tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post339552289216722579..comments2024-03-29T07:29:32.276-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Genderfluidity in the queryJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-9176962344786338082017-05-24T22:18:57.426-04:002017-05-24T22:18:57.426-04:00Yes, we Aussies colour our spelling the same way o...Yes, we Aussies colour our spelling the same way our Canuck cousins do. Also, it's chilly here too. This morning hit about 6C, with dew.<br /><br />Baneff, don't make too big a deal about your genderfluidity. Yes, it's an #ownvoices consideration, and one that, when gently mentioned, will be a benefit for you. But don't overthink it. After all, genderfluidity is your normal, and why make a big deal over normal?<br /><br />Books are judged by voice and style first, then by plot and characters, then worldbuilding, and politics last. If a book is rejected, it will be for reasons more in this order, rather than genderfluidity. I've read books with genderfluid characters (The Ilario series by Mary Gentle, fr'ex), so it's not like they can't be published, and the market isn't saturated with them, so that's another point in your favour.<br /><br />I echo everyone else's advice to find a crit group or a few good beta readers. Freelance editors are better suited for tightening polished works, than for correcting apprentice mistakes.<br /><br />If this is your first book, your mastery of the craft might not be as refined as is needed if you want a career in writing novels. A crit group or even a workshop can help with that, not just in getting your work critted, but by you critting the work of others.<br /><br />And read. Widely and variously. Read stuff you might not normally read. Make notes.<br /><br />And write. Don't get stuck on this book. While it's mothballing or being critted, be working on the next novel. Nothing improves the craft so much as writing.<br /><br />And definitely take up BookEnds' offer to query them, not only with this book, but any subsequent books.<br /><br />First book doesn't always sell. The second one often does.<br /><br />(And that's my three comments of one hundred each gone in a single post.)Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-71178296271159943912017-05-24T20:32:27.492-04:002017-05-24T20:32:27.492-04:00AJ and Baneff18: I think Colin misses his own Brit...AJ and Baneff18: I think Colin misses his own British origins at this time. I thought I heard a sigh in his comment about my Canadianism. :) And I know Aussies use the proper stylish spelling, too. :)<br /><br />Baneff18: It's chilly here in Saskatchewan, but mostly due to the wind. Wow, did we ever get a wind today. Gusts up to 85 km/h (about 52 miles/hour). I understand there are trees and branches down, and power out here and their in the city. The dog and I stayed inside today. Little Girl Dog would have been blown away by that wind - literally!BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57761977771838421902017-05-24T20:10:47.094-04:002017-05-24T20:10:47.094-04:00BJ and Baneff18: Of course, I comment on the spell...<b>BJ and Baneff18</b>: Of course, I comment on the spelling as a former Brit, who was once well-practiced in the art of colouring his spellings with extraneous letters. ;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-29864030084044681272017-05-24T20:00:12.079-04:002017-05-24T20:00:12.079-04:00Wow, Baneff18, and BookEnds, no less! Wow, Baneff18, and BookEnds, no less! LynnRodzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796099106913990163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84965716916559095332017-05-24T19:12:09.366-04:002017-05-24T19:12:09.366-04:00ugh, the downside of working all day. It's har...ugh, the downside of working all day. It's hard to hold conversations on things like this.<br /><br />Being a Canadian myself I concur with BJ that Canadian spellings are full of style. Awesome style. Awesome snow-covered icicle style.<br /><br />It got cold up here today.<br /><br />I read that article, DLM, when I was first questioning with this topic. It's hard to find instances of male writers writing under female names outside of Romance novels. Sure, I look and sound male, but the truth is much more complicated than that. <br /><br />Laina, I actually pitch during #DVPit the last couple time, and it got me a couple favorites. Two of these are actually the full requests I'd gotten before.<br /><br />Casey, I am on Absolute Write, but probably don't use it as often as I should.<br /><br />anyways, off to second work, but again thank you so much to everyone. This thread has gone beyond anything I even considered when looking for opinions. Baneff18https://www.blogger.com/profile/02300590717392748933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-26148018646091734472017-05-24T19:04:02.506-04:002017-05-24T19:04:02.506-04:00Baneff, as soon as you've had crit/beta eyes o...<b>Baneff</b>, as soon as you've had crit/beta eyes on that book get it to BookEnds. Their #mswl and blog posts echo what was said here about looking for #ownvoices. In fact, it was commentary I've read at BookEnds that made me ask my early question about using your own genderfluidity as a selling point in your query.<br /><br /><b>Donna</b>, exactly! (love that owl)<br /><br /><b>Colin</b>, you had me stumped for a moment with your comment to <b>BJ</b>. AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-50985635092719492852017-05-24T15:22:20.676-04:002017-05-24T15:22:20.676-04:00One thing to note which is unquestionably loathsom...One thing to note which is unquestionably loathsome, but does point to odds, if nothing else, is the advantage men have in querying: <br /><br />http://jezebel.com/homme-de-plume-what-i-learned-sending-my-novel-out-und-1720637627<br /><br />(Link is cis/binary-centric, culled from a Google search for "querying as a male author versus female".)<br /><br />I won't get deeply into my using "DLMajor" or "DLM" as an online identity (my full name and gender are hardly a secret), but it's not incidental to note that I have an assertive voice in text, and how frequently people online, including right here, take me for a man.<br /><br />Just sayin'. Not advocating.<br /><br /><br /><b>kathy joyce</b>: "we can't write to ... the speculation" - YES!!!!<br /><br /><b>Donna</b> - aww. <br /><br />And as this is my third post today, I will close with renewed hurrahs for <b>Baneff18</b>. Woo-wee!DLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08768285199864217885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88096603568453291232017-05-24T13:52:15.361-04:002017-05-24T13:52:15.361-04:00Bookends, y'all!
