I send my agent questions

Sophocles · Aug 7, 2010

Just wondering if the reply time an agent takes to get back to you, means anything. Like how interested in you they are, as a client. I.e., you are an important client to them etc.

I send my agent questions, and always hear back from her within the same day. Most of my questions are complex as well. Does this mean, and she is a senior agent, that I would be an important client, and therefore she would be treating my project so. Or does this mean I am just looking into things too much.

I don't know, I've got my book out on sub with her, but nothing has happened yet. And I am maybe starting to look into all the micro details of our relationship and starting to go crazy – but she replies to me very quickly, and I’ve had my book at a number of very good houses and good feedback from editors. However, no bites yet.

Also, can everyone send me good luck, and keep their fingers crossed for me.

Old Hack · Aug 7, 2010

Sophocles, I think you're over-thinking this.

I doubt that your agent considers you more important to her than her clients who have already sold; but that doesn't mean that you're not important to her. Every client is important to a good agent. Just stop worrying about the book which is out on submission: it's off your hands now, so there's nothing you can do about it. Concentrate instead on writing your next book. Otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy.

BrooklynLee · Aug 8, 2010

I think response time is more a personal thing than a sign of how important you are. Some people (myself included) tend to like to deal with emails right away -- other people wait. If you like the way your agent responds to you then she is probably a good fit. But other people could have agents who take a week or two to respond and be happy with that.

I'm also on submission so I understand the anxiety, I really do -- but Old Hack is right. It's out of your hands, so try and focus on the things you can control (like writing your next book)

Danthia · Aug 8, 2010

Just wondering if the reply time an agent takes to get back to you, means anything. Like how interested in you they are, as a client. I.e., you are an important client to them etc. It doesn't mean anything. All their clients are important to them, though realistically, there will be times where one client will be more important due to what's going on with their book or career. A client with no work on sub will be lower on the priority list than one with work to edit or work out on sub. Just like any other job, the stuff that's due first gets priority.

I send my agent questions, and always hear back from her within the same day. Most of my questions are complex as well. Does this mean, and she is a senior agent, that I would be an important client, and therefore she would be treating my project so. Or does this mean I am just looking into things too much. You're trying to read too much into this. If you hear back quickly, that's good. But there will be days when your agent is busy with other things, or out of town, or caught up in negotiations or an auction, or just plain swamped and can't get back right away. Or they're waiting on info so they can get back to you with what you asked about. As long as they're communicating with you and doing their job, you're fine.

But I'd suggest not thinking about who's "important"or not, because that sets up unrealistic expectations. It can lead to you feeling slighted when no slight is intended, or feeling like you aren't getting "star treatment" when an agent's job is to do the best for all her client no matter what stage of their career. It can also lead you down the prima donna path, and no one wants to work with that kind of person. Don't compare yourself to her other clients. Is she doing a good job for YOU? If yes, then everything is fine.

I don't know, I've got my book out on sub with her, but nothing has happened yet. And I am maybe starting to look into all the micro details of our relationship and starting to go crazy – but she replies to me very quickly, and I’ve had my book at a number of very good houses and good feedback from editors. However, no bites yet. Sounds like she's doing her job and keeping you informed, which is good. Times are tough right now. Editors are being pickier, submissions are going slower. Books are still selling, and debut authors are still selling, so try not to stress too much. Although it stinks to hear, even if you get a great,top-notch agent, there's no guarantee your book will sell, and that's not the agent's fault. Even great books fail to sell sometimes and no one can say why. But hang in there, because it can take a while to find the right editor for your book. Try not to get discouraged and just work on your next book.

Also, can everyone send me good luck, and keep their fingers crossed for me. <crosses fingers>

Jamesaritchie · Aug 8, 2010

It usually means the agent has too much time on her hands.

Ryan_Sullivan · Aug 8, 2010

BrooklynLee said:
I think response time is more a personal thing than a sign of how important you are. Some people (myself included) tend to like to deal with emails right away -- other people wait. If you like the way your agent responds to you then she is probably a good fit. But other people could have agents who take a week or two to respond and be happy with that.

Agreed. There are some agents who are more tech-friendly, and seem to be faster with e-mail. There are also some agents who are slower to e-mail and prefer calls. It's just a difference in people.

Don't worry about it. Every client is important, otherwise they wouldn't be clients. You're probably not a top client--but that's not a bad thing, it has been long.

Deshi28 · Aug 8, 2010

Im new to this whole world. I have written a novel and have unfortunately been sucked into the toilet that is "publish America" im currently trying to get out of my contract. I feel a little overwhelmed with this portion of getting my manuscript published. My question is would it be better if I tried to get an agent to represent me? If so how much dose that normally cost, as I am a single parent serving Active duty in the military. thank you for your replies.
Deshi28

BrooklynLee · Aug 8, 2010

Deshi -- a legit agent costs no money at all. They only make money when the sell your book to a publisher, and then they get a percentage (normally 15%) of what you get from the publisher. Please look through some of the great posts about these issues on this site before you give anyone any money related to your book.

Ryan_Sullivan · Aug 8, 2010

Deshi- Check out Nathan Bransford's blog. On the right side, there's tons of informative posts that will give you some great background. Of course you don't want to just use one source, but use that as a springboard to understand the process. Good luck!

I send my agent questions

Sophocles

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

BrooklynLee

Got the hang of it, here

Danthia

Jamesaritchie

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer

Deshi28

BrooklynLee

Got the hang of it, here

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer