So many people I’ve been speaking with lately seem to be on the great agent hunt. Either they’re unhappy with their current agent or they’re trying to land their first agent. It reminds me a bit of deer season, without the tags. Everyone is looking for that perfect buck with a rack the size of Texas.
What I’ve learned in my short writing career is that one person’s perfect agent is another person’s bane. Most of the time you don’t know which one you’ve found, until after you’ve signed on with the agency. Also, the adage about it being easier to sell a book to a publishing house than it is to land an agent is true. I’d heard these things from established authors, but I don’t know that I ever believed them.
I think there are a lot of things in the publishing business that you have to learn for yourself. No one can really tell you how it’s going to be because everyone’s experience is different. Keep that in mind, when you have your sights set on that prize winning deer.
May 2nd, 2006
Jordan, I have to tell you this very thing worries the snot out of me. Currently, I’m on that deer hunt, and I hope and pray I land that prize buck. However, I hear so many horror stories, I have to admit, I hope that when I find an agent, it’s someone I can work with…
by Candice Gilmer May 2nd, 2006 at 8:39 pmI’m afraid I think that people who hunt deer are pretty warped anyway–but that’s just me, & beside the point…
YES. Landing an agent is tough. Landing just the RIGHT agent is even tougher. I’ve heard some horror stories. And yes, there are differences between how agents deal with clients, business, submissions. So it’s best to have an idea what you want from an agent up front.
And yes, I’ve come closer to selling to a major publishing house than I have to landing an agent. But I’m still crazy enough to go looking. It’s a sickness, I tell you…
by raine May 2nd, 2006 at 11:11 pmCandice, It’s such a hard call. There are a lot of wonderful agents out there, and there are a lot of bad ones. You can have the most amazing agent, but if they aren’t working with you to build you career, then a great reputation isn’t doing you any good. The thing to keep in mind while you’re on your search is that if you receive a book deal you can hire an agent to negotiate that deal without signing on with the agency. There are agencies out there that charge a flat fee to negotiate a contract. You don’t have to rush your search or make a snap decision. Good luck!
by Jordan May 3rd, 2006 at 8:05 amRaine, I haven’t been hunting since I was six and my dad discovered I was purposely stepping on twigs to scare the deer off. *ggg* I don’t kill anything other than bugs. If I had to kill for my food, fish would be the only critters in danger of dying. LOL! And even then, I’d feel bad. But I do come from a family of hunters, which of course, has nothing to do with anything.
I think you should absolutely continue your agent search. It certainly can’t hurt and may very well help.
by Jordan May 3rd, 2006 at 8:10 amAn agent would be nice. I’m not bothered about “perfect” at the moment, although - naturally - it would help.
by Diane May 3rd, 2006 at 8:38 amDiane, Keep your standards high.
It’s kind of like Lasik eye surgery. You don’t want the bargain place. *g*
by Jordan May 3rd, 2006 at 9:08 amJordan I’m laughing at the eye surgery analogy but it’s SOOOOOOO true. Diane you CAN afford to be picky! And you should!
by Cece May 3rd, 2006 at 9:58 amCece, LOL! I thought that was a pretty good example. *g*
by Jordan May 3rd, 2006 at 10:03 amI liken the search to that of the perfect job. You try. Try again. and keep trying. And somes it is a perfect fit for now, but when you grow, you move on.
As much as it a game of chance and numbers–it is one of persistence. Keep looking is the only advice I can dish out that makes sense. There’s a match somewhere.
by Bethany May 3rd, 2006 at 11:21 amOK, between hunting and eye surgery analogies I’m laughing myself silly! Jordan, good reminder on the option to negotiate a deal without signing on if need be.
by Charlene May 3rd, 2006 at 2:34 pmThat’s good advice, Bethany for everyone looking for an agent.
by Jordan May 3rd, 2006 at 4:37 pmCharlene, A lot of authors don’t realize they can do that. The only reason I thought about it is because of the talk I did at the conference.
by Jordan May 3rd, 2006 at 4:38 pm