tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post5560072826447722136..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Blurbs from published writers in a queryJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-61529049785441903592016-02-10T13:24:18.615-05:002016-02-10T13:24:18.615-05:00Given the Shark's propensity for loaner cats, ...Given the Shark's propensity for loaner cats, I'd be quite leery of trying to pick the cat's pajamas for her.Miles O'Nealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15566986720292847069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-44166549202226194742016-02-10T10:20:03.790-05:002016-02-10T10:20:03.790-05:00Oh Wednesday! Right.
Here I thought it was Thursda...Oh Wednesday! Right.<br />Here I thought it was Thursday already.<br /><br />*sets date book on fire*<br />okedokey.<br />READY!Janet Reidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-35457082277857016252016-02-10T10:15:04.715-05:002016-02-10T10:15:04.715-05:00I feel like a flounder let off the hook and flappi...I feel like a flounder let off the hook and flapping on the shore trying to make it to the water. My gills hurt. Yup a flounder for sure. She's swum away.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90901025167240947172016-02-10T10:13:31.288-05:002016-02-10T10:13:31.288-05:00I keep hitting refresh. Where is she?
I'm h...I keep hitting refresh. Where is she? <br /><br />I'm hoping there is good news, for her, in the lateness of this blog. Perhaps the QOTKU is celebrating with champagne with one of her lucky authors who has just contracted a HUGE advance?? <br /><br />E.M. I'm like you, lost without this blog to start of my day. <br /><br />Hi Theresa. Hi Donnaeve. Lisa Bodenheimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17809067722921953857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-21195045641918133402016-02-10T10:12:58.440-05:002016-02-10T10:12:58.440-05:00Donnaeve, now I'm picturing us all as little b...Donnaeve, now I'm picturing us all as little birds on a wire. <br /><br />**hits refresh again**Lucie Witthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08521285162656949602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-34935966027535943402016-02-10T10:03:31.442-05:002016-02-10T10:03:31.442-05:00Theresa - I know! But...I think she's mention...Theresa - I know! But...I think she's mentioned before she has blog posts ready in advance and scheduled to go out, that's why (usually) at 7:00 or so we have them.<br /><br />E.M. Me too! I was like, but WAH, I want a new post! We're so spoiled. We really are. It's like the birds I feed. I can tell they've come to depend on the seed every morning. If I'm late, they sit on the garden wall, looking and looking, pecking and pecking - a lot like me hitting refresh over and over. LOL!Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-43125288989852753132016-02-10T09:46:17.330-05:002016-02-10T09:46:17.330-05:00Donna- I noticed her absence and I feel like a los...Donna- I noticed her absence and I feel like a lost puppy. I hope the shark is well and simply focusing on other tasks. I really don't know how she does so much. I wish I could be as productive. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3845193973240534042016-02-10T09:44:09.922-05:002016-02-10T09:44:09.922-05:00Uh oh. I hope there was no unfortunate ocean accid...Uh oh. I hope there was no unfortunate ocean accident this morning.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18165072684559960801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-22130855296704313772016-02-10T09:41:09.905-05:002016-02-10T09:41:09.905-05:00Looks like the Shark is missing. How do you go ab...Looks like the Shark is missing. How do you go about finding a missing shark? More chum? Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-55626197157924001992016-02-10T08:42:31.405-05:002016-02-10T08:42:31.405-05:00Sam- that was my 2nd round query. My 1st round of ...Sam- that was my 2nd round query. My 1st round of queries got a 0 % response. As in nothing. Silence. Crickets. And I am talking responses, not simply requests. So even a personalized rejection I consider a response. Form letters and Normans are in the 60%. And it is a small sampling. It would decrease by leaps and bounds if I included the 0% first round. <br /><br />Lucie got 40% response as well. And I think she was talking requests, not just responses. I just think my query could be stronger. That's all. You are right, the statistics are meaningless.<br /><br /> As Julie will tell you, most authors have to send out about 100 queries or more to find representation. Including pitches, I am still less than 30 total. I am sure, if my R&R and remaining full request don't pan out, I will reach the far side of 100. And my R&R came from a referral so that doesn't count in my query response bucket. My remaining full came from a in person pitch so it doesn't count either. My query responses ultimately turned into rejections (or at least I have not heard back on any of them) hence the R&R before next round. <br /><br />No matter how you swing it, this is a long freaking process. <br />E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-16092597088998973332016-02-10T06:38:00.123-05:002016-02-10T06:38:00.123-05:00Anyone else reading this post reminded of "Ca...Anyone else reading this post reminded of "Castle"?<br /><br />MARTHA<br />Ah, more books to endorse. You couldn't possibly read them all.<br /><br />CASTLE<br />Don't have to.<br /><br />[Castle holds up Kill Me Now to his forehead.]<br /><br />CASTLE (cont'd)<br />"A tour de force in terror." - Richard Castle.<br /><br />[Castle holds up another book to his forehead.]<br /><br />CASTLE (cont'd)<br />"Does for hot tubs what jaws did for the ocean."<br /><br />Stephen G Parkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16627973901802634152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-18054284152062343562016-02-10T03:23:56.965-05:002016-02-10T03:23:56.965-05:00EM Goldsmith said " My query result was about...EM Goldsmith said " My query result was about 40% as well, and I am told that is low. My pitch response was 90%- but a request does not translate into automatic representation. "<br /><br />What idiot is telling you 40% is a low query response rate? I swear the amount of stupid misinformation out there - especially statistics-based misinformation - drives me wild. Your query is doing GREAT if almost half the agents who read it want to read more. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.Sam Hawkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05549251130820223139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80084013441184062312016-02-09T21:46:25.409-05:002016-02-09T21:46:25.409-05:00Lucie, and everyone else with children, don't ...Lucie, and everyone else with children, don't ever regret the time taken away from your writing. Being a parent is the most important job in the world. What you do affects the world in one way or another. They are the world. Years ago I wrote a short story about a woman who felt like a failure because she was just a mother. "What difference can a mother make?" the woman asks.<br /><br />The man talking to her says, "Hitler had a mother."<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68652027782222662142016-02-09T21:43:19.699-05:002016-02-09T21:43:19.699-05:00Lucie- loved your blog entry as well.
