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| Rachel Hauck |
Hey, writers! Annette here. Have you ever been in the market for an agent? I know some writers have found success without an agent. I also know how difficult it can be to get into the traditional publishing arena without one. Plus, all that publishing-contract legalese is rather intimidating, don't you think? Today, Rachel Hauck is back to share some helpful tips for finding the right agent for you. Read on!
Advice on Finding
and Working with a Literary Agent
By Rachel Hauck
I wasn’t looking
for an agent when an author and friend called after reading the opening chapter
of my first chick lit. Enthusiastic, (don’t you love those calls?) she
suggested I submit the work to her agent. After learning of the agent’s
reputation and client list, I wholeheartedly agreed.
There’s a
tendency to get in a hurry when seeking an agent. Seeing other authors pick up
agents, sell trade books out of the gate, win awards. “What, am I wood? Am I
standing still?”
My prayer has
always been and remains, “Lord, You’re my editor, agent and promoter.”
I signed with my
first agent in early ‘04. She really challenged me to go deeper in my writing
and to keep reading and studying.
Yet, by mid-2007,
I felt I was losing some momentum. I knew I needed help on how to increase my
brand and visibility.
I began to pray
about what to do—I was even willing for God to end my writing season—when I
came across an agency that seemed keen on marketing and branding.
In the meantime,
God opened a door for me to write with country artist Sara Evans. And then I changed agents. Closed my eyes,
breathed in faith and jumped.
It was an
interesting but a short season.
Through a series
of interesting and fun events, the Lord led me to my next (and final) agent, Chip MacGregor.
I didn't set out
to have more than one. I never wanted to agent shop or get disgruntled and
change for the sake of change. An agent/client relationship is a living,
breathing thing that must be maintained and treated like all relationships:
with good communication.
Here’s my advice
on finding or working with an agent:
1. Ask God to
direct you to the right one. After talking with other writers, and watching the
publishing world, it’s possible that some agents are wonderful for launching
your career, but another agent will take you the rest of the way. Pray about
your relationship with your agent.
2. Be
professional. Do your homework. Follow agent blogs. Meet with agents at
conferences. Talk to other authors about agents or agencies. Study agencies’
websites.
3. Whom does
your potential agent represent? Look at their client list. Is this a good
“field” for you? Do your research.
4. Attend
conferences where you can meet agents. There are those HARD days when you need
to talk to your agent about your career. You want to do that with confidence. Know
you feel comfortable with this person. Your heart’s desire will be in their
hands.
5. Don’t be
afraid of hard words, of being told to go back and rework your proposal. Listen
to the agent’s advice. Don’t fire back that they don’t know what they are
talking about.
6. Ask any
potential agent their philosophy on marketing and branding. Since authors are required to do more and more
social networking to boost sales, I think it behooves agents to be more
marketing and promotions savvy.
Finding an agent
is fun and interesting, frustrating and hard. But hang in there. It’s better to
have no agent than one who is wrong for you.
~~~~~
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| A March Bride |
As part of Zondervan's Year of Weddings novella series, A March Bride released in late February.
Susanna has
found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner.
But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help
but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.
Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.
Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own---right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.
~~~~~
Besides being an award-winning and best-selling author, Rachel Hauck is one of the mentors of MyBookTherapy. She leads worship and writes her royal tale from a turret! (true story) You can learn more about her here:
Website: www.RachelHauck.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck
Twitter: @RachelHauck
