Surely by now most of you have seen that agent who received a query, turned it down, took to social media, and asked other authors to write something exactly like what she had just turned down.
So helpful for authors to read this! I usually say that a great agent is the longest relationship an author will have. Editors may move houses or change careers entirely. Your publisher may even get acquired (or close!). Agents are a consistent throughout an author’s publishing career.
Thanks for this post. It’s informative. I currently have no agent. I’ve had two over the course of my publishing career, such as it is. One sold three books for me. He and my editor at the time began boxing me in as to genre, style. I didn’t want to be in a box so I just let the relationship die on the vine. The other agent sold a book I’d been pitching for fifteen years within a couple of weeks of sending it to him. Then he disappeared, probably retired.
Now I have no agent. I have ‘self-published’ seven books with Amazon KDP. But my latest--I consider it a ‘legacy’ book--good, no, great, and I want it to have the kind of exposure only a good publishing house and crew can deliver. So I’m looking for an agent. Actually, I am currently trying to sell three books. But, as you know, it’s a slow go. I’ve also entered these books in about a dozen publishing house ‘contests.’ My novel, The Fake Memoir of a Mid-List Writer was one of five shortlisted titles for the Nicholas Schaffner Award for Music in Literature. Talk about being hyped… I waited for a couple of months, hoping, praying, fantasizing, about what this could mean…’
Then I got an email from the editor. He informed me that there would be no winner this year (2024). He just cancelled the hopes and dreams of not only myself, but the four other contenders. He said he was sorry and would return my $30. Depressed, sickened, I just told him to keep it. Currently my book is still entered in about ten other ‘contests.’
So, other then unburdening my soul, I wanted to say that what you’ve offered is a very expert analysis of the publishing game.
Gabino, I’d love to know more about your advice for small press authors who may or may not seek agenting. I’ve heard small press with not stellar sales can hinder an agent in the future. I’m one of those small press authors—and I am considering my future. I hope going small press won’t make any future relationships with a potential agent different.
Terrific article! Much appreciated, Gabino. (I've been agented twice and now a few years later, I'm considering whether to query again or take another path.)
Such an amazing resource for querying writers out there.
Great article. One of your best
Excellent article!
So helpful for authors to read this! I usually say that a great agent is the longest relationship an author will have. Editors may move houses or change careers entirely. Your publisher may even get acquired (or close!). Agents are a consistent throughout an author’s publishing career.
Yes!
Spot on!
Clarifying! Ty!
Setting the clock right, Gabino. Thanks!
Thank you, Gabino! 🤗 Great article!
Thank you for posts like this. As someone brand new to the publishing world, your posts explaining topics like this are so helpful.
These posts are invaluable. Thank you Gabino.
Thanks for this post. It’s informative. I currently have no agent. I’ve had two over the course of my publishing career, such as it is. One sold three books for me. He and my editor at the time began boxing me in as to genre, style. I didn’t want to be in a box so I just let the relationship die on the vine. The other agent sold a book I’d been pitching for fifteen years within a couple of weeks of sending it to him. Then he disappeared, probably retired.
Now I have no agent. I have ‘self-published’ seven books with Amazon KDP. But my latest--I consider it a ‘legacy’ book--good, no, great, and I want it to have the kind of exposure only a good publishing house and crew can deliver. So I’m looking for an agent. Actually, I am currently trying to sell three books. But, as you know, it’s a slow go. I’ve also entered these books in about a dozen publishing house ‘contests.’ My novel, The Fake Memoir of a Mid-List Writer was one of five shortlisted titles for the Nicholas Schaffner Award for Music in Literature. Talk about being hyped… I waited for a couple of months, hoping, praying, fantasizing, about what this could mean…’
Then I got an email from the editor. He informed me that there would be no winner this year (2024). He just cancelled the hopes and dreams of not only myself, but the four other contenders. He said he was sorry and would return my $30. Depressed, sickened, I just told him to keep it. Currently my book is still entered in about ten other ‘contests.’
So, other then unburdening my soul, I wanted to say that what you’ve offered is a very expert analysis of the publishing game.
As one scribbler to another, thank you!
Gabino, I’d love to know more about your advice for small press authors who may or may not seek agenting. I’ve heard small press with not stellar sales can hinder an agent in the future. I’m one of those small press authors—and I am considering my future. I hope going small press won’t make any future relationships with a potential agent different.
Very useful, thanks!
Right on target, real world. Refreshing read.
Terrific article! Much appreciated, Gabino. (I've been agented twice and now a few years later, I'm considering whether to query again or take another path.)
Ah the mythical agent. Like the unicorn. One can say anything and be right, or wrong,