Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Location: Books & Such Central Valley Office
Judging by my inbox, a record number of writers have decided that 2011 is their year to publish-or-die. Is that your New Year’s resolution? Sad Truth #1: Getting published is akin to making it as an actor in Hollywood, being a singer selected for American Idol or a musician who gets a big label record deal. In other words, it’s an uphill battle. Sad Truth #2: Established agents have very few open spots for new writers. While we are all looking for the perfect new talent, we have to balance our lists between stars, rising stars, steadily published writers, newly published writers and unpublished writers. Sad Truth #3: When considering new writers talent is a big part of it but there’s so much more.
That said, with the right stuff, you can make it. Writers break in every day. Many go on to have long, successful careers. A few skyrocket to success beyond their wildest dreams. One of the first things a writer needs to do on his way to being published is find a literary agent who believes in him and can open all the right doors.
This week I’m going to offer you the inside track on what moves a writer out of the pack and into contention. Before I begin, let me remind you that there are a number of workarounds to getting an agent. The traditional query process is not the only way. I wrote about those workarounds here, here, here, here, and here. Also, getting an agent is not the only way to reach your publishing goal. I shattered that myth here.
But if you are looking to find an agent let me use this week to let you in on a few secrets– the things that make me sit up and take notice.
The first thing I look for in a potential client is knowledge of the industry. I want a client who is a professional and has invested the time to become familiar with publishing. When I first started as a writer, the internet was barely up and running. I bought books. I read everything I could get my hands on. I studied the craft but I also devoured books on publishing and marketing. I joined writers’ organizations like CWFI and SCBWI. These days it is so much easier. The information, the organizations, and the connections are all available online. Editors, publishers and agents blog– giving you the inside scoop on everything from getting published to marketing your book. There is no reason to be clueless.
Because you are reading this blog I realize I am preaching to the choir. You are already one step ahead of most of the queries I receive.
Along with that knowledge of the industry I look for writers who are connected. If you are writing fiction, I look to see what organizations and critique groups you belong to. I like to see queries from writers whose names I recognize because they Twitter with other writers, they comment on writer blogs or they follow a number of my writer/agent/editor friends on Facebook. (And yes, we all notice names that appear regularly.) It’s a time investment in the writing community and it bodes well. A connected writer is a writer who has a network of people to help on the journey.
You might ask: How would an agent know I’m knowledgeable and know I’m connected? Those hint are available to us in your query. First off, there is no excuse these days for not knowing how to write a query. There’s probably more information on writer’s sites about query-writing than anything else. A query with an attached manuscript or too much information or too little information is a dead giveaway that someone hasn’t invested any time in learning about the process. But the clues to a knowledgeable writer are evident as well. If you are a children’s writer and you mention that your picture book is 32-page book and that you are a member of SCBWI, those are keywords that let us know that you know what you are doing and you are connected. The novelist who nails the genre perfectly, knows her potential audience and mentions something she read in the blog or on my website is a dead giveaway. The nonfiction writer who tells me why he is the go-to person for his particular subject shows he knows what the industry requires these days. We agents become very good at ferreting out clues from queries.
When we ask for a proposal and sample chapters it becomes simple to identify those writers who are knowledgable and invested.
Now it’s your turn: Why do you think it’s so important to know the industry and be invested in it? After all, you are seeking an agent. Can’t your agent handle all the industry/ business stuff so you can go off somewhere and write? What happened to the age-old hermit/ writer?
From my understanding, the agent-client relationship is built on trust, shared knowledge and an exciting vision. A writer’s passion is revealed in how much they’re willing to invest in the learning process. It makes perfect sense to me why an agent would want to take on writers who have taken the time to understand the industry.
~ Wendy
I think it’s important to understand the industry you’re entering no matter the field. When I worked in my day job as a CPA, I stayed on top of what was happening in the accounting world. Now that I’m a stay-at-home mom, I keep BabyCenter.com in business, scrounging around for tips on how to entertain my 3-year-old.
