Meeting with agent - what to expect?

SophieM2401 · 11-22-2012, 08:44 PM

OMGOMGOMGOMG

I have a meeting with an agent. She's read my book and says she really likes it, and a couple of her colleagues who are more the target market love it too.

The agency is a biggish player and they've got some really fab, prestigious clients, some in my genre, so on the face of it I'm absolutely over the moon with them. She seems really nice on the phone, responded quickly to to my pitch etc.

So I'm seeing her next week. What's going to happen? I'm hoping she's going to offer to represent me, but I suppose she might also want me to R&R? If she offers rep do I sign there and then or think about it for a bit?

I am so excited I've lost the power of rational thought.

mccardey · 11-22-2012, 08:53 PM

I'm so excited for you! Well done!

Smiley0501 · 11-22-2012, 08:58 PM

Sophie, how exciting

Here are my thoughts. This is clearly an offer to get to know you more and see if you click in person. I'd go in with a list of questions for the agent about how she/he works with their clients, what they are thinking for your book (maybe editors they'd be interested in submitting to, what comp titles they think of for your book etc) and also you can totally ask what the meeting will possibly lead to - is this an R&R or offer??

If it is an offer, I'd take the contract home and really read it and understand all of the lingo. I'm not saying it won't be straight forward but there sometimes may be little clauses you might not catch the first read esp when you're super excited to sign away

GOOD LUCK SOPHIE!!

annetpfeffer · 11-22-2012, 09:55 PM

Congratulations! The agent's obviously got a serious interest in you. Do you have full manuscripts out to other agents? If you do, I'd look into the protocol with that. If this agent gives you an offer, everyone will expect you to give the other agents a chance to make an offer as well.

waylander · 11-22-2012, 10:24 PM

Smiley has it correct, I think.
This agent wants to find out if they can work with you. So be prepared to discuss what other books/ideas you have. Be realistic about your writing career prospects (do not declare that you'll quit your job the instant she gets you a deal!) and be flexible about possible rewrites. The agent wants to know that you're not going to be a nightmare to edit and a total diva about deadlines.

Susan Littlefield · 11-22-2012, 10:31 PM

Sophie,

Congratulations!

amschilling · 11-22-2012, 11:04 PM

How exciting! Yippie!!

I think Smiley is right on. They love the book, and want to make sure all the personalities match. That's amazingly encouraging! Definitely go in with written questions, because chances are you'll be flustered. We all would be (they'll expect that, though, so don't let it freak you out). The questions will help you focus, and show them that you've got some business smarts re. publishing. And if they do ask for an R&R, they're still very serious. Agents don't call in potential clients for a meet and greet lightly.

Most of all--go in feeling like you belong there! Big name authors are people, too. Don't be intimidated that they rep a few. Just be excited for the opportunity, know you worked hard to get to this stage, and be confident in your writing.

SophieM2401 · 11-23-2012, 12:32 AM

Thank you all so much. I do actually have full with another agent, who's had it for six months - funnily enough I sent her a nudge today, and she hasn't responded, so I will wait on her reply but let her know if I receive an offer - that's fair enough, isn't it?

I don't have a job anyway

so that's not an issue. Will definitely take in a list of questions.

You are all really kind, thanks again.

theshovelbum · 11-23-2012, 02:10 AM

Congratulations.....really. I am excited for you. Threshold moment.

Spell-it-out · 11-23-2012, 03:35 AM

Great stuff, I hope it goes well, let us know.

Siri Kirpal · 11-23-2012, 04:23 AM

Sat Nam! (Literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Best of luck!

