tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post8657704236828385169..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: I need a topic!Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-9083112850171967512008-07-10T01:51:00.000-04:002008-07-10T01:51:00.000-04:00I'm voting for the thinner thighs in 30 days, or, ...I'm voting for the thinner thighs in 30 days, or, if it has to be about writing, then how to get an agent in 30 days. Include a 30 bullet point outline, with one specific task for each day (you could even combine this specific writing task with ideas for thinning those thighs.) For example, on the first day said wannabe writer must mail one query letter and personally walk it to the mailbox - kills two birds with one . . .letter.Kimbra Kaschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16955657301998255029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-47365392886916242102008-07-08T16:10:00.000-04:002008-07-08T16:10:00.000-04:00Platform.What is a platform, why is it important f...Platform.<BR/><BR/>What is a platform, why is it important for nonfiction, and how does a writer effectively build one? What is considered a good enough platform with which to springboard a book proposal and what is not? What are some pitfalls to avoid in creating a platform?<BR/><BR/>Agents talk a lot about nonfiction books doing better with a platform, but it would be very useful to know exactly how many hits on a blog in a month is respectable, etc.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and thanks for asking - it's very cool to get to provide some suggestions.Lisa Abeytahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12737286452019702002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40687539181079688632008-07-07T18:22:00.000-04:002008-07-07T18:22:00.000-04:002) What the agent "really" means in her/his reject...<I>2) What the agent "really" means in her/his rejection letter.</I><BR/><BR/>I'm still laughing at this one. Ever heard of Miss Snark? Anything other than "yes" means "no." Period. <BR/><BR/>Sorry. I'm not laughing at you, just remembering how funny Miss Snark could be.astrologymemphis.blogspot.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08094432734141490681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-23024832655216250772008-07-07T10:54:00.000-04:002008-07-07T10:54:00.000-04:00Humor is key-- especially when new writers are so ...Humor is key-- especially when new writers are so fearful of the rejection letter (or email, as the case may be).<BR/><BR/>Some suggestions:<BR/>1) How writers can recover from rejection.<BR/><BR/>2) What the agent "really" means in her/his rejection letter.<BR/><BR/>3) How to break the "rules" to get an agent's attention.(Everything short of driving into an intersection as the light changes, with an agent in the car. That has been done.)<BR/><BR/>4)How many new (unpublished) clients the average agent take per year.<BR/><BR/>MonicaMonica E. Spencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17323676482404402349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-83929008634367154802008-07-03T23:21:00.000-04:002008-07-03T23:21:00.000-04:00I'd like the unique POV of someone who reads 20 ma...I'd like the unique POV of someone who reads 20 manuscripts a week. What I think is fresh in my small corner of the literary world is hardly representative. I suggest an article along the lines of what Deanna suggested, but not limited to openings. What are the most common plots, heroines, twists, genres, openings, endings that authors think are inspired and original, but are so... not.<BR/><BR/>Recently I read that protags or antags with child-abuse histories are so overdone (*cries and pats protagonist*). Vampires are out (*hides WIP behind back*). As are signature killers (*stabs character at conception*).<BR/><BR/>What advice/perspective can someone who sees a huge representative of manuscripts give to authors busy with their heads down creating scenarios and stories that have already been done to death.<BR/><BR/>Obviously there are no rules in publishing, but if we have one of these over-done plots/approaches, then we'd better take a very close look at our manuscripts and judge whether our work was sufficiently original to capture an agent/editor's attention.<BR/><BR/>This topic done with your usual wit and humour would be helpful and entertaining to me. And perhaps it would be of use to others.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>Tys.tyswanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05225493158220854231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-81002360607087575262008-07-03T22:40:00.000-04:002008-07-03T22:40:00.000-04:00LOL, Ryan Field... reminds me of the time I went t...LOL, Ryan Field... reminds me of the time I went to the Emergency Room and the Doc ask me what I did.<BR/><BR/>I said. "I'm a writer."<BR/><BR/>He said. "Oh, you're dying from patience, tenacity and determination!"<BR/><BR/>Haste yee back ;-)Haste yee back ;-)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00345715370509449971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19861753635981175482008-07-03T20:51:00.000-04:002008-07-03T20:51:00.000-04:00A "chin up" article. A "what happens if we both h...A "chin up" article. A "what happens if we both have the best days in the world" and how to progress from there. Because to be honest, I know dozen tricks and rules, two dozen more "deadly pet peeves" but I have no idea what I would do if I got a call (would it even be a call, or in this day and age an email?) that said "I'd like to represent you" ... or would it be "I'd like to represent <I>your project</I>" -- see! I don't even know the likelihood at that because every agent-written how-to is so doomsday!