Guide to Literary Agents - February, 2009

Protocol and Expectations When Contacting and Befriending Literary Agents on Social Networking Sites Like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter
Posted by Chuck

Let's say you're interested in submitting to a few specific agents. Would you look them up on Facebook to learn more about them as a person? Many of you probably already have. What about MySpace? Twitter? LinkedIn?
But then questions arise: Would they agree to befriend you on sites like Facebook? Are they open to messages, pitches and/or conversation through such a site? What's the procedure and protocol here?
Well, my coworker Alice Pope, editor of Children's & Illustrator's Market, really wanted to know how agents interact with writers on such sites, so I decided to ask a few and find out.

WHAT I LEARNED

Here's the deal. I contacted six agents (I'll leave their names out of it because it really doesn't matter) and asked them about their experiences with writers on such social networking sites. They were all on Facebook, but only some were on MySpace, Twitter or LinkedIn. It was very varied. Here are some things I learned:

On Meeting Writers at Conferences:

If you're a writer who meets an agent at a conference, they probably still won't accept you as a friend on Facebook, because they want to keep "that life" separate from their professional one. An agent said this: "I'm trying to keep Facebook for friends only, and for a few professional contacts, like other agents or my already signed authors."

On LinkedIn:

Several agents were on this site, but the common caveat was that they don't check it or update it often at all.

On Twitter:

First of all, Twitter is the big exception, because it's a network for writers to FOLLOW agents, rather than interact and message them, so no agents had any problems or stories about tweeting.
As one agent said: "The reason Twitter works is that all those people can follow me and I don't have to do anything. I can only talk to and see the tweets of the people I want to follow."

On Querying:

If you query an agent through Facebook, you know that your message will avoid the slush pile and stand out from the crowd; problem is - that's a bad thing in this case. One agent said this: "I rarely get writer inquiries via Facebook, but when they do come in, they are way too casual and so not professional. The first few I directed to my agency Web site, but lately I've been deleting/ignoring them. Same with LinkedIn. Very few and I ignore."
       The lesson here is simply not to query through a social networking site. I realize the temptation to do so, especially after you haven't heard back from someone or have been turned down by 50 agents, but this will not help. It's not the correct avenue.

Writers vs. Publishing Professionals - The Difference

When you're a writer, it's in your best interest to be plugged into many social groups. It's called networking, and it allows you to have a lot of friends, a lot of contacts, a lot of people who will buy your book. As an author myself, I completely understand this. But agents, on the other hand, have no motivation to simply befriend everybody. That's probably the biggest reason they will quickly turn down a friend request from someone they don't know.
       As one agent said: "For authors, it's easy: everyone is your friend, the more the merrier. This is not true for agents."

Well ... if agents and editors don't want to interact and befriend writers on social networking sites, who DO they want to meet?

Industry pros! They want to keep in contact not only with their friends & relatives, but with other agents, editors and authors. Note how I said authors, not writers. They keep in contact with their OWN authors (their clients) and other writers who have already made it and can be of value in networking. That's what's in THEIR best interest.

Sending a Friend Request

If you try to befriend an agent, you may want to add a little message of some kind along with it. This may help; it may not. One thing's for certain. If you write to an agent or other pro and say "So nice to meet you in Florida at the conference!", and put in a friend request, but they DON'T accept it, then you SHOULDN'T ask them a second time, or a third time...
       They said no for a reason. Repeated requests for friendship will only come off as pestering.

If an Agent DOES Befriend You...

Let's say you want to query an agent, so you find her on Facebook and ask to be her friend. She accepts your request. You've succeeded. Just remember the basic rule here: You now have the ability to learn more about the agent in the hopes that it will help your query & pitch. However, that is not an invitation to chat or converse with them. Interaction through a networking site is a bad thing (unless it's invited, naturally).

Guest Columns

2/27/2009 3:13:40 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [5]

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Children's Agent Seeking Submissions!
Posted by Chuck

I've blogged before a few times about Michelle Andelman, a literary agent with a big soft spot for good children's writing. I interviewed her when she was with Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and then she moved to Franklin & Siegal as a literary scout.

Well now, Michelle is back in the agenting world, as a co-owner of F&S has a literery agency (Lynn C. Franklin Associates, Ltd.), as well. Michelle has joined the agency. That means she is back on the prowl for awesome kids stuff.

What Michelle wants: Middle grade and young adult work. See writers' guidelines here. How to contact her: Send e-queries to agency@franklinandsiegal.com. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to write "Query for Ms. Andelman: (Title)" in the subject line, either.

Michelle Andelman.

Children's Writing

2/26/2009 1:02:31 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [5]

From Writers to Agents: A List of Dos and Don'ts!
Posted by Chuck

My coworker, Alice Pope, has put together a list of requested "dos and don'ts" from writers to agents. (There is also a similar post on dos and don'ts for editors.) Definitely check out the lists and let your opinions fly on the comment boards.

See Alice's CWIM blog here!

Here are some examples of requests from writers:

"Do tell us what we're doing well."
"Do tell us if you just arent excited about something we submit to you."
"Do be timely, clear and honest with your submission policies."

Children's Writing

2/26/2009 12:54:31 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [4]

Monday, February 23, 2009

Agent Advice: Alanna Ramirez of Trident Media Group
Posted by Chuck

"Agent Advice" is a series of quick interviews with literary and script agents who talk with Guide to Literary Agents about their thoughts on writing, publishing, and just about anything else.

This installment features Alanna Ramirez, of Trident Media Group.

She is seeking: literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, pop culture and lifestyle books.

Alanna Ramirez.

GLA: How did you become an agent?

AR: I became an agent by working my way up through various positions at Trident Media Group. I started here as Ellen Levine’s assistant and had the privilege to work with many of her illustrious clients – Christopher Andersen, Russell Banks, Michael Ondaatje, Louis Sachar, Marilynne Robinson, and Sheila Weller, among others. Soon after, I became First Serial Associate and sold first serial rights for all of the authors on Ellen Levine’s list while continuing to work as her assistant. I sold short stories and book excerpts to American History Magazine, A Public Space, BOMB, Esquire, Harper’s, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Virginia Quarterly Review, among others. In 2007 I was promoted to Audio Rights Agent and also worked as an Associate in Chairman, Robert Gottlieb’s office, working with his elite client list – Catherine Coulter, Dale Brown, T. Jefferson Parker, and Karen Robards, just to name a few. In January 2009, I was promoted to Literary Agent. Previous to my experience at Trident, I worked in editorial at Penguin/Berkley Publishing Group, and also spent a year in the publicity department at HarperCollins. My experiences in the publishing side of the business have complimented my run at Trident.

GLA: What’s the most recent thing you’ve sold?

AR: Most recently I sold a nonfiction book called Saving Cinnamon: The Amazing True Story of a Missing Military Puppy and the Desperate Mission to Bring her Home by Christine Sullivan, which will be published by St. Martin’s Press in Fall 2009.

GLA: What draws you to narrative nonfiction? What are you looking for in a narrative nonfiction submission?

AR: I majored in history and journalism in college, and I think that when you combine these two subjects you come up with narrative nonfiction. I enjoy history because I’ve always thought of historical events as stories – little insights into the culture, politics, psychology of a certain period of time. And I am drawn to narrative nonfiction because the writer will dig deep into history (or a current topic) with an investigative eye. I’m interested in seeing narrative nonfiction that explores important American figures, historical events (American or European), current cultural trends or events.

GLA: A lot of writers have memoirs, but few make it through the gauntlet to publication. What sets the best ones apart?

AR: I think the best memoirs are the ones that read like fiction. The circumstances are so extraordinary (The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls) or so unbelievable (Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs), or so inspiring (Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert) that the reader gets completely lost in the narrative. For me, a truly successful memoir should take me on a journey that I would not ever experience in my own life, and keep me up reading long into the night.

GLA: You also seek pop culture books and lifestyle books. Can you throw out some examples of these genres so writers can get a feel for what constitutes a “pop culture” work, etc?

AR: I think of “pop culture” as anything that’s an up-to-the minute trend. For example, playing off of our current economic situation I sold a book called Bitches on a Budget to NAL. It’s a smart, witty (sometimes snarky) guide for women to who want to survive a recession in style. I’m also interested in blog culture, fashion, style, film, and entertainment.

GLA: What are you looking for right now and not getting?

