2013. Year of changes. And so it begins.

[lagilman]

At the end of last year, I made a very difficult, painful decision, and ended my association* with my agency of a decade+.

I'm pleased today to say that I will now be represented by Joe Monti, of the Barry Goldblatt Literary Agency. And yes, both he and Barry are fully aware of what they're getting into, and seem to be looking forward to it. :-D

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commentary

I know that it's popular now for writers to decide to go sans agent, and handle their affairs on their own, or with a lawyer's assist (especially if they've been burned in the past). I'd never say "don't do that" because for many people that is the right decision. But not for me. 

Ironic, perhaps, since my previous career as an editor gave me the skills to go solo (I have no fear of negotiations, contracts or paperwork). But gaining those skills also made me aware of how much time and energy they eat up, especially when things drag out, or details (and people) need to be tracked down and brought back to order.  Over the long haul, that time and energy adds up, and leeches away from the writing.  Having a business partner who handles all that, promptly and professionally and with an eye toward my best interests, so I don't have stress over it?  Makes financial and emotional sense to me.

Plus, I really appreciate someone acting as a pro-level sounding board for projects, gently poking at the holes and commenting on the elements that could be stronger, while thinking not only of the story but potential markets/editors for that story.  AND that person talks me down off the occasional writerly ledge?

For me, a good agent** is worth 15% of my income For you, for whatever reasons, it may not.

So when you hear people saying "you need an agent" or "you're better off without an agent," don't think about what THEY say.  Think about what YOU want, and need.



* she's a wonderful person/agent, we just weren't a good fit any more
**a bad agent - by which I mean one that is fraudulent, not giving good advice, or simply isn' listenin to you, is NOT worth it.  At any percentage.

Comments

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Good luck with the change ;o)

[lagilman]

Thanks!

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Best of luck!

[lagilman]

Thank you!

[princejvstin.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!

[lagilman]

merci.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

May this be an excellent move for you!

[lagilman]

I do hope so. :-)

[oneminutemonkey.livejournal.com]

Congrats and all the luck to you.

[lagilman]

Thanks!

[blitheringpooks.livejournal.com]

Excellent post. I'll be linking to it for my students to read.

[lagilman]

oh dear.... *g*

[blitheringpooks.livejournal.com]

It's the kind of thing I tell them, but it's nice to have somebody else tell them, too!

Also, it makes it much nicer to be the "good cop" so your rep can play "bad cop" while you continue your pleasant relationship with the editor. I think it's evil that the same person you want and need to have a strong and pleasant working relationship holds the purse strings, so to speak. Especially for people new to the business, the negotiating process is fraught with minefields and the poor editor has to watch the newbie hang themselves as often as not, or so I've been told.

[damiana-swan.livejournal.com]

Best of luck!

[lagilman]

Merci!

[badgermirlacca.livejournal.com]

Ah--caught up on news.

I hope it was good while it lasted, and the new relationship is even better for you.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

I love my agent for many of the same reasons. I'm a terrible negotiator, for one thing. And writing is so often a lonely business, it's helpful to have someone with perspective, not only on the field but on all the things that have already gone wrong in my own career... and right, too!

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

Best of luck!

[equesgal.livejournal.com]

"No, there is literally nothing on the business side that I wouldn't sacrifice in a heartbeat to have an extra couple of hours' writing. Nothing." -- J. K. Rowling

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Yeah, what she said. ;-)