Listing Your Agent Info...

downtherabbithole · Mar 25, 2010

So, I just signed with an agent (on TUESDAY!) and she's very excited about my book...wants to start subs ASAP. I'm working on a couple of revisions for her and then we'll start.

I don't know a whole lot about the biz. I babysat for a fairly successful YA novelist (I'd rather not name names though) and she's advised me on a few things, but she has a new baby and a life and I don't want to call her every three minutes asking for advice.

So, I added my agent's name on my website to inquire about novels there. I also write plays and do freelance writing, so I've invited readers to inquire about my plays and freelance work there. Is that kosher? Also, my agent doesn't list her number or e-mail address on her site, but I assume if someone (doubtful, but you never know) wanted to know something about my book, they wouldn't like draft a handwritten letter and mail it via the post office.

Let me know what proper protocol is!

And my book happens to be YA, so I put it here...although I guess this topic could go anywhere. Thanks guys!

suki · Mar 25, 2010

downtherabbithole said:
So, I just signed with an agent (on TUESDAY!) and she's very excited about my book...wants to start subs ASAP. I'm working on a couple of revisions for her and then we'll start.

I don't know a whole lot about the biz. I babysat for a fairly successful YA novelist (I'd rather not name names though) and she's advised me on a few things, but she has a new baby and a life and I don't want to call her every three minutes asking for advice.

So, I added my agent's name on my website to inquire about novels there. I also write plays and do freelance writing, so I've invited readers to inquire about my plays and freelance work there. Is that kosher? Also, my agent doesn't list her number or e-mail address on her site, but I assume if someone (doubtful, but you never know) wanted to know something about my book, they wouldn't like draft a handwritten letter and mail it via the post office.

Let me know what proper protocol is!

And my book happens to be YA, so I put it here...although I guess this topic could go anywhere. Thanks guys!

I'd say that most authors do list their agent's name on their contact info. But you should specifically discuss with your agent what contact info to list. I find it strange that she doesn't publish her contact info on her site - how are folks interested in her clients' work supposed to reach her? So, it may just be you didn't find it.

So, I'd advise you to ask your agent these questions. She's your agent, after all, and the answers really relate to her personal preferences.

~suki

downtherabbithole · Mar 25, 2010

They just have their queries e-mail online, although I have her phone number and private e-mail (which I didn't list). She's a fairly well known agent, so it is kind of weird.

suki · Mar 25, 2010

downtherabbithole said:
They just have their queries e-mail online, although I have her phone number and private e-mail (which I didn't list). She's a fairly well known agent, so it is kind of weird.

I advise you not to guess or ask others for their opinion - ask your agent.

If you are worried about bugging her with lots of questions, make a list and communicate them all at once. But I just think you need to ask her what she would prefer.

And that goes for any other questions that come up - she's your agent. Don't be a pest (ie, sending a gazillion emails or making lots of calls for one minor, non-emergency question each), but don't guess or ask others - ask her.

~suki

downtherabbithole · Mar 25, 2010

suki said:
I advise you not to guess or ask others for their opinion - ask your agent. If you are worried about bugging her with lots of questions, make a list and communicate them all at once. But I just think you need to ask her what she would prefer.

And that goes for any other questions that come up - she's your agent. Don't be a pest (ie, sending a gazillion emails or making lots of calls for one minor, non-emergency question each), but don't guess or ask others - ask her.

~suki

You're right. I'll ask her when I send my revisions.

Sage · Mar 25, 2010

Assuming she doesn't want that info posted, anyone wanting to inquire about your work, on the off chance they happen upon your site instead of hearing about it from her, could always go to you, and then you bring that to her yourself. I know a few people who have been contacted by publishers outside of agent subs, and they go tell their agents.

shaldna · Mar 26, 2010

Firstly, congrats.

Secondly, I would talk to your agent about this to be honest.

Danthia · Mar 26, 2010

Grats!

I posted my agent's name on my website, with a link to her website. All her contact info is on her site and those who need to contact her can. If they're in the biz, chances are they have her info anyway. And she has a "contact me" section on her site, so she can control who gets her from random web surfing. My website is linked in my sig if you wanted to see how I handled it. Just look on the "media" tab. It has all the links to the various folks people would need.

Also make sure you have a way for folks to contact you on your website. Most things will go through your agent or publisher, but all of my school visits have come from media directors contacting me directly.

When it doubt, talking to your agent is always a good idea. She's there for you and will guide you through all this stuff.

scope · Mar 26, 2010

I strongly suggest that before doing anything you discuss this in entirety with your agent. A link on a website to a writers agent isn't unusual, but do you know if yours is interested in your plays, freelance writing--anything else--and if your contract with the agency covers such work?

downtherabbithole · Mar 28, 2010

scope said:
I strongly suggest that before doing anything you discuss this in entirety with your agent. A link on a website to a writers agent isn't unusual, but do you know if yours is interested in your plays, freelance writing--anything else--and if your contract with the agency covers such work?

Thanks. No, she's just covering my novels.

Listing Your Agent Info...

downtherabbithole

suki

Opinionated

downtherabbithole

suki

Opinionated

downtherabbithole

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

Danthia

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

downtherabbithole