writing
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The agent search
Do I need an agent?
At this point in my career, I ask this question often. After all, I don’t have any novels published. But what I do have is publishing credits, three completed manuscripts, significant contest credits and the will to take this passion from intense hobby to career.
Without an agent, the next steps become more difficult.
Writing is, for the most part, a solitary adventure. Besides those brainstorming sessions with my critique group and conferences, I feel I’m pretty much on my own out here. Don’t we all really want someone on our side? Someone who feels what we do is worthy of the time, agony and frustrations of the process? I’m not sure an agent can really provide that, but it sure would be great to know someone felt my work was good enough to invest their time.
There are thousands of literary agents out there. Narrowing them down to about twenty wasn’t too hard. But will any of them want me, and will we be a good fit?
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Someone who believes in me and my work.
- Someone with strong connections within CBA publishing world.
- Someone who cares about people, not just money.
- Someone who brings their faith to the table.
- Someone who will push me to be my best.
I’d love to end this post with a short list of what my dream agent needs from me, but that’s a question I can’t answer. So I’ll bring what I have and hope it’s enough.
Here’s what I have:
- A willingness to work hard.
- A mind that’s open to suggestions and willing to make changes.
- A mountain of past work and enough ideas to fill a file cabinet.
- A dedication to improvement.
- Patience, though that’s a work in progress.
What do you think? When does a writer need an agent? What do you need from a literary agent?
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Confessions of an ADD writer, social media addict, photographer and graphic designer
Today I welcome fellow writer, Nicole M. Miller. I met Nicole last summer at the OCW Summer Coaching Conference, but I was already familiar with her through her blog. Make sure to check it out! Nicole is an expert on a variety of topics and an all-around fascinating person.
Oh, and I forgot to mention history buff, horse nut and when the occasion calls for it, event planner.Simply put, I cannot really make up my mind. I cannot pinpoint exactly what I am. Sometimes, I long for the clarity of just having “one thing.”
In marketing, you’re told to pick one word and make sure everything you do, publish, say or sell relates back to that one word, your “brand.” Think of John Grisham, think of legal mysteries. Think of Francine Rivers, think of epic romances. Think of Stephen King, think of thrillers.
Can I pick my “brand” as “TBD?” or perhaps “all of the above?”
When Christina asked me to guest blog, she asked what my passion was. A dozen things sprang to mind instantly. Writing. Social media. Horses. People. Graphic design. Photography. Do I have to pick just one?
Each passion plays a big part in my life. I’m a fiction writer by night, a social media coordinator by day, a graphic designer by freelance, a photographer anytime I get my hands on a camera. The horses I’ve owned have shaped me into who I am today and I’m a staunch advocate against animal cruelty. So what “brand” do I portray?
But lately, I’ve come to realize a few things:
1. We all have these ADD tendencies. Not all authors write exclusively in one genre. Some books overlap, some are far from the norm. But as readers, we know what sort of story to expect from those authors. That is the brand.
2. If we all only stuck to “one thing,” we’d be a bit boring. We are all complex beings for a reason. Simple is boring. Who want’s that?
3. Being true to yourself is far more important than limiting yourself to one “brand.” Yes, you must be tactful about it. (But if you’re a romance writer looking to dive into paranormal, that’s what pseudonyms are for…)
For me, I’m in a state of pre-publication and I have time to flush out my books, my blog, my brand.
So what is my one word?
I’ll let you know when it comes to me.
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Great Blogs of the Week
I read quite a few blogs throughout the week. Today I’ve decided to share some of my favorite posts with you.
If you’re a writer, check out Jody Hedlund’s blog about a writer’s worse enemy.
Okay, this one isn’t from this week, but it’s hilarious. Ane Mulligan tells us all about the over 55 techie.
Fliterary publicized the Idahope contest. I’m entering. Maybe you should too!
Check out Jodie Bailey’s journey from pre-published writer to published author. By the way, we’re getting a Panera in my neck of the woods very soon! Writer’s get excited about that kind of thing.
What if there were no money in writing? Well, for the most part, that’s been my experience. But I still love it. Rachelle Gardner tackles this topic.
Steve Laube has done a great job dissecting the acquisition of Thomas Nelson. After you read this post, make sure to look at his others from earlier in the week.
I’ll end this with blatant self-promotion. I’m the guest blogger on Nicole Miller’s blog today. I’m talking about our first horse emergency. Come on back and let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Christina
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Rough Week
I’ll be perfectly honest with you. The words aren’t popping onto the screen this morning. This is my first day back to blogging in a week due to issues with my website hosts. In fact, I still don’t have a front page. Hopefully that will be back soon.
But it’s not the downed site or the lack of blogging that’s holding up my thoughts.
We’ve had a rough week here. The really rough with deep hurts kind of week. That kind that makes you feel like your can’t possibly take another step, and you’re begging God just to hold you up.
I can’t seem to concentrate on my story or focus my mind long enough to put together a scene. Tomorrow is the first day of Nanowrimo. Never before have I doubted my ability to reach that 50,000 word goal. I don’t know. This year may be a real challenge.
In so many ways, I’ve been paralyzed. I thought back to the ACFW conference and remembered that class I thought would be interesting but didn’t take. “Writing Through Adversity”seemed optional at the time. Oh how I wish I’d have taken that. I think I’ll look into purchasing the audio.
The truth is, we’re all going to face hard times. There’s no avoiding that reality, but what do we do in the midst of our troubles? I think the answer to that question defines us more the trials we face.
Thanks for listening. In a small way, I feel better for having typed the words onto the screen. One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Gone with the Wind. Scarlett O’hara, in her wispy way, looks out into the future and says, “Tomorrow I’ll think of some way . . . after all, tomorrow is another day.”
And maybe tomorrow will bring joys that I can’t imagine right now.
I pray that you recognize a special blessing today!
Christina
