April 6th, 2010 / 11:38 am
Snippets
Snippets
Nick Antosca—
Do you have a literary agent? Do you think you want/need a literary agent? Has a literary agent ever sold anything for you? Are agents a good thing for literature or just a necessary element of publishing?
i’ve been waiting for this to come up.
i don’t have an agent. and now that i’m wrapping up my thesis, i’d really like one. but i’m not sure what to expect or how to go about finding the best one.
the honest truth is that i would love to make money from my writing some day. an agent could help make that possible. or not. but either way, it’s worth aspiring to.
i’d really like to hear from some people with representation. what their experiences are/were. the good the bad and the ugly. because this is something i’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
i’ve been waiting for this to come up.
i don’t have an agent. and now that i’m wrapping up my thesis, i’d really like one. but i’m not sure what to expect or how to go about finding the best one.
the honest truth is that i would love to make money from my writing some day. an agent could help make that possible. or not. but either way, it’s worth aspiring to.
i’d really like to hear from some people with representation. what their experiences are/were. the good the bad and the ugly. because this is something i’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
I never thought I would get an agent, but I have one now. I couldn’t really handle the “business” aspect of things, so an agent really did help. I don’t think having an agent is necessary, but I do think they can help place your book in the hands of more editors and publishers.
I never thought I would get an agent, but I have one now. I couldn’t really handle the “business” aspect of things, so an agent really did help. I don’t think having an agent is necessary, but I do think they can help place your book in the hands of more editors and publishers.
has it changed the way you approach your writing?
Well, ok, i’ll go first, although not in detail (that’ll be another post, one day, when i have the time & intestinal fortitude). I’ve had, i think, five literary agents for four different novels, ranging from folks at William Morris to small boutique places, like the guy who sold Marley & Me. One I got when I was 18 by sending query letters; the others I got via recommendations by friends. They all had different styles and methods. Some worked hard and did a lot and really impressed me. One was catastrophically, almost comically incompetent although I very much liked the agent personally. But not one sold anything of mine or made me a single dollar. The common denominator here is me, and all but one of these agents were very competent, so I have to assume I just write stuff that may impress agents but has no appeal to editors.
my literary agent has a literary agent.
has it changed the way you approach your writing?
Well, ok, i’ll go first, although not in detail (that’ll be another post, one day, when i have the time & intestinal fortitude). I’ve had, i think, five literary agents for four different novels, ranging from folks at William Morris to small boutique places, like the guy who sold Marley & Me. One I got when I was 18 by sending query letters; the others I got via recommendations by friends. They all had different styles and methods. Some worked hard and did a lot and really impressed me. One was catastrophically, almost comically incompetent although I very much liked the agent personally. But not one sold anything of mine or made me a single dollar. The common denominator here is me, and all but one of these agents were very competent, so I have to assume I just write stuff that may impress agents but has no appeal to editors.
my literary agent has a literary agent.
If you want to make money for writing, my best advice from experience is: apply for grants. Apply for this grant, if they’re still giving it out this year: http://newpagesblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/writers-grant-competition.html
If you want to make money for writing, my best advice from experience is: apply for grants. Apply for this grant, if they’re still giving it out this year: http://newpagesblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/writers-grant-competition.html
Nope.
Nope.
ZZZZIPP HAS TEN LITERARY AGENTS AND THEY ALL FIT ON THE HEAD OF A PIN IN THE HAIR OF YOUR LITERARY AGENT
ZZZZIPP HAS TEN LITERARY AGENTS AND THEY ALL FIT ON THE HEAD OF A PIN IN THE HAIR OF YOUR LITERARY AGENT
thanks for the link. i didn’t know about this.
thanks for the link. i didn’t know about this.
maximum is $40,000, i believe.
maximum is $40,000, i believe.
unless i start writing longer stuff, i won’t bother contacting any agents
unless i start writing longer stuff, i won’t bother contacting any agents
my literary agent has literary agents for hands and those literary agents also have literary agents for hands and so on.
my literary agent has literary agents for hands and those literary agents also have literary agents for hands and so on.
