Monday, May 10, 2010

Agent Advice

                                             

Agent Advice

The world of agents - it is a mysterious place for many writers. Just hearing the word agent brings words to mind like book deals, contracts, rewrites and of course, great fame and fortune. Great fame and fortune? Well, maybe that's a stretch, but why not dream big? I'm up for dreaming big, care to join me?
                              
Chuck Sambuchino's recent post at Guide to Literary Agents shared his choices for the five Best Agent Blogs for 2010. Looks like some good stuff; I plan on checking out the ones I don't already follow.  I'm open to learning as much as possible about the process. I don't need an agent yet, but it never hurts to be prepared. And to dream big, of course.                                  

What agent blogs do you follow? Do you have an agent? Are you seeking one? What advice, experience, and aspirations do you have to share?

Blessings to you,

Karen

27 comments :

  1. Not seeking quite yet, but doing all I can to learn. I follow a handful. Sometimes I lose track. But I've learned a lot from their blogs.
    ~ Wendy

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  2. Thanks for the link. No agent YET! Praying for God's will when the time comes. :O)

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  3. Wendy,
    Me too! There is much for me to learn, but such great resources out there.

    Diane,
    Me neither, but then, no need for one yet. Trusting for wisdom as well when the time comes.

    Thanks and blessings to you both,
    Karen

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  4. There are SO many good agents to follow. I love living in the Internet Age!

    Nathan Bransford is good, but seems a bit repetitive over time. Def follow Janet Reid. I also like the BookEnds blog.

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  5. Dreaming big is the only way to live!! As one of my favoite preachers says, "I'd rather hope for big things and get half of it then hope for small things and get all of it." ;)
    I'm actually just at the beginning of the seeking an agent process. Which, at this point, means learning all I can about query letters and looking for agents that might accept me. ;)
    Thanks for the link!

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  6. Sigh. Have been a bit of an agent hopper and now have the dream agent for me, Natasha Kern.

    It is SCARY how smart she is AND how she combines a passion for books with a zest for THE DEAL.

    Don't follow many blogs except ones where I find soulmate writers...

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  7. Thanks for the link, Karen! No agent for me yet -- I'm not quite at that point. But I do follow some and pray that when the time is right, God will provide a good fit.

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  8. I'm not following any Agent blogs as of now, I don't want to get to overly excited at the thought of being published without having a real piece of work to submit so I am focused on writing and enjoying the process, once I'm on my last set of revisions the searching will begin and I'll start really finding the perfect round of agents for me!

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  9. Beth,
    The resources are amazing, aren't they? Thanks for sharing these!

    Emily,
    I'm with you! Sage advice from the preacher:) Looking forward to hearing about your agent seeking journey.

    Patti,
    Your agent sounds amazing. Thanks for the compliment:)

    Blessings to all of you,
    Karen

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  10. Susanne,
    Would love to hear about your agent adventures as you go along.

    Jen,
    Sounds like a good plan for you:)

    Thanks to both of you for coming by!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  11. I have a top five list of agents I would love to have. Thanks for the link--I'm going to check it out!

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  12. I'm trying to prepare now... whether it's for next year or ten years from now, I don't know. But I'm trying to learn all I can now.

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  13. Jill,
    You are welcome. You're way ahead of me, with a list already:) Good going!

    Kristen,
    Wise move, I am thinking. Might as well be prepared to make informed choices.

    Thanks and blessings to you both,
    Karen

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  14. I read Chip's blog and Rachelle's and am in that stage where I am actively seeking an agent. But all in God's timing!

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  15. I follow a few of the agents on Chuck's blog post. And when something in their post title sparks my interest, I head over to read it. It totally helps us to stay on top of what is happening in the industry. And by leaving comments regularly it can help those agents become familiar with us.

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  16. I just signed with one. It feels so good to have an adviser. I also love Rachelle's

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  17. I like the agent blogs that give helpful advice, but steer away from the snarky, mean ones. I love the blog hosted by my agency, Hartline. My agent is Diana Flegal, and has become a true friend.

    I've learned to be willing to change and grow, according to the industry changes, and to exercise patience. God is at work whether you see Him or not.

    And I agree: dream big!

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  18. Thanks for this timely info, Karen! Not there yet, but like you - I want to be prepared when the time comes. Currently, I'm following Rachelle Gardner's blog -talk about a wealth of information! Hopping over to check out the site you highlighted! Thanks again for posting!! God bless!

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  19. Terri,
    I will agree with you; it's all in His timing! Before you know it, you'll probably have one.

    Jody,
    I agree; we need to stay on top of these things. That's a great point about making the comments.

    Jennie,
    Congrats on getting an agent! Thanks for visiting and commenting:)

    Jen,
    I like to avoid those too. I only have so much time to get around to these blogs and I want to spend it well.

    Maria,
    I'm with you and getting ready. There is such great info out there.

    Thanks and blessings to all of you for stopping by,
    Karen

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  20. I mostly read R Gardner's blog, but I sporadically pop by other agent blogs. I'm querying now and going to post on the clammy-handed activity. LOL

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  21. Not looking for an agent just yet.

    But I do follow quite a few--but not because I want them to represent me, but because they just have good industry info.

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  22. Jessica,
    Will look forward to those posts. Like your description:)

    Jennifer,
    You're right, there is a wealth of good industry info to be had there.

    Thanks and blessings to you both,
    Karen

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  23. I'm getting closer to querying--have some agents in mind. In the final stages of revising. This summer? Hope so!

    Glad to meet you, Karen!

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  24. Hi Karen -

    I follow several agent blogs, but read them sporadically.

    I'm still trying to decide who I consider my "dream agent." For me, career guidance is an important factor, as well as a strong working relationship.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  25. Kenda,
    Nice to meet you too! Congrats on getting that far with your WIP.

    Susan R.,
    Good points. I think it is another personal choice and no one size fits all.

    Thanks to both of you for coming to see me:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  26. I loved Chuck's top agent blog list but I was disappointed to see neither Chuck or WD mentioned Pub Rants which is a great blog by lit agent Kristen Nelson.

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  27. Lindsey,
    You know, I've heard that's good. I'll have to check it out, thanks! Always good to see you:)
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!