I’m always amazed when I read sites like yours and hear that people don’t follow the same process for writing. Is it because they see it purely as an art instead of a blending of art and business? I guess I figure if I’m the one who will market my book some day, I should know the market.
Thanks for an honest, informative post!
I love the publishing world. I first subscribed to Writer’s Digest when I was sixteen and I’ve always loved to listen to stories about publishing.
I don’t think this love and knowledge has helped me to get published—eight years after writing my first novel I’m still not published. What I think, though, is that if I ever do publish, I might do better than someone who published sooner and with less experience. (This is what I keep telling myself anyway. If I’m delusional, please don’t burst my happy little bubble.) Because I know a lot about the industry, I’m not likely to sit around and do nothing, and then be surprised by, and depressed by, bad sales. I’m not saying I’ll be able to sell well—if we had a formula for such things we’d all be rich. But I know what I can to do to give myself my best chances.
Why can’t we just leave all the business stuff to agents? Maybe we can. If a writer needs an agent who will take care of everything but the writing, then he needs to find an agent who will do that for him. Even so, he needs to not be clueless. He needs to be able to communicate with his agent and editor and publicist.
I am SO excited for this week’s blog session. Thank you Wendy! I’ve been lurking for months, but after reading this post, I decided to comment. 🙂
Hi Wendy,
I follow your blog via Google Reader and particularly liked this post. I thought you might like to know the last four links (here)aren’t working–the message is the website has been redesigned and the page has been deleted or moved.
Again,great post. Thanks for the tips.
I usually never leave comments on literary agents blogs because it seems like y’all are bombarded with comments. I didn’t realize that you like seeing authors names repeatedly. Not that I am going to do that. 🙂
I just like reading everything insightful various literary agents have to say. Much better than all the books I have read about publishing and writing, because I can put a face to your words which I cannot do with the books.
I am a writer and I want to write. I need to find an agent who recognizes that I am good at my profession and knows where to place my work. I really don’t want to get into the business of publishing. That’s a specialized line and I expect my agent to know all about it. Maybe I’m old-fashiouned, but that’s how I see it. I am going to query you now. It will be interesting to see your response.
There is a saying:
“A jack of all trades and a master of none.”
However, today that saying is not really true anymore. Now it appears that one needs to be “a jack of all trades and a master of everything”. When I was in Software Quality Assurance, I had to keep abreast on so many things in order to do my job. Now that I am a technical writer for an engineering company, I have to be expert on writing for engineers and still have somewhat of an understanding of what these engineers are doing or trying to do (in this case software is definitely easier than hardware). (It’s a good thing I love my job and find what they are doing or trying to do facinating.) However, now that I would like to write a book (outside of technical writing that I am doing), I find I have to become an expert on that. I think this is because of the electronic age that we now live in. The information is right at our finger tips and if you don’t take advantage of it then you out of luck.
I’m trying to learn as much as I can about the industry for several reasons:
1) I hate walking into a dark room with my eyes closed.
2) It keeps me from looking or sounding foolish (more often than necessary).
3) It increases my chances of success.
4) Even if my agent were going to do “all that,” hello, I don’t have an agent yet.
I’ve gotten so far as to get an aquisition editor to look at my book twice. She’s not buying it, but she was very helpful. I think it’s because–after reading up on the topics–I pitched decently, I sent a proper proposal and when she gave feedback I followed her advice and recontacted her in professional way. And while I didn’t get a book deal, I did get some good advice on who my audience might be and where to go from here. Well worth a little reading that I enjoy anyway!
Edmund, you do not need to “get into the business of publishing”– we have very fine publishers out there already– but you do have to know the market and stay connected.
But tell me, why would you query me when I said that knowledge and investment is important to me and you say you do not want to be involved in the industry? One of the keys to success is finding an agent who meets your needs. You need an agent who is willing to manage it all, not one who wants to partner with a business-savvy writer, right?