AR: As you know, I’m looking to take on nonfiction authors – memoir and narrative nonfiction. But I’m also looking for literary fiction that has the ability to cross over into the mainstream market. Think – The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini); Water for Elephants (Sara Gruen); The Dive From Clausen's Pier (Ann Packer); or While I Was Gone (Sue Miller). I’m also interested in novels about quirky families that span generations … some of my favorites include Middlesex (Jeffrey Eugenides); The World According to Garp (John Irving); I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb); The Corrections (Jonathan Franzen).

GLA: Most common problem(s) you see in a query for literary fiction?

AR: The most common problem that I see with queries for literary fiction as that the author has a hard time telling me what their book is about. The best way to pitch me is with 5 or 6 well-crafted sentences that give me the gist of the plot. Please don’t forget to tell me if you’ve won awards or have been published in literary magazines, or anything else notable about yourself and your writing.

GLA: Will you be at any upcoming conferences where writers can meet and pitch you?

AR: I’m not scheduled for any conferences yet this year.

GLA: Best piece(s) of advice we haven’t covered?

AR: If you have a really great story to tell, and it doesn’t quite fit into what I’ve described, please pitch me anyway. It would be great to see a literary crime novel, for example. However, I’m not considering science fiction, fantasy, or romance.

Want more on this subject?

If you're interested in Trident Media, check out this post on new Trident agent Stephanie Maclean.

Read an interview with agent Jessica Regel (Jean V. Naggar Lit)

Read an interview with agent Meredith Kaffel (Charlotte Sheedy Lit)

Read an interview with agent Lucienne Diver (The Knight Agency)

Confused about formatting? Check out Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript.

Read about What Agents Hate: Chapter 1 Pet Peeves.

Want the most complete database of agents and what genres they're looking for? Buy the 2010 Guide to Literary Agents today!

Agent Advice (Agent Interviews) | Nonfiction

2/23/2009 7:59:46 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Will a Literary Agent Find Your Work Online and Sign You?
Posted by Chuck

Q. I am half finished a men's fitness book and am about to put all the content on my forthcoming Web site. Each chapter will be a separate HTML page. I just became a regular columnist at a popular fitness magazine. My magazine articles will list my Web site and help drive traffic there. I will also engage in other promotional efforts to get traffic to my site.
      My intention is to give away all of my writing for free to any visitor in order to build buzz around a forthcoming book. I believe it would be valuable to tell visitors exactly what I am doing and why the information is all free. I'd like to be honest and explain that I am now looking for an agent who can sell this book's concept to a major publisher, and I will encourage readers to buy the book when it comes out.
      I will of course collect e-mails and let subscribers know when a new chapter has been added, offer people advice, perhaps blog on my exercise and diet routine etc. My goal is to build a large fan base that is enamored with my writing style and will be excited to buy the book once it is published.
      This may seem like a silly question, but I fear making a critical mistake. Please tell me, and I making some kind of publishing faux pas? Could this approach anger your community in some way?
      - James

A. The problem lies in your idea of giving the idea away for free. You're going to be giving information away to the magazine in your column. And then you'll be giving more information away on your blog and Web site. People need to have a reason to buy the book! You don't want to post CHAPTERS online for free! Why would I spend $20 when I could read it for free on some web site?
      What you want to do is post info out there - just not all your info. Keep plenty for the book.  Think of it like ESPN.com, where a lot of stuff is free to see, but the Insider stuff isn't. That costs money, baby.
      I know that a lot of people out there have started great Web sites and got agents. The Chuck Norris facts guy. Tucker Max and his stories. Etc. But I don't think it's a good way to go.
      Get your columns published, and start driving traffic to your Web site, where you will post limited additional content. Maybe you can take reader questions to keep the content coming. Then, when you feel like your platform and fan base are big enough, you draft up a sweet book proposal and look for an agent yourself. Don't just post your stuff online and hope one comes across you. You need to be thinking up marketing ideas, comparing books in the market, differentiating your book from their's, proving there is an audience and a need for this book.
      You sound like you're well versed in marketing and ideas, and those skills will all come in handy down the road. However, I say do NOT post your book online. You would be weakening its ability to sell. Whatever you do, I advise you NOT to flatly come out and say "Like this site? I need an agent." It comes off like an amateur. And that will turn off readers. They want to take professional advice from a pro.

