Is it time for an agent?
Is it time for an agent? That’s the question that’s been rolling around inside my head these last few months. The answer is different for each person, but if I’m honest with myself, I’ve know the answer for a few months. Looking back in my journal, there are several scribbles about this agent or that and why I should take a closer look at their work.
Around June 2007, Jo Whittemore gave a presentation titled, “The Great Agent Hunt” for the Austin SCBWI Chapter. It was detailed, professional, and daunting. I had just finished my master’s degree and I thought, “Finding the right agent is like working on a master’s thesis.” I wasn't ready to that again, and the same could be said for my writing.
What have I been doing for the last four years, you ask? Besides teaching full-time, I’ve taken several writing classes, attended conferences, and learned the craft of writing. Like I said earlier, it’s different for everyone. I’ve met plenty of writers who submit over and over, but to no avail. A similar fate may await me, but at least I’ve given my writing a fighting chance by working on my craft first and carefully choosing a handful of agents to query.
If you’re considering an agent search as well, you may want to check out a few resources before you seal the envelope or click “send.” Rather than regurgitating a bunch of links, I invite you to check out the following posts by industry professionals:
The Skinny on Agents by Jan Fields
Children's Book Agents and Artist's Representatives: a Guide by Harold Underdown
Questions to ask before signing with an agent by Jessica Alvarez (also check out Bad Agent )
A few more thoughts: 1. Read any and all available interviews for the agents you're interested in, 2. Know why you're submitting to that person and personalize the letter, and 3. Follow the guidelines on their websites.
Good luck!
Around June 2007, Jo Whittemore gave a presentation titled, “The Great Agent Hunt” for the Austin SCBWI Chapter. It was detailed, professional, and daunting. I had just finished my master’s degree and I thought, “Finding the right agent is like working on a master’s thesis.” I wasn't ready to that again, and the same could be said for my writing.
What have I been doing for the last four years, you ask? Besides teaching full-time, I’ve taken several writing classes, attended conferences, and learned the craft of writing. Like I said earlier, it’s different for everyone. I’ve met plenty of writers who submit over and over, but to no avail. A similar fate may await me, but at least I’ve given my writing a fighting chance by working on my craft first and carefully choosing a handful of agents to query.
If you’re considering an agent search as well, you may want to check out a few resources before you seal the envelope or click “send.” Rather than regurgitating a bunch of links, I invite you to check out the following posts by industry professionals:
The Skinny on Agents by Jan Fields
Children's Book Agents and Artist's Representatives: a Guide by Harold Underdown
Questions to ask before signing with an agent by Jessica Alvarez (also check out Bad Agent )
A few more thoughts: 1. Read any and all available interviews for the agents you're interested in, 2. Know why you're submitting to that person and personalize the letter, and 3. Follow the guidelines on their websites.
Good luck!