tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post548565043658482521..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: "The money isn't the issue." ...oh, yes it is.Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-41764985834404159332019-11-20T11:53:34.793-05:002019-11-20T11:53:34.793-05:00I'm in the query trenches, so I feel like givi...I'm in the query trenches, so I feel like giving the OP the benefit of the doubt. Janet said the category, YA Urban Fantasy, is a hard sell right now. She has said many times that agents reject well-written books because they don't think the market is strong enough. So we shouldn't assume that the OP's book isn't well-written, just because nothing was mentioned about the editorial process. The advice that no one has given is, write another book in a different genre, one which IS selling well, and query that one instead.Danae McBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04320690272694387175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80178365384042773632019-11-20T09:48:24.267-05:002019-11-20T09:48:24.267-05:00OP-I am new to the game, like yourself but I have ...OP-I am new to the game, like yourself but I have been given this advice, which works<br />-write for the reader, not yourself. You may think the reader wants or likes what you write and they may not.<br />-Take a workshop-Peers critique your work and you see yourself as a writer through their eyes. They may not see a sentence or paragraph as important, you may see it as clever & neccessary, but peer review ties into writing for the reader<br />-writing short stories and essays-It's a way to sharpen your teeth in the craft, a way to practice what you learn in workshops<br />-Read, Read, Read- Study the craft through your favorite author. Watch how they link words, ideas, settings and characters. Study how the sentences move the story.<br />-You have income use it wisely. I can't tell you how many bestselling authors I met through workshops, who took the time to teach me, give advice, crtique my work and now they know my name. Put your money where your pen is...Sunnygoetzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959742238807980642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-71875916160658773502019-11-20T06:56:09.054-05:002019-11-20T06:56:09.054-05:00E.M., my prayers are with you and your mom this mo...<b>E.M.</b>, my prayers are with you and your mom this morning. I pray all goes well.<br /><br /><b>OP</b>, by your comments and question, I think you're not far along in your research on what it takes to get published, otherwise you would know it's the writing that counts.<br /><br /><b>LeeNire</b>, congrats to your daughters. <b>SamaraG</b>'s story was one of my favorites, 11 years old, first try, one of the finalist...I don't know whether to applaud or cry. Maybe both.LynnRodzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796099106913990163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-37508736884004465352019-11-19T23:09:08.634-05:002019-11-19T23:09:08.634-05:00Oh, EM, I'm so sorry. Keeping you in my though...Oh, EM, I'm so sorry. Keeping you in my thoughts today. The Noise In Spacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13433798159445551782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7274464209473067822019-11-19T21:17:49.670-05:002019-11-19T21:17:49.670-05:00OP: Agents won't take on a book they know they...OP: Agents won't take on a book they know they can't sell. So offering them 60% instead of 15% of a book they can't sell isn't going to get you anywhere. Not only is it insulting, it's just plain pointless.<br /><br />That said, stick to self-publishing. You're actually doing quite well at it.<br /><br /><br />EM: Please accept my sincerest wishes for the best possible outcome for your mom. My heart is with you.Brian Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03974248435300003971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-31129366741838975632019-11-19T20:44:45.979-05:002019-11-19T20:44:45.979-05:00E.M. that sounds heartbreaking. Hope you are okay....E.M. that sounds heartbreaking. Hope you are okay. Let us know how your mum gets on with the surgery. All thinking of you here xxNLiuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184714542401822508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-1049832704244802262019-11-19T19:00:21.641-05:002019-11-19T19:00:21.641-05:00Nothing new to add that hasn't already been sa...Nothing new to add that hasn't already been said to the OP. All good suggestions.<br /><br />EM, I hope your mom was able to go into surgery, and that it is all over and has gone well. I'm thinking of you and sending good wishes into the universe.Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-78423994886208498612019-11-19T18:28:36.076-05:002019-11-19T18:28:36.076-05:00Thinking of you, EM.