I’d make you crazy and vice versa. 🙂
Thanks for the great post, Wendy! It’s always helpful to get a peek into what gets an agent’s attention. Looking forward to your other posts.
Hahaha, hermit writer… yeah right 🙂 It just seems wise to know about the business you are trying to break into (and writing is a business among other things). Especially in this day and age where a writer needs to not only study the craft of writing, but know how to query, write proposals, do marketing, and pull off a great story!
What a great post! I love these tidbits of information that give me the courage to keep persuing my writing and making sure that I do all the necessary things to get better. 🙂
It is vital for all serious writer’s to become familiar with the publishing industry. In addition, each writer must understand the importance of research when writing a manuscript. Literary agencies have guidelines to follow when submitting proposals and query letters. Agencies differ by genre and market; however, they require writers to have passion, skill, talent, and knowledge. I have been writing all my life and enjoyed every minute of it. I am now 28 and continue to explore the world of books and the publishing industry. The learning process may have its difficulties and challenges; however, new knowledge helps writers sharpen writing skills and become familiar with the craft of writing.
The Books & Such team is on a roll with the agency BLOG in 2011! Janet’s topic was extraordinary last week and Wendy’s will answer one of the most important questions in a writer’s career: How Do I Get A Quality Agent?
Here is my story of what lead up to the blessed news of becoming a client of Books & Such Literary Agency as published recently in one of the Writer’s Digest BLOGs.
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/How+I+Got+My+Agent+Michael+K+Reynolds.aspx
I totally agree with Michael K Reynolds…this blog has had such amazing content in the last week, and I’m really looking forward to reading more. Thanks!
While at the ACFW conference this past year, I listened in on a session about branding. In it, the speakers claimed that a writer doesn’t REALLY begin to develop their brand until maybe their second or third published book. While I agree with them from a long-term marketing standpoint, part of me thinks a writer begins developing who she is as a writer or her “brand” the minute she puts herself out there as a writer intent on being published. Every tweet, facebook post, blog post or comment, etc. contributes, even if in a small way, to getting that person’s name out there as a writer. And I can see how you and other agents would begin to recognize names around the internet. I know I do.
In addition to building connections and developing “brand,” I find it extremely important to also study the industry – follow agents’ blogs and study the different publishers and what they’re publishing. It seems the more a writer knows, the more a writer-agent relationship will become a team to produce a great product and to continue that brand development.
Thanks for this important post, Wendy.
I enjoy all the blogs posted by the agents at Book and Such and find the advice very helpful. Also, by gleening the comments I have found I can pick up alot of kernals of information that is also very helpful. Thanks for sharing your info and knowledge as I begin the fasinating journey of writing.
Thanks for the informative post, Wendy — I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
In my opinion, learning about the industry and being connected to people in it go back to something my grandmother used to say: you spend your time on the things that are important to you. If I want to sign with an agent, if I want to land a publishing contract, if I want to sell books — I need to make a personal commitment to doing whatever I can to help that process. Editors and agents are here to educate and encourage, but I can’t expect them to do everything for me.
I joined Twitter a few weeks ago. As an agent, do you care what prospective authors tweet about (writing, faith, family, etc.), or do you just like to see that they’re making those connections?
Great post, Wendy. I hope you and your clients have a terrific 2011 filled with many successes. Blessings, Buffy
Wendy,
Your posts this week are just what I need. Thanks for your words. I tend to “lurk” on blogs and loops, but you’ve encouraged me to get out there more.
I’m always trying to learn more about writing, the business of writing, and all kinds of other things in my life. When a person decides they know enough, it shows how much they really do have to learn.
I love the idea of the age-old hermit writer, but if that was my goal, it would be like aiming to be a typewriter salesman. Irrelevant.
