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Find The Right Shoe How?
 Posted by Autumn Jordon Sep 9 2011, 12:13 am in agents, conferences Fall is in the air and to me that means conference time. My recent RWR confirmed it. Many authors head to conferences with a number of objectives in mind such as; to learn how to hone their craft, to network with other authors and industry professionals, and to pitch their work to editors and agents. My questions today are about agents. I’m not agented. I haven’t queried an agent in years—not since I realized how much I didn’t know and needed to learn. But, I’m thinking I might start my search at an upcoming conference. So Rubies and readers, how did you research the agents you queried—beyond agent query? And, I know several of you had a number of agents interested in representing you. What questions did you ask to make sure your agent was the right shoe for you? Share:
              
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I’m still barefooted! But I actually had an agent read a blog post, like the style, and request an introduction and submission. She’s first on my list when I finally get things sent out—next week, I hope.
That is fanastic. Putting yourself out there and letting the agent find you is a way I hadn’t considered. Did you ask her any questions which would lead you to believe she is the right fit for you?
To be honest, AJ, I was too flattered that she sought me out since she’s a “top of the trees” agent who I would have thought well beyond me.
One of my 007 Sisters is a client of hers and arranged the intro in 2009. When life took a dive, I never submitted, afraid I’d not be able to hold up my end of the bargain if she liked the work. I wanted to talk to her in NYC, but we never crossed paths. However, the same Bond Gal that introduced us mentioned me to said agent who, much to my surprise, remembered me and wanted to know if I was ready to submit yet. After all this time, I’m pretty sure she has high expectations so I’m not holding my breath, but I AM going to try. I like everything I’ve ever heard or read about this agent, and the short time we talked did nothing to alter that. If she likes what she reads, I’m sure we’ll have another opportunity to chat and get to know each other.
Woohoo! You go girl. And don’t you dare think about stumbling. We’re here to tell you, you are ready and worthy. (((HUGS of happiness for you)))
Hi, Autumn! I haunted agent blogs for a long time to see if their opinions resonated with mine, to find out what projects they’re interested in, learn the do’s and don’ts of publishing, etc. It just struck me that Twitter didn’t even exist back when I was agent searching. It’s such an valuable, immediate tool–anyone looking for representation ought to follow a bunch of agents. Could lead to something good!
OMG. I’m hitting myself alongside the head. Twitter. Duh. That certainly is a quick way to find out if you click. Speed-dating for authors and agents. Maybe we do do a hashtag
Not all agents have blogs though. Some don’t even have websites. How do you gather the information on these agents? I know a few Ruby sisters have agents I’ve never hear of. How did you find them and information on them?
I found Agent Query to be a great resource–that’s where I found my agent.
http://www.agentquery.com/
And I subscribed to Publishers Marketplace for 20 bucks a month, if remember correctly, for the heads-up on who was selling what. http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/
You can also try QueryTracker – http://querytracker.net/
and AuthorAdvance (formerly LitMatch) – http://www.authoradvance.com/
Thanks, V! I didn’t know about author advance.
Great question, Autumn!
I found my agent through a mutual writer friend who is also her client–after the Golden Heart in 2010, she actually contacted me.
Before that, I was at least trying to research agents, and found the list of agents on rwa.org to be really useful!
RWA. Yes. That’s another way to find agents that are really searching for romance writers.
My search took place two years ago and things have changed. I used Query Tracker then I researched the agents web page and did a google search for interviews they’d done to get a feel for who they are. And for what they are looking for at the moment. Many have their own blogs which is a VERY good way to learn about them. Commenting on their blogs is a great way to get to know them and vice versa. These days it’s good to follow them on facebook and twitter. I’ve seen my agent get interested in people from twitter posts. They very best thing is for you to know what you want from an agent. Once you do then you’ll know what to ask the agent
What I want from an agent? Hmmmm. I want a partership. Someone who loves and believes in my work, who’ll give me awesome feedback on how to make my work stronger and career advice, and who’ll pimp the heck out of me while I continue working on the next project. Is that too much to ask for?
What you want and need is what it is. If an agent can’t do that for you then they aren’t the one.
I’m with you, Autumn. I haven’t really even tried much in the last couple years. I have one submission with a agent. That’s it. Like Vanessa, I’m following a few agents on Twitter. I’m pretty sure my query letter writing skills lack a certain wow factor, same as my synopsis skills (add blurb writing too).I guess since I have a publisher and editor I’ve grown pretty complacent.
I’ve been a fence sitter for few months. But I’m nearing the end of my next book and I know I’ll need a different home for it since it doesn’t into my current publisher’s guidelines. I really want to continue writing the series and an agent knows the publishing industry and who is looking for what a hell of a lot better than I do.
I’m right there with you, ladies. Never had an agent, feeling like I may want one in the next year or so, and rusty as hell when it comes to my querying skills.
Nothing useful to add, just here to hold your hand.
See. You’re my shining example if success without an agent. What is changing your mind?