I myself stay in shape by running.
BLADE RUNNING.

2/23/2009 7:45:04 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [7]

Defining Create Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction and Biography
Posted by Chuck

Q. At first I thought I was writing "narrative nonfiction." As I proceed through the book, I have begun to wonder whether I might be writing "creative nonfiction," or even an "autobiography." Could you please further elucidate the distinctions?
- Mark

A. Well let's see...
      Narrative nonfiction IS creative nonfiction. They are one in the same - the terms used interchangably, though the former is more common right now.  Both are used to define nonfiction that reads like a novel. Examples: Into the Wild, The Right Stuff, In Cold Blood, Seabiscuit. Films like Apollo 13, The Perfect Storm, etc.
      When you're talking about a Biograohy or an Autobiograohy, you're talking about a work that really focuses on one individual. I tend to feel like autobiographies and biographies are usually for celebrities. Brad Pitt gets a biography...
      How do you know if your work is a memoir, biography, or narrative nonfiction?
      Biographies tend to be sweeping - focusing on the whole life. Memoirs tend to focus on an aspect or time period of a life, though not always. For example, Marley & Me was about his time with the dog - THAT was the aspect. A Long Way Gone was a memoir written about a man's experience as a child soldier in Africa - THAT was the aspect.
      Biographies tend to be about one person. Narrative nonfiction can focus on several or many.  When the book is mostly about you, it's an autobiography. When the book is about bigger things than yourself, than it's narrative nonfiction. Know, however, that the term "narrative nonfiction" is typically used to describe books that are NOT about the author.
      And sometimes the genres can overlap. For example, a book I just got done writing about called Bonnie & Clyde: The Lives Behind the Legend by Paul Schneider is called a biography by the publishing company, but it feels more like narrative nonfiction to me.

Definitions | Nonfiction

2/23/2009 7:30:38 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Will She EVER Reply To Your Submission?
Posted by Chuck

Q. An agent has had my novel manuscript for over four months. Via an e-mail, the agent said my ms had been read and she would get back to me four weeks ago. I've heard nothing more. Is this an unusual length of time or should I not be concerned (as I am)? I am a published author but have only used an agent one other time. This one requested my manuscript after I met with her at a writers' conference.
- Pearl

A. Well first let's address the good things here. You went to a conference and met an agent. Awesome work there. Second, you didn't hear back from the agent about a submission so you followed up via e-mail. Awesome work there, too.
      It sounds to me like this agent is just very behind, or possibly just sloooow. If I were you, I would start contacting other agents. If this agent does reply, you're in luck.
      As far as the "length of time," - that's tricky. You submitted your work X weeks ago and then followed up. From the follow-up time, I would give her three months at most. After that, assume she doesn't want it and is too busy to reply.

Queries and Synopses and Proposals

2/23/2009 7:15:07 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Pat, Chris and Other Gender-Neutral Names
Posted by Chuck

Don't forget: When addressing a literary agent in a query letter, it should always be in the form of "Dear Mr./Ms. Robinson:"

However, feel free to break this rule when you are addressing an agent whose gender is in question - names such as Pat, Chris, Charley, heck even Leslie. Just simply address them as "Dear Pat Robinson:"

Better safe than sorry.

2/23/2009 7:10:36 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [5]

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Old School Rap Medley Decision ... and the Hunt for Catholic Parish Festivals
Posted by Chuck

Well, I put out an APB for a good old-school rap song to include in an old-school rap medley. We got a bunch of good suggestions, and we ended up going with Tone Loc's "Wild Thing," which you can see here on YouTube, if for some reason the (awesome) song doesn't ring a bell. Thanks for your suggestions. I think Tone Loc will fit very nicely with MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, Six Mix a Lot, and Run DMC.

Band sidenote: If you happen to be Catholic like me, and are part of organizing a Catholic parish festival this summer somewhere near Cincinnati, please feel free to look over our stuff/website. We just got the contract for our first one this year, and love to get the crowds dancing at festivals. Fun fun fun.

The great Tone Loc.