I’m one of those “it takes a village” writers. Sure, I actually write the words, but without the advice and support of other writers, I don’t think my writing would have grown. Social networks and writing organizations have made a deep impact on my writing.
Thank you so much, Wendy, for these incisive thoughts about connecting with agents. Chip MacGregor, while speaking at Write!Canada, talked many of us into signing up for your blog. It has been a worthwhile investment of time. I love to learn. By the way, have you heard about The Word Guild’s new anthology Hot Apple Cider 2 coming out in April 2011? http://hotapplecider.ca/
In Christ, Ed Hird+
To all those “unlurking”– welcome! It can feel risky to get out there and join the conversation but it’s part of being invested. Jennifer, that’s a perfect simile: hermit writer=typewriter salesman.
Leigh, you asked about the importance of content– say Twitter or Facebook. Just be yourself. As we get to know each other via social media we might as well be authentic. When I FB and Twitter it’s a blend of personal and professional.
Excellent post, Wendy! I truly believe writers need to learn about the writing industry as well as learning the craft. There is soooo much to learn and so much that needs to be understood.
So many newbies don’t realize it’s not about just completing a book and sending it off. There’s so much more to it than that.
Last year at James Scot Bell’s workshop (the one in Hilmar where I got to meet you! Yay!)there was a mother and son sitting at my table and they had absolutely no clue about the publishing industry and learning the craft. Grant it, that was why they were there, to learn:)But so many writers don’t want to take that extra mile.
I feel it is a writers’ responsiblity to learn all aspects of the industry. NOt only would it make the agent’s hectic life a bit more easier, but it’s like every other career. We should study and know it inside out.
Happy New Years BTW!!
I’m one of those to whom 2011 is my year to publish! It is so easy to sit on your little computer or with your little notebook to write for yourself. It gets scary when it’s time to share it. But, like I tell my violinist daughter, God gave musical talent to be shared. He also gave writing talent to be shared. Thanks, Wendy, and the whole booksandsuch blog for helping us out of our comfort zones.
Blessings, Voni
I too am unlurking today as this is a subject that was recently brought up in my publisher’s author forum. Now the all important question here for me, as a newbie author (got my first, 2, 3, & 4th historical romance contracts in the last 5 months) is do I need an agent? Yes, I do agree that a query letter is oh so important (LOL as well as not putting mother of 5 under author bio) and yes, I am learning so much as I go that it really is mind boogling! (and loving it).
Killarney, you look to be on a roll. You definitely need an agent to help you manage multiple projects and to do much of the tough stuff with publishers, not to mention negotiating contracts, etc. Your agent will also help you plan your career.
Because you are already traditionally published (this wouldn’t work for e-pubbed only or subsidy-pubbed authors) you might be able to skip the query process by having one of your writing friends recommend you to their agent or having your editor make the introduction. I pay attention when an editor asks me to represent one of their up-and-coming writers. If you query and mention that you are already contracted for multiple books you’ll probably get to jump ahead of unpublished writers because you fit in a different client category.
BTW, I hope everyone noticed that Killarney managed to get four contracts on her own, without an agent. There are several ways to publishing success and it’s a myth that you can’t be published without an agent.
Just got back from following you on Twitter…one hour later!! It can be a time-sucker.
One of my friends was ‘found’ by an agent by being online and commenting on all the right sites. The agents remark was ‘I saw you everywhere’ and came to check you out’. They have an ongoing relationship with the author into her fourth book!
I met her one year ago through a LinkedIn discussion where she was looking for reviewers. She was kind enough to let me review her even though I’d just started blogging. I felt like a little dog getting off the porch to run with the big dogs.
And I always believed that finishing the novel was the hardest part! The romanticized notion of simply being “discovered” and becoming a best selling author overnight is miles from Realityville. I’ve been reading and researching for the past few months and my, is it a lot of work! But, as my experience as a former Army wife, high school teacher and current homeschooler of two little boys — it’s always better to be over-prepared!