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Bushrat · 11-23-2012, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SophieM2401

I don't have a job anyway

Hey, look at the bright side: soon you can call yourself a full-time author!
Good luck!!! Everything will work out fine

blacbird · 11-23-2012, 11:50 AM

Big congrats, and wishes for success. Methinks you'll do fine, unless maybe you're a clone of Charles Manson. This is a step most of us here will never have, or even have a good chance at. I live so far from any agents that the idea of actually getting invited to a meeting with one is incomprehensible. I might as well be living on Neptune.

caw

Putputt · 11-23-2012, 12:48 PM

How exciting!! Congratulations! Let us know how it goes.

seun · 11-23-2012, 01:10 PM

Congratulations. And definitely let us know how it goes.

idontknowwhatimdoing · 11-24-2012, 10:37 PM

Question: Is this a common thing??

I thought there was just "the call" and then after you're repped there's a meeting or whatever.

But before you're offered rep?! I'd be so terrified.

SophieM2401 · 11-25-2012, 12:45 AM

idontknowwhatimdoing - nor do I! And yes, I'm bricking it. I'm in the UK - maybe meetings with agents are more the done thing here?

Anyway, thanks again for the comments and good wishes, and on a far more important note, WTVF am I going to wear?

waylander · 11-25-2012, 12:54 AM

What to wear? You're going to a business meeting; the agent is hoping to meet a professional writer they can have a long-term business relationship with. Business casual sounds like the order of the day.

idontknowwhatimdoing · 11-25-2012, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SophieM2401

I'm in the UK - maybe meetings with agents are more the done thing here?

Oh, that could explain it. I'm such a social freak that even talking on the phone gives me anxiety!

I wish you all the best luck (and strong nerves!)!

SophieM2401 · 11-25-2012, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waylander

What to wear? You're going to a business meeting; the agent is hoping to meet a professional writer they can have a long-term business relationship with. Business casual sounds like the order of the day.

Oh lordy. I have casual, and I have fashun. I don't have business. What is business casual what it's at home anyway? <panics> Thank you

Lady MacBeth · 11-25-2012, 04:40 AM

Congratulations!

Bushrat · 11-25-2012, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SophieM2401

Oh lordy. I have casual, and I have fashun. I don't have business. What is business casual what it's at home anyway? <panics> Thank you

Go with the casual, something not too threadbare that you're comfy in. Don't get too freaked - it'll all be fine. They won't turn you down because you're wearing jeans and sweater

It's the output of your mind they're after.

By the way, I went to a Margaret Atwood reading years ago, and she was wearing a track suit.

amschilling · 11-25-2012, 05:59 AM

Ditto'ing Bushrat. Formal business isn't needed. Just think of what you'd wear to a writers conference. Or a book signing, once you land said agent and get a book deal. Comfy, casual, but not something you'd paint the house in. That's businesswear for writers, right?

Kewii · 11-25-2012, 08:09 AM

I'd second the nicely put together, but casual look. A nice pair of jeans, a dressy top, and a jacket/cardigan for over top, plus accessories to pull you nicely together.

Wear something you feel good, confident, and comfortable in.

stray · 11-25-2012, 11:55 AM

Congratulations!

11-22-2012, 08:44 PM	#1
SophieM2401 New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 38	Meeting with agent - what to expect? OMGOMGOMGOMG I have a meeting with an agent. She's read my book and says she really likes it, and a couple of her colleagues who are more the target market love it too. The agency is a biggish player and they've got some really fab, prestigious clients, some in my genre, so on the face of it I'm absolutely over the moon with them. She seems really nice on the phone, responded quickly to to my pitch etc. So I'm seeing her next week. What's going to happen? I'm hoping she's going to offer to represent me, but I suppose she might also want me to R&R? If she offers rep do I sign there and then or think about it for a bit? I am so excited I've lost the power of rational thought.

