tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post4137804625594675007..comments2024-03-29T07:29:32.276-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Did my agent fire me and I just don't know it?Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73275999607883950152015-10-15T21:18:46.567-04:002015-10-15T21:18:46.567-04:00I haven't finished reading all the comments, a...I haven't finished reading all the comments, and I hope the OP gets to my post, here at the lonely end of yesterday's comments. A number of people were saying, "three years? How could you wait/waste all that time without replying?"<br /><br />I know exactly how you did it, because I've done it too. Not with an agent, but with one of the galleries that used to show my work. It's called the "if I don't make the phone call I won't hear anything bad" syndrome. Kind of like as long as you don't check your lottery ticket, you could be a millionaire. And then one day becomes a week, which becomes a month which becomes, "oh hell it's been too long. Maybe she'll call tomorrow."<br /><br />Acting like an adult really sucks, but the previous advice is spot on, even if many people don't get how three years can just slip right by you. Make a phone call or send an email to request a talk, or just send the polite letter as suggested above. Probably flaming arrows through her front door would be overkill. Probably.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and definitely do the return receipt thingie. You want proof that you've contacted her.<br /><br />And then pinky swear that you will quit doing this. Honest. I'm really going to too.Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-56558498617514150372015-10-15T10:23:53.741-04:002015-10-15T10:23:53.741-04:00THREE YEARS? WHAT?
I don't get it. Any profes...THREE YEARS? WHAT?<br /><br />I don't get it. Any professional writer who is sitting home everyday tapping away has to realize that they are sending their work into a black hole - right?<br /><br />So I wonder a couple of things:<br /><br />Is is possible that some fault of the falling out rests on Opie who may need to apologize? It had to be a pretty bad brawl and I am guessing both sides got some punches in.<br /><br />Also, Janet, I get confused about a point in the agent/writer agreement. When you coach us in querying, it seems that we are not selling ourselves as writers as much as selling an individual book. So does the contract make the writer an indentured servant for ALL work or does the contract cover the one book which was queried? Can't Opie send all future stuff to a different agent w/o legally breaking with original agent/enemy? (However, I think I would get so much satisfaction in the termination- after all, yesterday I fired my parents' lawyer and it felt GREAT!)<br /><br />I know that a few of the commenters are lawyers, so no offense - these folks needed to go!S.D.Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05707682524268581476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-8149725916614222952015-10-15T05:48:07.684-04:002015-10-15T05:48:07.684-04:00@Colin: Your blog: wow! Theresa had the right of i...@Colin: Your blog: wow! Theresa had the right of it regarding visiting B-con vicariously through your writing! Thanks for sharing it, and I look forward to your Day 3 post. :)<br /><br />Now off to find Donna's blog... Kae Ridwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10356868531870405990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-48786404738795172552015-10-14T20:35:28.706-04:002015-10-14T20:35:28.706-04:00Thanks, Theresa. Come back tomorrow for more...! A...Thanks, Theresa. Come back tomorrow for more...! And don't forget to visit Donna and see her Bouchercon posts. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-29587135465348119152015-10-14T20:31:56.893-04:002015-10-14T20:31:56.893-04:00I'm glad I know the term for that particular k...I'm glad I know the term for that particular kind of goodbye (I guess), but I really feel for OP. What an awful situation. If OP decides to make one last attempt to connect, to try and see if the relationship can be repaired, maybe he/she should write all the statements and questions out before the phone call so the conversation stays on track.<br /><br />It was nice to visit B-con vicariously through Colin's blog.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18165072684559960801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20558527016901031382015-10-14T20:11:35.543-04:002015-10-14T20:11:35.543-04:00kd's link: http://www.irishcentral.com/culture...kd's link: <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/culture/craic/-The-Irish-Goodbye-how-to-recognize-perform-and-interpret-them.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.irishcentral.com/culture/craic/-The-Irish-Goodbye-how-to-recognize-perform-and-interpret-them.html</a>Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39304988621094979362015-10-14T19:59:56.505-04:002015-10-14T19:59:56.505-04:00Maybe I need to get out more. This is the first I&...Maybe I need to get out more. This is the first I'd heard the term "ghosting." And I cracked up over Sean McCole and his "Irish Goodbye" which is apparently also known as the "French Exit." Yes, of course I googled it, and found this rather hilarious article explaining the concept from an Irish perspective: <br /><br />http://www.irishcentral.com/culture/craic/-The-Irish-Goodbye-how-to-recognize-perform-and-interpret-them.html<br /><br />What a revelation. This sounds like a perfect technique for introverts who want to escape a social gathering but can't stand the thought of yet another conversation in order to do so. I'm adopting it. If I ever venture forth again.