Blogger: Rachel Kent
We received a package today filled with goodies for one of the agents at the agency. This gift was from a writer who emailed a query for a project and mailed the box to go along with the theme of her proposals.
The package cost $25 to mail, and the items inside cost at least that much. But that writer’s query isn’t receiving any special treatment.
While it’s nice to receive a gift, a package like this creates awkwardness. If the agent decides that the project isn’t right for her representation, the hopeful author has spent all that money and time sending something nice for no result. Agents do read query letters carefully, and we determine if the project is a good fit based on what we are personally looking for, what we believe we can place with a publisher, and the quality of the writing. Sending a gift won’t change whether your book is the right fit. The writing and the idea need to stand on their own.
Spending $50 per agent submission is a waste of an author’s resources when submission guidelines are spelled out on the agency websites and do not include a fee of any kind. This type of gift hints that the writer doesn’t understand how submissions work. (P.S. Any agent who requests an upfront payment or gift is most likely a fraud. We are paid by commission on the sale of a book.)
The writer most likely wanted to draw attention to her project, which her package did. But it didn’t highlight it in the way she had envisioned. We simply made sure we had the query.
My suggestion to all of you who are querying agents is to work hard putting together the best query letter and proposal that you can. The query and proposal present your book to us, and that is what we are interested in. The writing and story need to be as strong as possible so they can capture our attention better than any gift could.
What are some effective ways to show an agent that you and your project are something special?
If you have an agent, what do you think was the strongest tool in acquiring one? Did you get an agent through a query letter or because of a conference appointment?
And just for fun: Have you ever received a gift that made you feel awkward or guilty in some way? (Please don’t name names!)
I think that writing with a strong voice attracts an agent.
I do remember trying a gimmick (not a bribe) a few years ago. I wore a bear cap during an open mic reading for some editors. Yep. (The ms was for children and did have a forest setting.) That bear cap is gone. It might have come in handy for author talks later!
You put that perfectly, Carol. A strong voice will attract both agents and readers!
(Though maybe a strong voice that HINTS of cookies…)
I wish I could see a picture of you in the bear cap! It sounds delightful!
A younger writer who wanted to network with me used to surprise me with gifts of new writing books that he “got a good deal on.” Yes, this is awkward. I don’t want anyone to feel like he needs to buy my friendship. I also can’t spend extra time mentoring a person who bestows freebies. I had to request he stop the gifts, but we remain in contact.
It says a lot about how you handled the situation if you’re still in contact. 🙂
It’s great that you were able to ask him to stop. I think it takes so much pressure off of the relationship!
Well. I guess that BUCKET of See’s chocolates can stay here. Next to my laptop.
euc buiwa ui f
Sorry, I had to wipe the melting chocolate off the keys.
Not moi, but a very close friend of mine was stopped at church and measured for an outfit. The maker was from a far off country and my friend was really quite excited, thinking she was getting a beautiful sari-type outfit. But no. She was given a HIDEOUS bright purple polyester suit. It was UNBELIEVABLE. Just , oh man, AWFUL.
My poor friend spent months trying to find a way to not wear it. Then she got cornered at church by the very sweet lady “I haven’t seen you in your suit”.
Can you say “dig a hole and swallow me”? They came to an understanding, shall we say.
I still ask her if I can borrow the suit. She punches hard.
LOL, Jennifer. I hope you don’t have toooo many bruises. 😉
Lol! Great story.
I hope to send or present the most polished, put-together query that I can summon. I want to make sure it fits all the guidelines, and thoughtfully considered which agent to send it to. I want to not be a stranger to the agent I send it to. 🙂 No frills, only what the agent asks for.
Makes sense, Lisa. I think following the agency guidelines is probably one of the most important things we can do to make a good impression.
Well put!
Rachel, Nice information. However, when you do get an agent and she, in turn, gets you a nice contract, some chocolates are a nice token of thanks–right?
Yes, those chocolates would be enjoyed but are totally not necessary. 🙂 Thanks, Doc!
Wow! Awkward! My children, my husband, and I have received so many awkward gifts from my mom over my adult years that there isn’t room here for the list. They are fun to sprinkle throughout books, though.
I’ll add in here a way to show you’re special that I learned from you all at Books & Such – leave witty and scintillating comments on the blog posts. Of course, everyone here knows that already. 🙂
I had a great aunt would would give really strange gifts. She’s gone to heaven now and it’s fun to remember what she gave.
And thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate every witty and scintillating remark!
Awkward gifts…makes me think of Ralphie’s bunny suit in A Christmas Story. Hehe.
I think to make your query stand out, you go the old-fashioned way. Make it a good hook. Write it well. Polish it. And to make yourself stand out, connect with agents on their blogs, via Twitter, and at conferences. I’ve heard numerous times it’s often writers with whom an agent has several positive interactions that they’re most likely to sign.
