Confessions of a YA writer

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tengraceapples

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I was thinking about the mistake,risks, and out right shady things I did when I first
Began the writing biz. Somethings I did out of ignorance, some out of desperation.but most out of impatience. So, bare your soul,confess right here. we won't tell. Just change the name of the innocents.lol

Heres one.

Years ago when I was looking for my first agent, I got a ton of rejection.
There was one more agent I was waiting for. I had already prepared myself for one last heartbreak. But the agent was talking so long. What's worse than being heartbroken? WAITING to get heartbroken.

So, I emailed her and said I had someone who offered rep. And I needed to know if she was interested. She said no thanks. After waiting all that time, I was kind of over it anyway so I was relieved. Then she called a few days later and asked if it was too late bc she wanted to rep me!

I don't advise doing this. It's risky and foolish. But thats what makes it a confession i guess. Ok, your turn:)
 

Cyia

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Honestly, I hope the mods lock this thread. What you've written above is exactly the kind of "hope" that perpetuates the behavior you're describing.

It's not just risky and foolish; it's fraudulent. And it goes a long way to explaining why you were soon searching for a second agent. Any business relationship started on a lie is going to be a short one.
 

Moon Daughter

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I can admire that you'd admit such a thing and it's definitely something that no one should ever do. But mistakes can be worth making, so long as you learn from them and hopefully others do in the process.

I made a mistake before by sending a query for an unfinished manuscript. I was young, stupid, and naive. Didn't know anything about the business. I'm sure the query itself sucked donkey nuts. Boy, am I glad the agent in question said "No, thanks" because it only took him 2 minutes to respond to my e-query.

Lesson learned.
 

Sage

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This is indeed a dangerous thread. Not only does it encourage practices that might get a writer into trouble, but everything you do online can potentially be linked back to you. Admitting the manipulation of an agent can be found by new agents or publishers and might make them choose to give you a pass.
 
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