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18382258703126540760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-11602318388620898702008-07-03T18:26:00.000-04:002008-07-03T18:26:00.000-04:00See, I would love to see something on Opening Page...See, I would love to see something on Opening Page Cliches. I remember being so shocked when I heard that too many unpubbed books open with "waking up" (I had done it!) That the secondary character tends to have red hair (an easy way to distinguish them. And I had done it!) That too many books open with the weather, or the sky, or some over-blown description that does not match the style of the rest of the book.<BR/><BR/>It was like doing one of those math riddles and finding everyone already knew the answer at the end--I just wasn't in on the arithmetic until I had embarrassed myself.<BR/><BR/>Every time I uncover one of these overused elements, I pass them on to my critique group, and almost always, someone cries, "Ouch!"<BR/><BR/>I'd love to hear your take on them.Deannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09350663070786539857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57416547647807142572008-07-03T16:55:00.000-04:002008-07-03T16:55:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15896519648818458407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63980909877549197372008-07-03T14:17:00.000-04:002008-07-03T14:17:00.000-04:00Do what you do best. Something inspirational like...Do what you do best. Something inspirational like <A HREF="http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2007/11/two-parts-of-brave.html" REL="nofollow">this</A> or <A HREF="http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2008/04/im-in-awe-of-you.html" REL="nofollow">this</A> or maybe even <A HREF="http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2008/04/make-more-mistakes-not-fewer.html" REL="nofollow">this</A>.Stephen Parrishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16883165490847664389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-64304216136867574932008-07-03T12:56:00.000-04:002008-07-03T12:56:00.000-04:00you sure you don't want to write about "how to get...you sure you don't want to write about "how to get thinner thighs?" <BR/><BR/>because, frankly, my thighs could use the help.SWILUAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14676123927004595983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3273080225174754882008-07-03T12:54:00.000-04:002008-07-03T12:54:00.000-04:00No pet peeves or how to write query letters so goo...No pet peeves or how to write query letters so good your life turns around... <BR/><BR/>And I'm guessing your blog will be mentioned so if a reader's really interested, they can research any number of how-to's there. <BR/><BR/>I vote for a write well, be a good person, and don't be scared article. That seems to be what a lot of this boils down to. (Says the unpublished author.)<BR/><BR/>You don't need unicorns or sparkles because your writing is that good. You follow submission guidelines (and aren't rude at lunch meetings) because you respect others. And your don't be afraid of making mistakes entry was spot on. <BR/><BR/>It's easy for us to get distracted by how to present ourselves. If other contributors are tackling those issues, and since there are some great agent blogs, I say go back to the basics.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06909176210194176373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63369923337037210692008-07-03T11:26:00.000-04:002008-07-03T11:26:00.000-04:00I like Margaret's idea a lot."How not to be an idi...I like Margaret's idea a lot.<BR/><BR/>"How not to be an idiot" is probably my favorite topic, though, especially from you. There are so many idiotic things writers can do when they're looking for an agent, and they're so easy to avoid with a little foreknowledge.Susan Adrianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10730673696950405605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-75151799358542348092008-07-03T11:13:00.000-04:002008-07-03T11:13:00.000-04:00I once read a paragraph by an agent in one of thos...I once read a paragraph by an agent in one of those books and I never forgot it. Basically it said it's all about patience, tenacity and determination.ryan fieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13361694356025572544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-33890454405710982612008-07-03T10:56:00.000-04:002008-07-03T10:56:00.000-04:00I find humor is always a good teacher. How about s...I find humor is always a good teacher. How about something along the lines of keeping your sense of humor in the face of rejection?Jaye Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09407478042834459126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-13122364630624546532008-07-03T10:38:00.000-04:002008-07-03T10:38:00.000-04:00How about . . .What the ^&#^$ is a Query and why t...How about . . .