Friday, April 1, 2011

Agents

From my buddy Webster:
agent: somebody who officially represents somebody else in business. Guess where the word agent is derived from. To drive, to act, to do. Hmmm, I found this when I looked up the word agent and I thought it was so interesting. This is exactly what an agent does. He/she drives your book around to lots and lots of publishers. This is why I feel most writers who are serious about becoming published need the expertise of an agent. They have your back. They're there for you.



Remember that they work for you. But as good as they are, they need a revised, polished book from which to work with. I am writing this post, because I just told a writer that her work is not ready. She needs to find her inner editor and go through the entire book again. And she needs to get a beta or two to read and make comments on her book. Then when the book is wonderfully refined. Then and only then will it be time to do the agent search. She understood. She knew deep down that she wasn't ready. I've made that same mistake. Wanting an agent so much that I queried too early. But. I stopped after three or so and made the book stronger.

Agents aren't miracle workers. Only God can do that. But they are worth their weight in gold. Just be sure you're ready. Really ready. :) A polished book, a sparkling query letter, and fingers that are crossed. Tightly!

15 comments:

  1. A is for Agreed. And I'm Awed by All you bloggers doing this challenge.

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  2. Great post, Robyn! It's hard to assess our own stuff sometimes, so that's why it's important to have other people read it BEFORE submitting to agents. :)

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  3. I'm sure you said it in a kind way and she agreed. I think we all want to rush into things as quick as we can.... and you're right, only He can do the miracle. :O)

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  4. My fingers are always crossed for you! Hope you're feeling well. I'm doing the challenge this year too. Terrific post.

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  5. Oh to be agent ready and then to have an agent ready. A girl can dream?!?

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  6. "A stitch in time saves nine...", using the inner editor as you point out, gives us experience of editing and saves time.

    Great advice!

    Wishing you a fine day! ((hugs))...to all!

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  7. Oh agent, agent. Wherefore art thou agent?

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  8. Thanks for the encouragement. You sound like a good, honest agent.

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  9. Wouldn't it be great to have agents begging for our work? Great use of A.

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  10. Sensible advice. You're a good friend.

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  11. Had to smile at the part about agents being miracle workers. Indeed they are not, and we need to do our part. Good post, amigo!
    Big hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  12. Thanks for sharing a thought. I don't think I'm quite ready to be looking for an agent either, but I'll try to keep your words in mind for when I do.

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  13. I see this as a little writer's board book. Robyn you are a genius!

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  14. stopping in from the A to Z to say hello, I will cross my fingers for you!

    http://baygirl32.blogspot.com

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