I had an unsettling “friendship” experience with a potential agent who ended up rejecting me because I disagreed with the R&R they wanted. I’m uncomfortable sharing more details publicly but I am super interested in the whole “friendship” dynamic and agenting.
A wonderful way for those of us in the querying trenches to evaluate our options if/when we have them. I really appreciated your take on the power imbalance between writers and agents and why it's hard for writers to ever come clean about their negative experiences with agents.
I read this after reading part 2, and have to say this was very comprehensive and not in the slightest depressing/offputting. As a querying, ND writer (still not confident enough to say author yet), I would have to go down many, many rabbit holes to find this information. It's also very informative in terms of what I will need to ask if/when I ever do get an agent! Thank you.
After so many books, I would like a publishing partner who has insight on what to focus on next, likes my work, can guide but not prescribe, and is communicative and experienced.
Yes, I was thinking of your question!! A few people asked questions in the same area (how to choose the right agent for the long-term), so I figured I’d try to answer them all at once.
Such useful and specific information. Thank you for the work you are doing. It is also quite depressing for a writer to know what she (0r he) is up against. I hope this info won't ultimately make me want to give up. (never on writing but on finding an agent.)
Great break down Devon. I added a link to this post in the Publishing Ecosystem class I'm attending in my MFA in Creative Writing Program at Southern New Hampshire University. We just did a module on choosing agents and I feel like this post ties in nicely with the class.
Thanks for this! Just signed on with my first agent yesterday so looking forward to understanding where they fall on this spectrum, esp. re. the agency support angle.
I had an unsettling “friendship” experience with a potential agent who ended up rejecting me because I disagreed with the R&R they wanted. I’m uncomfortable sharing more details publicly but I am super interested in the whole “friendship” dynamic and agenting.
A wonderful way for those of us in the querying trenches to evaluate our options if/when we have them. I really appreciated your take on the power imbalance between writers and agents and why it's hard for writers to ever come clean about their negative experiences with agents.
I read this after reading part 2, and have to say this was very comprehensive and not in the slightest depressing/offputting. As a querying, ND writer (still not confident enough to say author yet), I would have to go down many, many rabbit holes to find this information. It's also very informative in terms of what I will need to ask if/when I ever do get an agent! Thank you.
This was a really helpful read, thank you!
As I wait for an agent to heed the call, I regularly do this. Taking destiny into my own hands!
After so many books, I would like a publishing partner who has insight on what to focus on next, likes my work, can guide but not prescribe, and is communicative and experienced.
Wait, this was the question I asked! And you answered it 😄
Although actually not. You answered the question I *meant* to ask but could find neither the words or experience. Thank you so much!
The inbox management part made me laugh. Seems agents can be relatable.
Yes, I was thinking of your question!! A few people asked questions in the same area (how to choose the right agent for the long-term), so I figured I’d try to answer them all at once.
Such a great article. Gives a great feel for working with an agent that’s tough to see into from the outside. Looking forward to part 2 🙂
This makes me want to self-publish.
From those of us in the querying trenches with the hope of one day finding a way out, thank you. So incredibly thorough, thoughtful and helpful.
Such useful and specific information. Thank you for the work you are doing. It is also quite depressing for a writer to know what she (0r he) is up against. I hope this info won't ultimately make me want to give up. (never on writing but on finding an agent.)
Great break down Devon. I added a link to this post in the Publishing Ecosystem class I'm attending in my MFA in Creative Writing Program at Southern New Hampshire University. We just did a module on choosing agents and I feel like this post ties in nicely with the class.
Extremely informative and helpful. Like Karin G, I can't wait for the next installment.
Very helpful, and this takes some of the mystery out of representation. Looking forward to the next installment.
This is so helpful Devon. As someone currently in the query process, your post is giving me some things to think about.
This is so great! As always, I loved the examples you give. And I can‘t believe I‘m getting a cliffhanger from a substack post!
Thanks for this! Just signed on with my first agent yesterday so looking forward to understanding where they fall on this spectrum, esp. re. the agency support angle.
Congratulations!!
Thanks Devon! As you know, it's a long hard road to getting published, but hopefully this gets my book one big step closer...