassurance that handing off to an assistant was legit, I'd be all in. After all, VEA had a first client at one point, and I'm sure has a special fondness for that client. (Notice I'm imagining OP as a her, once again projecting myself into the situation.)<br /><br />Janet reads the same words, and sees doubts and lack of confidence in the budding agent. <br /><br />Either way, congratulations to OP on creating an exciting manuscript. I hope you find your perfect agent, whether it's this one or another. <br /><br /><b>Amy</b>, an experienced editor told me all the best villians think they're the hero.<br /><br />Beth Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02447148196867821907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63465411596337575582017-03-29T13:09:44.538-04:002017-03-29T13:09:44.538-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-51466146727686683022017-03-29T12:55:04.564-04:002017-03-29T12:55:04.564-04:00When I first started my job, I looked like a 12 yr...When I first started my job, I looked like a 12 yr old. Everyone looking at me knew I had a medical degree, but still a few people verbally questioned my knowledge and expertise solely based on my face. I don't get offended easily, and I smiled and treated them just like any other client ...but I still remember those individuals. So, yes - if you decide to go with this agency I'd be super careful how you proceed with your 'yes.'<br /><br />But to be fair, OP's doubts make sense. We've been instructed to ask any potential agent lots of questions, ones that couldn't be answered by someone who's never had a client. Would they ask the VEA? (things regarding 'what if' scenarios, or 'can I chat with your clients'). <br /><br />Anyway, congrats, OP. No matter what you decide, be happy someone liked your book so much! Good luck. Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73125445808433492072017-03-29T12:53:05.095-04:002017-03-29T12:53:05.095-04:00I just signed with a brand new agent. She handles ...I just signed with a brand new agent. She handles the editorial side of getting a manuscript ready to sub, and the senior agent at the agency is the one who will take on selling it. Like OP, I didn't query the brand new agent, I queried the senior agent.<br />As the senior agent told me when we spoke on the phone, the editorial side of agenting isn't the part she loves. It's the selling and contract negotiating part. For her to take on a new client, that MS has to be pretty close to perfect.<br />My editorial agent, however, loves my premise, loves my voice, and wants to spend significant amounts of time helping me make this MS shine. I accepted the offer on a Friday. By Monday she had re-read my MS and had a complete set of notes for me. We went back and forth every single day the next week fine-tuning the revision plan. Now, less than 2 weeks after signing, we have a complete revision plan that we both agree on.<br />I know from my friends who have signed with other agents that my situation isn't the norm. I feel really lucky that my editorial agent has so much time to give me and is so invested in my work. When a junior agent is backed up by a senior agent at a respectable agency, you truly get the best of both worlds.Kara Reynoldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07147342389371681730noreply@blogger.com