Blogger: Mary Keeley
It’s a thrill and no small victory when an agent shows interest in representing you. You have succeeded in presenting a promising proposal and a professional first impression. Is it time to start celebrating?
Well, not just yet. The ideal author-agent relationship is both an authentic business partnership and a personal relationship with a common passion for your work. Wendy Lawton wrote an excellent blog two days ago on what she looks for in an unpublished client. I visualize every agent’s nodding head.
But today, let’s give equal time. What should a new writer look for in an agent? It’s so tempting to go with the first agent who offers representation because it means you’ve cleared the number one hurdle in launching your career, right? And, frankly, you don’t know how long it will be until another agent expresses interest.
At first glance that thought process seems logical and expedient. But stop yourself. There is more to this decision. There are career and personal benefits in having a long-term relationship with your agent, so you should consider some important factors. In your initial interview, ask the agent some questions and evaluate the responses before quickly signing on. (For the sake of simplicity, I’ll use the pronoun she when referring to agent in the scenarios below.)
Did the agent exhibit a genuine interest in you? Did she ask appropriate questions about your history that contributed to your wanting to be an author? Where you learned your craft? Your interests and passions? Your faith? Awards you’ve won? Does she show interest in your family? These are indications of her level of interest in you as a person.
Did the agent exhibit genuine care and attention in discussions about your branding? After the get-acquainted conversation about you and your book(s), ask the agent to offer initial insights as to your branding. Is her perspective helpful, and did you learn something about her level of expertise? Did she repeat something you said earlier? This interaction will let you know how well the agent has been listening to you.
Was the agent encouraging? Was she warm and engaging, easy to talk to? If it was an in-person interview, was there good eye contact? Assuming she had read your proposal beforehand, did she offer honest feedback, constructive criticism, and suggestions for improvement? These clues will inform you if she is the type of agent who is willing to invest time and thought in you. I’ve heard some authors complain that their agent never talks to them unless they have a new book ready to shop. This type of agent works for some authors, but not for everyone.
How was the communication? Did your personalities blend well? Did you seem to be connecting with the agent in your conversation? Did you see indications that your personalities are complimentary? Patience and tolerance are necessary even in the best working relationships. But have you ever run into a situation where the person just pushes all your buttons? When considering an author-agent relationship, that is an obvious non-fit.
Is the agent knowledgeable and up-to-date with industry changes? The publishing industry is changing faster than a race car team changes tires. Ask the agent for her perception of what’s ahead for publishing. Ask how she is currently advising clients to plan for and incorporate new technologies and how they will affect authors’ content.
Do you and the agent share the same core values and beliefs? This is all-important–foundational really. You and your agent should value similar character traits. Some are all about the relationship; some are all about the business side. Some are slow and methodical; others are quick to act. Some people place a high priority on whatever it takes to make the sale. I’ve observed instances in which a writer just wasn’t believable. It’s a matter of values. For those who read our blog, you know that integrity, honesty, and trust are non-negotiables. In your interview, how can you discern the agent’s values and beliefs? Describe some hypothetical situations and ask the agent how she would deal with them. By the end of the interview, you should have a sense of what the agent values so you can determine if those core principles are a match for yours.
What are you looking for in an agent? If you’ve had a bad experience in the past, share what you learned from the experience. Conversely, share your good-fit experience.
Renai
Hi, I found your blog about the right agent of some good sound advice. But in our world of(my husband is the writer, not me)having not had anything published and waiting for a start, I can see why someone might want to take the first offer given.
I always think my hubby is a true writer as he loves it so much.He’s written two novels, numerous short stories and articles and still trying to get a break.It’s a really tough world to get into,we thought we had perserverance but apparently maybe God thinks we need some more!
Mary Keeley
Renai, your husband is not alone in this persevering stage. Much of what you describe is reality for many aspiring authors. While he’s waiting, he can continue taking positive steps to hone his craft by attending writers conferences or ordering the tapes, reading books on writing, and joining a critique group that includes members at a more advanced level who can challenge him. These things will help to keep him encouraged and inspired.
When he does prompt an agent’s interest, he should take a little time to evaluate if the agent is a workable fit. It could avoid a setback down the road.
Sarah Forgrave
Such wise advice, Mary. When I began my agent hunt, I made the decision beforehand to not settle for less than God’s best for me. And thankfully I found it. As a newbie in this business, I knew I would need open communication and a fair amount of hand-holding. I never dreamed I would find someone who does both those things while also understanding my family situation and encouraging me to put them first. I’m so thankful the Lord led me to you. 🙂
Mary Keeley
Thanks, Sarah. There is a bright future ahead.