And what a bang-on post. Th...Thinking of you, EM. <br /><br />And what a bang-on post. Thank you.Linda Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12802634921051188131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-85858942832436594552019-11-19T17:31:33.701-05:002019-11-19T17:31:33.701-05:00Elise, I sent you a DM via Twitter for your mum. x...Elise, I sent you a DM via Twitter for your mum. xx<br /><br />Katja Katjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06709262852565003059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-10304767268399724012019-11-19T17:27:30.613-05:002019-11-19T17:27:30.613-05:00Elise: my thoughts are with you
OP: I am sorry bu...<b>Elise</b>: my thoughts are with you<br /><br /><b>OP</b>: I am sorry but I want an agent that sees value in my work. If they can see that it will make them money is a bonus, not the meat of the pie. I too have a wondrous collection of rejections. Some were from a thriller that just wouldn't settle into a query properly, possibly because it was too late in the game for a new thriller writer.<br /><br />Now I have work of sci-fi in the trenches and I actually really like the query. I just have to hope the pages also hold up, they don't lend themselves to any good comps.<br /><br />If that doesn't work, I'll try again, I am a glutton for punishment because of the reason I am trying to get published.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-77725599122875146462019-11-19T16:57:43.475-05:002019-11-19T16:57:43.475-05:00I've said this before and still think it's...I've said this before and still think it's true: writers are a "charming" mix of towering arrogance and crushing insecurity. All of us. It requires unusual amounts of arrogance to even write something with the expectation other people will enjoy reading it, let alone putting it out in the world. No finger pointing from me on that topic.<br /><br />But it is also true, OP, that you need to better educate yourself about the business of publishing. What's considered a reasonable approach in one industry can be, as you have discovered here, ineffective and insulting in another. Read the archives of this blog and of Query Shark, plus any of the many agent and writer blogs out there. Keep asking questions (google is your friend) and you'll find plenty of resources designed to help writers figure things out. Best of luck to you in your journey.<br /><br />EM, I know words are inadequate. Sending virtual hugs and thoughts of peace and strength for you and your mom.<br /><br />KDJameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10534864045227102030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-37036205212172329392019-11-19T16:49:28.568-05:002019-11-19T16:49:28.568-05:00OP, I don't think you were meaning to be arrog...<b>OP</b>, I don't think you were meaning to be arrogant as some have suggested. I think it is more a lack of understanding of the business. Paying anyone to take you on is why sites like <a href="https://accrispin.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">"Writer Beware"</a> exist. As <a rel="nofollow">Colin</a> suggested, if you haven't already, find yourself some critique partners and beta readers. Find out how your writing really stands. Unfortunately, the sale numbers you have won't be of much help in attracting an agent so you have to let your writing stand for itself. Good luck with your next book!<br /><br />EM, I have no idea when your Mum's surgery is, but I am sending my prayers across the waves. (((hugs)))<br /><br />Katja, I've no idea about those particular contests you mentioned, but you might want to read about what to look for in a contest at Writer Beware: <a href="https://accrispin.blogspot.com/2015/06/awards-profiteers-how-writers-can.html" rel="nofollow">https://accrispin.blogspot.com/2015/06/awards-profiteers-how-writers-can.html</a>. Hope that helps.AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-81110215714144875612019-11-19T16:21:02.660-05:002019-11-19T16:21:02.660-05:00Sorry, OP, but yes, your arrogance does show, mean...Sorry, OP, but yes, your arrogance does show, meaning to do so or not.<br /><br />If agents only expressed interest in those lucky authors whose work has already proved out, I suspect they would not last long in the business. From what I've read/heard, the business revolves around discovering new talent. This means accepting that any new writer is unlikely to have connections and most don't have a degree in writing or experience in publishing. Sure, some come along with loads of credentials, but I suspect that is rare. What seems to garner agent interest is work that is compelling and a query that clearly spells out the story in a way an agent can easily understand. Rejection is the bane of any writer's existence. I console myself by knowing that even the very best have faced rejection. OP, if you have not already, I strongly recommend enlisting the help of a fellow writer to read and critique your work prior to sending it out into the world of agents and publishers. There is nothing like getting sincere and insightful critique from those who know and understand the process. Irene Troyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11839666907158210573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-1990760971167523602019-11-19T16:09:45.335-05:002019-11-19T16:09:45.335-05:00E.M.,