2/18/2009 3:31:51 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [4]

Concerning Agents and E-Mail Attachments
Posted by Chuck

Q. I have been using Guide to Literary Agents since 2006 as a resource to find an agent for my husband's fiction novel. The one thing that confuses me is the submission area that most of the time will show query, synopsis, 3 chapters, bio ... and so forth. My question is for those who accept e-mail queries do they actually want all of that sent e-mail or is the protocol on most to send the query first and if they are interested then the rest would be requested or if all are listed, that is what the agent wants to see with the query?
        - Sharon

A. Good question.
       Usually, it's a no-no to send attachments to agents. However, if an agent specifically requests a synopsis and three sample chapters upfront, and they take e-queries, then you can probably send an attachment after all.
       Agents should tell you right off the bat if they just want to see the query first, or if they want the query plus more. If they do want more than just the query, that applies to both snail mail and e-mail contact.
       Now, if you have to send stuff over e-mail, you could always just play it safe and paste it in the e-mail itself, in addition to attaching it. First what you should do is combine the requested material in ONE attachment. So when the agent opens your attachment, at the top of the first page, very quickly, it would say, "Synopsis: Pages 1-2. Sample chapters: Pages 3-27. Author Bio: Page 28." Then the agent could see everything in one big Word doc by reading and skipping around. If you are pasting the information in the e-mail body, as well, it would look like this:

--------------------------

TO: agent@agency.com
CC:
BCC: sharon@email.com
SUBJECT: Query: "Novel"

Ms. Agent, because I'm not sure you review e-mail attachments, I have pasted my synopsis and three sample chapters below the query in this e-mail, in addition to including the material in an attached Word document.

Feb. 18, 2009

Dear Ms. Agent:

[Query]
[Query]

[Query]
[Query]

[Query]
[Query]

Sincerely,

Chuck Sambuchino

[Contact info]

NOVEL: SYNOPSIS

[Synopsis]
[Synopsis]
[Synopsis]
[Synopsis]
[Synopsis]
[Synopsis]
[Synopsis]
[Synopsis]

NOVEL: CHAPTER 1

[Pasted novel]
[Pasted novel]
[Pasted novel]
[Pasted novel]
[Pasted novel]

... and so forth ...

Queries and Synopses and Proposals

2/18/2009 3:02:23 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [1]

Conflicting Advice About Query Formatting
Posted by Chuck

Q. I'm hoping that you can provide us readers with some advice about dealing with conflicting advice and expectations from different agents. For example, while reading about query letters in the 2-12-09 GLA newsletter, one link led to advice from an agent who praised a writer for including her name, address, email address and phone number at the *top* of her query letter. The agent added that she needs to remind authors how important it is to include that information. (The writer also included the agent's contact information at the top of the letter.) However, another link in the same issue of GLA newsletter led to advice from another agent who advised that contact information should go at the *end* of the letter. She also advised that writers should *not* include the agent's contact information, as she knows where she works.
       - Amy

A. First of all, let me say that formatting is important, but these little things are just that - little things. As long as your letter is neat and formatted in some generally accepted way, your letter will not be thrown in the trash.
       That said, let me tell what I think. If you're mailing a snail mail letter submission, I advise you to put your contact info (name, address, e-mail, phone) at the top, centered. Skip a line and type the date, pushed right. Skip another line and list the agent's contact info, pushed left. Skip another line and give the salutation: "Dear Ms. Agent:"
       NOW, e-mail queries should be handled slightly different. I advise that you start with the date, pushed right. Then skip a line and go right to the salutation: "Dear Ms. Agent:" ... then jump right into the meat of the query. Put all your contact info at the bottom left after the query is finished..
       Why the difference? Well, as agent Janet Reid explained: If you pick up a smail mail query letter, your eyes can skip right to the query text itself. But when an agent is reviewing an e-query, they only see it in a small viewing window in part of an Internet browser. (Possibly even a Blackberry!) You don't want to waste 10 lines with the agent's address and your address. Start as quickly as possible. Your contact info still needs to be there - so just include it at the bottom.
       Sidenote: When sending an e-query, the subject line is important. Write "Query: Suspense Novel" or "Query: 'Dead Cat Bounce'", or "Requested Material: Query & Synopsis" or whatever. If the agent knows that the e-mail is a query, they won't be discombobulated when you jump right into it.

Queries and Synopses and Proposals

2/18/2009 2:20:58 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [4]

Around the WD Properties: 2-18-2009
Posted by Chuck

Here some cool things going on
around the other great Writer's
Digest properties.

