Why can't the right agent just knock on my door?

By cobaltblue · Jun 21, 2012 · 635 · 7
  1. Researching agents was fun when I started doing it last month.
    Discovering helpful blogs and agent interviews was exciting.
    Finding that they all want different things was interesting.
    Writing good query letters has been difficult.
    Sending out those query letters has been terrifying.
    Reading the replies (all rejections so far) has been like a roller-coaster.
    Kind words and encouragement to keep trying - YAY!!! Not what we're looking for at this time - Awwww!!

    Why can't the right agent just knock on my door? I'll invite her in for tea and she'll read my book in one sitting.

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  1. Cogito
    Beware the agent who knocks on your door and says, "I saw your writing, and want you to sign with me. I'll make you rich!"

    They do exist. And they invariably are running a scam.
    Cogito, Jun 21, 2012
  2. chicagoliz
    What's your story about, Cobalt? Have you attended any workshops or seminars that have agents there? I'm still revising, so I haven't reached the agent/query part yet. It took me a while to find someplace to get some really valuable, insightful, honest feedback, so I'll see where I end up after I do some revising. I'm also searching for a good beta reader, so I've got a little bit of time before I reach the dying-to-hear-back from query letter phase. From what I've heard, I can't say I'm really looking forward to it.

    Good luck to you!
    Liz
    chicagoliz, Jun 21, 2012
  3. cobaltblue

    Cogito, that's why I asked for the 'right' agent ... I'm sure there are plenty of con men out there, they can stay well away from my door!
    cobaltblue, Jun 21, 2012
  4. cobaltblue
    Liz, my book is YA sci-fi.

    I've had some great feedback from my beta-readers and did some revisions/fixes based on their comments/critiques. Asking people to read and waiting to hear back was very hard... I had to just bite the proverbial bullet, which in reality was my bottom lip. It still smarts.
    Then I sent out some query letters (well emails)... and downed a cold beer. The first batch was a kind of litmus test, to see what they would say back to me... they didn't rip me to shreds so I kept going ;)
    With the second batch I made some adjustments. Still waiting to see how all of those fared.

    I had one reply asking for more... almost choked on my tea when that email arrived. I think I was too anxious rattling off the response and %@%ed it up a bit. Oh well. I'm still breathing.

    I haven't attended any conferences, but I have been researching those as well. Hopefully there are some in my future.

    Good luck with finding a beta reader and getting to the point where your story is 'finished' :D and good luck with the agent hunting when you get there.

    Blue



    cobaltblue, Jun 21, 2012
  5. Cogito
    Real agents wait for you to approach THEM. It's part of the ethics of the profession.

    Their search time should be spent on finding the right home for your manuscript, not hustling for new clients by cold-calling writers (who may already be represented).
    Cogito, Jun 22, 2012
  6. mammamaia
    he's right!... no legit agent will come to you, unless you're already a best-selling author... and then, as cog notes, it would only be one with questionable business ethics...
    mammamaia, Jun 22, 2012
  7. cobaltblue
    I wasn't actually asking that an agent come to my door...*sigh* It wasn't a literal request... it was just a whine.
    cobaltblue, Jun 24, 2012
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