I been fol...Lucie- loved your blog entry as well. <br /><br />I been following comments in a daze. It's been one of my migraine days so apologize if this is not entirely coherent. <br /><br />Anyone who wants to write but finds life getting in the way, don't panic. That's just life giving you more to write about. Children will open up whole new worlds to you as will tragedy and strife. I wasn't able to write as much as I wanted when my daughter was born. I was still in school, alone, poor, and very ill. Not sure how we survived those first years. It really is a miracle. <br /><br />But here's the glorious thing about writing, all your experience goes into it so you're not really delayed by poverty, raising toddlers, or whatever trials and tribulations life might bounce your way- it all gives you new perspective which will ultimately make you a better writer. Especially if you are strong enough to write your pain. <br /><br />So many times, books have reminded me that I am not alone, that I can survive, that life has given me a damn good hand. So hang in there. What you write may one day bring a lot of joy, make scores of people look at things from a new angle, or maybe even save a life. Good writing is that powerful. <br /><br />During my dark years, I kept journals and such, wrote what I could when I could whenever I could, but nothing ever seemed to get finished. Then when my daughter was in high school- the years fly by so fast, I found a lower stress job that would pay the bills and allowed me to leave work at the office. And every weekend and holiday morning, I went to this little bookstore cafe and wrote. Everyone has a different journey. If writing is in your blood and soul, you will find a way. So if the real world gets in the way, think of it as research and development time. You'll get to the writing once all that research is done. <br /><br />And Angie, your work is amazing. You are so super multi-talented. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-77926380636295007612016-02-09T20:45:00.908-05:002016-02-09T20:45:00.908-05:00Ahaha, I'd love to see a blurb on a cover that...Ahaha, I'd love to see a blurb on a cover that just said, "Sh**! Read this!" I'd probably pick it up for sheer joy at the blurb alone.<br /><br /><br /><i>I get depressed after I read a Gabaldon book.</i><br />Agreeing with Julie here. It took forever for me to finish Jim Butcher's new series debut, <i>Aeronaut's Windlass</i>, because I kept getting super depressed at how pitiful and unworthy my own writing was in comparison, and no mantra (not even "in with the shark, out with the whine") could save me from that awful feeling. Damn good book, though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-25095450806338945972016-02-09T20:22:53.648-05:002016-02-09T20:22:53.648-05:00The "blurb" given in the original post r...The "blurb" given in the original post reminds me of the part of the game <i>Papers, Please</i> where you're given an award, not for "excellence", but for "presence".<br /><br />If you are going to drop a big name, it should probably be to give yourself a higher compliment than that the author has acknowledged your work's existence. (Of course, it had also better be true.)furrykefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05850763050384056990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-82189084071449877252016-02-09T20:17:39.622-05:002016-02-09T20:17:39.622-05:00Angie, you do beautiful work.