1. Ten Disciplines for Fiction Writers

Check out author James Scott Bell's 10 tips for managing the day-to-day task of writing. Bell says, "Good writing takes practice, and practice makes perfect! Use this disciplined approach to write your very best."

2. New Writer's Digest is out

The March/April issue of WD is out now. The issue takes a long look at self-publishing and the state of the publishing industry. It also features an interview with publishing juggernaut James Patterson.

3. New webinar: "Your Very First Page - How Editors Evaluate Your Manuscript in an Instant"

Writers Online Workshops instructor Joe Stollenwerk is leading this latest webinar - all about getting your story started off right.
"Agents and editors agree: Improper story beginnings are the single biggest barrier to publication. Why? If you have a bad beginning, no one will keep reading. Does your manuscript grab a reader’s attention at page one and never let them go? Find out in this session.

Get an insider’s perspective on how editors and agents can tell right away whether your manuscript is worth further consideration.
Avoid beginner mistakes that doom a manuscript from the first page.
Get a checklist for self-editing and revision that will improve your manuscript overnight.
BONUS: The first 25 people to register for this webinar may submit the first page of their manuscript (double-spaced), to be critiqued in live time during the session. Each critiqued piece will get a yes-or-no verdict on the question: Is it worth my time to keep reading this manuscript?

Around the Properties

2/18/2009 2:01:55 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Thursday, February 12, 2009

My State of the Industry Post
Posted by Chuck

I've been thinking a lot about the state of the publishing industry lately, and how that relates to agents and writers ... and I gotta tell ya ... It's kind of depressing. I seriously doubt I'm the only one who is amazed by all these cuts at all these publishing houses.

I just talked to an agent yesterday on the phone, and this is what she had to say:

"The game has changed. Agents are still offering
great stuff, but in my experience these past
few months, editors are only requesting 50% of
what they were before the recession gripped us.
For instance, if I sent 10 query letters out to editors,
I could count on a request to see at least 8 book proposals. Now,
it's 4. Everyone is afraid of taking a chance on
something. More cuts are imminent, and if
you stick you neck out on a project that tanks,
it may backfire. If a project tanks, you're gone.
So why take that chance?
... To help make money for my clients,
I'm doing a lot of foreign sales, and then doing
a lot of ancillary sales - film and TV rights."

For NYC, it's a lose-lose situation. If you don't take chances on books, you don't have those breakout sellers, like The Secret, or God is Not Great, or whatever. But if you do take chances on books, and they sink in a bad market, you have that failure around your neck at the next staff review meeting. The whole thing is depressing to think about.

As far as how this affects us as writers. My advice is two-fold. First of all, don't turn down any work that pays decently. This is not the time to be choosy. If it pays OK, take it. Bank the money. Secondly, concerning submitting to agents ... you just can't think about it. I mean, it's always been tough to get a book published, right? Well, you could say that now it's 20% more difficult. Nothing's changed. You still want to produce something great and write a great query and synopsis because the cream does rise to the top - every agent says that same thing.

I'm already starting to see how this is affecting how agents do business - discussions of a different pay scale and higher percentages if book advances are low. I gotta say - that doesn't sound that bad. The AAR will probably disagree with me here, but from a writer's standpoint, paying a higher agent commission is not the end of the world. It will allow agents to continue to take on smaller books that are brilliant but likely to not be high-sellers.

I dunno. More on this as we go along.

2/12/2009 11:01:31 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [10]

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

New Agent Alert: Sara Megibow of Nelson Literary
Posted by Chuck

Kristin Nelson, of Nelson Literary in Denver, has announced that her long-time assistant, Sara Megibow, is now a full acquiring agent. Sara has worked with Kristin for some time (and therefore has probably learned everything she ever needed to know about agenting), and has helped sell several books.

Below you will find Kristin's
"wants" in terms of fiction:

"Science Fiction and Fantasy = This is probably my all time favorite genre. For me, it is important to create a vivid, intense world that is incorporated seamlessly into an engaging story with complex characters. Here are some recent reads which I feel capture these qualities: Old Man's War by John Scalzi, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch and His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik.