11-22-2012, 08:53 PM	#2
mccardey Back in Oz. Missing France :( Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Australia. Posts: 4,481	I'm so excited for you! Well done! __________________ http://paulandsylvieinsablet.blogspot.fr/

11-22-2012, 08:58 PM	#3
Smiley0501 Lurker, now activated. :-) Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: The Northeast, USA Posts: 2,075	Sophie, how exciting Here are my thoughts. This is clearly an offer to get to know you more and see if you click in person. I'd go in with a list of questions for the agent about how she/he works with their clients, what they are thinking for your book (maybe editors they'd be interested in submitting to, what comp titles they think of for your book etc) and also you can totally ask what the meeting will possibly lead to - is this an R&R or offer?? If it is an offer, I'd take the contract home and really read it and understand all of the lingo. I'm not saying it won't be straight forward but there sometimes may be little clauses you might not catch the first read esp when you're super excited to sign away GOOD LUCK SOPHIE!! __________________ You can call me ~Smiley~ Places you can find me other than AW: Blog! Twitter (tweet tweet) V!0L3NT D3L!GHTS: (67,000) R&R sent in. bites nails forever TH3 R0S3 K!NGD0M: (74,000) Trunked forever.

11-22-2012, 09:55 PM	#4
annetpfeffer practical experience, FTW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,406	Congratulations! The agent's obviously got a serious interest in you. Do you have full manuscripts out to other agents? If you do, I'd look into the protocol with that. If this agent gives you an offer, everyone will expect you to give the other agents a chance to make an offer as well. __________________ Anne Pfeffer Girls Love Travis Walker Finalist -- New Fiction 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards http://tinyurl.com/a9mhf4q

11-22-2012, 10:24 PM	#5
waylander Who's going for a beer? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,180	Smiley has it correct, I think. This agent wants to find out if they can work with you. So be prepared to discuss what other books/ideas you have. Be realistic about your writing career prospects (do not declare that you'll quit your job the instant she gets you a deal!) and be flexible about possible rewrites. The agent wants to know that you're not going to be a nightmare to edit and a total diva about deadlines. __________________ Behind the smile, there's danger and a promise to be told.

11-22-2012, 10:31 PM	#6
Susan Littlefield Tell it like it Is Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: With my cats Posts: 7,491	Sophie, Congratulations! __________________ Susan Please visit my website: http://www.susanlittlefield.blogspot.com/

11-22-2012, 11:04 PM	#7
amschilling practical experience, FTW Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: In my head. Posts: 973	How exciting! Yippie!! I think Smiley is right on. They love the book, and want to make sure all the personalities match. That's amazingly encouraging! Definitely go in with written questions, because chances are you'll be flustered. We all would be (they'll expect that, though, so don't let it freak you out). The questions will help you focus, and show them that you've got some business smarts re. publishing. And if they do ask for an R&R, they're still very serious. Agents don't call in potential clients for a meet and greet lightly. Most of all--go in feeling like you belong there! Big name authors are people, too. Don't be intimidated that they rep a few. Just be excited for the opportunity, know you worked hard to get to this stage, and be confident in your writing. __________________ -Amy Help me. Save me. Kill me. Do it. In his mind, they’re all the same. - CREEP My Blog \| Facebook \| Twitter GRENDEL: Dark Fantasy (Querying) CREEP: Dark Fantasy (waiting for edits) ALEXI'S GHOST: YA Gothic (WIP) DAGDA'S CAULDRON: Contemp. Fantasy (Mulling plot points and various bits of wibbly wobbly time-y wimey stuff) TOXIC: YA Urban Fantasy (trunked)

11-23-2012, 12:32 AM	#8
SophieM2401 New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 38	Thank you all so much. I do actually have full with another agent, who's had it for six months - funnily enough I sent her a nudge today, and she hasn't responded, so I will wait on her reply but let her know if I receive an offer - that's fair enough, isn't it? I don't have a job anyway so that's not an issue. Will definitely take in a list of questions. You are all really kind, thanks again.

11-23-2012, 02:10 AM	#9
theshovelbum Steady Diet Of Nothing Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: N. America Posts: 57	Congratulations.....really. I am excited for you. Threshold moment.

11-23-2012, 03:35 AM	#10
Spell-it-out Ain't we all just Runaways? Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 715	Great stuff, I hope it goes well, let us know. __________________ Flash Fiction Collection The History Maker on Amazon Facebook WIP: Finding my way through a second draft of "The Angel of Death".

