This probably doesn't deserve a post of its own, but not everyone reads comments. So for all who so kindly provided virtual Prozac™ while I was losing my mind, I submit the following:
The estimable Miss Snark has replied to the email I sent her about this situation on her blog.
And, in an interesting coincidence, Jessica Faust of BookEnds has posted today about the relationship between agents and authors when it comes to revisions. I don't, obviously, fall into the same category as the authors Jessica represents, but it's still worthwhile to take note of the many ways in which a work can--and should--change and grow its original conception.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Weird Thing Update
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5 comments:
Of course it deserves its own post! Miss Snark is widely-read and famously discriminating, and if she thought your e-mail was THE ONE to post today, and furthermore, Jessica's dealing with similar topics, well... You, my friend, have your finger on the pulse of the zeitgeist. Ride that tiger of mixed metaphors into Sleuthfest.
P.S. your reply in Snark's comments was funny and efficiently targeted.
I am so proud of you! You had the courage to approach Miss Snark and she put you on her blog. Question addressed! And along comes Jessica Faust's post on her blog. Her very thoughtful post is helpful to those of us who are just beginning to query agents and are wondering what the agent/writer relationship is all about.
Now, you go down to Miami and wow them at Sleuthfest. Last year I didn't even do any of the face to face stuff with agents and editors because I was only at the end of my first draft. And I still had a fabulous time.
Be warned, since I'm not able to go this year, I'll probably spew my envy all over the blog while you and Catherine and Meredith A. are there.
Wow, you tippy-toed into Snarkville, eh! And emerged with advice from the great one rather than stilleto heel imprints across your back!
I'm off to check out the Jessica Faust post. I haven't heard of her but she sounds like someone to read and learn from.
Good for you!
I too queried stuff before it was ready and in the process learned much. I think sometimes the "anonymous" guys miss the point. Ya only know you're not ready in hindsight!
At Maui I met many agents and pitched. The best thing to do is to not gush or complement so much as ask for their valued advice. "What books on writing do you recommend? Have you tried the drink of the day in the bar? What makes you read further in a query and ask for pages"
You can see the relief in their eyes when you don't blindly pitch your novel. Then wait and listen as Miss Snark said.
Most of the agents do ask for pages- use the conference connection to get past the slush pile.
After that it's your writing.
Even when I was not asked for pages I sent them anyway if they represented what I wrote. Sometimes I sent them an entirely different project. It's all a learning experience.
Best.
Thanks, Orion...oh, and congratulations! I don't remember whether I said that when Miss Snark first made her announcement, but if I didn't, then...
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