I totally second what Shane said. I am so, so happy to have someone to handle the business-y side of things and my agent is a really good reader/editor for me as well.
I don’t think having representation has changed my approach to writing at all. Do you mean feeling pressure to writer certain things or in a certain way? If that’s what you meant, then that hasn’t been my experience, but that said, it seems crucial to find an agent that’s a really good fit for you and is into what you’re doing/want to do.
I totally second what Shane said. I am so, so happy to have someone to handle the business-y side of things and my agent is a really good reader/editor for me as well.
I don’t think having representation has changed my approach to writing at all. Do you mean feeling pressure to writer certain things or in a certain way? If that’s what you meant, then that hasn’t been my experience, but that said, it seems crucial to find an agent that’s a really good fit for you and is into what you’re doing/want to do.
My daddy bought me an agent. Paid him ten thousand dollars. I got exactly what he paid for. About a month’s worth of work and then he stopped returning my phone calls.
I would love to apply for grants and have thought about how nice it would be to have the time to write, and not work full-time plus. But I don’t have an MFA…are you competitive for grants without one?
yes. i don’t have an MFA.
My daddy bought me an agent. Paid him ten thousand dollars. I got exactly what he paid for. About a month’s worth of work and then he stopped returning my phone calls.
I would love to apply for grants and have thought about how nice it would be to have the time to write, and not work full-time plus. But I don’t have an MFA…are you competitive for grants without one?
yes. i don’t have an MFA.
yes, that’s exactly what i meant–that pressure to write things that maybe aren’t exactly what you want to do, but have the potential to appeal to editors.
it’s really reassuring to hear that you’ve found someone who understands and supports what you’re doing. i don’t hear enough of this sort of thing.
yes, that’s exactly what i meant–that pressure to write things that maybe aren’t exactly what you want to do, but have the potential to appeal to editors.
it’s really reassuring to hear that you’ve found someone who understands and supports what you’re doing. i don’t hear enough of this sort of thing.
The biggest thing “business-wise” was the idea of submitting the book to other countries. I have no idea how to do that. An agency can do that. It saves you tons of time and your parents will think you aren’t a complete deadbeat if you show them a translation. Maybe.
The biggest thing “business-wise” was the idea of submitting the book to other countries. I have no idea how to do that. An agency can do that. It saves you tons of time and your parents will think you aren’t a complete deadbeat if you show them a translation. Maybe.
This seems like one of those areas where literary urban legend-ness (Agents are all about the money! They won’t even look at story collections! And even if they do take on your collection, they’ll probably want you to follow up with a novel about sexy vampires!) has taken over to a certain degree. There are plenty of crappy agents out there for sure, but plenty of great ones too, though it seems like only the horror stories circulate. I guess because they’re more entertaining?
This seems like one of those areas where literary urban legend-ness (Agents are all about the money! They won’t even look at story collections! And even if they do take on your collection, they’ll probably want you to follow up with a novel about sexy vampires!) has taken over to a certain degree. There are plenty of crappy agents out there for sure, but plenty of great ones too, though it seems like only the horror stories circulate. I guess because they’re more entertaining?
Have not attempted to get one, but need to start soon
Have not attempted to get one, but need to start soon
In the case of the Elizabeth George Foundation grant, you can apply to get the money to fund an MFA if you want. So, clearly they expect writers without MFAs to apply.
And George is a pretty darn successful genre writer, too. They might be open to a wider variety of styles.
In the case of the Elizabeth George Foundation grant, you can apply to get the money to fund an MFA if you want. So, clearly they expect writers without MFAs to apply.
And George is a pretty darn successful genre writer, too. They might be open to a wider variety of styles.