Wow, you took the words out of my mouth. Agreed and agreed!
I agree, Jeanne! You hit the nail on the head, Lindsay! 🙂
Exactly!
Thank you.
When I visited Turkey years ago, vendors in the public places would offer things for “gratis” and then expect something. I learned to say no. A guy offered to polish my shoes, which were a pretty, creamy shade (like I said–it was years ago ;)), and when he was done, they matched the red mud of Hawaii, cream streaked with mud. When he’d offered to polish them, I got the impression it was for free. Silly me. I ended up paying for a bad polish job. Later, when a guy continued to offer me postcards for “gratis” I finally accepted out of sheer embarrassment. He didn’t actually expect anything, except to be in a few of our pictures.
When I am ready to query, I hope to have a well written manuscript with a unique voice and something that is easy to read. As Lindsay said, relationships are important. Following agency guidelines is a must. I hope that with all of that in place, my submission will be noticed.
You’ve been to Turkey, Jeanne. How cool! (P.S. I’d love to hear more about it! Guest post on my blog? Just let me know…) 🙂
When I was in Egypt, everyone kept asking for “baksheesh,” which is a money tip. You think someone is nice to take a picture of you at the Great Pyramids. Sure…for “baksheesh.” Oh, you need help into this cab. “Baksheesh.” It got exasperating.
I can only imagine how it is for agents to either have potential clients trying to weasel their way into their circles trying to see what they can get from them or sending gifts to try and “persuade” them to look at their work.
The polished work and your professionalism must stand for itself. Understood. Thanks, Rachel!
Ah, foreign travel! Always full of great stories.
Here’s an idea–practice your “elevator” speech with target audience members and watch their reaction.
If their mouths drop open and their eyes light up, you’re on to something. If they smile politely, back to the drawing board.
Excellent advice, Michelle, thank you.
I did this by accident last week. My wife and I invited a couple families from church to our home. When somebody asked what kind of novel I’m working on now, I gave the elevator description of my YA story. One of their teen daughter’s eyes grew wide, then she blurted, “I want to be the first reader!”
In one line, that young lady made my night. Now I have to finish the manuscript! 🙂
How encouraging, Rick!
Instead of baubles and sparklies, a writer should probably just send in a well-composed query that follows that guidelines as established by the agency.
It seems agents get far less of those than free goodies! 🙂
Very true, Larry! Thanks!
I see the query process as a virtual job interview; be professional and provide the best work. And for the love of Mike – follow the submission guidelines! Even if my query does not connect with an agent, I want to leave the impression of a serious writer, not the crazy lady who sends Twinkies with her synopsis. Oh, and the supreme awkward gift: My husband and I were married in November and at Christmas my mother-in-law, desperate for the first grandchild gave me a rather…ahem…provocative nightgown. Did I mention we opened gifts in front of the ENTIRE family, including my 90-year-old grandmother? Awkward!
I blinked TWICE when I read of your MIL’s thoughtful gift. You poor sweet dear.
She’s lovely, but if she wanted to give me a romantic gift – think candles. 🙂
What a gift! Lol!
Twinkies are pretty rare these days. I might like some of those so I can sell them on ebay.
I don’t actually care if an agent thinks I’m special. I DO care if she thinks my novel is special. I could be the wittiest, most charming person on Earth, but that still wouldn’t get me anywhere as a writer if I couldn’t write.
How to interest an agent? The same way you interest a reader. Write a good book. Come up with a couple of interesting paragraphs that describe the book in a way that makes people want to read it. Put the paragraphs in a query letter and (adhering to agency guidelines) send it off to the agent.
Don’t pin your hopes on any one agent any more than you would pin your hopes on any one reader.
Lastly, you don’t give gifts to strangers. At least wait until you’re in a relationship before you start sending chocolates and flowers. 😉
Well put! I do think that personality has something to do with getting an agent as well…
Writing does matter the most, but I want to know that I will be able to get along well with the author I’m thinking of working with.
Addressing the query to the correct agent, proofreading it, and including information that shows you understand your genre and have a basic understanding of the publishing business are all ways to make a good impression. 🙂
I’ve received awkward gifts before. I was a waitress for years, and one widower decided I was the perfect person to give his deceased wife’s scarf to. Not going to lie, it was creepy.
OH MY WORD, JILL! That is weird!!! But I’m sure he meant it to be nice…
Actually, no, he continued with inappropriate things and ended up semi-stalking me. Not cool. 🙁
How did it fit? lol
Ha! Ha! It didn’t–I was young and didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so I took it but I threw it away when I got home. I wasn’t touching it!
Ug! So strange!
Besides the obvious-writing a competently engaging story and querying by guidelines-I believe that rapport is important. This can include remembering the hobbies of an agent, or bits of personal history she’s shared on blog posts, and genuinely showing interest in her as an individual, who (gasp) has a life outside of the publishing industry. The key in all this is to be authentic.