11-23-2012, 04:23 AM	#11
Siri Kirpal Swan in Process Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: In God I dwell, especially in Eugene OR Posts: 2,598	Sat Nam! (Literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting) Best of luck! Blessings, Siri Kirpal __________________ "The only freedom any of us ever has is the freedom to choose how we will not be free."

11-23-2012, 11:50 AM	#13
blacbird That hairy-handed gent Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Who ran amok in Kent Posts: 26,229	Big congrats, and wishes for success. Methinks you'll do fine, unless maybe you're a clone of Charles Manson. This is a step most of us here will never have, or even have a good chance at. I live so far from any agents that the idea of actually getting invited to a meeting with one is incomprehensible. I might as well be living on Neptune. caw __________________ Without a reader, the story doesn't exist -- James D. MacDonald

11-23-2012, 12:48 PM	#14
Putputt The hippo is watching. Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oxford, England. For now. Posts: 989	How exciting!! Congratulations! Let us know how it goes. __________________ I met up with Kalli and survived!! I feel like I should get a medal or something... blog

11-23-2012, 01:10 PM	#15
seun Horror Man Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: uk Posts: 9,185	Congratulations. And definitely let us know how it goes. __________________ The Red Girl and 'Set from Musa Publishing. Mirror Of The Nameless published Sep 2013 My site My twitter My Facebook

11-24-2012, 10:37 PM	#16
idontknowwhatimdoing Procrastinator Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Earthish Posts: 173	Question: Is this a common thing?? I thought there was just "the call" and then after you're repped there's a meeting or whatever. But before you're offered rep?! I'd be so terrified.

11-25-2012, 12:45 AM	#17
SophieM2401 New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 38	idontknowwhatimdoing - nor do I! And yes, I'm bricking it. I'm in the UK - maybe meetings with agents are more the done thing here? Anyway, thanks again for the comments and good wishes, and on a far more important note, WTVF am I going to wear?

11-25-2012, 12:54 AM	#18
waylander Who's going for a beer? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,180	What to wear? You're going to a business meeting; the agent is hoping to meet a professional writer they can have a long-term business relationship with. Business casual sounds like the order of the day. __________________ Behind the smile, there's danger and a promise to be told.

11-25-2012, 04:40 AM	#21
Lady MacBeth Out, damn'd spot! out, I say. Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 1,206	Congratulations!

11-25-2012, 05:59 AM	#23
amschilling practical experience, FTW Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: In my head. Posts: 973	Ditto'ing Bushrat. Formal business isn't needed. Just think of what you'd wear to a writers conference. Or a book signing, once you land said agent and get a book deal. Comfy, casual, but not something you'd paint the house in. That's businesswear for writers, right? __________________ -Amy Help me. Save me. Kill me. Do it. In his mind, they’re all the same. - CREEP My Blog \| Facebook \| Twitter GRENDEL: Dark Fantasy (Querying) CREEP: Dark Fantasy (waiting for edits) ALEXI'S GHOST: YA Gothic (WIP) DAGDA'S CAULDRON: Contemp. Fantasy (Mulling plot points and various bits of wibbly wobbly time-y wimey stuff) TOXIC: YA Urban Fantasy (trunked)

11-25-2012, 08:09 AM	#24
Kewii practical experience, FTW Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Kuwait--It's hot! Posts: 839	I'd second the nicely put together, but casual look. A nice pair of jeans, a dressy top, and a jacket/cardigan for over top, plus accessories to pull you nicely together. Wear something you feel good, confident, and comfortable in. __________________ “Destroying things is much easier than making them.”-Suzanne Collins "You sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." -J.K Rowling My New Blog I'm (Gonna) NaNo

11-25-2012, 11:55 AM	#25
stray practical experience, FTW Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 210	Congratulations! __________________ http://jamesnewmanfiction.blogspot.com/

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