My heart and wishes go out to you.E.M.,<br />My heart and wishes go out to you.Kreggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07229620504046221727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58558026092524733352019-11-19T16:06:29.881-05:002019-11-19T16:06:29.881-05:00OP - Even if you found an agent who would accept a...OP - Even if you found an agent who would accept a bigger cut, what happens from there? What incentive would you offer publishers to take on a book whose writing alone didn't get it onto their desk? Any higher percentage you offer the publisher would impact on the agents income and incentive too. <br />Better to write an awesome book and prove its worth by jumping through all the usual hoops in the publishing industry. I'm sure it would give you a much greater sense of satisfaction too.<br /><br />EM - sending you calming vibes during this stressful period.MA Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11055543285024785889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-18668424236141860882019-11-19T15:15:06.526-05:002019-11-19T15:15:06.526-05:00E.M.: adding my voice & thoughts to the others...E.M.: adding my voice & thoughts to the others.<br /><br />I agree with Brenda that OP isn't necessarily arrogant. Most industries don't work like publishing, and perhaps elsewhere that kind of negociation would not be insulting, but OK.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57765502716599061142019-11-19T15:00:16.401-05:002019-11-19T15:00:16.401-05:00E.M. I am so, so sorry. My thoughts and prayers ar...E.M. I am so, so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02288010060936146108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-74076637347580839752019-11-19T14:59:46.105-05:002019-11-19T14:59:46.105-05:00Elise Hoping for the best, but here for you if th...<b> Elise </b> Hoping for the best, but here for you if the worst comes to pass. Keeping you in my thoughts today.Megan Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00752842865397799428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90123611522565017252019-11-19T14:26:33.507-05:002019-11-19T14:26:33.507-05:00Think I should start the Peace and Harmony’s Outst...Think I should start the Peace and Harmony’s Outstanding Novel of the Year literary contest?<br />Then my book--if ever finished--gets first place and all other entries ($10 fee paid) get finalist. <br /><br />Would that look good on a query?<br /><br />"My novel was first place in the PHONY award." Mister Furkleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07156977719916770984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-79368161035763590972019-11-19T14:21:09.435-05:002019-11-19T14:21:09.435-05:00EM, wishing you and your mother peace and no pain....<b>EM</b>, wishing you and your mother peace and no pain. That is so hard. Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-6015541843114300092019-11-19T14:19:12.448-05:002019-11-19T14:19:12.448-05:00Considering that I’m unpublished, struggle ferocio...Considering that I’m unpublished, struggle ferociously with stringing even just a few words together in a sensible fashion, and often get my novel’s protagonist stuck in situations I don’t know how to write him out of (For a week now, he’s been lying unconscious in a musty cave, with the antagonist gloating over him. What now?), and definitely don’t have an extra $20 to slide the maître d’ at Burger King, I may not be the best person to give advice on this topic... But, as far as I can tell, there’s really only one thing an author (of any skill level) can, nay, MUST do: Get that shitty first draft onto the page, and then rewrite and revise until your pencil bleeds. A manuscript without bloodstains is like grits without cheese – No damn good!<br /><br />PS: On a more serious note – E.M., I know your pain. As Brenda said, go gently, and take the day as it may come.Casual-Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04091757363609964963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7505234726487877532019-11-19T14:17:18.889-05:002019-11-19T14:17:18.889-05:00OP, there are other options I don't know if yo...OP, there are other options I don't know if you've considered. There are marketing companies out there that can be hired legitimately for self-published authors. <br /><br />The traditional publishing world is different because you have to prove yourself first. To garner interest, you have to be THAT GOOD. But that hurdle is partially what makes more people notice a published author. <br /><br />If you really are serious about this whole traditional publishing thing, I like what a lot of others here have recommended, about reading the archives here. Based on your question, I can tell you haven't immersed yourself yet. That isn't a dig, just a fact. If you're serious, immerse yourself. All the readers here have all kinds of occupations and income, nationalities and backgrounds. The only thing we really have in common is a passion for writing. So, we immerse ourselves in learning all about it. <br /><br />Anyway, questions are good too, so good job on asking. Best of luck. Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63562088359193451832019-11-19T13:55:15.931-05:002019-11-19T13:55:15.931-05:00"Don't ever assume the book isn't hor..."Don't ever assume the book isn't horrible by the number of starred reviews on Amazon. A lot of people have really terrible taste."<br /><br />OMG, THANK YOU for this!!! Because I have been SO puzzled, at times, about how certain books get some 30 reviews and ALL, yes ALL of them are 5 stars. I've spent a lot of time in recent months, 'researching' these stars and reviews...<br /><br />I often read the look-inside button material of these excellent reviews, and then I'm like "WHAT?". It has been SO puzzling.<br /><br />I too have a few 5-star-reviews on Amazon and more so on Goodreads. Only a couple are total strangers to me though. Oh, and one of them gave 4 stars. I was almost grateful for that, oddly enough.<br /><br />Another thing that is maybe linked to this topic (lots of 5-star-reviews but still terrible books) is the awards. I've been almost devastated in the past by all the fantastic author bios on Amazon: multi-award winning author.<br />I started to look at these awards. Readers Favorite, American Book Fest Best Book award. Does anyone know these?<br /><br />A 'twitter friend' told me (TWICE), "You should enter your book! If you earn a medal and can put a sticker on your book, it's great for marketing." I investigated. Under Readers Favorite, I found there are 70 categories. Medallists range from gold medal to silver medal, to bronze, to runner up, finalist or something like that.<br />The article said that EVERYONE who entered the competition came home with an award. So, for 89$ or 98$ (I can't remember), you can BUY an award???<br /><br />Last Thursday, same 'twitter friend' tweeted their book had won "finalist of American bookfest best book awards". I couldn't hold myself back and researched: 100 categories (one hundred!), almost every category had six finalist plus one winner.<br />Stunning.<br /><br />I'm NOT going to enter my book anywhere (I did at The BookLife Prize but that was the only one and it's by Publishers Weekly - no medals or stickers to win but a critique and a score).<br /><br />This drove me so crazy, I couldn't bear another tweep's posts on Twitter with a BATTERY of medals on their books. It did intimidate me. I clicked on 'unfollow' a la bitch ;).<br /><br />My book will stay naked, without medals and awards. And maybe without lots of 5-star-reviews.<br />The go-and-buy-yourself-a-medal-award-thing almost makes me think that I would rather harm my future work's chances if I did decide to try and find an agent for my second book. If an agent saw I had decorated my first book with a bought award, wouldn't that look cheap?!Katjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06393775907417257099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-65500522920854015262019-11-19T12:54:24.738-05:002019-11-19T12:54:24.738-05:00I feel that the OP did what many writers do: jumpe...I feel that the OP did what many writers do: jumped into this publishing thing without looking first.<br /><br /><b>OP</b>, one thing that would easily garner you rejections is word count, especially a high (or too low) word count on top of a difficult-to-sell category. As others have mentioned, if your query is poorly written, agents will reject within the first few sentences. Not fair, perhaps, but that's how it is.<br /><br />My personal suggestion is for you to read through the archive on this site and on query shark (address is in the left hand sidebar on this site--along with links to other helpful query information).<br /><br />You finished a novel, OP, and sold several hundred copies. That's more than many would-be writers accomplish. Good for you! Now, do some research and you have a reasonable chance of making this writing thing a career.<br /><br /><b>EM</b> my hopes for a good outcome are with you and your mom. I've had a very recent family loss, and it breaks my heart to think of others suffering the same.Elissa Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10727748060605823895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-66622335480905281582019-11-19T12:33:09.769-05:002019-11-19T12:33:09.769-05:00Sending lots of hugs and good vibes to you and you...Sending lots of hugs and good vibes to you and your mom, E.M.Barbara Etlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07190731838738606727noreply@blogger.com