I agree, Jenni! It can make a difference. It also helps to include something memorable about you. I like it when I can remember a person because of something they shared with me. Book ideas can all run together at times, but an interesting tidbit about a person stands out more.
I did land two agents through good, old-fashioned queries, so it can be done w/out having to attend conferences (or send gift boxes! Hee). I always tried to mention something personal about the agent in that first paragraph…not kissing up, per say, but letting them know I know WHO they are and WHAT they represent.
Awkward gifts…I had a boyfriend for a SHORT time who insisted on giving me silk roses, though I told him numerous times I preferred live flowers. Suffice it to say, it wasn’t long before he was TOAST.
Silk roses? Odd. I wonder if his grandma told him to do that.
My BFF set me up on a blind date. We’ve have never spoken of it since that event. He wore matching, wait for it, BROWN polyester shirt and pants. By the time we pulled out of my driveway, he was already TOAST!
I don’t see how bribing an agent is going to help any. I would think that anything that distracts from the query and MSS cannot be good, can it?
Besides, with people being allergic to all sorts of food items, the last thing a newbie writer needs to do is to send the otherwise healthy agent to the hospital.
🙂
Lol! Imagining a hospitalization after getting a gift now. Thankfully I don’t think I’m allergic to anything.
TOAST. Good word, Heather. I can just see the burn marks on the front stoop.
The thing is, with awkward gifts, they actually make you NOT want to invest deeper in a relationship. At least that’s how I am. I have a friend whose “love language” is gifts. To her, gifts, even small and inexpensive or homemade, tell her that I thought of her when she wasn’t here. I’m just the opposite. I don’t want “things” – but I LOVE letters, cards, WORDS – not her thing at all. She rarely reads books – she prefers brochures because they’re bulleted. Needless to say, we’ve had some “awkward” exchanges, but over the years, we’ve communicated openly and learned to set aside our own preferences in order to build the relationship…but there was a time when we just didn’t “get” each other.
Bottom line in my book – gift-giving should be reserved for established relationships. Period.
Great bottom line! I completely agree.
I think composing a query creatively within the guidelines set forth by the agent/agency can be a way to show there’s something special with the author and the project. I haven’t queried an agent yet (only pitched to), but I want to work towards making the query letter almost as fun to read as the manuscript itself. Which, I realize, is probably easier imagined than accomplished, but I’m going to give it a whirl!
As for awkwardness: two gifts, five days apart, same guy. He hand-delivered six red baby roses to my house on Valentine’s Day, but we weren’t dating and I wasn’t interested. My little sisters got a kick out of it, though. I did agree to go out with him soon after (I hated disappointing people back then), and during the date he gave me a birthday card. Inside he had written that he didn’t know what to get me, so that when we went to Wal-Mart if I saw something I wanted for around $20, to let him know and he’d pay.
He meant well, but our first date was our only date.
I had a similar experience with a guy I only ever considered a friend. Totally awkward.
Gee, I wish I could be first in line to say “write the query letter according to the guidelines, investigate the agent, make the query exciting, make them want to read the book,” but everyone already said all that good stuff, so I’ll just say, ‘ditto’, and again, thanks for the good advice.
Thanks, Elaine!
I acquired (unusual term to use in this context) one agent by simple obedience. I wasn’t talking to her about representation and wasn’t expecting to find an agent at that time. But we were both serving on faculty at the same conference, and I believed God wanted us to have a conversation. We did, and a few months later, she became my agent.
I did bring her a box of truffles once after a very tense and trying series of negotiations. She deserved those and more.
As for my present agent? He represented most of the clients for whom I’d ghostwritten. He had gone from doubting whether I should be involved with one project to recommending me to other authors for theirs. He knew and trusted my work. And I knew and trusted his.
Relationships matter. And I don’t believe bribery enhances them (although I’m not opposed to a little chocolate now and again).
Giving gifts to your agent is very different than sending them to try to get an agent. 🙂
There is a post about giving gifts to your agent on this blog somewhere too. Gives good advice. I think it was written in December of last year…
Of course, you can never go wrong with an Amazon gift card…
🙂
Ok, seriously? I think not following guidelines can work sometimes. The problem with the gifts is that they make the writer seem desperate. And desperate is not an attractive quality.
Good point about the desperation. I’m not going to comment on the not following guidelines bit though. 🙂 I don’t want to encourage that! hehe
This is so timely! Last week my mom was helping me w/ laundry and the next day surprised me w/ a laundry sorting storage system.
That’s when my dirty secret came out.
I don’t sort laundry.
Srsly, I have a 3, 2 and 1 year old, sorting laundry is a LUXURY. They’re lucky if it’s clean.
