Ask O: How Do I Get an Agent Part 2

Happy Wednesday my writing friends,

Last week I gave you my preliminary thoughts on getting an agent: 1) Remember the agent/client relationship is based on mutual trust and respect, 2) Be patient. Becoming a great writer (one an agent will love to represent) takes time.

Now here are my three final thoughts.

3) Write with extreme awesomeness. Obvious perhaps, but agents, editors, booksellers, and readers all want the same thing—an amazing read. So ingest those writing books (and blogs), go to workshops, listen to tapes, write every chance you get--anything it takes to improve. When an agent sees your amazing manuscript, she’ll pounce on it.

4) Go to writers conferences. These fun and exciting events are where you meet agents, see what they’re like, what types of clients they represent, and can decide if you have a connection. Years ago (2001) I first went to the Mt. Hermon Writers Conference. That’s when I met agent Janet Grant. I went to her workshop and thought she was delightful. From then on, I dreamed of having her represent me. I sent proposals and she rejected them. But finally, in 2007, she said yes! It all started at a conference.

5) Get published. It seems backwards, but agents like to take on clients that already have editors interested. It's even better if the client has a contract in hand. I’ve seen this several times. One friend of mine self published a book on health. It sold so well that a publisher offered to contract her. She called me, lost, having no idea if it was a fair contract or not. What do you think I told her? “You need an agent!” And guess what? She signed with one within a couple weeks.

Also, have you seen those anthologies? These books have four novellas, written by different authors. Usually, there are one or two “known” authors, and one or two “unknowns.” Once a contract comes, the unknowns gain a bit more clout and often find it easier to catch an agent’s attention.

Ask O: How Do I Get an Agent? Part 1

Happy Wednesday, my writing friends,

Today I’m answering a question recently posted by a reader. How do I get an agent?

The question makes it sound like there could be a simple answer. Like, How can I get a glass of lemonade? Well, you just go over there, get a cup, pour it in…

Getting an agent isn’t quite so simple, but I’ll give you some of my thoughts on the subject.

1) The term “get an agent” makes the whole process sound a bit stark and impersonal. “Get” reminds me of getting my oil changed or getting my snack on. But, actually, if we’re going to use the word, it’s more like getting married—two people coming together toward a common purpose.

The writer says to the agent, “I like how you work. Will you believe in me enough to approach editors at publishing houses with my proposals?” The agent says, “I will.” And the author promises to respect the agent’s opinion, not call and e-mail too much, and do her part by creating amazing projects and spiffy proposals.

It’s a relationship , granted it’s a business relationship (don’t expect your agent to be your best friend), but remember it's based on mutual respect and trust. Don't only focus on what the agent can do for you, but how you can contribute to the happy union.

2) Patience. It took me ten years to find someone to represent me. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned over the years, it’s to be patient with the writing journey God has me on. (Well, I try to be patient.) Honestly, it took that ten years for me to become a good writer. Good enough to get published, good enough to deserve an agent (not that I don’t still have room for improvement!) With each rejection (from an agent or editor), I had to decide either to quit the whole thing (which I thought about sometimes) or hunker down and grow in excellence. Then, when it was God’s timing, a great agent came.

Tune in next week for three more of my observations on "getting an agent."

What thoughts do you have? How did you “get” an agent? I’d love to hear your stories.

And don’t forget to send me your writing questions either in the comments or at ocieanna.com.

Happy writing and God bless!

Ocieanna