Blogger: Wendy Lawton
We get queries by the bucket load as you can imagine. Most writers don’t make it past the query stage simply because of the sheer volume of fine queries. I’m going to share a pub hack with you. Don’t share this secret with anyone. You can skip the query stage. Let me give you four tips that will allow you to go directly to submit your full proposal and skip the query stage.
- Meet an agent or an editor at a writing conference. When you sit down with an agent or editor at a writer’s conference, that IS the query. If he or she says, “That sounds interesting. Sent it to me,” you are in. You only need send the proposal and sample chapters or full manuscript. Whatever they request.
- Meet the agent or editor at an event. Or at Starbucks. True story: I stopped at a Starbucks about a hundred miles from my home on a Friday afternoon on my way out of town. A tall, poised woman greeted me by name. She said, “My name is Yolando and I met you briefly at Mount Hermon.” Turns out she was also about a hundred miles from her home enroute to somewhere else. While waiting for our Frappuccinos, she told me about her project. Intrigued, I asked her to send it. Yes, there are those serendipitous connections.
- Come via a referral from an existing client or author. This one is a little more tricky since you can’t just go up to one of our clients and say, “Will you refer me to your agent?” The offer has to come from the agented writer and they need to have read your work and be ready to be an enthusiastic supporter of you as a writer. I can’t tell you how many times we agents hear, “Michael Hyatt recommended you.” We know that means that the writer got our name off the list of agent names Michael Hyatt keeps on his website. A true recommendation from Michael Hyatt would be an entirely different animal. Be aware that when you say one of our clients referred you, the first thing we’ll do is pick up the phone and ask that client why he felt we were perfect for each other. More than once I’ve heard, “I didn’t refer her. she just asked me who my agent was.” Bad form.
- Enter a contest. Contests are often judged by editors or agents. That’s how I came to represent Lori Benton. She was in a stack of contest finalists. If an agent sees stunning work, he’ll jump on it.
These shortcuts don’t work
- Cold calling the agent or editor on the phone. Seriously. You’d laugh if you heard the breathlessly intense phone calls we get. A writer is judged by his writing. There is no way to transmit that over the phone lines.
- Sending the unrequested proposal or full manuscript to the agent’s or editor’s email. All that says is that the sender feels somehow entitled to ignore the process. Even if the writing were stellar it’s not worth our time to represent an “entitled” writer. They never do well in publishing.
- Mentioning a client’s name or the name of a well-known author, implying it is a referral. We check. We ask for more information. It won’t work.
- Having your secretary or publicist call of send the proposal on your behalf. These earn an eye roll. Cold calling is bad enough but having a minion cold call? What kind of impression do you think that makes.
So, now that you know these pub hacks do you promise to keep the secret? Will any of these help you?
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Becky McCoy
I would like to think an agent or publisher will stumble onto my blog or we will strike up a conversation watching our kids play at a play ground.
Realistically, I’d love to sit down with someone at a conference. Mt Hermon is a dream, but for now I need to find a Christian non-fiction conference closer to the north east. I’ve read through lists of possible conferences, but it’s so hard to tell if they are worthwhile or not.
How do you advise writers when choosing a conference to attend?
Shirlee Abbott
Becky, I have twice gone to the Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference–the first time just because it was close by, a second time because I learned so much the first time. It’s not limited to non-fiction, but offers many sessions for non-fiction, blogging and marketing. Check out the website for the agents and editors who attend.
Becky McCoy
Thanks Shirlee!
Wendy Lawton
Ask around. I used to love the Sandy Cove Conference in MD but sadly it is no more. Philadelphia, yes. Just look at the faculty roster and make your choices based on the faculty you wish to sit under.
Shirlee Abbott
‘Twould be amazing to find myself in line behind you, Wendy, waiting for a vacation cup of coffee, But I might need that coffee before I could make a coherent pitch. God moves in mysterious ways.
Wendy Lawton
And the funny thing, it was not a pitch. When she mentioned Mount Hermon I just asked what she was writing. It was natural conversation.
