I don't know anybody else who has the same agent as me I did reach out to one when the signing was announced but they didn't reply. I'd like to be able to chat with some of them! I guess I should really make an effort to go find them.
I also have another question... how do I go about finding somebody to critique/beta read my new MS? I've never actually done that before, but I feel I need somebody to read over it once I've edited it, but before I send it to my agent. I've always been so solitary as a writer, I think it's time for me to reach out.
Congrats and welcome!I am meeting her next week. Does anyone have any advice?
I am meeting her next week. Does anyone have any advice?
Leewhowrites, for what it's worth, I've heard something different about going with a small publisher: a larger publisher down the road may decide your previous work didn't sell enough copies for them to take you on, even if the small publisher didn't print many copies to begin with. A medium sized publisher may be a safer way to go. I live in the US though, so maybe there's a difference.
Hi guys! I am new and possibly shiny.
I am technically on sub 5 places right now, but those were requests from before I found my agent--just a few weeks ago.
I am meeting her next week. Does anyone have any advice?
Leewhowrites, for what it's worth, I've heard something different about going with a small publisher: a larger publisher down the road may decide your previous work didn't sell enough copies for them to take you on, even if the small publisher didn't print many copies to begin with. A medium sized publisher may be a safer way to go. I live in the US though, so maybe there's a difference.
Hi guys! I am new and possibly shiny.
I am technically on sub 5 places right now, but those were requests from before I found my agent--just a few weeks ago.
I am meeting her next week. Does anyone have any advice?
So I feel ok. And hopeful, despite not having really had the outcome we wanted.
I would also ask her if she has any general ideas about the direction to take you/your career in. Most of the time, this shouldn't be too big an issue, because the agent will likely say, "Keep doing more of the stuff you're doing now."
But if what you just did was an experimental YA fantasy, and you're usually a lot happier with adult romance, or you're normally a horror/dark fantasy writer, but your "test" as a science fiction novelist kind'a worked, but horror really is your wheelhouse, then there might be some problems. It might also be an issue if you ARE planning to do different things in the future, like eventually trying your hand at Middle Grade, even though normally you do adult/YA. If your agent doesn't represent MG, you'll have to go looking for someone else to rep it, and squeeze that time in to write it while you're doing your "normal" stuff for your agent.
But like I said, most writers won't have to worry about that. I actually do have a couple of MG novels sitting around, even though I normally do adult, so... yeah, I can't do much with 'em with my current agent.
This came up in this thread a few times, but this was broadly the advice I got from my agent too. She strongly advised that the best place to target the manuscript was large independent publishers. She said the major houses would be less interested in developing writing over time or helping with marketing. It's worth considering, though of course everyone's experience will be different!
Welcome! I just replied to your other thread. Nice to have you here!
When I met with my agent, the only really important thing was to find out if we clicked! It was also a good idea to discuss projects down the road. What other ideas you've been mulling over, and whether the agent likes any of those.
Hi! Welcome!
I'd first and foremost see if you get along. I'd also recommend getting a measure for how she reacts to your future ideas for books, and what kind of direction she would see your career going if your MS on sub gets picked up. Ideally, she should want to stick with you for beyond one MS. Also, you could ask her what the plan is if your MS on sub doesn't work out for the places it's with. Does she plan to send to more editors? Or target smaller presses? But really, the most important thing is to come away feeling like you're on the same page.