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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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Plot and Life
This year I’m teaching two writing classes full of mostly kiddos that haven’t taken a class from me before. I’ve been pondering this week’s lesson about plot. Last week we discussed what makes a character interesting. Now we’ll apply that to what makes a plot interesting, and see how we can weave the two together.
One of the first things the students will do is define their character’s obvious and hidden needs. Hm. Could we actually apply that to ourselves and those around us?
I spend a lot of time noodling over my characters. What do they want? What do they need? Why? All this so I can understand them and, hopefully, write a story that is enjoyable while sending a message through their story. But the people in our real world have the need to be understood too. Maybe these flesh and blood type even have a stronger need to be heard than my characters. Okay, so if you’re not a writer, that last line may seem a little nuts, but trust me, those characters in my head are real!
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19
