Question: Agent Green-Hungry? Or Agent Salty-Busy?
2 Apr
Nice guy. Terrible manager.
A reader writes:
I’m been putting final polishes on my manuscript, and I think I’m there, so now, I’m looking at agents. Actually, I’ve been building a list for a while, but when looking at some larger agencies, I wonder as a first-time novelist, what would be the ‘good idea’ when deciding which agent to send a query letter – a newer agent, ‘actively building’ his or her list, or a more established agent? This is assuming both are looking for the genre I write in, of course. I tend to think sending to the newer agent at a large agency would be the best choice. What do you think?
First, kudos to you for building a list. Double kudos if by “building a list” you mean
- Scanning the acknowledgments of books you admire for agent-related intel;
- Reading Galleycat, Publishers Marketplace, etc. for same;
- Going to conferences and meeting people in a non-crazy way;
- Avoiding generic directories such as Writer’s Market.
Your interest in having a new agent at a larger shop tells me that you want the attention of an up-and-comer with the caché of a brand name.
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On paper this is a solid approach, but I have the following thoughts for you to consider with great gentleness:I’d hate to see you avoid high-powered agents simply because you’re afraid they don’t have time for you
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It’s true that less established agents are more active in the list-building department, but truth be told everyone is always building their list. That’s how the business works.
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If you’ve got something, then you’ve got something. A known ass-kicker can often get you a better deal, which is good for you and your book.
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I’d like for you to think about what you want out of an agent
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Different writers have different philosophies about what they want from their agent. Some writers only want their agents to get them book deals. Others want editorial help. Still others want a best friend, therapist, social pimp, etc.
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There is no right or wrong answer. But please keep in mind that your agent’s primary job is to get you a book deal. Yes, agents are stepping up and taking on other functions such editing, publicity, etc. But if an agent can’t deliver on the basics, then that’s not the right agent for you.
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I hope you’re also doing things to make the agents come to you
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Back in December, I wrote a silly yet informative parable about getting published without querying. I’m not in any way trying to talk you out of querying. But while you’re at it, you can also start attracting some attention.
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For example, a lot of new fiction writers don’t realize that you can spin nonfiction articles off your novel. Matthew Pearl just did a great piece for Slate on Charles Dickens’ 1867 tour of the United States. Not all books will have that kind of direct tie-in, but if you’ve done any research for your novel (please tell me you’ve done research for your novel) you can find a way. (The personal essay is a very forgiving form.)
On the subject of spinning articles off your novel research, check out the link to Galleycat above, and “NY Times Magazine” editor Gerry Marzorati’s piece on “long-form” journalism. Wonderful description of the form that is far more subtle and sophisticated than dispensing information.
As a matter of fact I’m so impressed with Mr. Marzorati’s address decided to pitch him personally on a recently completed feature of mine. If it leads anywhere, round one is on me.
When I read that a certain popular author had sold short stories based on a planned series of novels prior to even writing the first book, I got busy and started writing some. It’s a great chance to test the waters for my novel concept and the stories will be a snap because I know the world and the characters. And how cool would it be to have a list of credits that directly relate to the book I’m trying to sell–not to mention a ready-made audience!
I have a question for you, too. I need to email you.
@bets: You make a good point about testing material.
I think it also applies to nonfiction.
If you have mentally ill character an article about mental illness still counts as testing (and audience building).
Also, e-mail me that question!
So if you have a novel about a certain kind of relationship and how it impacts the protagonist, then writing an article on the dynamics and problems in this type of relationship is a way to get your name out there? But you still have a hurdle to cross, right – that of having the article accepted for publication. Never having done that, I’m simply asking.
My two cents: I wouldn’t spend a lot of time worrying about whether you want Agent Big or Agent Little at Agency X — if you send to Agent Big and she passes but thinks your work is good she’ll send it on to Agent Little, but it will never go the other way. (Agent Little will never pass but hand on to Agent Big.)
@Robin: Yes and yes. Sometimes you have to get tricky about translating the material. I’ll do a post about that soon.
Looking forward to it.
Good topic. So, you have all this intensively researched material for your novel that is either a sensational idea, or already written as a lyrically expressed draft of a nonfiction feature article that you know would be perfect for “Psychology Today” or “Vanity Fair”. What next?
Also looking forward to more discussion on this topic. I think it goes even deeper though. I think there’s a fundamental paradigm shift underway. Agents are way overloaded, and writers really are being treated worse, on average. Nobody’s happy. Usually when this happens, a divorce occurs and new relationships form. I am noticing a shift, at the ground level. Anyway, I’ll be looking forward to your thoughts!!
Exactly. What next? I’m pretty good at lyrical; I have no idea, however, what happens in the ‘what next’ phase.
Hi Robin S.–I’m with you and hoping Dennis has time to tackle the subject. I’m a total novice and began trying to learn the marketing side of the writing adventure with books like “An Idiots Guide to Getting Published in Magazines” (or something like that) and other freelance writers self-help books, with an emphasis on the “irresistible” query letter.