tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post575267379902221047..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Don't query someone you're not willing to sign withJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17804861554979844222017-04-21T11:44:48.499-04:002017-04-21T11:44:48.499-04:00(Sorry about late comments, but I'm having tro...(Sorry about late comments, but I'm having trouble playing catch up.) <br /><br /><i>The trick is to make sure you only query agents you're willing to sign with. What will damage you badly (and you won't even know it) is if you email agents with "I have an offer" and then don't actually sign with anyone. Yes, we watch for that. Yes, we watch for that cause we've gotten burned in the past.</i> <br /><br />I don't think your comment is as cut and dried as you and other agents may seem to think or by the title of your post. I can easily imagine a writer sending off "I have an offer" to all the agents who have his/her manuscript and then have the offer fall through for a number of reasons. They may have thought they would sign with this agent, but there's no way of telling that the one agent who did offer representation had the same vision for the work as the writer did, or the agent wasn't a 'hands on' agent that the writer was looking for. How can we know all this beforehand? We can't. You yourself said last year in a post about having an offer, "The right thing to do is notify everyone at the start." <br /><br />Another reason for not signing could've been something as simple as a gut feeling this wasn't the right agent for them after having talked to them. Again I quote you, "See if you have a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach the next day. That means you made the wrong choice. Sometimes your gut will tell you what your brain won't.<br /><br />Anyway, whatever the reason(s), it doesn't mean the writer was pulling a fast one on all the other agents who had the MS when he doesn't sign with an agent and continues to query. I think agents have to take these possibilities into consideration and not automatically assume the writer played a fast one on them as your comment seems to suggest.LynnRodzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796099106913990163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32671015000430828682017-04-20T00:57:12.515-04:002017-04-20T00:57:12.515-04:00BJ - thanks for the link. If the time ever comes, ...BJ - thanks for the link. If the time ever comes, I hope I have my wits about me to read the fine print of an agent contract. I suppose most authors don't change agents until most of the rights on their books have been exploited anyway. It all seems complicated though, and definitely best avoided, and absolutely not something I need to worry about any time soon!MA Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11055543285024785889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84699395719262044602017-04-19T21:49:23.748-04:002017-04-19T21:49:23.748-04:00Julie,
My goodness, thanks for the comment about ...Julie,<br /><br />My goodness, thanks for the comment about dangerous dogs. We have not had any of that around here, but I have heard of it elsewhere. You are right. Zero tolerance is too lenient.<br />Steve Stubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13421775912951050610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40984873819122058102017-04-19T21:30:46.990-04:002017-04-19T21:30:46.990-04:00I'm sorry. Every time I tried to think of some...I'm sorry. Every time I tried to think of something coherent to say on this topic, the words "old head" slipped into my brain and I was overcome. Don't take that the wrong way <b>AYL</b>. I'm glad you asked the question. When it's my turn to enter the querying round, I'm sure I'll have many similar thoughts/questions.<br /><br />Based on the comments so far, it seems like sensible advice to mix it up with some of your "dream" agents included in every round. I'm rooting for those passionate newcomer agents to find you and connect with your work. Best of luck! Keep us posted.Claire Bobrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15666082441972111293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39229502667115735972017-04-19T18:37:48.020-04:002017-04-19T18:37:48.020-04:00Wait. Wait. What is disgraceful about running your...Wait. Wait. What is disgraceful about running your query through Query Shark? I can't think of a better place to get help with your query, once it's the best you can write. Just remember to read as much of the archives as you possibly can, first. If she's addressed your problem already, she won't do yours.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-43420000788608831672017-04-19T17:48:55.608-04:002017-04-19T17:48:55.608-04:00PANDA IN CHIEF, Couple of nights ago I saw a story...PANDA IN CHIEF, Couple of nights ago I saw a story on the news that they are selling champagne in vending machines, don't remember where though. <br />Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-74961142789210506002017-04-19T16:56:09.667-04:002017-04-19T16:56:09.667-04:00Julie,, your situation sounded way more severe tha...