Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I want to tell you about an incident at a writers’ conference that was sort of heartbreaking for me. We agents have a lot invested in these conferences, just like the writers do, and sometimes we have disappointments too.
I met with a writer who pitched me a couple of projects. She seemed like someone whose writing was progressing toward possibly ready for publication. I particularly liked one of her projects, and didn’t see as much potential for the other, and I told her so. But I said I’d love to hear from her after the conference, would love her to send me the manuscript so I could read it, and we could discuss the possibility of representation.
The last morning of the conference, she found me and told me that she’d had another agent meeting, the agent had offered representation, and she’d accepted. She said that I’d been her first choice as an agent (although she may have been being kind) but based on the fact that I’d spoken to her about a “one-book contract,” she’d said yes to the other agent who was interested in representing all of her work.
She said (and I’m paraphrasing), “I don’t want an agent to represent just one project, I really want an agent who is interested in representing me as an author. Since you only talked about a single book, I went ahead and accepted representation from the other agent.”
Ugh. A total misunderstanding. I don’t represent books, I represent authors. I didn’t say, “I’m interested in representing one book of yours.” I never uttered the words “one book contract.” I liked one of her books more than the other; not much more was said about it.
If we had been able to talk more and clarify, I could have explained to her that even though I was more interested in one book than the other, if she were to be my client, I would indeed represent her as an author and her entire body of work, not just one book.
Obviously I didn’t communicate clearly. And that’s what’s so disappointing. I know conferences are confusing and overwhelming to writers. There is so much information being tossed around. I know they don’t always understand everything they’re hearing, although they don’t feel comfortable asking for clarification. I know it’s my responsibility to communicate clearly, especially if I’m hoping to pick up a client.
So the fact that I lost a potential client due to an unfortunate miscommunication was a big disappointment for me.
What can YOU get out of this?
1) Agents are people, too.
2) In a situation where you’re unclear on exactly what’s being said, do your best to clarify before the conversation ends.
3) Perhaps it’s not always the best idea to accept an offer of representation or publication on the spot, and instead spend a bit more time in conversation, asking questions, investigating the agency, determining if you are a fit with that agent… and making sure there aren’t any other offers that need considering.
What did I get out of this?
1) Humbled.
2) A determination to be more clear in my communication.
3) A peaceful acceptance that this woman has found the right fit for her, and it’s okay that it’s not me.
Have you ever lost anything or had repercussions due to miscommunication?
I have two favorite phrases when dealing with monetary or commitment type discussions:
1. Just so I understand, you’re saying …
2. I’d like to digest this for a bit. Can I get back to you in X days?
I lost my house because I hadn’t learned those phrases yet.
(PS – if the answer to #2 is pressure to immediately decide – run, don’t walk, away.)
Oh, yes. This happens far too often, and the ones I find particularly frustrating are those contexts wherein even a series of attempts at clarification cannot resolve the issue. At some point, the passive-aggressive in me just tosses up hands, walks away, and lets the other party live with the view of the situation they have constructed for themselves.
I have read that authors should check back with agent(s) who are considering their work before accepting representation. Thank you for sharing your experience. It will help others to be prepared and make the best decision when they get “the call,” or as in this instance, an in-person offer.
What I take away from this as a prospective author is: NEVER make a snap decision at a conference. There is always time to follow up after conference and make a decision that is prayed out and reasoned.
It’s so easy to get caught up with the energy of a conference that my decision making skills are at a disadvantage.
For me, an agent partnership would be nearly like a marriage – two people with common goals working bilaterally for a specific outcome.
I’m sorry that your prospective client missed out.
Did you ken what I just said,
and did you understand, perforce?
For I am filled with quiet dread
that you took my mule for horse.
You looked at ease, standing there,
then you smiled and then you nodded;
should I have taken greater care,
bid you wait and gently prodded?
Bud I did not, and you passed by
and perhaps it’s for the best;
we really only get one try,
and alea iacta est.
I’ll learn perchance we meet again,
did we lose, or did we win?
You mean agents aren’t perfect and can’t read our minds? 😉 Maybe, since you admit not to have super powers, authors should treat you with the same courtesy and understanding as we do other people.
That is so hard! I could totally see it happening in the busyness of a conference though. It is difficult as a writer to take a step back and make a careful decision. A reminder for me to take time and communicate with everyone involved, I might not understand the situation fully and should be willing to ask questions!
I have yet to attend a conference so you sharing this unfortunate incident is valuable beyond words. You’re helping me see it doesn’t have to be so intimidating and it’s okay to speak up. Agents aren’t military drill sargents.
Rachelle, in your defense, it’s sometimes difficult to know from brief conversations how savvy a new writer is (or isn’t). One unpublished writer may have read your blog posts for months or years and gained a sophisticated understanding of how things work. Another unpublished writer may have only recently figured out that she should be reading blog posts by literary agents. In this case, it sounds like her lack of knowledge caused her to jump to a wrong conclusion. Misunderstandings are unfortunate, but I appreciate your peaceful acceptance that this woman has found an agent who is a good fit for her.
Years ago we hoped to buy an ice cream shop. We asked to consider the sale for a few days. After deliberation, we returned to seal the deal and found the seller had already turned over the shop to an employee on a lease arrangement instead of waiting for our reply. Within several months, the employee embezzled all the shop’s earnings and the owner had to bankrupt the business. Our delay… His inability to wait several days. We both lost out. Sad. But… our life would have been completely different had we bought that business. Better or worse? Who knows?