My Expression
Hey Baneff!Bookends, y'all!<br /><br /><a href="http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/sites/default/files/2016-10/owl_southern_white_faced.jpg" rel="nofollow">My Expression</a><br /><br />Hey Baneff!Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54266096638469836992017-05-24T13:17:24.825-04:002017-05-24T13:17:24.825-04:00I understand the concept that it's all about &...I understand the concept that it's all about "the story." There's more to it though. Which story? The one I wrote, or the one you're reading?<br /><br />There is only one set of words, but we all read "the story" differently. That's why today's question and the answers are so important. Baneff18 is asking, "Might agents reject my words because who I am discolors the story for them?" <br /><br />Beta readers help make the words better, but they also explain how others interpret the stories we're trying to tell. It's the same with agents, except they're trying to predict how others will interpret (and pay for) the stories. <br /><br />We can't write to all the speculation; we just have to write the stories our hearts and souls dictate. Then we have to research agents to find one who will understand. We also have to bring the readers who can understand to the story, or take the story to them.<br /><br />The more I write, the more I understand ideas I once thought were cliches: be true to yourself and your story, do your research, find an agent who believes in you and your work, writing is a career, you are your brand.<br /><br />Good luck Baneff18!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03581361783795436259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40450321264219454232017-05-24T13:15:01.837-04:002017-05-24T13:15:01.837-04:00Colin: You better believe it! And I just left a co...Colin: You better believe it! And I just left a comment on another blog, using the word 'dialogue'. Because Canadian spellings are full of STYLE. :)BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39517308896601593132017-05-24T13:09:25.221-04:002017-05-24T13:09:25.221-04:00cheque... awww, BJ's Canadian is showing. ;)<i>cheque</i>... awww, <b>BJ</b>'s Canadian is showing. ;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-51281863150251229992017-05-24T12:52:35.985-04:002017-05-24T12:52:35.985-04:00Baneff18,
Ms. Reid is right. If you did not get r...Baneff18,<br /><br />Ms. Reid is right. If you did not get requests for fulls, you would know the query was not working for you. If you did get requests for fulls, the query definitely does work. If you did not get a contract, the book does not work.<br /><br />I am sure I won't hear anything, but if you want a critter, send it to: stevestubbs1 AT gmail.com and if I can see anything that may be shooting you down, I will tell you privately what it is (after first getting your permission.) Whatever it is, it is almost certainly not what you think. It is also easy to spot. My opinions are free. You get what you pay for.<br /><br />I have belonged to several crit groups and have read lots of unpublished MSS. From what I have seen, you are wise NOT hiring an editor, unless you have an enthusiastic referral from someone you trust. Blindly sending thousands of dollars to some Joe Schmuck who puts out a classified ad is a Bad Idea. If you do hire one, go through Writer's Digest. And be prepared to shell out. Ms. Reid could probably also give you a good referral.<br /><br />Good luck. I have a good feeling about your prospects.<br />Steve Stubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13421775912951050610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-26995720792379839332017-05-24T12:41:57.074-04:002017-05-24T12:41:57.074-04:00I wonder if perhaps after some editing/betas, one ...I wonder if perhaps after some editing/betas, one thing to try along with queries would be the diversity themed pitches on Twitter? Seems like a good fit for something like this.Lainahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00134705793566699951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88420830852563421322017-05-24T12:35:58.630-04:002017-05-24T12:35:58.630-04:00Baneff18 ... BookEnds! BOOM!<b>Baneff18</b> ... <i>BookEnds!</i> <b>BOOM!</b> Melanie Sue Bowleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820711791019410116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-74869220385353262312017-05-24T12:22:25.762-04:002017-05-24T12:22:25.762-04:00Yup. The cheque is the important thing when you...Yup. The cheque is the important thing when you're dealing with pen names. You'll either have to use your legal name - the name your bank account is in - or set up some understanding with your bank that you also do business as your pen name. (Hint: The former is easier, and that name won't be appearing in public, anyway.)<br /><br />I agree that a good critique group can make all the difference. Find one that understands your genre.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68587807140478949862017-05-24T11:48:48.008-04:002017-05-24T11:48:48.008-04:00Find a critique group, Baneff18, and keep polishin...Find a critique group, Baneff18, and keep polishing. You'll get there. Good luck!Claire Bobrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15666082441972111293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-92129217544398833002017-05-24T11:46:46.348-04:002017-05-24T11:46:46.348-04:00Baneff, thanks for commenting. I always like to h...