I don’t have an agent and have sold two books without one but I know I need an agent because I’m not great with the business stuff and I would love to get my work seen by bigger publishers. I really haven’t had the time to try and find one but after I graduate in June, I’ll try and focus on that. I find it all so overwhelming. I’ve read about finding an agent and all but it just seems like there are so many agents out there, I don’t even know where to start. I wish there was like a concise 5-step guide to finding an agent because all the stuff I read is so convoluted.
I don’t have an agent and have sold two books without one but I know I need an agent because I’m not great with the business stuff and I would love to get my work seen by bigger publishers. I really haven’t had the time to try and find one but after I graduate in June, I’ll try and focus on that. I find it all so overwhelming. I’ve read about finding an agent and all but it just seems like there are so many agents out there, I don’t even know where to start. I wish there was like a concise 5-step guide to finding an agent because all the stuff I read is so convoluted.
Awesome. Thanks, both of you.
Awesome. Thanks, both of you.
me, too. I never know if what I’m reading is crap or not.
me, too. I never know if what I’m reading is crap or not.
Yeah I feel it is a bit of a world I know nothing about. Like, I could list every good magazine that publishes fiction, but couldn’t tell you who more than a few of the big agents are. Gotta learn sometime though.
Yeah I feel it is a bit of a world I know nothing about. Like, I could list every good magazine that publishes fiction, but couldn’t tell you who more than a few of the big agents are. Gotta learn sometime though.
I’ve heard poets shouldn’t bother with agents. Anyone else heard the same thing?
I’ve heard poets shouldn’t bother with agents. Anyone else heard the same thing?
Yeah, I don’t think an agent can do anything for a poet. Maybe Billy Collins…
Yeah, I don’t think an agent can do anything for a poet. Maybe Billy Collins…
FYI, any money you receive from a grant is taxable income. there is no way it could be tax-free
FYI, any money you receive from a grant is taxable income. there is no way it could be tax-free
If that’s true, maybe I’m misinformed.
If that’s true, maybe I’m misinformed.
I’ve been approached by three agents who either read my work in lit mags or stumbled onto my blog. So there’s always the traditional route of just writing as much as you can and hoping the right person sees your work. I also think it’s a good strategy to look in the acknowledgments sections of books you like and see who the agent is, especially if you have even a negligible connection to that writer. Querytracker.net is also the Duotrope of agents.
I’ve been approached by three agents who either read my work in lit mags or stumbled onto my blog. So there’s always the traditional route of just writing as much as you can and hoping the right person sees your work. I also think it’s a good strategy to look in the acknowledgments sections of books you like and see who the agent is, especially if you have even a negligible connection to that writer. Querytracker.net is also the Duotrope of agents.
You’re welcome, Amber.
You’re welcome, Amber.
Yeah, this is definitely what I’ve heard. And it really depends on what you’re trying to write. I sold a graphic novel to a small comic publisher without an agent. All I needed was a pitch and some sample pages. A lot of poets I’ve known have started out by winning publication contests. Does Ahsahta Press still do this? Did they ever? I feel like they did, but I might be confusing them with someone else.
Yeah, this is definitely what I’ve heard. And it really depends on what you’re trying to write. I sold a graphic novel to a small comic publisher without an agent. All I needed was a pitch and some sample pages. A lot of poets I’ve known have started out by winning publication contests. Does Ahsahta Press still do this? Did they ever? I feel like they did, but I might be confusing them with someone else.
There’s a book in England that lists every single literary agent and who they represent. It’s a yearly. There should be some kind of similar database in the U.S as well no? I mean if someone is representing writers that you like then that agent is probably worth approaching.
Is this comment very inane?
There’s a book in England that lists every single literary agent and who they represent. It’s a yearly. There should be some kind of similar database in the U.S as well no? I mean if someone is representing writers that you like then that agent is probably worth approaching.
Is this comment very inane?
The only business part of writing that I want any business with is the business of writing a sentence and then following that sentence up with another sentence and maybe stringing together enough of those sentences to hold in my hand something that resembles a book. Not sure how an agent or anyone else can help me with that.