Romance = I love super sexy, intelligent romances. My favorite authors are Sherry Thomas (I know, I know, I'm biased) and Pamela Clare (everything she's written). I'm a romantic, so about any subgenre works for me (except inspirational) as long as the writing is superior and the characters are solid.

Young Adult and Middle Grade = I have to admit, vampires and werewolves are not top on my list right now. I know it can still be done, but I am secretly on the look-out for books set in the real world (with a multicultural spin or a historical spin would be great).

Finally, that all-encompassing genre of commercial fiction. For me, just about anything goes as long as it's well written. I couldn't put down Mistress of the Art of Death by Arianne Franklin. Bring on the historicals and the multiculturals in this area too."

Sara Megibow

Children's Writing | Genre Writing | New Agency Alerts

2/10/2009 1:45:07 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [1]

Monday, February 09, 2009

Is There a Difference Between Literary Agents and Script Agents?
Posted by Chuck

Q. I’m completing my first two scripts currently, and I was wondering if there was a difference between a literary agent vs. a script or screenplay agent, and if so what? Also, in the new Screenwriter’s and Playwright’s Market book, does it list script managers or just script and literary agents?
       - Dimitri

A. Yes, literary agents are different from script agents. They tend to specialize in one or the other. Some reps do cross over, but that is rare.
       First off, know that there is a difference between a script agent and a script manager. Managers are more likely to take on a newbie who doesn't have LA connections. Managers cannot sell your work, but they can nurture your career, and they have the contacts to help sell your work.
       The new WD market book, Screenwriter's & Playwright's Market, indeed lists script agents and managers. It does not list literary agents.

Want more on this subject?

See a profile of script agent Garrett Hicks of Will Entertainment.

Is there a difference between literary agents and script managers?

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Screenwriting and Script Agents

2/9/2009 4:06:49 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [1]

Around the WD Properties: 2-9-2009
Posted by Chuck

Here's what's going on around all the
great Writer's Digest peeps and properties.

Alice Pope, editor of Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market, is hosting a webinar titled You Can Write Children's Books.

It will be held this Thursday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. EST. There are a limited number of seats available - I recommend registering now to reserve your seat! Registration includes access to the live event as well as the archived seminar that you can re-watch whenever you'd like.

In additional to the info in the seminar itself, Alice will be offering some quick "first page" critiques. She'll look at the beginnings of more than half a dozen stories submitted by attendees from the perspective of an editor or agent who's just opened your manuscript. She'll give you a gut reaction and tell you what could make your first page stronger and compel an editor or agent to read on.

Children's Writing

2/9/2009 3:53:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

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Friday, February 06, 2009

Why Does GLA List Agents That Don't Want Queries?
Posted by Chuck

Q. I don't understand why Guide to Literary Agents [and WritersMarket.com] lists agents that DON'T HANDLE UNSOLICITED WRITERS. What's the point? Thank you.
        - Barry

A. I understand your thoughts on this, Barry. Regarding agents that don't want unsolicited queries, it's kind of a lose-lose situation for us (and by us, I mean GLA). We could choose NOT to list them, but what happens in that situation is that writers discover them somehow on the Internet and query them, thereby sending a query that won't be considered.
       Our policy is to be the COMPLETE agent database - and list all agents over the country that don't charge writers any upfront fees. Yes, we even list the occasional agency that doesn't want work from writers they haven't met. We list these "closed" agencies simply so that writers know that such-and-such agency does exist and is not seeking work. If we didn't, we get inquiries wondering why such-and-such agency is not included in the book, and if they are reputable.
       Neither way is perfect, but we chose to list everyone in the hope of trying to be the ultimate agent resource. We tell you everyone that's out there, and clearly signal the small percentage that don't want to be contacted.
       By the way, keep in mind that there is a big difference between unsolicited queries vs. unsolicited manuscripts. MOST agencies don't want unsolicited manuscripts - meaning, they ask you not to send the book unless they like your query and request pages thereafter. FEW agencies don't want unsolicited queries - meaning, no one should query or contact them unless they've met the agent in person, or are using a referral. The best way to break in with these "closed" agents is to meet them at writers' conferences.

Queries and Synopses and Proposals

2/6/2009 3:17:56 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [1]

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Bright Spot: Agents Still Actively Seeking Children's Stuff
Posted by Chuck

Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market editor Alice Pope was at the winter SCBWI conference in Manhattan this past weekend and blogged all about it.

