In the last couple of months, I’ve had quite a few folks ask me for recommendations for agents to contact. I have a few names that I offer, people I’ve met whose clients rave about them, plus my own agent Manie Barron (who I absolutely love). But more important than knowing an agent’s reputation, client list or clout in the industry, you have to figure out if the agent is someone with whom you can work.
Many people liken an author/agent relationship to a marriage, and I can’t disagree with that. A publishing career can be like a marriage as well, in that there are ups and downs, successes and failures and if you are lucky, you’re in it for the long haul. Having been married for almost 18 years myself, I can say with some reliability that the one thing a good marriage cannot survive without is the ability to communicate.
All things being equal–meaning you’ve found an agent who fits all those objective criteria folks say you should look for–make sure the agent you pick is someone you can talk to, share a laugh with, someone unafraid to be effusive about how much they like your work and someone who seems like they will have a good pep talk handy if (God forbid) you need one.
Most of all…they must understand your book…and how to sell it!
I agree wholeheartedly. And that’s where that great communication comes in especially handy. How can someone really understand your book, what you want to accomplish with it and how best to address your needs if communication is hampered by other factors
Hi Deidre
I was introduced to Manie through Leslie Banks. I’m excited to say that he has recently offered to represent me, and I and already feel an overwhelming sense of relief.
Relief because he “gets” me and is excited about my work.
As we begin our agent/client
relationship, I look forward to working with someone who has such insight into this rocky and for me as a new author, somewhat scary world of publishing.
Thank you for your insightful post Deirdre!!
Kim
Hey Kim,
Glad to “meet” you. You’ll enjoy working with Manie. He is very knowledgeable and also very down to earth. What type of books do you write?
Hi Dee!
I write paranormal suspense. That’s kind of erotic LOL. I put the erotic last, because my focus wasn’t on that, it just turned out that way *g*. I have a series called the Knight Series. Tor has requested the full for the first book in the series. It’s called Knight Visions. My first book, Life Love and Redemption is coming out December 15th with New Concepts Publishing.
I queried/sold that one on my own in August. That one is suspense also, kind of erotic, with a little bit of paranormal thrown in the mix…I have no idea how my editor will bill that one–LOL
I read your post answer at romancing the blog to Donna Hill’s question on BET, and loved it. I was the Kim who responded. I am also the Kim who is the guest blogger at romancing the blog.
As I enter this new era, I want to stay positive and try and not to focus on the negative too much. It’s the way I’ve tried to live my life, and it’s the only way I know how to operate Dee. Sometimes I get a little ansy, paranoid and down right mad!!
Lord knows the road to publishing is difficult. I’ve been extremely blessed despite other hardships in my life.
Thank you for your welcome Dee and be blessed. If you have any wisdom you’d like to empart I would feel blessed to receive it!! I also have a blogspot, and if you ever feel like emailing me please feel free. I think Leslie’s hiding out from me!! *g* Naw…she’s busy with Scarface so I try not to bug her too often!!
Now I gotta get my five year old’s clothes ready for Mass, before little Miss Diva wakes up and chooses herself!!
Be blessed Dee!!
Kim