The only business part of writing that I want any business with is the business of writing a sentence and then following that sentence up with another sentence and maybe stringing together enough of those sentences to hold in my hand something that resembles a book. Not sure how an agent or anyone else can help me with that.
OK, I’m going to break my check-this-blog-often-but-never-comment rule and link this:
http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Literary-Agents-Chuck-Sambuchino/dp/1582975868/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b
Everyone listed in the above should be reputable. But if you’re looking for an agent, step one might be to ask writers you know who their agents are, and if you don’t know any, step two would be checking the acks page of books published within the last five years by writers you really admire — they often thank their agent by name. Be sure to mention in the first line of your query who referred you, or, if no one referred you, which writers that agent represents who you like. And never ever say “Dear Agent” whatever you do.
/end PSA. best of luck :)
OK, I’m going to break my check-this-blog-often-but-never-comment rule and link this:
http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Literary-Agents-Chuck-Sambuchino/dp/1582975868/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b
Everyone listed in the above should be reputable. But if you’re looking for an agent, step one might be to ask writers you know who their agents are, and if you don’t know any, step two would be checking the acks page of books published within the last five years by writers you really admire — they often thank their agent by name. Be sure to mention in the first line of your query who referred you, or, if no one referred you, which writers that agent represents who you like. And never ever say “Dear Agent” whatever you do.
/end PSA. best of luck :)
i’m thinking this is the same for flash/micro fiction, which i write.
anyone disagree?
i’m thinking this is the same for flash/micro fiction, which i write.
anyone disagree?
im not looking for more money/readership, so, no thanks.
im not looking for more money/readership, so, no thanks.
poets do not require such a thing
poets do not require such a thing
my agent is my wife and she is great for inspiration. Thus far though, I have done the work. It sounds like I will get the same out of an actual agent but without the sex.
my agent is my wife and she is great for inspiration. Thus far though, I have done the work. It sounds like I will get the same out of an actual agent but without the sex.
This is BS – why not? Why are poets not in need of representation?
This is BS – why not? Why are poets not in need of representation?
money? readers? I eat air and write only for wordboners.
money? readers? I eat air and write only for wordboners.
I don’t have an agent and managed to get a book out, but not on any kind of enormous press. I’ve thought about agents for the next thing I do, or perhaps to take the book beyond the States. In the last year, just for my own research, I’ve learned a lot here:
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
A couple of years worth of great, basic and no-nonsense posts from a young Lit Agent himself. If anyone is just starting out looking, and wants a real primer, you could read everything a week or two in your spare time on the job, and come away feeling like you not a total noob anymore.
I don’t have an agent and managed to get a book out, but not on any kind of enormous press. I’ve thought about agents for the next thing I do, or perhaps to take the book beyond the States. In the last year, just for my own research, I’ve learned a lot here:
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
A couple of years worth of great, basic and no-nonsense posts from a young Lit Agent himself. If anyone is just starting out looking, and wants a real primer, you could read everything a week or two in your spare time on the job, and come away feeling like you not a total noob anymore.
We at MArs are wondering: do agents read lit journals? If so, which ones?
We at MArs are wondering: do agents read lit journals? If so, which ones?
I know a few writers who have been solicited by agents who read Storyglossia and PANK online so yes, agents do read lit journals, both in print and online.
I know a few writers who have been solicited by agents who read Storyglossia and PANK online so yes, agents do read lit journals, both in print and online.
Yeah, my friend was solicited by a big-time agent because of a Monkeybicycle piece (online).
Yeah, my friend was solicited by a big-time agent because of a Monkeybicycle piece (online).
Yes, many agents read lit journals. The bigger ones probably get read more.
