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.)
