tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post8711361409368840246..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: When Being Proactive Becomes a ViceJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-89523072178560590732019-07-22T15:24:08.690-04:002019-07-22T15:24:08.690-04:00My querying spreadsheet includes the date on which...My querying spreadsheet includes the date on which I should nudge (or consider it a pass). If that date hasn't passed, there's simply nothing for me to do, much like there's nothing for me to do once I put a cake in the oven until the timer goes off. <br /><br />Well, there is stuff I can do, liking cleaning up or messing around on my phone. When querying that translates to focusing on, well, the massive list of other things in my life that require my attention. Last go-round that meant mostly transitioning from output to input and catching up on reading/TV/games. I'd check the spreadsheet once every few days to see if any dates had passed, but otherwise I genuinely did not think about it unless I got a response. (I kept a limited number of subs going at once, so a response of any kind or a date passing meant I queried the next agent on the list. After the first round, one out one in.)<br /><br />"Proactive" just isn't the right mindset for things that are entirely out of your control, which is what happens to a query after you hit send. Stop opening the oven door.Brittanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661380649581961221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-65567977184741458932019-07-20T10:10:27.203-04:002019-07-20T10:10:27.203-04:00Why, I write another book!
Just kidding. I eat co...Why, I write another book!<br /><br />Just kidding. I eat cookies and refresh my email. <br /><br />I'm in the midst of the "long wait" right now and I've developed a twitch. <br /><br />TerriTerri Lynn Coophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07290316565247120848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-1709330718204301632019-07-20T08:51:16.036-04:002019-07-20T08:51:16.036-04:00👍👍Sunnygoetzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959742238807980642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-46570952300362323532019-07-20T08:50:12.445-04:002019-07-20T08:50:12.445-04:00I agree. I agree. Sunnygoetzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959742238807980642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-25326582530324201982019-07-19T12:09:58.468-04:002019-07-19T12:09:58.468-04:00COngratulations, Katja! So glad it all went well.COngratulations, Katja! So glad it all went well.Beth Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02447148196867821907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-26172155796656058572019-07-19T09:13:09.593-04:002019-07-19T09:13:09.593-04:00There is no waiting, only writing and revising.There is no waiting, only writing and revising.Lancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17335923263777449916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-6349932586720009342019-07-19T06:32:41.619-04:002019-07-19T06:32:41.619-04:00Congratulations Katja! I am so glad it went well!!...Congratulations Katja! I am so glad it went well!! Yayyy!NLiuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184714542401822508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-91094473799276342582019-07-19T06:28:53.661-04:002019-07-19T06:28:53.661-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.NLiuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184714542401822508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-65724780884223196222019-07-19T05:28:14.579-04:002019-07-19T05:28:14.579-04:00
Great news Katja;
Thanks for the update.<br />Great news Katja;<br /><br />Thanks for the update.french sojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14262858704848580714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72461358510811616802019-07-19T01:26:24.815-04:002019-07-19T01:26:24.815-04:00Congratulations, Katja! :)Congratulations, <b>Katja</b>! :)Amy Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05324408700941398495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54200845246967922822019-07-18T21:40:32.110-04:002019-07-18T21:40:32.110-04:00Well done, Katja. I'm glad you were able to en...Well done, <b>Katja</b>. I'm glad you were able to enjoy your moment.<br /><br />I let myself check my email first thing in the morning when I am querying (cause overnight here is day in the US). Then, having given myself that moment, it's back to writing the next one.AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45369017844383997842019-07-18T19:48:07.282-04:002019-07-18T19:48:07.282-04:00I was going to suggest that OP get busy and write ...I was going to suggest that OP get busy and write the next book but then I saw the picture of Idris and now I’m all discombobulated. Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08941043145591116608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-50929658454007447342019-07-18T19:01:42.002-04:002019-07-18T19:01:42.002-04:00Congratulations, Katja!