<b>Baneff</b>, thanks for commenting. I always like to have a name to attach to a question. It's part of what makes this a community.<br /><br />I can't really add a whole lot to what others have said, but I will toss this in: if you don't have the dollars for a professional edit, don't despair. Having one is a good idea, but it's far from a requirement.<br /><br />What <i>is</i> a requirement is to get more eyes on the manuscript. There were a lot of good suggestions recently for finding beta readers. And if you haven't already, I'd also advise you to spend some time at Absolute Write. I've gotten great advice about my first few pages there, even without getting a long-term CP.Casey Karphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10592351859886981726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-5767885303076567652017-05-24T11:39:19.284-04:002017-05-24T11:39:19.284-04:00Baneff18, BookEnds' offer isn't a "ma...Baneff18, BookEnds' offer isn't a "may" - it's a MUST! Maybe after a polish and some beta reading (you should not have to pay for an edit if you find good crit partners and give it real effort), but definitely query them, and remind them of this comment/thread!<br /><br />Way to go! DLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08768285199864217885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-6821760907108201392017-05-24T11:19:34.777-04:002017-05-24T11:19:34.777-04:00LetterWriter- Congrats on writing the book! I know...LetterWriter- Congrats on writing the book! I know the advice is a little ouchy. Rejection of the story that is your heart and soul is a different hurt than rejection because of your identity.<br /><br />Good luck!Morgan Hazelwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17713547255894719134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7973845723513703752017-05-24T11:17:06.440-04:002017-05-24T11:17:06.440-04:00Hi, I'm the OP... And I want to say thank you ...Hi, I'm the OP... And I want to say thank you all for the wonderful comments and tips and everything. <br /><br />BookEnds, I may very well take you up on that. <br /><br />I know the manuscript isn't perfect. I do not have the money for a professional edit, sadly. With the initial interest but then rejection I did worry that it was me, not the book. <br /><br />I am working on a new draft to tighten up the story and intend to find a mythical beta reader or critique group for this one.<br /><br />Again, thank you all, and especially you Ms. Reid. This post has gone a long way to assuage my fears. Baneff18https://www.blogger.com/profile/02300590717392748933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32497888402309629502017-05-24T11:15:52.808-04:002017-05-24T11:15:52.808-04:00*waves* Sorry--not as responsive this week... I...*waves* Sorry--not as responsive this week... I'm in a class, and I've got a work deadline... but suffice to say, it's always about the story. And, I hope, it's always about the story, not your politics, your faith, or anything else about you. Let's face it, writers come in all shapes, sizes, proclivities, oddnesses, etc. (speak for myself!). All that should matter is whether the story is good, and people will read it.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7977113737352452432017-05-24T10:40:40.219-04:002017-05-24T10:40:40.219-04:00BookEnds, way to go.
Love this.BookEnds, way to go.<br />Love this.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-76120089776480892272017-05-24T10:30:53.899-04:002017-05-24T10:30:53.899-04:00OP, it very well may be the book, but perhaps on y...OP, it very well may be the book, but perhaps on your next few submissions, use the name you want to use, and don't mention your other name or genderfluidity. No one's going to send you a check at this stage of the game. If the book still gets a pass, you'll know it has nothing to do with who you are, and you won't spend a lot of time worrying if it's you or the mss. You'll know it's the mss.<br /><br />And when an agent says I want to represent you/this book, then you can explain your situation if you choose, or do what Janet said. Just tell them which name goes on the check.<br /><br />And if they change their minds at that point, it's neither you nor the mss. It's them.<br />Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15769803733067838372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-69099949357301518022017-05-24T10:23:04.238-04:002017-05-24T10:23:04.238-04:00Okay, that comment by BookEnds ... kinda epic, OP!...Okay, that comment by BookEnds ... kinda epic, OP! You're getting some great sources for excellent advice.DLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08768285199864217885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58430682526209539862017-05-24T10:05:23.527-04:002017-05-24T10:05:23.527-04:00I hope this person is querying BookEnds because th...I hope this person is querying BookEnds because this sounds exactly like the project and author so many of our agents are looking for. #ownvoices is incredibly important to us.<br /><br />If you've already tried BookEnds and it's a pass it has nothing to do with genderfluidity and everything to do with your book. Like Janet, that's all we care about.BookEnds Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014054566079311974noreply@blogger.com