Julie, I wrote my s...Angie, you do beautiful work.<br /><br />Julie, I wrote my second book because of a photo, too. And I wondered the same kind of thing: How did she get there? I had to answer that question.<br /><br />Lucie, always think ahead. That's where the writing is.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18165072684559960801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-56635596397167320302016-02-09T19:39:25.350-05:002016-02-09T19:39:25.350-05:00I know this is way too long, but if I could I'...I know this is way too long, but if I could I'd nominate this for the sub-header. <br />Thank you, Your Grace, for saying it just the way it is.<br /><br />"The lovely thing about the career of writing is that it doesn't depend on you being young enough (like ballet) or strong enough (like sports) or needing to keep up with an ever-changing industry (like Information Technology). You get into it when you can get into it. Apparently, if you do really well, you can keep in it after you're dead."<br /><br />For ten years I stepped away from writing, I wanted to spend time with my family, not is a room writing about them. Do I kick myself for the down-time? A resounding NO! Do I wish I were younger? HELL YES! The two have nothing to do with each other. <br /><br />Lucie, two toddlers, no money, not feeling good enough. Been there. <br />I'd say those are three worthy subjects for a hell of a backbone in writing. <br /><br />Don't lament the time you've missed, live for the moments you have now.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-66963166653477785562016-02-09T18:53:09.954-05:002016-02-09T18:53:09.954-05:00Following up from Lucie: Several years ago it was ...Following up from Lucie: Several years ago it was my turn to do the book display at the library for February. I wanted to populate it with love letters that people could read. I wanted to give a glimpse into people's lives. <br /><br />Love letters are an art form all their own (like novels or queries). I thought it would be an easy thing to plan my display. Turns out, no. To keep the letters from sounding like I wrote them all (which I did), I did some deep and serious research into voice and style.<br /><br />Naturally <a href="http://romancespinners.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/love-letters.html" rel="nofollow">I saved those letters</a> like one saves their old term papers because I had put an awful lot of work into them. As I did them on work time, this was probably my second-highest paying writing gig.<br /><br />Lucie: don't worry about having lost a handful of potential writing years to poverty and raising children. My writing career is only really starting to happen because I dedicated ten years to ensuring strong, intelligent Ladyships. Now Their Ladyships are in their teens, this frees up a bit more time for writing. Granted, while I love the extra five hours carved out thanks to Early Morning Seminary, EM Seminary is still Early Morning and I do miss my sleep.<br /><br />The lovely thing about the career of writing is that it doesn't depends on you being young enough (like ballet) or strong enough (like sports) or needing to keep up with an ever-changing industry (like Information Technology). You get into it when you can get into it. Apparently, if you do really well, you can keep in it after you're dead. {g}<br /><br />Angie: I believe I detect a touch of Impressionism in your work. <br /><br />Bethany: yes, you can call me Heidi and if I've made you laugh, then that's a good thing. There is no greater power in the world than to make someone laugh.Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20839322272157350452016-02-09T18:18:29.667-05:002016-02-09T18:18:29.667-05:00Speaking of old photos and letters found in books:...Speaking of old photos and letters found in books:<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.forgottenbookmarks.com/" rel="nofollow">Forgotten Bookmarks</a><br /><br />A wonderful site. Truly. And sometimes, I find great research books from the 1800's there. Just sayin'...nightsmusichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05984119792540771870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72115597436815156602016-02-09T18:01:40.091-05:002016-02-09T18:01:40.091-05:00Angie, you make me blush, I am glad you liked my p...Angie, you make me blush, I am glad you liked my post and it's really kind of you to share it here.<br /><br />Julie, your collection of old photographs sounds amazing. My mom and I go to antique malls around here al lot, and I love looking at all the old photos. I've also found some incredible photographs, and even a love letter once, in old books.<br /><br />Lucie Witthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08521285162656949602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-133910286745815702016-02-09T18:00:12.188-05:002016-02-09T18:00:12.188-05:00Speaking of Buffalo - for those who need a rabbit ...Speaking of Buffalo - for those who need a rabbit hole-<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ4T9CQA0UM" rel="nofollow">Guy on a buffalo</a><br /><br /> <br /><br />*back to editing, for real. really. right now*Janice Grinyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14363741660626407979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-34763491543759653212016-02-09T17:32:14.068-05:002016-02-09T17:32:14.068-05:00Or you could be the one riding the buffalo with a ...Or you could be the one riding the buffalo with a blue bonnet on!<br /><br />...er, sorry Julie. Got carried away. Literally.<br /><br />*slinking off to edit the perpetual narrative non-fiction proposal, again.*Janice Grinyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14363741660626407979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-75519551218043744432016-02-09T17:02:24.610-05:002016-02-09T17:02:24.610-05:00Angie et al,
I love you all dearly. Truly I do. I...Angie et al,<br /><br />I love you all dearly. Truly I do. I love that you appreciate my writing. Y'all need to keep something in mind. Many of you are published. I'm not aside from several years of horse racing stories. Several of you have agents. I don't.<br /><br />All of you write in a way that is totally unique to you. Don't ever wish to write like someone else. I know that's tough advice. I get depressed after I read a Gabaldon book. I had to face long ago I will never write like her, nor should I try. Why be a pale imitation of a rose when I can be perky (or pesky depending on your point of view) little blue bonnet?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-74328136034123225872016-02-09T16:48:23.848-05:002016-02-09T16:48:23.848-05:00Donna,
"Old photos of anything other than an...Donna,<br /><br />"Old photos of anything other than animals though...eek."<br /><br />I love old photos. I, of course, ordered all of Brady's and Gardner's Civil War collections even if they were tainted at times. If I ever have money I'll be haunting antique auctions looking for photos and letters. The photos are why I usually listen to Tom Roush's version of Civil War songs. He always puts a collection of photos in his videos.<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyskZquf0ac<br /><br />A Civil War photograph is what triggered The Rain Crow. I saw it and wondered what her story was. <br /><br />I've collected pictures of the old cowgirls for years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com