Jeanne
What a great post. The questions you offer for a client to ask an agent are so helpful! My hope, when I connect with an agent is that we will have a good working relationship wher there is honesty, and good communication. I know myself well enough to know that I will do best with more communication than when there is a book to shop.f 🙂 I appreciate that integrity, honesty and trust are some of the core values Books and Such hold high. Those are the best qualities for a good working relationship, and qualities I hope to find in an agent, when the time comes.
Mary Keeley
Jeanne, you’re doing well. You already know what you want (and need) in an agent at this stage of your writing career. You will be able to confidently enter into agent interviews with a discerning eye for the relationship fit that is right for you.
Mary Curry
I know what you mean, Jeanne. This is a lovely place to interact (which I should do more frequently rather than just read) because the posts exude the values you mention.
Jill Kemerer
So much wisdom here.
I prayed for months before deciding who to query. I wanted someone who shared my faith, believes in (and loves) my writing, and who wants the best for my books.
I’ve been so blessed to have Rachel as my agent. God DOES answer prayers. 🙂
Mary Keeley
Jill, thanks for sharing your win-win experience. You added a good ingredient to the search mix: prayer is essential.
Lindsay Harrel
Great post, Mary! I’m determined to not query anyone just for the sake of having an agent, because like you said, it’s important for me to have the RIGHT agent. I’ve kept my eye on several agents through their blogs and Twitter, just to catch glimpses of their personalities and professional personas (not in a creepy way, I promise!).
I definitely want someone who believes the same as I do and who believes in my writing. Someone who will be in my corner. Someone who will help me navigate the waters of the publishing world.
And I have been VERY impressed with this agency in particular. You all have caught my eye for sure! Such professionalism and encouragement to be found here.
Have a great weekend, Mary!
Mary Keeley
Lindsay, you offered a great example of how to go about searching for an agent from the perspective of knowing what values are important to you. And you mentioned an across-the-board important ingredient: Your agent must believe in you and have a passion for your writing.
Mary Keeley
You have a great weekend too, Lindsay.
Cheryl Malandrinos
What a great way to top off a week of wonderful and helpful posts. Mary, your post got me to thinking a lot about the two agent meetings I had last year–one online and one in person.
The first (online) was exciting, but I got the feeling she was only looking at the picture book I pitched because she didn’t want to crush my hopes. Definitely, not a bad trait, it shows she has compassion; but in the end, I wasn’t surprised when the rejection came.
The second was thrilling because the agent seemed interested in what my manuscript could be after significant changes. She offered tons of helpful advice. I’m not sure our personalities would mesh, though. I still haven’t decided if I will send her the manuscript once I revise it.
On another note, I have to say I truly appreciate the effort your agency puts forth to interact with its blog readers. I follow another agency blog, and while I comment regularly, I feel like I’m talking to myself. I happen to like the content, though, so I haven’t unsubscribed. Kudos to all of you.
Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.
Mary Keeley
Cheryl, thanks for sharing your practical experience evaluating an agent and wisdom in not jumping into a relationship that might not be a good fit. Since the second agent invested the time to offer good advice, it would be worthwhile to have a second conversation with her before you dismiss the opportunity. Ask more questions that will help confirm or dispel your concerns about the personality fit.
Blessed weekend to you too.
Anita Mae Draper
Several years ago an ABA writer friend said she’d sent out 100 agent queries and was excited to see who replied. I was aghast and wrote a blogpost about trolling for an agent vs doing your homework and wooing the one that best suited your needs. I wrote that the agent/client partnership was like a marriage – a longstanding one where you experienced the highs and lows together with one common goal. She retaliated with a post about divorce statistics, bag agents, karma, etc.
But she didn’t sway me. I believed that God had someone special waiting just for me.
Over the years I queried a few agents who I felt an affinity to and thought I’d get along well with professionaly. When they either rejected me or kept me waiting, I felt a sense of relief. Sometimes it was because I heard something about them later that rankled, but really… why would I feel relief if it was the agent God had in mind for me?
A few months ago, I was working on a project and an agent fell into my lap. Yes, you read that right… God gifted me with an agent. Someone who wasn’t even on my horizon although now I wonder why not. Since our first email exchange, I’ve felt peace about this agent. (Although I admit when we spoke on the phone, I grilled her with a list of questions from Rachelle Gardner’s ‘What To Ask An Agent’ post.)
With everything I’ve learned these past few years, I now feel confident I can hold up my part of the partnership.
Mary, thank you for finding me. 🙂
Mary Curry
I love your comment here, Anita. It reminds me very much of how I feel about God leading me to write inspirational fiction.
I’ve been writing for a long time, but for the secular market. So often I was this close to a sale, but each time something made me back away. I had a level of discomfort I couldn’t explain.