Jeanne Takenaka
I am generally a good secret-keeper, but I don’t know if I can keep this secret. 😉 I will, however, promise to not do any of the shortcuts that don’t work!
*I’ve enjoyed meeting agents at ACFW the past few years I attended (including you last year. ;)). I always like putting a face and voice to the names of people I follow/read online. It makes me more comfortable (a little) when pitching my story.
Wendy Lawton
I’m the same way– face time is important for me. And it usually takes a few times of meeting and observing for someone to become memorable.
Jeanne Takenaka
I’m looking forward to seeing you again, Wendy. 🙂
Shelli Littleton
I’ll keep the secret forever. 🙂 My first conference is only about 8 days away, so I appreciate you. I’m so excited to meet writer friends for the first time and sit through writer classes. Praying the knot that’s already in my tummy will ease up. 🙂 And I love Lori Benton’s writing … sweet find. 🙂
Lori Benton
Thank you, Shelli. I’ll always be grateful for that particular contest and the Bookies who held it. I had met Wendy at a conference several months before, but my work wasn’t ready then (far too long, so Wendy passed on looking at it). I’d worked very hard on that particular manuscript between the conference (Mount Hermon, which I highly recommend) and the advent of the contest, trimming it down significantly (not knowing this contest was coming but knowing I did need to do that work–Wendy wasn’t the only agent who made that clear at that conference). That book hasn’t found a home yet, but it found me one.
Shelli Littleton
Lori, what a beautiful testimony! A testimony of taking agents’ advice to make your work the best it can be. It’s hard to believe you possess a book without a home … but that is much encouragement for me to keep writing, keep trying. 🙂 “That book hasn’t found a home yet, but it found me one.” Beautiful.
Wendy Lawton
I’m looking forward to meeting you, Shelli. Be sure to say hi.
Shelli Littleton
You know I’ll do my best, Wendy! 🙂 Because I’m so looking forward to meeting you, too.
Jeanne Takenaka
Shelli, I’m so looking forward to meeting you in a few days!
Shelli Littleton
Me, too, Jeanne! 🙂
No one you know...
I am very good at keeping secrets.
So good, no one will figure out who I am.
Even though Mike Hyatt sent me. I call him Mike. We’re peeps.
Is hanging out on the agent’s front lawn a bad idea?
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Meeting in person would be my first choice, but it’s simply not possible now. I physically can’t do it, and would do myself no favours as a writer if I tried.
* I did have a lead through #3, facilitated by the graciousness of a represented author, but it led nowhere, even after a couple of rewrites (over nearly a year). It was suggested (with kindness and candour) that I might try another genre, and re-submit. I tried to write along those lines, but it was a genre for which I had no feeling. The results were dreadful. I didn’t send them.
* I’ve substantially reworked the first submission, but don’t plan to send it to the same agent. I suppose I could, but…
* …there are synergies to life, and sometimes they’re not good. The initial process took part during a particularly ugly and drawn-out happening, and the combination killed my confidence stone dead. (It also materially affected my writing voice, but that’s another story.)
* I continue to write; my blog is well-received, and I’m happy with its quality, and I’ve got another WIP, but the metaphorical hammer that descended at that time stopped every plan to try the waters again. I don’t know whether the confidence will return, or even whether circumstances will make the point moot. I haven’t queried since, and have no plans to do so. Maybe this shows me up as gutless; I don’t know, and it doesn’t really matter.
* I apologise for the personal narrative, but I think there’s a something in there that could help others…that synergies can have unexpectedly malign effects. The process of looking for an agent is hard; you needn’t wait until life is perfect, but be aware that the congruencies of life can really damage that vital but fragile commodity, your self-confidence.
Shelli Littleton
You gutless? No way.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Thanks, Shelli…but you might be surprised. After a weekend that brought me to my knees, both physically and in the sense of morale, I was tempted to simply pass on participating…in anything.
* It’s important to keep showing up. Sometimes it’s all you can do.