<br /><br />But, yeah, it's a crappy way to conduct an actual one-on-one relationship, whether personal or business. It's time to overcome the procrastination and avoidance, OP. Yep, I recognize both, and three years isn't all <i>that</i> long when you've perfected those traits. But your writing career deserves better. Good luck.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-43354569789707124952015-10-14T17:35:36.025-04:002015-10-14T17:35:36.025-04:00As usual, all of you early birds have covered the ...As usual, all of you early birds have covered the bases. But I miss commenting, so I'll jump in anyway. I think the key points are: a) be clear, and b) stay professional. Call the ghoster, explain clearly why you plan to leave her, listen to her response, then send the termination letter (unless something significant happens during your conversation to change your mind). But stick to the facts, and stay away from hurt feelings.<br /><br />No one likes a break-up - that's why people go silent. People will tie themselves in knots to avoid firing an employee, or leaving a SO, or ending a bad business relationship. But, if it needs to be done, do it right. My favourite line from Moneyball comes in the discussion of how best to inform a player that he has been traded or fired: "Would you rather get a bullet to the head, or five to the chest and bleed to death?" Your agent has given you five to the chest, and she has left you twisting in the is-she-or-isn't-she-my-agent purgatory. So you're stuck with being the grown-up and giving her one to the head.<br /><br />Okay, I just managed to dip my hair in my coffee, so that's enough multitasking for me. Colin, your wife is more than welcome to hang out on the balcony with me. It's a beautiful day in Paradise!Amy Schaeferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17263719891092841767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7932144317959656252015-10-14T16:31:14.107-04:002015-10-14T16:31:14.107-04:002N's, it does sucketh, doesn't it? I hear...2N's, it does sucketh, doesn't it? I <b>hear</b> your pain. I'm sorry though, didn't someone say out here crying is not allowed in writing? Ah, yes, Captain BS said it.Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72170487231151171322015-10-14T16:29:13.160-04:002015-10-14T16:29:13.160-04:00Colin, tables or taxis, the visuals are almost mor...Colin, tables or taxis, the visuals are almost more than I can bear. Of course since I now worship both you, Janet, Loretta Sue, Patrick and all the rest, I'd simply throw money while screaming like a 60's fan for the "Bee'uhls."<br /><br />:)Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-75227790460956075952015-10-14T16:27:06.271-04:002015-10-14T16:27:06.271-04:00Donna, Colin, Janet and the rest of the traveling ...Donna, Colin, Janet and the rest of the traveling Reiders, I didn't get to go...wahhhh. Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63935783510386558922015-10-14T15:29:51.537-04:002015-10-14T15:29:51.537-04:00Aye, leave it to a guy name a Sean McCole to teach...Aye, leave it to a guy name a Sean McCole to teach us a lick about Irish goodbyes, won't ya. <br /><br />Hey OP, I've seen three years go by in a flash so that makes sense once you give it a little thought. If you say to someone here you've been searching for an agent for three years, they'll nod. Complete understanding. You say it to a neighbor and they'll wonder why you haven't taken the hint yet. Three years? Your writing must suck, stick with your day job.<br /><br />It's all perspective. And amazing the perspective one gets when they plant themselves in your shoes. Good luck to you. I bet a year from today, you're back on top of the world.John Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01702305890462479118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-82515612006799410362015-10-14T15:23:17.116-04:002015-10-14T15:23:17.116-04:00Donna: "Colin, blushing isn't a reaction ...Donna: "Colin, blushing isn't a reaction I noticed about you, you know." Are you saying I'm shameless? Well, there was that table dance, but after Janet and her taxi dancing, I had to go one better... ;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-64252875198243088342015-10-14T15:15:16.710-04:002015-10-14T15:15:16.710-04:00I really am confused about this. As Forestry Cons...I really am confused about this. As Forestry Consulting Agents, we have had a few disagreements with clients over the years concerning proper management of their woods, but we persevered and got the job completed to everyone's satisfaction. In keeping professional, that is what we are supposed to do - the end result being a positive one, and adhering to the contract unless amended.<br /><br />Is hiring a Literary Agent any different? Isnt this supposed to be a professional relationship? <br /><br />For us, yes, we can become friends, but when a contract is involved, that contract needs to be respected first, unless you come to an agreement to amend it or terminate it. After all, that is what brought all parties together in the first place.