The Tenth Circle

So.

Just had a phone conversation that I was dreading would come (but deep down, I knew it would). The Agent has decided that with his new big-name-client responsibilities, he no longer has time for all of his other clients, and I'm one of the ones he's dropping.

He's making a few phone calls to some other agents he is friendly with, to see if they can/want to take me on (I think he's calling G!nger Cl@rk as one of them, which would make me Blonde's agent buddy!) and I may make a few inquiries to some other agents myself.

I knew this was coming. I mean, when the man doesn't return a single email in a six-month period, there's obviously something up. At least we're getting the switch out of the way before I have to worry about negotiations for further books in the JJD series, or for any other new projects.

Part of me is really bummed, 'cause I essentially got dumped. But I also really understand where he's coming from, and I respect the fact that he was willing to stand up and say "Hey, I can't do this, you need better than I can give." Is it possible to be understanding and a little bitter all at once?

So... Technically, I'm back on the agent hunt.

Tasmin21 said:

He's making a few phone calls to some other agents he is friendly with, to see if they can/want to take me on (I think he's calling G!nger Cl@rk as one of them, which would make me Blonde's agent buddy!) and I may make a few inquiries to some other agents myself.

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*hugs Tas again* I forgot to mention in the other thread that G!nger is in London this week, just as an FYI. She is awesome and you will be in good hands if she and you do decide that you're a good match.

I know it's tough to have to start the agent hunt again, but this time you are armed with your publishing deal and having a LOT of agented/published friends who can help you with recommendations and feedback on their agents. You can do it!

Hugs, Tas - I can understand you being bitter, especially with the lack of communication! But at least it's out in the open now (Lord, it sounds like a relationship breakup!).

{{{{Tas}}}}

Huge hugs and tons of solidarity, Tas. I am confident you will find an agent who is a good fit and am hoping you can turn this into a positive.

(((Tas))) Do keep us updated. You'll find someone perfect, quick sharp.

Things all come right in the end.

As of today, I am now repped by G!nger Cl@rk. I can honestly say I've been blown away by her energy and enthusiasm. Looking forward to whatever comes next.

Wow, Tas, you really landed on your feet, didn't you! Well done!!

I am celebrating in a very, very small way - the UK paperback edition of my book is going to be B-format, not mass-market

Nice, Anne! Still have to say, I'm smitten with your cover.

Thanks! He it will look even more gorgeous at the bigger size, of course

I'm seeing the Robot Overlords in a couple of weeks - I must ask them what finish they're planning to use on the cover. Semi-matt/satin would be nice - it's more usual for B-format, rather than the glossy finish used on most A-format editions.

Ooh, jelly beans!

(Fan tweets are the best!)

Congrats, Tas!

And yay for fan tweets, Alice!

Bumping this to see who has news.

Nothing happening in my world. Still lots of waiting on various fronts, but I do have the Sekrit Project to keep myself busy.

Well, in addition to my reading at a convention this weekend, I have two panels and another reading in late October.

Sorry to keep y'all in the dark - I only found out myself a couple of days ago, and this week has been a bit manic, since I'm off to Venice immediately after the first convention

Still kinda waiting on news myself. Mostly for The Editor to tell The New Agent whether or not my sales have been any good. (new statement should be coming around October 1, regardless) New Agent is frantically getting ready for Frankfurt, so I'm not gonna poke too much until that's all over.

I have vague hopes of news from Frankfurt, but since New Agent just took me on, I doubt she's really had time to work up anything for me yet. The sucky thing is, I have no idea if Ex-Agent tried to pimp me over there, and no one was interested, or if it just didn't happen.

It's discouraging, not knowing where you stand. I mean, if someone would tell me "Hey, you're the laughingstock of the UF world" at least I'd know. Y'know?

Tasmin21 said:

It's discouraging, not knowing where you stand. I mean, if someone would tell me "Hey, you're the laughingstock of the UF world" at least I'd know. Y'know?

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Aw, I'm sure it's not that bad. You'll be fine once you've settled in with New Agent

@Callalily - there will be pictures, and bloggage. It's a combined research trip for Book 2 and 5th wedding anniversary celebration. But don't tell the taxman about the latter!

I'm not going to be Ranty McRantyPants about foreign rights sales. But I feel ya.

Tasmin21 said:

It's discouraging, not knowing where you stand. I mean, if someone would tell me "Hey, you're the laughingstock of the UF world" at least I'd know. Y'know?

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Yeah. But you're hardly a laughingstock. It's tough being in that weird place where your books are reviewed well, but you aren't sure if sales are quite good enough.

And even books that *seem* to be doing well might not meet our publisher's expectations of well enough to renew contracts.

*passes the rum*

Chaos got the party rolling

Also jealous about Venice.

Fingers crossed for all the new projects, new partnerships, and Frankfrt (of course)

I've just finished with line edits (probably got a few odd pages back and forth, then done). MS goes to copy eds next week. Mr. A's ramping up for Frankfrt, I'm cracking on with bk2. S&S had their Fall '12 in-house launch for all the kids imprints yesterday, so hopefully the fun, exciting stuff (covers, etc) will be coming next.