It wasn’t until I felt drawn to inspirational fiction that I understood what had been happening.
I’m so happy for you that Mary found you!
Mary Keeley
Anita, great wisdom, great example to follow. I remember the “grill.” LOL. What it told me about you as a potential client is you had a knowledge of the industry, took the time to do your homework, and came across as a professional. Your experience offers good advice for everyone seeking an agent.
(I’m glad I found you before someone else did 🙂
Cynthia Herron
Mary, I’ll always remember my first conversation with my agent. I had my list of questions in hand and a pen and pad at the ready.
That moment is ingrained in my memory forever. Little did said agent know that I would possibly be the first client who ever passed out while on the phone. Yep, literally saw stars. My husband saved the day by bringing me a glass of water.
I was so glad my agent didn’t know that half the time I talked to her, I had my head down between my knees.
Believe me, it was a moving experience! 😉
Mary Keeley
Cynthia, your agent obviously looked past your nervousness to see your unique voice and passion and potential in your writing 🙂
Mary Curry
Mary, thank you for such a reassuring and informative post. Sarah mentioned hand-holding in her comment above and that is what this agency’s blog feels like to me – hand-holding for those of us who are not yet represented.
Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.
Mary Keeley
You’re welcome, Mary. Thanks for your comment. Yes, here we strive to encourage as we inform and address realities in the industry.
Robin Patchen
I’ve been praying for my future agent for months, knowing God knows exactly who he or she is. I believe I’ll add to the things I’ve already been praying that God will give me insight to know when I’ve found the one He has for me. I cannot imagine refusing representation, but I know God will enable me if the time comes. Thanks for the reminder that we writers have choices, too. Have a great weekend, Mary.
Mary Keeley
Robin, I’m glad that message came across to you. Writers do have choices to make. Choosing the agent to partner with is a big decision.
Have a great weekend.
Connie Almony
I relate to much of what your first commenter said. It would be hard not to jump at the first person who offered to represent me. I need to get my foot in the door and that is just not an easy thing to do in this business. However, I hear of authors sending to anyone who has an email, sorting through rejection letters waiting for that magic number or the amount that would fill a wall. I have been picky, so far. I am looking for a Christian literary agent who will understand my need to do this as a ministry while also able to advise me in the business end which will make the ministry more powerful. I like honesty about craft, yet someone who can also remind me of what is good about my writing, cause, yes, I sometimes need a reason to keep doing it and believe I have something to offer. Yet, I don’t want to be plodding along in mediocrity, thinking something’s good when it just isn’t.
Mary Keeley
Connie, it’s good you can identify specifics of what you’re looking for in an agent. Now you can research agent blogs and websites, try to get to a writers conference where you can schedule in-person meetings with agents who interest you, and send out query emails. Writers conferences are great places to get a critique of your WIP. You may have to pay for it, but you will get helpful feedback. Also, join a critique group in your area. I hope you have success in your search.
Debbie
I had a reputable agent once (still have the contract somewhere). She couldn’t sell my book. Fast-forward a few years, having moved house and had a baby – when I reconnected, she denied my ever having been her client! Clearly I totally failed to make an impression.
Mary Keeley
Ouch! What an unfortunate experience, Debbie. It may be equal part your book needed work before it was shopped and equal part that she didn’t invest the effort to help you with that. Don’t place all the responsibility solely on yourself. And don’t give up if you believe God has give you a passion to write!
Emily Rachelle
I don’t comment on here much, but I had to say I love this line: “The publishing industry is changing faster than a race car team changes tires.” So true!
Mary Keeley
And we need to keep rolling with it. (Sorry, that was bad, but couldn’t resist.) Thanks for your comment, Emily Rachelle.
Cindy R. Wilson
This is such great information and so timely for me. I love how you express that the relationship between author and agent isn’t ONLY about the professional side. When I prayed and researched about who I wanted to query, I made sure they were agents who (from what I gathered) were professional but also took an interest in their authors. I really want an agent who can pray with me and help guide me, but also someone who is really rooting for me and believes in my work. Thanks for this post!
Mary Keeley
Cindy, then that agent is worth the search and the wait because you know what is a fit for you. Thanks for your comment.
Gabrielle Meyer
Thank you for another knowledgeable post about the agent/author relationship. Your passion and care for the authors you represent is evident in the things you’ve listed as important.
Mary Keeley
Thanks, Gabrielle.
Sharon Stanley
I am happy to see I must be on the right track. As much as I hope for representation, I’ve often thought the wrong representation could only be like the wrong husband…and no one wants that! I have had my little list of questions for some time. I’ve wondered how they would be received if/when that call/email comes so I am happy to see they would be welcome by reputable representation. Thanks for such an informative and thought provoking post.