<b>Julie,</b>, your situation sounded way more severe than ours. Hopefully this was a one-time issue. The logic just escaped me--I should fence our yard to keep his dog out? That dude has a backward brain. <br /><br />Thanks for caring.RosannaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06399732751877180737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-26709830984885573092017-04-19T16:49:50.727-04:002017-04-19T16:49:50.727-04:00Can't make a good Brunswick stew without split...Can't make a good Brunswick stew without splitting a few hares either. Best recipe for it I have starts with two hares and three squirrels.<br /><br />I have never noticed an agent's name on the NYTBSL. You can run through all the schematic crap you but you are better off paying attention to your writing. Good writing will always be the final test.<br /><br />Pick an agent who seems to understand you a little. Writing good stuff is hard enough when you have people around that support you. Take the emotive road.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57737620696496374132017-04-19T14:38:06.515-04:002017-04-19T14:38:06.515-04:00Splitting hares... takes me back to cadets in scho...Splitting hares... takes me back to cadets in school and learning how to skin a rabbit and make gloves from the fur. Fun times! :)<br /><br /><b>Casey</b>: I'll have a sobeit with albeit on the side. :) Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72538563777996800392017-04-19T14:37:03.520-04:002017-04-19T14:37:03.520-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-67898948291346992402017-04-19T14:21:44.760-04:002017-04-19T14:21:44.760-04:00I too love Kregger's line about splitting hare...I too love <b>Kregger</b>'s line about splitting hares. Brings back fond memories of the time I served tandoori Easter Bunny to my cow-orkers.<br /><br />And I'd love to find <b>DoubleN</b>'s champagne vending machine too. Not that I have anything to celebrate at the moment, but it'd be good to know where it is. Just in case, y'know? And maybe a mimosa or two would lubricate the ol' thought processes.<br /><br />Anyway, to be vaguely on topic, my ever-growing list of agents to query includes both newbies and more experienced folk. I too work in batches, and I mostly go down the list in the order I added agents. So that way I get a good mix in each batch.<br /><br />Oh, and <b>E.M.</b>, I'd like to see the answer to your question as well. I'm coming to the conclusion that I write lousy queries, and my next one is gonna go straight to QS. If that brands me as a disgrace, so be it*.<br /><br />* I've seen that written as "sobeit" which sounds more like a frozen dessert than an expression of personal philosophy. "Yeah, I'll have two scoops of sobeit topped with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and an offer of rep instead of a cherry, please."Casey Karphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10592351859886981726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-30665866573117806552017-04-19T14:03:05.605-04:002017-04-19T14:03:05.605-04:00Hey, AYL! Welcome back. :) Good question, and you&...Hey, <b>AYL</b>! Welcome back. :) Good question, and you've got some good responses here. Thanks for asking!<br /><br />And thanks again to everyone for their well-wishes to Sarah. When the cake thing happens, I'll be sure to think of you as I eat slices on all your behalves. Mmmmm! :D<br /><br />I wonder how many agents have passed on projects they would have requested if it wasn't for an awful query? This is why, I think, many agents ask for pages. If the query sucks but the pages rock, you may still get a request. If the query rocks but the pages suck, you may get a request, but not as likely. If both suck, you're done. So if you're worried about how bad your query is, I say make it as good as you can, get it critiqued, and polished to as shiny as you know how to make it. But pour your best efforts into making that novel sing. Especially that first chapter. Remember: the query is like dissolvable stitches--once it's job is done (i.e., the agent requests more), it no longer matters. Only the novel remains.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-91903071752827266442017-04-19T13:57:17.971-04:002017-04-19T13:57:17.971-04:00EM Goldsmith, there is no perfect query. At least,...<b>EM Goldsmith</b>, there is no perfect query. At least, you'll never ever write a query that 100% of readers agree is The Good Stuff. Yes, show it around, get feedback, sit on it, revisit and revise, but eventually you just have to get it out there. Use the query to intrigue an agent, then blow her away with your amazing pages.<br /><br />Put another way, a query can't work unless you send it.Amy Schaeferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17263719891092841767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80426414729895659182017-04-19T13:51:30.365-04:002017-04-19T13:51:30.365-04:00Look, I knew old "heads" back in the six...Look, I knew old "heads" back in the sixties, I worked in a head shop, I was an old head, my brother still is an old head, and Janet Reid is no old head. Mark Ellishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17262292085318047939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88903120066481642372017-04-19T13:38:42.820-04:002017-04-19T13:38:42.820-04:00Catching up on the why you don’t ask for feedback ...Catching up on the why you don’t ask for feedback here, I’ve actually gotten feedback or personal help from two people here. One I emailed directly after reading her posts on this blog. I didn’t email to ask for help but somehow she volunteered to read my WIP. – 18 months later and I’m still revising off her “quick observations.”