tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post8535884146830191647..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Planning on hanging up your dancing shoes any time soon?Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68915887405699136882016-05-26T06:40:37.601-04:002016-05-26T06:40:37.601-04:00Actually... I signed with my agent and then 2 mont...Actually... I signed with my agent and then 2 months later, the agency owner abruptly retired, closing the company and forcing my agent and others to find homes elsewhere. 18 months later, my agent is MIA. CANT FIND HER. She's dropped off the face of the earth just when the book should be going on sub. Stephanie https://www.blogger.com/profile/11135131231969141136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-79794963726864079902016-05-26T01:09:46.697-04:002016-05-26T01:09:46.697-04:00It's morning in half of the states, Kae. Folks...It's morning in half of the states, Kae. Folks west of the Rockies are still battling Wednesday, but the rest of us have moved forward and begun to take on Thursday. Just the barely though.<br /><br />I have good news for you. It's my considered opinion that if you're having to look that far into your future to find something to worry about, you must be in a pretty good position in your present. And that's a good thing. So enjoy your present for a while and know that if your agent wants to retire -- hey! That means you'll have an agent. Yet another good thing.<br /><br />You're swimming in good stuff, Kae, no wonder you fit in so well here at the reef.<br />John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-37056712971388726262016-05-25T21:10:52.477-04:002016-05-25T21:10:52.477-04:00Morning, all! (Although it's probably 'eve...Morning, all! (Although it's probably 'evening' over there by now!)<br /><br />Janet, you wrote that retiring agents "make arrangements" - I'm guessing this refers to, among other things, passing their current clients to another literary agent.<br />I was wondering how this process actually works? I'm guessing from your link the other week, to the post written by your former client, that this would be organised on a client-by-client basis. <br />But the woodland creature in me is screaming that there's something else in here to freak out about - what if my incredibly awesome agent-to-be is trying to retire, and has managed to re-home all of her clients, except me?! (Because, my woodland creature brain says, "There's no chance of lightning striking twice.") What happens then? I'm guessing - I'd be back in the query trenches?Kae Ridwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10356868531870405990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-81862879637292245512016-05-25T18:28:31.192-04:002016-05-25T18:28:31.192-04:00Yeah- John and his cheese- definite sub-header mat...Yeah- John and his cheese- definite sub-header material. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-42459350711970057552016-05-25T18:20:11.651-04:002016-05-25T18:20:11.651-04:00Anothervote for subheader nomination to John's... Anothervote for subheader nomination to John's comment about age and cheese. Huzzah!<br /><br />Also in total agreement about the idea of retirement, (or complete lack of interest in it). Age is a state of mind, unless your body gives out on you. But for those who do not get sideswiped by illness or accidents, well, keeping moving is the best way to stay active, interested and engaged. <br />Taking weekends off would be nice. I could do that...maybe.Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-33130995271498875492016-05-25T18:15:56.280-04:002016-05-25T18:15:56.280-04:00Ditto John's gouda witticism for sub header.
...Ditto John's gouda witticism for sub header.<br /><br />Hahahaha.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-52216196657519533802016-05-25T17:46:38.431-04:002016-05-25T17:46:38.431-04:00I second Donna's nom for John's cheese com...I second Donna's nom for John's cheese comment as subheader.<br /><br />Colin - glad you explained I'd need a dictionary for 'retiring'... thought you meant you were going to get rid of your car, lol.<br /><br />Elissa - it's not only creative types who never retire. My Dad was forced to retire from his job about 10 years ago. My Mum said she's never been so busy in her life since (and that's saying something, they worked 2 different businesses full time most of my life, working 20+ hour days 363 days a year). Dad had been working in finance, and has nothing to do with that anymore, but he's managed to find ways to keep going. He firmly believes if you slow down you just might stop.AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-15909646194460554602016-05-25T17:31:07.504-04:002016-05-25T17:31:07.504-04:00This question is interesting because older writers...This question is interesting because older writers often worry that agents might not take them on if their ages were known. It never occurred to me there might be any concern about an agent's age.<br /><br />I believe few creative people ever "retire". They may slow down and perhaps switch tracks (a dancer becoming an instructor or choreographer, for instance), but they rarely stop altogether. I like to think agents are driven by the same impulses and few would even want to retire if they're still physically and mentally able to do the job. I know this is a Pollyanna-ish view, but I think we'd all rather have an older agent than a burned-out one. Elissa Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10727748060605823895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-21279771457545655542016-05-25T14:19:48.787-04:002016-05-25T14:19:48.787-04:00The only retiring I plan to do is on my car. :D
(...The only retiring I plan to do is on my car. :D<br /><br />(Apologies to those who use British English--the double-meaning doesn't really work with "retyring.")<br /><br />OK, so I might end up retiring from the day job, but it would be nice if I eventually need to quit in order to make more time for my writing career. But that can only happen if I make enough money writing to pay the bills. And that can only happen if I get published. And following the traditional model (as I plan to do), that can only happen if I get an agent. And that can only happen if I have something worthwhile to submit to an agent. And that can only happen if I... okay... 'nuff said. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-62765940495957256682016-05-25T14:16:28.400-04:002016-05-25T14:16:28.400-04:00Age is relative, isn't it?