<BR/><BR/>What the ^&#^$ is a Query and why the &*#^$ do I need one?<BR/><BR/>or<BR/><BR/>You want an Agent? Sure, on the same day you win the lottery, get struck by lightening and find that needle in the haystack!mjawbreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01868159511721992578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-49007586264009366672008-07-03T10:32:00.000-04:002008-07-03T10:32:00.000-04:00How finding an agent is akin to finding love on eH...How finding an agent is akin to finding love on eHarmony.<BR/>How...it's not.Redheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03417983021467715898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-327992617671447892008-07-03T10:24:00.000-04:002008-07-03T10:24:00.000-04:00How about what the author should do in the time be...How about what the author should do in the time between the contract amd book release? <BR/><BR/>Drink scotch? Start a blog? Buy fun clothes for book signings? Do a book trailer? Suck up to book reviewers? Buy gimmicky promotional props? (Me? I'm buying a crime scene dummy to bring to book signings - "Fans! Get your picture taken with the dummy! No,I don't mean me!" lol)Josephine Damianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17952030380866201241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-51861156836856178832008-07-03T10:21:00.000-04:002008-07-03T10:21:00.000-04:00tell us why we don't need to be afraid. because t...tell us why we don't need to be afraid. because that's really where all the angst and that over query letters, submissions come from. that fear. it would be wonderful to hear an agent say relax. I'm human. And deep breaths. let's break it down. this isn't your life hanging on the line. take back your power--even if it's just your perspective on this whole agent publishing thing.<BR/><BR/>yeah. I'd love to see an agent discuss that.Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15896519648818458407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-59943991291121745092008-07-03T10:00:00.000-04:002008-07-03T10:00:00.000-04:00How to not take criticism personally (hint- sense ...How to not take criticism personally (hint- sense of humor)<BR/><BR/>How to stay true to your vision while still being willing to listen to advice (hint- a book is not your most precious inner self - it's a book)<BR/><BR/>The difference between useless advice and helpful advice<BR/><BR/>How to learn that while writing is an art, publishing is a business<BR/><BR/>Janet- you have the right "voice" for these topics, IMO :)Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18341470085893376379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-61014602594642308512008-07-03T09:37:00.000-04:002008-07-03T09:37:00.000-04:00What WorkedIt would be wonderful if you could get ...What Worked<BR/><BR/>It would be wonderful if you could get permission from your clients to use their first query letters to you and write a compilation of things that worked.<BR/><BR/>I also like the lists of things that make for auto-rejects. Those amuse me.<BR/><BR/>Or maybe a fictionalized account of the publishing of a book, from finding a gem in the slush pile to getting the title on the NYT bestseller list. I'd read that too.Liana Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14587774916354749190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-27316899354610689772008-07-03T08:38:00.000-04:002008-07-03T08:38:00.000-04:00How about something on how all the writers in the ...How about something on how all the writers in the blogging community can band together to oust agents who call themselves agents but aren't really agents from agenting? That could be funny.astrologymemphis.blogspot.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08094432734141490681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-52096742875896658222008-07-03T08:21:00.000-04:002008-07-03T08:21:00.000-04:00I like John's idea, a lot.I like John's idea, a lot.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-36262364950914127482008-07-03T08:02:00.000-04:002008-07-03T08:02:00.000-04:00Write an article that explains (to all of those wh...Write an article that explains (to all of those who buy this book but AREN'T on the Internet) that they REALLY NEED to be finding and following agent blogs! Tell how agent blogs will help them get to know some of the best agents out there! Explain that agent blogs give you the chance to stay on top of what's happening in the literary world NOW. Show how they can help them pick up on all kinds of tiny bits and pieces of information that don't make it into books, because they come from the daily lives of agents.<BR/><BR/>That way, maybe the number of "man-this-is-awful-so-I'll-complain-about-it-on-my-blog-but-that<BR/>won't-reach-the-people-who-do-it" incidences will go down!Kathleen MacIverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02263212018219137277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-49818914040218832022008-07-03T07:50:00.000-04:002008-07-03T07:50:00.000-04:00I learn the most from examples. Like query letters...I learn the most from examples. Like query letters you've received: the ones that impressed the knickers off you, and the ones that didn't and how you'd improve those.<BR/><BR/>...Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11772310179223546476noreply@blogger.com