Maybe my favorite part of everything I read on the blog was a children's agent who said that the juvenile market is still decently healthy in this economic downturn.

But ... Why is that so? How is that possible?

Simple, the agent answered. In a good economy, a parent would go to the bookstore and buy a book for themselves and a book for their child. Now that times are tough, they skip the book for themselves, but they don't want to skip the book for their cute little loved one.

That's why. It makes me want to get to work on my MG novel revisions - stat.

Children's Writing

2/4/2009 8:22:45 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [2]

Where Can Writers Examine GOOD Query Letters?
Posted by Chuck

Q. I noticed that your current GLA e-newsletter published another "terrible" query letter to remind authors what they should not do. I remember that you provided plenty of those letters at the Northern Colorado Writers Conference last April. However, I think that that authors would really like to see examples of GOOD query letters, possibly representing different genres or levels of author publishing experience.
- Martha

A. With a lot of research through all the agent blogs (listed on the left side of this page), you could probably find a TON of good stuff. That said, here are some sports to visit:

Query Shark. This site is devoted entirely to evaluating queries. they come in, and agent Janet Reid tears apart the bad ones and tells you why they're bad. The good thing here is that you get a lot of examples. The bad thing here is that most of them are not up to snuff, according to the Shark; however, she does enjoy some of them.
Agent Nathan Bransford's Anatomy of a Query Letter Part I, then Part II.
BookEnds Literary is starting to post some of their successful query letters online. See the first one here.

Queries and Synopses and Proposals

2/4/2009 3:32:37 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [5]

Monday, February 02, 2009

Looking for an Old-School Rap Song Suggestion for a Cover Band Medley
Posted by Chuck

So my cover band is putting together an "Old School Rap Medley" to feature older rap from the late 80s and early 90s - mostly songs that were fairly bad yet incredibly popular. Songs that you would diss in public, but you know you could recite all the words to them if there was a money bet on the line.

WELL ... we have four songs picked and need a fifth. That's where you come in.

1. "It's Tricky" by Run DMC
2. "Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer
3. "Ice ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice
4. "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot
5 . _________________________ ?

Give me some suggestions!

By the way, thanks for your comments on my last cover band question: Should we play "Jack & Diane" or "Hurts So Good"? The latter was the clear winner and the one I was leaning toward anyway.

Photo owned by B. Baxter.
"My my my my MUSIC ..."

2/2/2009 3:46:49 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [33]

Announcing Signature Literary: Ellen Pepus & Gary Heidt
Posted by Chuck

I just got an e-mail from Gary Heidt, who said he is leaving FinePrint Literary Agency to found a new agency called Signature Literary. He is joined at the agency by co-founder Ellen Pepus, who ran her own one-woman DC agency prior to the merger.

The Signature Web site is up and running, so give it a look-see. Gary will remain in NYC while Ellen will remain in DC. Here are the new e-mails:

Gary Heidt: gary@signaturelit.com
Ellen Pepus: ellen@signaturelit.com

This is an older picture of Gary (left)
and I jamming at the Midwest
Literary Festival in Aurora, IL.

Random Updates

2/2/2009 1:57:29 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [5]

Around the WD Properties: 2-2-2009
Posted by Chuck

Happy Groundhog Day everyone!
(What a sham this day is, by the way.)
Here's what's going on around all the
great Writer's Digest peeps and properties.

"So the question is:
Does Phil ... feel lucky?"

1. Alice Pope is the mad blogger in New York these past several days. Pope, who edits Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market, has been at the SCBWI conference in Manhattan, and has blogged about everything and anything while up there. She has some posts about advice from children's agents, naturally.

2. The Feb. 6 deadline is fast approaching for WD's Red Heart Black Heart Contest, which is seeking love poems, black-hearted love poems, love letters, rejection letters (and we don’t mean the editor/agent kind), essays on love at first sight, and essays on love lost.

3. The new issue of Writer's Digest (March/April) will be out soon, and it takes a long look at self-publishing today and also the self-publishing companies who are doing business here and now. Already online is an article that features a directory of self-published companies. Check it out here.

Around the Properties | Children's Writing | Contests

2/2/2009 1:51:10 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

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