Wendy Lawton
“but I think there’s a something in there that could help others…” That’s what you are known for online, Andrew. Giving far more than you receive.
Norma Brumbaugh
I get this. This past June I requested an endorsement for a book that’s nearing completion from an author I respect and have quoted in my book. He was gracious and willing.The tone to the reply I received (after he perused my manuscript) was quite unexpected, negative and critical. I think I hit a nerve because the topic is controversial. However, his reaction leveled my confidence and made me question if I was approaching the subject in the best manner. I may thank him one day, the jury’s out. He may have done me a favor. Yet, it’s made me uncertain about my writing voice. That part’s not good.
Norma
Oops, Andrew. I meant to attach my reply to your earlier comment about self confidence.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
For what my opinion may be worth, Norma, you’ve got a distinctive and powerful voice. Clear, concise, and compelling; it shows on the comments you leave here, on the comments you’ve left on my blog, and of course on your own site.
* Remember that it was only one man’s opinion, and you might have gotten a response that was a reflection of a bad frame of mind, or bad life experience at the time. When I was teaching, and my personal life was not going well, I had to guard against being unduly harsh when grading
students’ work.
Jeanne Takenaka
Gutless and Andrew do not belong in the same comment together. Ever. You are an inspiration in the ways you continue to reach out to and encourage others. Myself included.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
jeanne, thank you – I really appreciate that, and reaching out to help people see that there CAN be a brighter tomorrow (sometimes in spite of some pretty big obstacles) is important to me.
* Without going into detail, what happened was the agent’s pass and suggestion for future work was nearly simultaneous with something that made me question why I was even writing in my chosen ‘heart’ genre to begin with. The connection was unexpected, and shattering. Not taking another chance on the revised MS feels a bit craven. but not having the faintest belief that there could be a positive outcome means that the very presentation will be less than a best effort; a subconscious “I’m going through the motions” exercise. Good that I won’t make ACFW; I couldn’t pitch anything effectively. The belief’s not there any more.
* And I guess that is the caveat I’d like to throw out there – particularly in the case of a face-to-face meeting, you’ve got to believe in yourself, and believe in your work…and you have to be mindful of maintaining and supporting your own morale. Not as an “I’m so great” ego trip, but as a set of building blocks – incorporating good reviews from Beta readers and contest judges, and in particular KNOWING that you’ve done everything that you can do, to make the MS the very best it can be through incorporating the results of study and suggestions from crit partners.
Jeanne Takenaka
Andrew, you’re right. Having confidence (NOT over-confidence) in who you are helps so much in those pitch sessions. I appreciate you sharing a little more about your comment. You have so much good to say, and you have a wonderful way with words.
Jane
Well shoot. I was going to have my minion call you today. Guess I’ll have to tell her to stand down.
Wendy Lawton
You can give your minions the day off.
Kristen Joy Wilks
Well, I guess I’m doing two of these. My sister and I go to a conference every year and I always make sure to pitch. Then my critique partner and I enter at least one contest every year. Not for the faint of heart, because I can’t keep myself from hoping. But I’ve met lots of amazing agents doing this, just not found that perfect connection and I’ve semi-finaled in a contest. But even beyond that, putting yourself out there forces you to stretch and grow. I just got some difficult feedback on my query from a contest this week. Yes, I cried, but then I had this great idea to make my first chapter better and to strengthen the inner stakes! Heartbreak and Huzzahs all mixed up together right?
Wendy Lawton
“Heartbreak and Huzzahs all mixed up together right?” So true.
Sheila King
I enjoy entering contests.The latest was Pitch Wars by Brenda Drake. I didn’t get picked, but that is a learning experience, too.
Wendy Lawton
If you’re picking and choosing, take a look at who the judges are– it might help you narrow down the opportunities.
Wendy L Macdonald
Wendy, thank you for reminding us to get busy and enter contests. It may take us a few times to get noticed, but the feedback will help us do better on the next round. The old saying, “No pain—no gain” is especially true for writers who want to improve their craft.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
Wendy Lawton
I love that you say those magic words, “improve the craft.” That’s the real key that will unlock all doors.
