I got so nervous!

Skyhawk · Sep 7, 2008

I received an unexpected call from an agent who asked "so what is your memoir about?" In writing, it was no problem but suddenly, I was at a loss for words. I couldn't articulate it verbally. I started studdering! What's wrong with me? I'm never at a loss for words!

I was so embarrassed although she did invite me to submit!

PeekABooWriter · Sep 7, 2008

Had you sent a proposal? She called you on the phone or was it a cold call and the agent had heard of you somewhere else?

Skyhawk · Sep 7, 2008

I emailed her...

She gave me her email address and I submitted. She was referred to me by a client of another agent with that agency. I called here a left her a message and she called back. That simple!

Now, I'm not suggesting that calling agents is a good idea, but so far, it's worked twice. The 2nd time my phone was on the charger!

willfulone · Sep 7, 2008

Good luck and welcome to AW!

Skyhawk · Sep 7, 2008

Luck?

Thanks...No such thing though. Everything happens for a specific purpose. At least for me. However, it doesn't always reveal itself right away!

Deccydiva · Sep 7, 2008

smoothseas · Sep 7, 2008

Hello and here's hoping that serendipity smiles on you....

Skyhawk · Sep 7, 2008

Hey...

You found my cat!

regdog · Sep 7, 2008

Good luck greetings and :welcome:

PeekABooWriter · Sep 7, 2008

Interesting strategy! Pick up the phone and call them...what a novel idea!

Elonna · Sep 7, 2008

Welcome aboard

Chrisla · Sep 7, 2008

Welcome to AW, and best of luck with the agent. I've heard that you should write a short synopsis of your book, just for this purpose. I think this was in the "Uncle Jim's" writing thread, in the Writing Novels forum. And it may have been in that same thread that I learned you should go even further, writing down the answers to numerous questions the agent (or publisher) may ask, including contract terms.

Best of luck!

kct webber · Sep 7, 2008

Good luck with the agent.

Skyhawk · Sep 7, 2008

Asking the AGENT?

Thanks...She's very young and fairly new but a little firecracker. My thinking is that she may want to make a name for herself and she will with this book!

Entitled "Not Until I'm Dead", A memoir...

As for calling and other conventional/non methods of query. I believe that given the powerful nature of the book and the genre of memoir, some things are a little less standard as far as the submission process, my experience anyway.

Dealing out of strength when one has a good product is essential and respected. After all, it is a two-way street right? Only this time, I'm traveling on the right side!

Does anyone agree? how about our new "ask the agent" member!

TheWritingRunner · Sep 9, 2008

My first time talking on the phone with an agent was VERY nerve-wracking and I'm still not great on the phone in general when it comes to trying to sell myself, but I'm getting better with practice! Good luck!

I got so nervous!

Skyhawk

PeekABooWriter

Skyhawk

willfulone

I am a zebra...

Skyhawk

Deccydiva

Back from the dead

smoothseas

Life sucks... Then ya die...

Skyhawk

regdog

The Scavengers

PeekABooWriter

Elonna

I'm a dork

Chrisla

practical experience, FTW

kct webber

Squirrel, Sekrit type, 1 ea.

Skyhawk

TheWritingRunner