I'm actually not as angered by it as I thought I would be. I'm not sure why. Maybe, I'm used to seeing these types of posts too often now. Or maybe I should put Jaded over my avatar too.
On the flip side, I can see how an agent would think that way. However, it begs the question, what type of writers is this agent taking on that he/she feels she needs to monitor how they behave on the internet?
I often state my mind freely on AW, but I like to think I still maintain a professional image, even in the Pit.
While I know the role of the agent is influx, and Teri I respect all of your opinions on the subject, I am very thankful to have agents (jr. and sr. agent) that I feel are doing the best job they can for me and my work. We have a professional, respectful, and - dare I say it - cordial relationship. They are professionals, not babysitters.
I guess part of the problem is that there are too many writers who have the "artiste" mentality, who claim to be unable to learn to read a royalty statement or even want to learn about and keep up with the business side of publishing. Ah, to be a delicate and special flower!
Amarie, rep me please.
Darnit, I missed one of Teri's deleted posts again!
Read the link and ... yeah. Do you usually pay a PR consultant a percentage of your salary for the life of a product? It's a way of trying to be indispensable by doing things no one asked for. I don't want to be told how to live my life or conduct myself.
I suppose the model that fits me is #2. I appreciate an agent who will work in a harmonious (notice the importance of that word) collaboration. I don't need to be in control of everything. If that was the case, why would I need (or want) an agent in the first place? I could do it all myself, which I think is the heart of self-publishing. Teri, stop me if I'm wrong, but that's why #1 is what you'd prefer or better for you is not to have the agent.
#3 is out of the question. If I'm left with no control, or no partner, what am I?
Can you rep me too, Amarie?
The problem with having the artiste mentality is that you tend to get taken advantage of...like actors who don't want to be bothered with the "details" and then come to find half their money has been embezzled by their accountant or manager.
Question:
If the agent says, "I will not submit this book unless you make certain changes" who is in charge?
I didnt' actually answer your question, Snappy because I have to think about it -- you know, that precision thing. Instead I asked a controversial queston because they're fun.
And because today is the 3 month anniversary of a few submissions and I need to think about something other than the huge appellate record on my desk (the last before my long vacation)
Yay!, I get to disagree with Teri on something (somewhat), but it's been awhile and I missed it.
Teri, your (1), (2) and (3) are reasonable BUT, they are all dependant on the power balance.
Depending on the writer's career arc, she may fall under all 3 categories along the way. The newbie is in (3) because of supply & demand. There are way more writers out there trying to strike gold and agents controlling the access point to the pubs who will pay the most money.
The newbie has some success and will jump into category (2), but if she becomes a hit, she will jump into category (3). For instance, Svz@nn3 C011ins of HG fame was a newbie when she came out with her Gr3g0r series. She was in (3) when she started and when she had some success with that, she went into category (2). Now that HG has blown up, where do you think Ms. C011ins is at? In (1), of course. She has the power.
In writing, I'm a businessman in the entertainment business. I'm trying to sell entertainment. I'm not trying to be a starving artist here. I want to sell my books at market value. If my books become a hit, great, if not, so be it. The market (i.e., the buying consumer) will decide.
Especially when you consider the agency that agent works for. Oh, irony, I love you so.Considering I have thus far always conducted myself more professionally than many agents I've seen online, I think I'll pause before I take advice on that topic from an agent.
Meow.
You assume that all newbies must first grovel to agents and put themselves in the power of agents before they can have any sort of success.
I think agents would like for writers to believe that, but I don't think it's true.
I suppose the model that fits me is #2. I appreciate an agent who will work in a harmonious (notice the importance of that word) collaboration. I don't need to be in control of everything. If that was the case, why would I need (or want) an agent in the first place? I could do it all myself, which I think is the heart of self-publishing. Teri, stop me if I'm wrong, but that's why #1 is what you'd prefer or better for you is not to have the agent.
#3 is out of the question. If I'm left with no control, or no partner, what am I?