<br /><br />The other was A.J. Blythe, who provided invaluable assistance in getting my Australian slang or common usage down. (One of my bad guys is an Aussie). One thing I learned: The only thing that cusses more than a drunken sailor is a sober Australian. <br />Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80024499998722730052017-04-19T12:46:21.271-04:002017-04-19T12:46:21.271-04:00And, catching up from yesterday's commenter ne...And, catching up from yesterday's commenter news:<br /><br /><b>Melanie:</b> thinking of you as you tend your newest filly who's in need of so much care.<br /><br /><b>Colin:</b> Congrats to your daughter. And yes, have a piece of cake for me too!Lisa Bodenheimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17809067722921953857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-27899810907953283312017-04-19T12:29:28.696-04:002017-04-19T12:29:28.696-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.french sojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14262858704848580714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63764323315825729392017-04-19T12:02:31.023-04:002017-04-19T12:02:31.023-04:00I think Being Beth has a point about testing the w...I think Being Beth has a point about testing the waters. BJ's question, "What if you get several requests and an offer from agents you aren't as excited about?" is something to consider, but if your first round results in several requests for fulls, the test is over. Send out that query to your dream agents at the same time you send the manuscripts to the interested agents from round one. If the query isn't working, you can tweek before you try again. It's not as though anyone is going to offer representation based on a query and a chapter or three. Beth Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02447148196867821907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84448201994582050832017-04-19T11:49:30.989-04:002017-04-19T11:49:30.989-04:00Ah missed this post, welcome AYL. You have to go w...Ah missed this post, welcome <b>AYL</b>. You have to go with your gut, but a lot of young agents are very good. I have a list of power agents I'll be querying first round on my next book, but it's because they asked me to remember them on my next work. As <b>Being Beth</b> said, it usually takes me a couple of rounds to get my query right, so I don't hit all the power agents up front normally.<br /><br /><b>Rosanna</b> I would be fighting mad. I don't care where your neighbors are from, if their dog attacks your animals, the animal is subject to being destroyed. Call animal control if it happens again. <br /><br />We went through that at our place and had the neighbor's dogs wipe out a couple dozen barn cats and a bunch of our chickens. Then they started on the horses and killed two colts. We should have called animal control instead of arguing with them at the first occurence or just got the shotgun to begin with. Once dogs start, they don't stop.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72402104092994588682017-04-19T11:36:28.093-04:002017-04-19T11:36:28.093-04:00You know, when it comes time for querying and hope...You know, when it comes time for querying and hopefully making a decision on an agent, I mainly want someone who "gets it". I want an agent who understands why this story is important. I want him or her to say, "Oh my gosh, I laughed, but why did you kill so and so? I cried." <br /><br />If they aren't passionate about it, they're the wrong agent.<br /><br />Anyway, the gruel is finished. I am renewed. Back to whatever mayhem I'm up to today. I think I'm still murdering someone or going to church. As long as I don't murder someone in church, I guess.<br /><br /><br /><br />Writer's quote: “The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible”<br /><br />--Vladimir NabokovJulie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-27418663744320593562017-04-19T11:26:00.552-04:002017-04-19T11:26:00.552-04:00I believe BJ is right. Don't borrow trouble by...I believe <b>BJ</b> is right. Don't borrow trouble by getting offer from your 2nd or 10th choice simply because you never queried your dream agent brigade. Put them at the top. Yes, that rings true. <br /><br /> That invites a rather feckless question on my part. Please do not cast me into the kale fields of Carkoon for this.<br /><br />So you've shined up your glorious new novel to perfection and are ready to query. But you have QDD (Query Dysphoroa Disorder) and you feel quite insecure about your querying ability. Dare you send your best effort of a query through query shark prior to entering the query trenches instead of waiting to see if it is inadequate as you fear? Would this simply turn you into shark chum to be chewed up and never heard from again? What if our Queen or one of her court at New Leaf is on your dream agent list? Would sending an appalling query through Query Shark find you forever disgraced in the eyes of those agents?