Mary Keeley
Excellent analogy, Sharon. The author-agent relationship has been viewed as a marriage of sorts.
Yes, you should be asking those questions. The agent you’re interviewing with will see you as professional and savvy about the industry.
Kate
Delicious information and yummy comments! (Yikes…it’s noon on the West Coast…time for tea a and “a little snack of something to sustain me,” I guess.)
“Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor.” I cut this saying out of the Amish “Budget” newspaper. It reminds me to trust Him, to seek, but not insist on my own way and to be ready!
I’m looking for an agent with similar values, someone knowledgeable in the publishing business, well versed in contract negotiations and fun.
You know, flexible and with the ability to laugh…because one of my core values is joy… ” A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Pr.17:22) And after forty-four years of marriage I know that I know the value of a cheerful heart!
Mary Keeley
Kate, what a surprise that joy is one of your core values 🙂 Actually, joy permeates every line of your comment. I trust you will soon connect with that like-minded agent soon.
And congratulations on 44 years of cheerful-hearted marriage.
Martha Ramirez
Wow Mary! Thank you for this! I had my list of questions for agents but your list was nothing like it. You have great points. I found this to be very helpful.
Thank you!!
Mary Keeley
Thanks Martha. I’m glad they helped.
Peter DeHaan
These are all great points, but if a writer only has one agent interested, it will be really hard to say “no” even when they are not the right fit for each other.
Mary Keeley
Peter, you are so right. But the writer still is a choice. He or she can step back from the search for a while to continue growing and improving as a writer until the proposal attracts the attention of an agent who is a good fit. In the long run this could be the better choice.
Ann Bracken
Most of us get so caught up in the excitement of maybe getting an agent, that we miss the points you listed. They are so important!
I’m blessed to work in a company where I was in on the decision on who to hire to be my boss. We interviewed a number of candidates, and selected the one we thought to be the best fit. As a result, we have a very happy and productive group.
It’s easy to extrapolate the importance of that kind of care and concern to the process of picking an agent. This will be a long-term working relationship. It’s vital it’s a good one.
Mary Keeley
Amen, Ann. Thanks for sharing your excellent example, the end result being you are a happy, productive team. Like you said, it’s easy to practically apply this example to the author-agent choice.
sally apokedak
I’ve had a good experience with an agent.
Not that it didn’t cost anything. I think every relationship costs something. But it was good in that I liked my agent to begin with and I liked her even better at the end of the relationship and I felt like I grew during the time I was with her.
Mary Keeley
Sally, I’m glad your experience was good. You bring up a good point that the relationship with your agent can, and hopefully will, grow better and better through the years.
Traci Kenworth
All sorts of good advice here. Thanks!!
Mary Keeley
You’re welcome, Traci. I hope it helps you prepare for your next agent interview.
Rick Barry
Mary, I’m curious. Some agents write in addition to representing others. When agents who write are ready to submit a manuscript, is it typical for them to represent themselves to the editors, or do agents prefer the objectivity of having a colleague tout the value of their work?
Mary Keeley
Interesting question, Rick. Typically, agents have well-established relationships with editors and an awareness of what editors are currently looking for. This allows an agent to submit his or her manuscript directly to an appropriate editor. As you can imagine, an agent who is also an author is immersed in the publishing world and will have attained a high level in his or her writing craft as well as a savvy sense of the book’s marketability.
Rachelle Christensen
Thank you for this valuable post and the comment trail! I love the points you focused on, and I think the most important thing for me is to have confidence that God is directing my path. It’s hard because I’ve already published 3 books and my publisher is asking to see my fourth, and I feel ready to work with an agent. But He knows writing is important to me and I have to trust that when the time is right for me to find an agent, it will happen. Thank you again for sharing your expertise.
Mary Keeley
Rachelle, you are so right. It sounds like you are ready to start researching agents. Pray and trust God will direct you to those who might be a fit for you (Proverbs 3:5-6). Then send them a proposal for your next book. If you get interviews, the suggested questions should be helpful to you.
Lori Wildenberg
A hearty YES to all questions. And a GREAT and a YES to number four. A perfect match. Thanks Mary. You are a blessing!
Mary Keeley
Thanks, Lori.
Jennifer Rumberger
What a great post! I’m just starting out in the agent hunt, and I really appreciated reading your list of things to consider. Thanks!
Maryann Kalytka
I am new to this industry. I have been telling stories for many years but never sought to get my work published. I never had the time to do the research. So now I am trying and finding that it’s complicated. My current project is a collection of short stories. It is not a novel as they are unrelated stand alone pieces on the same subject. My question is what genre does it go in? The stories are all fiction. How do I explain or submit a query?
Each of the stories have a different tone to them so reading just one won’t give a complete picture. Help