Mom returned it.
I got my agent through old-fashioned query. It took about three months. The best advice I could give on writing a query is to watch Netflix.
No, really.
Netflix has blurbs for each movie and it’s a good way to see how they sum up a movie in a really short paragraph. It’s also useful in getting you to sum up your book in a few pithy sentences.
I love the Netflix idea, Stephanie. That’s a fantastic way to explain the concept of a pitch and/or premise. Thanks!
Lol! I am the same way with laundry. If it can’t be thrown in with everything else it sits in the hamper for months. We don’t wear much red.
When my wife and I had our first laundry day together, I asked “Aren’t you going to sort ’em?”
Her reply was, “What’s sort mean?”
I agree with presenting the best manuscript. Meeting agents at a conference has been a boon, not only for me to have that personal contact, but for both of us to see if we’d be a good fit as agent and client. BTW, I signed with one of them.
It’s also important, if your project is declined, to send a polite email to thank them for their time.
I didn’t bribe my agent but I sent a small gift to a technical advisor. I wasn’t trying to finagle an endorsement out of him . . .
So Rachel, what you are saying is you don’t want the pony I was planning on sending you with my query??? Or the kittens I was planning to go with my manuscript when you requested it??? (wink)
I’ve heard editors say they have gotten envelopes full of confetti or glitter. I can’t imagine doing something so silly. I’m sure what happens is people hear at conferences to make your query stand out, but then they stop listening and start thinking about how they can surprise the editor or agent.
Surprise an agent? Oh, I know! Snakes in a can!
Please no kittens! I’m honestly a bit wary of cats. 🙂 I’d take a self-sustaining pony though.
No confetti! What a mess.
***quickly runs upstairs to my office and jots down Rachel’s request for a self-sufficient pony in my agent file*** 🙂
I cringed reading this! I’m sure the writer only meant to make her query stand out, but who would want an agent that represents you only because they are bribed anyway? And as far as agents go, I would think it would make one more uncomfortable to work with someone if they did this, because they might not be above board later on. Integrity means a lot.
My favorite awkward gift is the year I was preggo and on bed rest and my husband gave me a ginormous pair of heart printed pajama pants and a pack of men’s extra large tees for Valentine’s Day. Way to say, “You’re huge!”
Whew, I’m relieved to know gift giving isn’t part of the query process. Almost every gift I’ve given my wife has failed to impress; I suspect I’d have no better results with an agent.
Jennifer Major, I married the blind date that showed up in the polyester pants ~ plaid, flared, and cuffed.
He bought new two-tone shoes to offset the pants.(It was the mid-1970’s, what else was there?)
After that he wore a military uniform!
Go figure.
38 years later…
I think respect tops any bribe.
I love my agent.
I try to remember to pray for her daily.
That is my gift to her.
(I am guilty of sending snail mail for holidays and inflict my taste for vintage and reproduction cards upon her.)
The first time I sent a book to a publisher, I drew vines and roses artistically across the manila envelope, showing my creativity and drawing attention to my phenomenally cheesy novel. Embarrassing! Fortunately, that was back in my teen years and I learned a couple of things since then. I actually found that novel in my garage awhile back and checked to see if I could maybe heavily edit it. Nope. Chucked it in the trash to make sure nobody ever discovered it with my name on it! =)
I feel for agents and publishers who get stuff like that all the time. Must be hard to write those polite no-thank-you letters without stamping “please get a clue!” on them.
Thanks for the heads up, folks. No chocolates or pajama pants with submissions. Got it.
I can’t recall where I saw this, but somewhere along the way I read that it was a good idea to send a little “something” with your proposal to an Aquisition Editor to help them remember you and your book. For example, if you wrote a book about Gold bricks – send them one, they won’t forget you. If you wrote about how to decorate fruit, send a fruit basket. In any case, the person who sent the basket obviously read that same article.
Prior to working with Books & Such all my contracts (10 total) were all based on building a relationship with the AE at a publishing house. They would tell me when their next meeting was on aquiring books, and I’d send a one-page document with several book ideas. I got a three-book deal that same way. It was a real shock when I came to B&S and had to fill out the proposal format you requested! But I got through it! 😉
The more I do speaking engagements the more frequently I get “uncomfortable” gifts. I feel much more comfortable being on the giving end of the deal. Even when people send money to support our ministry I feel uncomfortable – grateful, but uncomfortable. It just feels like there’s a big responsibility that is on my shoulders when people start spending money on me or what I do!
I was having lunch with an author friend who came to town and had just published a delightful children’s book. She asked if my granddaughter would like a copy and I said that I was sure she would. She asked her name, autographed it to her, handed it to me and said, “That’s $12.95.” Silly me! I thought it was a gift, but what could I do? It was autographed so I couldn’t refuse it after haing told her I wanted it.