<br /><br />Not that I am worried or anything. No, I am perfectly fine. I can write a query. I think. Maybe. Is there a bar here at the Reef? I need a drink. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19962721689901720222017-04-19T11:23:28.705-04:002017-04-19T11:23:28.705-04:002Ns...where is this champagne vending machine of w...2Ns...where is this champagne vending machine of which you speak? I think I need one in my studio.<br /><br />Interesting question and answers.<br />Okay...now I need to get back to work.Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58973137668919273492017-04-19T10:59:06.339-04:002017-04-19T10:59:06.339-04:00'Old head'? I've never heard anyone in...'Old head'? I've never heard anyone in a senior position called that. I would simply call these agents 'senior agents', or 'the senior agent of the agency'.<br /><br />Many senior agents aren't looking for new clients, or if they are, they're being very picky about it. They usually have a pretty full roster of clients already and don't really need new clients - and may not have a lot of time for a new client. That said, a previous questioner from a week or two (or three? they all run together) ago gave my dream scenario: Query senior agent. Senior agent gives it to junior agent in agency with more time and more drive and more need to sell stuff. *sigh* Man, would that rock.<br /><br />I will query anyone I find who seems to like what I have to sell. Is anyone looking for space opera with a near future twist? With 1980s buddy-cop show vibes? How about, fun, exciting science fiction with characters that rock? There seems to be more agents looking for that. Although sometimes I get a bit disheartened, and look at agents' lists saying, "Well, it's like a space thriller, and they sell thrillers..."<br /><br />MA: Janet has noted in the past that, yes, agents continue to get commission for books they represented. She talks more about that here on her <a href="http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.ca/2016/04/authoragency-agreements.html" rel="nofollow">post on author-agency agreements</a>. She answered questions about it in the following <a href="http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.ca/2016/04/week-in-review-42416.html" rel="nofollow">Week in Review 4/24/16</a>.<br /><br />Kathy Joyce (whose last name rocks, by the way): That's the sign of a true writer - "I love my job, but I really want to get back to my manuscript."<br /><br />Being Beth: The problem with saving your dream agents for later is simply that you're treating your original query as a test. What if you get several requests and an offer from agents you aren't as excited about? Do you tell them, "Oh, I'm sorry. I was only testing my query." Or do you cold-query your dream agents when you've already got offers? If you only query less-than-dream agents with your first round of queries, you risk never querying your dream agents. I think the lesson is: Make sure your query is the absolute best it can be before querying anyone.<br /><br />That said - nothing says you have to query ALL your dream agents in the first round. Just be prepared to never query some of your dream agents, if you get offers that round.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-77509802186879251162017-04-19T10:53:01.027-04:002017-04-19T10:53:01.027-04:00Welcome to the reef, AYL! It sounds like you know ...Welcome to the reef, <b>AYL!</b> It sounds like you know what you're looking for in a writer-agent partnership, which might be half the battle when receiving offers of rep. Good luck to you!<br /><br /><b>Diane:</b> I caught that question early this morning. I used to accept comments and have a great community with my old blog, but I found I was censoring my words too much. Keeping my blog on lockdown now let's me be vulnerable and have a necessary outlet. And I often cross post in other places that do allow comments like The Mighty and Medium. I'm also readily available across social media, so I'm able to nurture that community in other ways.<br /><br />Sorry for the long-winded response. Hope that helps explain it :)Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05332570278984058081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45599074607786640382017-04-19T10:49:53.983-04:002017-04-19T10:49:53.983-04:00Kathy: Funny that you brought up tatterdemalion, M...<b>Kathy</b>: Funny that you brought up tatterdemalion, Merriam-Webster's word of the day. When I was going through my inbox and saw it, I liked the word too. And I checked it out carefully to see if there were any smaller words in it that Janet might use in a contest. :) Well, now that I've said that, any little advantage I might have been hoping for is available to all, and as such is no longer an advantage. (One of my current goals in life is besting that Steve Forti at his own game. I can dream. Moohoohahaha!)<br /><br /><b>Melanie</b>: Sure hope things go well for your new little gal.Amy Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05324408700941398495noreply@blogger.com