I’ve been an avid reader of your blogand am highly appreciative of all the helpful tidbits of information thrown in the direction of all us novices — especially the reality checks. It may be a lot of work, but it’s oh-so-satisfying. Thanks Wendy!
Someone pointed me to this article and I am thrilled to be tuned into your blog. This is a great article.
The reason I feel it is so important to be invested in this industry is because a) it gives you a heads up over those who think you can just write your heart out and let everyone else handle the rest; b) it puts you in touch with what is being published and what types of books agents are representing; and c) it saves everyone a lot of time when the queries go to the right place.
When I decided to write my first children’s book, I already knew which publisher I wanted to pitch it to. I spent months reading their books, found chances to speak with the publisher at conferences, and also spoke with some of the authors who worked with them. I’m glad to say that hard work paid off, because they accepted “Little Shepherd” after requesting only a few edits.
Thanks again for this helpful article. Now that I am signed up to receive your updates by email, I’m sure I’ll be visiting more often.
Cheryl
I enjoyed re-reading your workarounds, Wendy. Thanks for this post and all the others. You at Books & Such provide information we need.
On one hand, your post encourages me. Many of those tips you mentioned are ones I am following and striving to improve upon. Of course, as an aspiring writer, I know the odds are against me. But, I will continue to do what I can, persevere, and progress.
I do think the writer has a large responsibility to stay knowledgeable of the business side of writing and publishing. The connectedness you emphasize here also aids the writer in community, support, and boosting improvement.
Just as I would want an agent that wants to invest in my writing career and to stay up-to-date in the publishing arena, I can see well how an agent would want a writer to invest in the craft and in staying connected with writer and publishing. This connected virtue is so important in most careers… the teacher needs to stay updated in content and teaching skills, the doctor must progress with medical advances, the mother must stay up to date with the growth of her child.
Without this connected nature of the writing, agenting, and publishing community, I probably would have a much harder time of investigating publication (in some form or another – be it articles or books). Encouragement to persevere is one great reason alone to stay connected.
Thank you for this post!
Every once in awhile I copy one of your posts and put it in my “need to read again” file. This is one of them. I like your posts, but this one is motivating me to look around for some more good agents/bloggers and in our New Year’s budgeting goals I think I’ll need to add the Mt. Hermon’s Christian writer’s conference. Thanks for the great information and hopefully you’ll begin seeing my name around town. 🙂
Jenny, be sure to introduce yourself to me at Mount Hermon– my favorite writer’s conference.
With an over-saturated market, selling books, including the author, agent, and publisher is a collaborative effort. And, ultimately, the author is using the most vested person in the mix, at least emotionally. I think the saying is “it takes a village to raise a child,” well, the same can be said of selling books.
I don’t know of many authors who like having to work on the promotion aspect of writing, but it’s a necessity.
Thanks for an informative post.
Just found this blog, though a link; I’m going to follow through the RSS feed!
Wendy,
Thanks for the post. This is my first time reading your blog and I have learned alot. I am currently working on my first book and I have found it to be hard work but also immensely fulfilling. Keep up the great posts!
Hi Wendy,
THANK YOU Books & Such Literary Agency for mentoring us! I’ve been following your agency’s blogs since Oct 2010. Monday-Friday I look forward to what I can learn from the agents and other bloggers. I print them out and file them for future use. However, this is the first time I have ever blogged in my life.
Wendy, you had mentioned the we should be knowledgeable about the publishing industry. Could you recommend some books on this topic? BYW the “how to write” books recommended by this site have been incredibly helpful.
Sue Gollbach
Just starting in the writing arena and found the link to booksandsuch and this post. You can be sure I will continue reading and gaining information.
I am not much of a FB or twitterer. It becomes a time sink without much of use. I will admit to twittering about pocket frogs which I am addicted to. Anyway, I suppose I will try some more just to make at least my user name familiar if I decide to try and publish my version o f the great American novel. 😀