It’s not so much that I’ve changed my mind as that I may wish to diversify and if I wish to do traditional publishing as well, I will want an agent in my corner.
I found my agent on RWA, specifically on the grid of agents accepting appts at Nationals. I made a list of agents taking appts in my genre, researched them on the web (anyway I could, including their websites) and then queried her.
I ended up signing with her because of her response to my work. Her enthusiasm sold me. She loves my voice, she “gets” my characters, she gives feedback at the level I want… That’s what I wanted in an agent.
Here’s a link to a list of questions I asked her: http://www.elizabethlangston.net/agentFAQ.php
Awesome list, sister! You have many on there I didn’t even think about. Like who is your contact during her or his vaction? I’m printing this off and taking it with me to the conference in October. Thank you!
Autumn, I echo Vanessa’s thought about finding an agent whose thoughts and ideas about the industry resonate with you. Not every agent is right for every client.
I chose my agent after hearing her speak at a local conference, and I liked her attitude and what she had to say about the state of the industry. I both liked her, and respected her professional acumen.
I think an agent/author relationship is a lot like a marriage—you need a lot of common ground and common values, as well as common goals. But it also helps if they have strengths you don’t have. I wanted an agent who was very outgoing to help me become that way. I also wanted an agent who would ride and push me a little if I needed it. So when she told she was interested in representing me, I had a list of questions/expectations that I wanted from her. Once we were sure of than common ground, it was an easy choice to pick her to represent me.
Best of luck with your queries.
It sounds like you and I have the same idea of an ideal agent–you that is supportive but also carries a whip. LOL. I love it.
I guess I’ll be sitting in the front row at the agent panels. I also need to learn to the bar thing. I’m not a bar person, but I’ve heard Cinderella stories where authors and agents met over drinks.
Any chance you’d share your list of questions?
Sure!
How long have you been an agent and how do you like the business?
If you could change on thing about my writing what would it be?
Where do you see my work finding a happy home – which house, or e-pub etc.?
How do you see me as a brand?
Can I feel free to ask you every stupid question that comes into my head?
And – What style of ass-kicking can I expect from you?
These were important questions for me, but everyone should come up with their own list. This is a long-term professional, relationship. Ask questions as if the agent were marrying your favorite child. Be nosy. Follow your gut. Get what you want.
You deserve nothing less.
LOL. I’m learning a lot here today, listening to you ladies. Thanks for sharing.
Beth has a wonderful list of agent questions, but I’ll add another goodie:
* What three words best describe YOU?
A simple question like this really gets to the heart of things. I clearly remember one agent calling herself a “pitbull” while another used the word “nurturing.” Interesting, huh? Good luck, Autumn, with your agent search, and may you find the perfect fit!
Thanks, Shelley, and great question. That really sums it up.
Well, I negotiated 8 contracts on my own. Okay, I know Harlequin is boilerplate, so not so much. LOL.
I queried agents when I first started writing, and I wasn’t ready. Jeez, the query was three pages long! Um, lots of no, hell no, and what the hell? rejections hit my mailbox.
Since then, I’ve submitted to several through conferences. I’ve had two give me some serious looks, but never offered representation in the end. I finally said “Forget it!” but in the back of my mind I knew I’d eventually like to give ST a whirl, and then there are those Regencies sitting in my hard drive.
I acquired an agent in July. I’ve watched her for a long time, but never submitted. Honestly, I wanted an opportunity for some one on one talk with her, and I had some questions that were indicators – things like would she ever write? was she interested in venturing into self-pubbed editor land? etc. I’m happy to say mine had all the right answers (or would that be write answers?) I’m pretty happy with my agent even though we haven’t truly worked together yet. I’m still busy with my contracted work.
Nice topic
Great questions, Liz. I never thought about them. Kudos to you for stalking, Hmmm I mean lurk. LOL. I guess I’ll do some more searchong and lurking.
You know, I think my main questions were about the agent’s sales record and how many clients he/she had. I just really didn’t want to be one in a pool of 200. In fact, when I signed with my agent, she only had about 10 or 11 clients. She has many more now, but we were such a perfect match. We really clicked. Combined with her pool and previous sales, I was hooked.
I have to admit, though, it was a tough decision. I felt a real connection with several of those offering and it was super hard to decide.
Great post, di!!! ~D~
You’re story is every writer’s dream. I’m so happy you found the right fit.
Learning who the clients are for specific agents is sometimes hard. I mean most agents websites list the clients but they don’t say who represents who. I’d like to find agent who represents someone whose writing is comaparable to mind. Not alike. Really. Who’d want to two of me?
Any suggestions on learning agent’s clients?
I picked out a few names from the acknowledgements pages of my fave authors, but you can also check out QueryTracker’s lists on who reps who:
http://querytracker.net/clients.php
Cool. I didn’t know you could search clients too. I’ll have to check it out. Thank you!
Me too, and I used Publisher’s Marketplace. They list sales and all the info pertaining therein. A great site!