<br /><br />So any disagreement needs to be resolved professionally. Get to it, OPIE! Do the thing that needs to be done; talk business. Good luck!Janice Grinyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14363741660626407979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-12097043997195850822015-10-14T13:38:18.354-04:002015-10-14T13:38:18.354-04:00QOTKU really does know everything. No fear of ligh...QOTKU really does know everything. No fear of lightening. <br /><br />OP has sent some scripts and Agent acknowledged them. What else are they talking about? Are there royalty payments, marketing plans? Is OP getting anything out of this? It takes two to tango. Does OP feel guilty for what happened during the fall out three years ago and is that why they are accepting this silence? It can't be all one sided.<br /><br />I agree with Colin. Reach out before severing. If anything, to avoid bad chatter from your current ghosting agent. Any future ones you'll work with might hear about it. Now I'm going to read Colin and Donna's blogs on Buchercon.<br /><br />Last year I divorced one of my galleries and was so happy the day I retrieved my paintings I gave a huge tip to the taxi driver who loaded them in his van and took me home. I got paid after 18 months of sleepless nights. And I got all my paintings except one that mysteriously wasn't there, Argh! But there was some book keeping confusion on that point. Legally I could have invoiced them, but it's not the first painting that's gone missing. I even thanked the gallery owner. She didn't deserve it. (Especially after complaining I called every other day because I wanted to be paid. Not true, it was every six months) She asked me why I thanked her I said, "for the experience." I was so happy to quit working with them. Before our last meeting I had to hire a lawyer to write and send registered letters. <br /><br />Two weeks ago I inaugurated a show I'd been working on for six months. I was supposed to do a live painting demonstration but the metal security gate inside the gallery window was broken and it was impossible to fix. We stood outside on the sidewalk all day, greeting clients. The gallery manager was a doll. We were able to pull the gate up just enough to slide under so I could sign the paintings they had already sold. I came home, not disappointed, but on a positive high from the way the manager handled the disastrous day. Later, I was contacted by the director, we had a frank discussion which was also very positive. There was nothing in the contract that touched on this kind of problem. I suggested they add a point to the contract, not for me because I wasn't making any waves.<br /><br />All this to say, don't trash your business contacts. People talk and the internet is a hive of complainers. You will only gain by polite interaction. This is why, IMO, it's good to keep a certain formality with business contacts. Emotions are better off in fiction and for your beloved. <br /><br />Also, be organized with your book keeping. <br /><br />OP, I'm sorry you have this silent treatment. Ghosting-- what a great word. But If you are asking the Queen you probably know the answer.<br />angie Brooksby-Arcangiolihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08000615140577512304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-53708817281552951632015-10-14T13:25:28.213-04:002015-10-14T13:25:28.213-04:00Thanks for that Janet; useful advice.
Reading th...Thanks for that Janet; useful advice. <br /><br />Reading the comments I appreciate it's confusing to read about for people who are unfamiliar with how it works, so in the spirit of sharing advice; <br /><br />An agent not getting back to you doesn't mean an agent literally doesn't get back to you. She certainly does get back to you; tells you the script is the best thing she's ever read and it's going out right now to x, y and z. Then she doesn't get back to you. So you get back to her and she says she's waiting to hear from x, y and z. Then there comes a point where you have to stop calling her and asking if she's heard from x, y and z. It might mean x, y and z hated it or...<br /><br />Now while you have no way of knowing whether she's read the script, she will definitely have sent it to x, y and z. Whether she sent it with a glowing recommendation or with a "Read this if get a minute. Or don't - I don't care either way," you also have no way of knowing. <br /><br />You can of course confront her about it and it may be that's she's working very hard for you, and you may risk losing your agent. <br /><br />Also I appreciate three years seems a long time to allow a situation to fester - it's not - a friend had the same situation for almost seven years until he landed a feature film and was love-bombed beyond belief by his agent, who previously couldn't find time to go for coffee with him. <br /><br />Lastly, I appreciate if you're unfamiliar with the terrain, this sounds like an unprofessional agent - she's a top agent with one of the top four agencies and has 'household name' clients. So if you do get signed by one of them, don't be too surprised when, er, weird things happen. <br /><br />Hope that helps. Good luck to you all in this wonderful business and many thanks Janet for your helpful advice. <br /><br />EwenAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18373077449889008328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58706653354675559192015-10-14T13:04:41.674-04:002015-10-14T13:04:41.674-04:00It's also called the "Irish Goodbye"...It's also called the "Irish Goodbye"<br />Popular at office Christmas parties, weddings, and in this case: funerals.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16433062755188079692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40249244788598490372015-10-14T13:02:53.975-04:002015-10-14T13:02:53.975-04:00Thanks, Craig. :)