Yes, many agents read lit journals. The bigger ones probably get read more.
who doesn’t get wet for words?
who doesn’t get wet for words?
we talked about this at columbia. basically if yr not billy collins or seamus heaney it’s just silly. there is apparently an agency that represents only poets. but none of the faculty here seems to think there’s really any point.
we talked about this at columbia. basically if yr not billy collins or seamus heaney it’s just silly. there is apparently an agency that represents only poets. but none of the faculty here seems to think there’s really any point.
As a touring performance poet, an agent would be really helpful in booking gigs with a bigger payoff.
As a touring performance poet, an agent would be really helpful in booking gigs with a bigger payoff.
Make a list of majorly published writers you like, find out who their agents are (Google, Amazon, Publisher’s Weekly, ask them), send them a sample of the first twenty pages plus cover letter briefly describing your credits and the work submitted. Send ten queries out at a time.
Make a list of majorly published writers you like, find out who their agents are (Google, Amazon, Publisher’s Weekly, ask them), send them a sample of the first twenty pages plus cover letter briefly describing your credits and the work submitted. Send ten queries out at a time.
no $ = no commission = no one cares
no $ = no commission = no one cares
I was that big time agent. Your friend’s SSN turned out to be phony though.
I was that big time agent. Your friend’s SSN turned out to be phony though.
kidding. the last guy who told me he was an agent asked me for glamour shots and apparently didn’t like what i sent him.
kidding. the last guy who told me he was an agent asked me for glamour shots and apparently didn’t like what i sent him.
yeah, they do, as do a lot of presses, but trying to publish a book that way is like trying to make a living with lottery tickets.
yeah, they do, as do a lot of presses, but trying to publish a book that way is like trying to make a living with lottery tickets.
right. but the silver-lined flipside of “no one cares” is, since poets don’t (shouldn’t) expect to make any money from their work, it’s one less thing they have to worry about as writers. no pressure!
right. but the silver-lined flipside of “no one cares” is, since poets don’t (shouldn’t) expect to make any money from their work, it’s one less thing they have to worry about as writers. no pressure!
I’ll second that. Literary magazines from the New Orleans Review to Subtropics to any other upper-tier (but not glossy) venues — that publish new writers and are also pretty selective — are indeed read by agents.
I’ll second that. Literary magazines from the New Orleans Review to Subtropics to any other upper-tier (but not glossy) venues — that publish new writers and are also pretty selective — are indeed read by agents.
We wonder if they read non university journals, like Noon or New York Tyrant?
We wonder if they read non university journals, like Noon or New York Tyrant?
Someone like Eva would be more knowledgable than me, but I would say absolutely they read non-universtiy journals. Magazines like McSweeneys, Tin House, A Public Space or the ones you mention… these are probably getting read more than most university lit mags. At least that would be my guess.
Someone like Eva would be more knowledgable than me, but I would say absolutely they read non-universtiy journals. Magazines like McSweeneys, Tin House, A Public Space or the ones you mention… these are probably getting read more than most university lit mags. At least that would be my guess.
Yes — I didn’t mean to suggest that agents only read university lit mags. Those were just two I know for sure about. There’s really no telling which agents read what magazines, print or online. This blog, for example.
Yes — I didn’t mean to suggest that agents only read university lit mags. Those were just two I know for sure about. There’s really no telling which agents read what magazines, print or online. This blog, for example.
That’s good news, good news.
Good news.
That’s good news, good news.
Good news.
It’s true. I was solicited by an agent through a print mag I wrote an essay for. And I know Richard Russo got his agent because that agent subscribes to Mid-American Review. Granted, this chances of this happening are slim, but it does happen.
It’s true. I was solicited by an agent through a print mag I wrote an essay for. And I know Richard Russo got his agent because that agent subscribes to Mid-American Review. Granted, this chances of this happening are slim, but it does happen.
I think that agents are fine. If they’re good, they are editors. If they’re not, they don’t return phone calls or emails. Who knows? Writing is all about revision and practice. Getting published is all about luck. It sucks that publication legitimizes writing but it does. Oh well.
And also most literary agents live in New York City.
Some live in other places, but most of them don’t.