I'm not ready to quer...Congratulations, Katja! <br />I'm not ready to query yet, but I'm really good at filling up time. Three of my favorite methods are: 1) knitting something complicated while listening to audiobooks (lately, revisiting the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, always astounding); 2) knitting something mindless while binging on Netflix; or 3) heading into the wilderness for a few days with my backpack stuffed with Janet's vices (well, two vices out three ain't bad).Fearless Reiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14380936599156619260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-81198226354818375342019-07-18T18:44:21.777-04:002019-07-18T18:44:21.777-04:00Dear Reef!
YOU ROCK!!!
I just came back from my ...Dear Reef!<br /><br />YOU ROCK!!!<br /><br />I just came back from my launch event and wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH, everyone!<br /><br />It went so well, I almost can't believe it. All my nervousness was gone all of a sudden; I vos able to speak English vizout any problems, really. (At least *I* didn't notice any ;) - no verbal stumbling.)<br /><br />I sold copies and all people were super nice. I even managed to enjoy it. Thank you for crossing your fingers and wishing me luck.<br /><br />It WORKED <3.<br />Katjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06393775907417257099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17363321548218812092019-07-18T18:34:00.235-04:002019-07-18T18:34:00.235-04:00Lots of solid advice has been given already, but I...Lots of solid advice has been given already, but I'll add one more thing: promote other writers' work. It's a great way to spend "waiting time" and is easily accomplished via word-of-mouth, social media, or borrowing/requesting books from your local library. As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats. Plus, it's fun! Good luck to you, OP. <br /><br /><b>Katja</b>: best of luck to you, too!Claire Bobrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15666082441972111293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-67345597532881905162019-07-18T18:16:49.615-04:002019-07-18T18:16:49.615-04:00I can't really add much that hasn't alread...I can't really add much that hasn't already been said, but if you're not ready to start a new novel yet, writing short stories is a great way to keep that writing muscle limber (and submitting them is good practice for receiving rejection gracefully). I also try to watch lots of documentaries because those stranger-than-fiction stories often spark ideas for books I never would have thought of.Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19940545829241622092019-07-18T14:03:07.830-04:002019-07-18T14:03:07.830-04:00Good luck Katja! You got this!
Daily exercise hel...Good luck <b>Katja</b>! You got this!<br /><br />Daily exercise helps slow down the hamster wheel inside the brain. Also have a network of people (writers, especially) that you can commiserate with. They can also help you keep perspective. The Reef has always bucked me up on a rough day.<br /><br />Craft books can also spark ideas. I am reading STORY GENIUS by Lisa Cron and it is brilliant.Karen McCoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640324898284007337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32356856410171041392019-07-18T13:41:29.443-04:002019-07-18T13:41:29.443-04:00I'm going to try to remember KariV's advic...I'm going to try to remember KariV's advice next time around. Although reading and watching are forms of breaks, they are not total breaks. Adding in piano lessons (much lapsed) and maybe even something like yoga to gently nudge up my daily exercise (no marathons for me!) sounds like a good way to clear my head for 3 months.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18165072684559960801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-51737111751281543812019-07-18T13:39:30.498-04:002019-07-18T13:39:30.498-04:00Yes, keep writing, and read. Read books about writ...Yes, keep writing, and read. Read books about writing. Read well-written books. And maybe sometimes read some not-so-well written books so you can identify what went wrong. It won't really help with the waiting, but you'll have more knowledge and a new manuscript to show for it. <br /><br />The waiting never ends. My editor takes my manuscript, sits on it for, oh, a thousand years or so, and then sends me notes for revisions due in about two minutes. Hurry up and wait.Beth Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02447148196867821907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-87767378415418373032019-07-18T13:16:40.872-04:002019-07-18T13:16:40.872-04:00Like others have said, you get to work writing you...Like others have said, you get to work writing your next book. If the one you queried doesn't land you an agent, the next one might. Or even if it does, I was surprised that one of the first questions my agent asked was, "What else have you written?" Write write write!