Hi everyone!
It's crazy to think that June is half over. How is everyone doing? Canada is slowly emerging from the Coronavirus lock-down, though many safety protocols are still in place.
An update from my previous post: my insomnia is finally going away! Thank goodness. I missed my sleep.
Back in May, I promised to write two blog posts of #TheWriteWay a month. Since I already made the first in early June about not giving up on your dreams, I wanted to write my second about having an agent and dispelling some myths.
As many of you know, I signed with literary agent Jessica Reino of Metamorphosis Literary back in January 2020 after three years of rejections. It was a HUGE day for me and my career. She fell in love with my YA mystery novel, JESSICA PRINCE AND THE CRIMSON CAPER, which I hope will be the first in a series.
(It's currently on submission now with several publishing houses. Fingers crossed!)
I wrote about getting an agent on my previous blog at blogspot.com before I moved to this website. All those posts are still up if you want to read them. I'll link that post here: https://danagricken.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-novel-that-got-me-literary-agentmy.html
But since it's been six months after signing, I thought I'd do a little update on everything I've learned:
It's a Partnership:
You and your agent are working together to find your book a good home. You should respect each other and have an equal love and appreciation of your manuscript. How does any successful partnership grow? When two people are both dedicated, have the same goals, and both communicate.
You don't have to be best friends, but you should feel comfortable enough to share your concerns and feelings. And remember: they're representing you and vice versa, so be on your best behavior! Kindness is always appreciated.
It's Not a Promise of Success
Just because you signed with a literary agent, it doesn't mean you're going to be a mega-rich, famous author like Stephen King or James Patterson overnight. Your agent still has to take your manuscript to publishing houses and pitch that novel to editors.
There's no guarantee that a) your book will sell, b) your book will sell well to a big publishing house, and c) you'll be able to quit your day job and pursue writing full-time. Having a literary agent is certainly helpful to your career, but nothing in life is promised -- especially when it comes to something as subjective as writing. It's hard to get used to that feeling of uncertainty, but focusing on the writing will help.
Periods of Silence Is Common
Sometimes, my agent and I don't email for weeks. Why? There isn't anything new to report. Sometimes we check in with each other to see how we're both doing, but other than that, there's not much to talk about in terms of my book -- not until an editor responds.
Editors can take several months to read your manuscript and come to a decision (especially in 2020 with the Coronavirus.) Like me, you'll probably encounter a silent period. But that's okay -- it gives you time to work on other projects and improve! My agent also has other clients, so I don't expect her to respond immediately to my emails or put me first.
Each Agent is Different
This one is obvious, but I thought I'd point out that not every agent works the same. Some like to communicate through phone calls, others email. Some check-in weekly, others monthly. Again, it depends on your agent and what kind of relationship you have with them. Some have big followings on social media with multiple sales, others are just starting out in the business.
Some of them even have different ways of dealing with different clients. You'll get used to their style and what works best for your partnership.
So, there you have it -- four things I've learned while working with my agent for the past six months. Jessica has been super kind and fun to work with, and I'm looking forward to seeing where we can go from here!
Remember: if you have any questions -- not just about having a literary agent, but writing in general -- you can post them here or on social media using #TheWriteWay hashtag.
As always, thanks for reading! I wish you the best of luck in finding your own literary agent.
Sincerely,
Dana
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