Shelli Littleton
“Improve their craft” … that’s why I’m so looking forward to the conference … learning from the best. Seems too good to be true. 🙂
Norma Brumbaugh
Helpful. Interesting. Hopeful. I guess we authors can be pretty pathetic at times. I’ve made my share of mistakes on this journey to publication. It’s encouraging to know there is more than one route to the destination.
Amelia Rhodes
What a great list of tips! I have to say, writers conferences have been the most helpful experiences for me. I met my agent at one 🙂 I also have met an incredible group of writer friends from across the country. God has used conferences to change my writing life in so many good ways.
Jenni Brummett
Amelia, I met my future agent during my first year at Mount Hermon. Two years later she offered representation. Blessed beyond measure.
Lisa Bogart
I can testify…meeting at a conference is where I found the Bookies. And I’ll tell ya I met with Janet several times before my work was ready for her to take a further look. Meeting face-to-face can be intimidating but it’s real time, real reactions, and a real way to see how you are stacking up as an author.
April Avey Trabucco
Meeting you at OCW was a turning point for me and this is a wonderful list. I’m fine tuning my manuscript and prospecting contests and other conferences. There is so much to learn and conferences offer wonderful insight and instruction. I just joined ACFW and am looking forward to plugging in there as well.
Richard Mabry
Wendy, when people ask me the best way to “get an agent,” I give them two bits of advice–first, be certain you’ve mastered the craft to the point that you won’t embarrass yourself or the person you query, and second, try to go to a conference and meet the agent face-to-face if at all possible.
And, are there really people who have their secretary or publicist call you? (I have neither–maybe I’m doing something wrong).
Erendira
Hi Wendy: Thanks for this informative inside scoop. I wonder if attending a conference is recommending even though a full manuscript is not completed? I have a series of short stories that are all linked in characters, and I know there are competitions that seek those types of manuscripts (be it novelette, or novella). I believe my stories are heading into those brackets, but I am curious about a writer’s conference, to grease the skids to either taking that next step to meet and greet and begin the road to publishing. Your thoughts, or anyone else here, care to share?
Jenni Brummett
Erendira, when I first attended Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference I did not have a completed novel, only an idea for one. I learned about the industry, gleaned direction from the Lord, and started relationships with faculty and attendees that have blessed my socks off in consecutive years.
Conferences are an investment, but they are an invaluable milepost along the publishing journey.
Erendira
Thank you Jenni for your response. I am truly glad I threw out the question, and was glad to hear your experience. I think this helps me and motivates me to pursue the possibility. I do think Mt Hermon is a good choice as its been highly recommended by different people I’ve asked. This is great. Thanks for stopping by.
Jill Weatherholt
I couldn’t agree with you more about contests, Wendy. I recently received my first contract through Harlequin’s Blurb to Book contest. I wrote the book in three months, in order to receive a critique by a professional editor. Never in my wildest dream, did I expect a contract.
Keli Gwyn
I chose the contest route to getting an agent. Knowing that publishing pros are the final round judges and will, at times, request to see more from finalists, I entered a number of contests sponsored by different chapters of Romance Writers of America. It took many contest entries and lots of years of craft study before I began finaling, but when I did, the publishing pros took notice. Rachelle requested the full. I polished that story some more, hit “send” with a trembling finger and received The Call days later. I didn’t want to be one of those in the query queue, and this was my way around it.
Peter DeHaan
What a great post. I don’t enter many contests, so I can’t confirm your fourth point, but from personal experience I know the first three work!
Teresa Tysinger
Oh, now I feel like a true insider with this trade secret in my back pocket. 🙂 Truth is, this is the exact reason I’m pushing myself to attend one day of the ACFW Conference next week! I live not too far away, but can’t take off time from my full-time day job so will only be attending Saturday. However, the thought of meeting with Mary is enticing enough to be there! Thanks for sharing with us, as always!