When my Great-grea...Age is relative, isn't it?<br /><br />When my Great-great Aunt Pearl went into a home at the age of 104 (yes, she lived in her own home until she was 104), she looked at the people around her and asked, "Why are there so many old people here?" <br /><br />She lived there about 9 years. She became the unofficial oldest person in the country when she was 112 (unofficial because, despite having other evidence to it, the church where her birth records were had burned down during one of the wars). Well, then someone else's granddaughter decided her grandma was the oldest person by about a week (also unofficially, based solely on her passport). Both women were interviewed by the same national news outlet.<br /><br />The other woman was interviewed in bed, hardly having the energy to speak, often having to rest between questions. She was, after all, 112.<br /><br />Aunt Pearl, also 112, was alert and seated when she talked to the press. She answered questions - slowly, because she did speak slowly - and her son was there to help. Then, during the interview, someone stopped by the room: "Pearl, bingo's starting." Aunt Pearl said, "I'm done here," got up on her walker, and left to play bingo.<br /><br />Age is relative. No matter the age.<br /><br />Personally, I'd trust an older agent to know when she can take on another client or when that might stretch her limits. She wouldn't have been in the business as long as she had if she didn't know her limits and her strengths. Definitely ask her (when she proposes representation) about her intentions, but I wouldn't see her age as a problem. She could be selling best-sellers for a very long time yet.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-66259243804745748272016-05-25T14:13:18.328-04:002016-05-25T14:13:18.328-04:00Listen up dearie, I will retire when they peel my ...Listen up dearie, I will retire when they peel my cold, dead fingers from this pencil.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-16098967772769292722016-05-25T13:53:42.009-04:002016-05-25T13:53:42.009-04:00Janet: My wife says since you undoubtedly have way...<b>Janet</b>: My wife says since you undoubtedly have way too many books, we'll be glad to relieve you of DEATH ON DELOS when you're finished with it. It's the least we can do for you. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-52981904509028546402016-05-25T13:46:35.689-04:002016-05-25T13:46:35.689-04:00*Flies to NY with some of FirstBorn's baked go...<i>*Flies to NY with some of FirstBorn's baked goodies...*</i><br /><br />BTW: I just copied my review to Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, don't forget to post your reviews there, whether of Gary's amazing novels, or of other books you've read and loved. Word-of-mouth and book reviews are the primary ways people find out about great books. Think: How did you find out about your favorite novel?Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-61864457773207797322016-05-25T13:26:00.203-04:002016-05-25T13:26:00.203-04:00Claudette, don't worry. Colin is being funny. ...Claudette, don't worry. Colin is being funny. Your post on SINGER is utterly charming, and in no way out of order.<br /><br />And aren't you all kale green to know that right now, this very minute, I am reading Book #7, Death on Delos. I love Gary Corby!!Janet Reidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-79610740648093371212016-05-25T12:52:53.820-04:002016-05-25T12:52:53.820-04:00Claudette!! No, not at all!! I wasn't complain...Claudette!! No, not at all!! I wasn't complaining. You've done no wrong and caused no offense. Yours is a great review! Can't have too many good reviews about THE SINGER FROM MEMPHIS. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88037949925943682302016-05-25T12:33:29.826-04:002016-05-25T12:33:29.826-04:00Ooh, this sounds like a good problem. Thanks for ...Ooh, this sounds like a good problem. Thanks for the tips, Janet!<br /><br />John and Donna - let's add wine to that list. Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-71215657681203676792016-05-25T12:31:02.102-04:002016-05-25T12:31:02.102-04:00Colin - Such profuse apologies!!! My comment was h...Colin - Such profuse apologies!!! My comment was hardly a real review and was driven by major guilt for not commenting much and not sharing about the book received and being so behind in getting a good review up and I don't even have a blog. <br /><br />As usual you are too kind and gracious and forgiving and I am still (always) learning from my betters.<br /><br />Eager to read your real review.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14226720665890665661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90200798552610963812016-05-25T12:25:35.680-04:002016-05-25T12:25:35.680-04:00I sure do love that my sub-header lived to see ano...I sure do love that my sub-header lived to see another week, but I have to suggest John's for next week's. TOO FUNNY!Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-13822984257746806742016-05-25T11:55:29.575-04:002016-05-25T11:55:29.575-04:00Age is only important if your prospective agent is...Age is only important if your prospective agent is a cheese. John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88991483539577441132016-05-25T11:38:37.446-04:002016-05-25T11:38:37.446-04:00Late to the comments, and, as usual, everyone'...Late to the comments, and, as usual, everyone's already said what I would have said. So I guess I really don't need to comment. But, you know... :)<br /><br />Even Claudette beat me to the post with her review of THE SINGER FROM MEMPHIS! My review went live on my blog today. You know where to find me, and if you don't, check my profile or the List of Blog Readers on the top right.<br /><br />Opie: It sounds like you're in a good place, with an experienced agent who likes your work. Congrats!! All the best to you. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32469860855527295202016-05-25T11:28:26.771-04:002016-05-25T11:28:26.771-04:00Would it be foolish to presume that said agent pla...Would it be foolish to presume that said agent plans to continue working if they are vetting prospective clients? Especially one who has been in the business for a while. I agree with the idea that it is the newer/ younger agents you would want to wonder about. <br /><br />Personally, not only do I not have the resources to retire, I can't imagine doing anything more fun than what I am doing now. Maybe retiring means I don't work weekends. And I would go out to lunch more. <br />Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45469241189676057602016-05-25T11:00:22.955-04:002016-05-25T11:00:22.955-04:00Ah, age. The age old question. There's a lot t...Ah, age. The age old question. There's a lot to be said for war horses that are considered past their prime. For one thing, don't put them out to pasture... <br /><br />There's an age old saying too. Trust the voice of experience. <br /><br />I've known farmers and who worked the land well into their 90s. My own father still bales hay and straw on his own and he's in his 60s. If I want to talk to someone about how to fix a baler or toss a bale, or work the land, I talk to them.<br /><br />I know fellow attorneys who are in their 80s. When I have questions, I often talk to them.<br /><br />An agent who's been doing this for years and years, you bet I'll want them on my side. But I can understand your concerns OP.<br /><br />I think Janet's advice here is sound. Wait for the offer and then talk about your relationship expectations. You don't want to get hitched when the other party plans on ditching marriage altogether after the honeymoon.<br /><br /> Megan Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00752842865397799428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17820275838294658322016-05-25T09:50:30.456-04:002016-05-25T09:50:30.456-04:00Another thing to consider in guessing the staying ...Another thing to consider in guessing the staying power of agent old is their overall track record of sales. Long sales records with existing clients, sales with big advances, and big, or at least good sellers equals good revenue for the agent. And while pay isn't everything, a poorly paying job is often a great motivator for leaving a job. <br /><br />Slightly off topic, and a bit of non sequitur, but thank God teachers seem to mostly ignor this particular motivation. That said, they almost always deserve more.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02694333358894726440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40159189260354795442016-05-25T09:39:19.200-04:002016-05-25T09:39:19.200-04:00After 9/11, I was still in the financial services/...After 9/11, I was still in the financial services/securities world, and a huge emphasis was placed on disaster recovery and succession planning. It was a focus everywhere I worked for years, and then I came out into a distribution firm ... and have been kind of astonished at the lack of awareness around succession planning. We have lost personnel since I've been here (one, indeed, to a completely unexpected demise) and in one case, a key position has gone un-filled for over a year and a half now.<br /><br />Janet, is succession planning - or legacy representation or inheritance of clients - widely strategized among literary agents/agencies, or is it different with different agencies? What do you call this, if it is a general consideration? I'm curious both from the perspective we discussed yesterday - when a client dies, does representation continue, with the literary executor - and from the perspective of an agent's retirement/death.DLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08768285199864217885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-27591620593218487662016-05-25T09:30:02.587-04:002016-05-25T09:30:02.587-04:00Congrats to OP for getting this far! Personally, I...Congrats to OP for getting this far! Personally, I would be thrilled to be talking with an agent with so much experience in the industry. Even if the agent is retiring in the next couple of years, what an educational and beneficial couple of years that would be! Bethany Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12829932931010851406noreply@blogger.com