Julie: Pre-registration ends on...Thanks, Craig. :)<br /><br />Julie: Pre-registration ends on Friday. I really really want to go, so I'm going to try a last-ditch effort today. If it works - and if it works before end of day Friday - I will definitely be registering. If it's late, I will want to make sure I can register on site before I make plans (it costs over $400 just to get there, so I'd want to be sure I'm there for a reason). If it doesn't work at all, then I'm out of luck. :(<br /><br />But your encouragement is why I'm going to make this effort today. I was hemming and hawing... but I'll do it.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Lynn: I agree - 3 years would have me bang in the nearest mental institution. Probably after my afforementioned 6 month melt-down.<br /><br />And Yay! We're Colin's strange blog comment friends!<br /><br />John: apparently dictionary.com gives, as one of the meanings of 'script': manuscript. I can't remember hearing anyone call a ms a script, but who am I to disagree with dictionary.com?<br /><br />But as with regular manuscripts, I would assume breaking up with a 'script' agent to require legalities of the sort Ms Janet mentions. <br /><br />(And I ditto what someone else said, OP: Find out where your work has been shopped around, so you can tell your new agent.)BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-24454314107989507822015-10-14T12:55:16.199-04:002015-10-14T12:55:16.199-04:00Colin, blushing isn't a reaction I noticed abo...Colin, blushing isn't a reaction I noticed about you, you know. I SO wanted to spend another day like I did Friday...DAMMIT JANET - and Colin.<br /><br />John Frain - my nit of the day too! (scripts) IDK. Maybe the OP was sending screenplays? A whole other world...<br /><br />E.M., yeah, even though I'm not writing in the genre for Bouchercon (I was when I signed up) there was beaucoup to learn.<br /><br />Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63755868726481359542015-10-14T12:37:59.678-04:002015-10-14T12:37:59.678-04:00These comments are hilarious.
I'm also surp...These comments are hilarious. <br /><br />I'm also surprised at the length of time this went on but I am not judging as I've never been there and don't know details. I think clear communication and honesty is a great idea. Why tiptoe around each other? You can be honest and still kind/ professional. <br /><br />But like with any relationship, you're better off alone than with a bad agent. If this one doesn't shape up, I hope you can find another (better) one who respects you and your work. <br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16452613533552903695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-44503402775541154242015-10-14T12:21:19.319-04:002015-10-14T12:21:19.319-04:00EM: Thanks. My wife in Carkoon? No, no, no. If any...EM: Thanks. My wife in Carkoon? No, no, no. If anything, she has a large mansion on Paradise with a large porch where she and Amy can while away the days sipping drinks and reading. It's the least she deserves. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-9965270828368293272015-10-14T12:11:29.628-04:002015-10-14T12:11:29.628-04:00Colin, John is right. It's no wonder you do so...Colin, John is right. It's no wonder you do so well in flash fiction. Great laugh in middle of my long dragging work day. <br /><br />Did you leave your wife in Carkoon? E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-91653425208083483042015-10-14T11:42:18.090-04:002015-10-14T11:42:18.090-04:00Oh, Colin, so much said in so little space. No won...Oh, Colin, so much said in so little space. No wonder you do so well in flash fiction. Love that snippet. You're standing in the kitchen early in the morning, is the picture drawn up in my mind.<br />John Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01702305890462479118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-23687248469548138182015-10-14T11:39:15.044-04:002015-10-14T11:39:15.044-04:00Just want to confirm something: In the pharma worl...Just want to confirm something: In the pharma world, scrips is short for prescriptions. So, in our world, is scripts short for manuscripts? I always thought ms was acceptable for manuscript. But I thought script was something written for Hollywood. No?<br /><br />OP: "I've sent her several <i>scripts</i>..."<br /><br />QOTKU: "if you sell another <i>book</i>..."<br /><br />Minor, I know, but I'm curious. (Italics are mine, by the way.)John Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01702305890462479118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-11078656403821563222015-10-14T11:31:47.102-04:002015-10-14T11:31:47.102-04:00E.M.: In my debrief, I neglected to include the co...E.M.: In my debrief, I neglected to include the conversation I had with my wife after I explained what Bouchercon is:<br /><br />WIFE: Will Janet Reid be there?<br />ME: Yes.<br />WIFE: Will there be alcohol?<br />ME: I just answered that.<br />WIFE: And your strange blog comment friends?<br />ME: Some of them.<br />WIFE: I suppose you have to go, then...<br /><br />;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.com