thoughts on publishing and griping about politics

[lagilman]

Over on the Persephone posting board, we're talking about agents, the getting and using of same. I threw in my two-bits, and thought some of it might be of interest to the folk here, too.

A good agent gets you into the hands of an editor with more pull with the editorial board (because they have a track record). More importantly, a good agent gets you into the hands of someone who is looking for what you're selling. That's the agent's main job -- to do the market research and making the contacts, while we're busy writing. A good agent is the best item in a writer's marketing toolkit.

A bad agent (and by that I mean one that doesn't know the editors/publishing houses and isn't in touch with the current publishing scene) is worse than no agent. A disliked agent (there is at least one out there who cannot get his phone calls returned, because nobody wants to work with him) is worse than no agent.

The rest is all personal fit. There were agents I worked with I like a great deal as people, and would never want them to represent me. There are agents I dislike as people, and felt were great agents, totally spot-on with their marketing assessments, their negotiation skills, and their commitment to their clients. And I know a lot of writers, with solid careers, who have loved the former people and hated the latter, as agents.

The advice I'd give people is to worry less about what other writers think of their agent, and listen to what the EDITORS think/say/do.


Meanwhile, in my still-maintained guise as a CT-registered voter, I called Ole' Joe's office again. He still has not decided where he stands on the FISA vote. Again. I don't even care what he decides, so long as he gets the hell off the fence and admits who bought him this time.

I really wish I'd taken the opportunity to kick Ole' Joe when we were both in New Haven.


And now I must stop re-waxing the cats, and write an editorial letter.

Comments

[ex-fashioni.livejournal.com]

Okay, this is almost serendipitous. With a slight basis in a kerfluffle that erupted over the weekend (and in which thankfully I was not in the slightest bit involved) I started an open LJ community where aspiring and soon to be pubs can ask questions of pubbed authors and where all can exchange info.

This is excellent info and the kind of thing I think the unpubs are curious about (the agent issue, not waxing cats).

Might I post the segment with appropriate linkage and attribution?

(The group is here: shareabrain if you want to check it out. You might recognize the icon...

[lagilman]

sure, post and attribute away! (there is no such thing as too much useful information, only people who don't know how to filter)

[ilvack.livejournal.com]

It's funny that you post this entry up today of all days. After a rather lengthy talk with my new English teacher, I've been told that I might actually have a shot at being published, and I should seriously consider looking for an agent for my work.

Which, if I may pester you for your opinion, would be the better to look for, an editor or an agent? I'm really green to the publishing world, so I'm not too sure what the process is.

[lagilman]

Which, if I may pester you for your opinion, would be the better to look for, an editor or an agent?

It's very much a situational question. What are you looking to market? Do you feel comfortable with a dual-pronged search or do you want to focus your energies into one direction only? Do you have any pointers or connections in either way, and are you the sort who has no hesitation about selling yourself, or would you prefer someone else to do it for you?

(there should be a checklist somewhere with all these questions. Maybe I need to put one together)

[ilvack.livejournal.com]

My writing has been mostly fantasy, with a few general non-fiction short stories thrown in.

I think I'd be fine looking for both at the same time, but cash flow problems would probably hinder the search for an editor (And an agent to? Do they ask for money up front or is it a cut from book profits? Or does it just depend?).

I'm afraid there's no pointers or connections on my end. I think I could sell myself, but I think getting an agent who has an idea where my work would be best appreciated would be best.

I think you may have helped me answer my own question. You're beautiful and everyone likes you. Thank you so much!

[lagilman]

I think I'd be fine looking for both at the same time, but cash flow problems would probably hinder the search for an editor (And an agent to? Do they ask for money up front or is it a cut from book profits? Or does it just depend?).

ALERT! An agent should not ask for money. Period. If they do, run like hell. A reputable agent makes their money by taking a percentage (15%, typically) of whatever they get for your projects. That's their incentive to make the best deal possible. Neither acquiring editor (which is different from a freelance editor you hire for specific assistance) nor an agent should cost you a penny. Google "Yog's Law" and commit it to memory.

You're beautiful and everyone likes you.

*snicker* Except the people who think I'm funny-looking and/or hate me...

[ilvack.livejournal.com]

*snicker* Except the people who think I'm funny-looking and/or hate me...

Bah! Details!

And again, thank you very much for all your help.

[neutronjockey.livejournal.com]

I look at the fact that you had a career as an in-house editor prior to freelancing and then look at who your agent is and that is all the searching this man needs to do.