That’s what I think. Not that anyone asked. Oh, I guess HTMLGIANT asked. Hi, HTMLGIANT.
I think that agents are fine. If they’re good, they are editors. If they’re not, they don’t return phone calls or emails. Who knows? Writing is all about revision and practice. Getting published is all about luck. It sucks that publication legitimizes writing but it does. Oh well.
And also most literary agents live in New York City.
Some live in other places, but most of them don’t.
That’s what I think. Not that anyone asked. Oh, I guess HTMLGIANT asked. Hi, HTMLGIANT.
Hey, Pauls, when are you going to send me that hat? I’m a patient man, but I can’t wait forever. Hope all is well.
Hey, Pauls, when are you going to send me that hat? I’m a patient man, but I can’t wait forever. Hope all is well.
Argh. Getting published is not all about luck. I’m sorry but that statement drives me fucking batshit.
Argh. Getting published is not all about luck. I’m sorry but that statement drives me fucking batshit.
Why does it suck that publication legitimatizes writing? What would you like to legitimize it instead?
Why does it suck that publication legitimatizes writing? What would you like to legitimize it instead?
Damn!
I forgot!
Which hat, again?
I have a vague memory of owing you a hat!
Damn!
I forgot!
Which hat, again?
I have a vague memory of owing you a hat!
And — yes — all is well in Portland!
And — yes — all is well in Portland!
Hey:
I just think that a lot of good writers I know feel marginalized because they don’t get published by mainstream presses or magazines. It sucks to work every day on something for years and years and then it goes nowhere, to no one. What do I wish legitimized writing? Man, I wish I knew. I don’t have any idea. But not publication. Something else. Not sure what.
It’s funny: I’m teaching ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ right now, and Virginia Woolf essentially — essentially — published her own work. Well, together with her husband, anyway. Of course, she was at the center of a complex network of London-based intellectual activity. So it was a little unusual.
You know, come to think of it: Hogarth Press and Woolf reminds me a bit of Small Beer Press, today, and Kelly Link…
Hey:
I just think that a lot of good writers I know feel marginalized because they don’t get published by mainstream presses or magazines. It sucks to work every day on something for years and years and then it goes nowhere, to no one. What do I wish legitimized writing? Man, I wish I knew. I don’t have any idea. But not publication. Something else. Not sure what.
It’s funny: I’m teaching ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ right now, and Virginia Woolf essentially — essentially — published her own work. Well, together with her husband, anyway. Of course, she was at the center of a complex network of London-based intellectual activity. So it was a little unusual.
You know, come to think of it: Hogarth Press and Woolf reminds me a bit of Small Beer Press, today, and Kelly Link…
It sucks, but no matter what the “legitimizing” factor in an art form is, the vast majority of practitioners are not going to be on top. That’s just life, isn’t it?
Also, I think I’d disagree that publication is really legitimizing anymore. It is so easy to self-publish and there are so many tiny presses out there that what is legitimizing now is more readership, “buzz” (being talked about in big places) and I guess maybe awards?
It sucks, but no matter what the “legitimizing” factor in an art form is, the vast majority of practitioners are not going to be on top. That’s just life, isn’t it?
Also, I think I’d disagree that publication is really legitimizing anymore. It is so easy to self-publish and there are so many tiny presses out there that what is legitimizing now is more readership, “buzz” (being talked about in big places) and I guess maybe awards?
That’s pretty good vague memory, considering this is an internet pseudonym and the hat in question was taken over 4 (?) years ago. Straw-woven. You commandeered it to write ‘a year without maps.’
I’ve got some stuff to show you, next time we’re in the same area code.
That’s pretty good vague memory, considering this is an internet pseudonym and the hat in question was taken over 4 (?) years ago. Straw-woven. You commandeered it to write ‘a year without maps.’
I’ve got some stuff to show you, next time we’re in the same area code.
Aha! I remember all now!
Aha! I remember all now!