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-86818538676301113082019-07-18T12:47:58.771-04:002019-07-18T12:47:58.771-04:00In addition to the excellent suggestions above, no...In addition to the excellent suggestions above, now would be a great time to set up an online presence--blog and/or website--if you don't already have one. Or improve the one you already have to ensure it presents you professionally. Reserve a domain name in your real or pen name.<br /><br />Also cultivate patience. It sounds like an impossible task, but you'll be much happier if you try to be more zen over the course of your publishing journey.<br /><br />Good luck, OP!<br /><br />Fingers crossed for you, <b>Katja</b>!Barbara Etlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07190731838738606727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3874939590241982622019-07-18T11:51:47.100-04:002019-07-18T11:51:47.100-04:00Now might be a good time for you to read Julia Cam...Now might be a good time for you to read Julia Cameron's The Artists Way. I know people have strong feelings about this book, both positive and negative, but I'm on the over-the-moon love this book side of positive.<br /><br />The thing is, the waiting is a chance for you to take control of something you can. You cannot control the agents or the industry and you certainly can't control how they will relate to and respond (if at all) to your queries. But YOU control what happens while you wait. How you wait and who you become along the way are excellent opportunities to define yourself as a writer. <br /><br />So as many of the people here are saying: write, read, watch television, invest in new hobbies. As KariV said, have a plan. A plan is key to knowing what you will do each and every day. It's also good to have a rejection plan in place for when rejections come rolling in. Having to figure out what you're going to do with the emotions you're experiencing in that moment of rejection take more emotional intelligence than most of us can pull out when we're in the middle of it. But if you already know what song you'll play or what you'll eat or what you'll read or where you'll walk for inspiration or motivation or comfort then you have a much better chance of not letting the querying process kill your creativity. <br /><br />Good luck with the waiting! We're all rooting for you. Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14111741631210937763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-6344451790274259982019-07-18T10:43:36.205-04:002019-07-18T10:43:36.205-04:00Besides all the great advice to keep writing, get ...Besides all the great advice to keep writing, get going on the next project, etc., take a little time to slow down and refresh. <br /><br />Watch a movie that's been taking up space on the DVR. Get a pedicure or massage, or something decadently relaxing. Read a book for pleasure, not for research or enhancing writing skills.<br /><br />And congrats for making it this far! You've done far more than most people who want to write a book.Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10657190244852959404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-14029692176609248092019-07-18T10:37:07.646-04:002019-07-18T10:37:07.646-04:00I'm in the query trenches too, my sympathies!
...I'm in the query trenches too, my sympathies!<br /><br />1) I'm working on a new book. I feel more stress this time because I'm no longer under the illusion that I'm writing just for me. I'm constantly wondering, "If that one doesn't sell, is this one better?" And rejections rattle me for a day, slowing things down.<br /><br />So....<br /><br />2) I'm picking up old hobbies I abandoned for writing, to have a non-work-related relaxing activity before bed. First up: making a blanket for my kid. Too bad it's the middle of July though, I might need to find a cooler option. XDSam Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12069749673374661798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-53966376356349374332019-07-18T10:18:47.966-04:002019-07-18T10:18:47.966-04:00I'm due to hitch a ride on a shooting star soo...I'm due to hitch a ride on a shooting star soon. Get a different perspective and maybe the ability to express that perspective lovingly.<br /><br />Debating myself on bringing a board and surfing the Milky Way, counting the stars, once around Venus and twice around Mars.<br /><br />To do that I need to get into better shape. A few health things have caused me to fall from grace with Na Maki K'ahi, so I have had to start over and have started building on that.<br /><br />Part of that regime is avoiding politics. The smoke and mirrors of it obscure the vision of my writing world. Of course my job has wended it's way into another form of politics. Que Sera<br /><br />Also am on the fourth dead-ended subplot that will eventually be the start of a new book.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.com