Having an agent call you to offer representation is awesome. But with all that joy sloshing through your brain, it's not uncommon to totally blank on what you should ask that agent to know if they're a good fit for you. Lots of much more informed folks have blogged about this, so I thought having an easy-to-read list of some fantastic posts on the subject would be both informative, and allow me to blog in the small time I have this afternoon.
A Handy-Dandy List of Questions to Ask When Getting a Call From an Agent
Agent Kristin Nelson
Don't forget to read the comments section, too, as there are some good questions there that others asked Kristin didn't blog about.
Agent Rachelle Gardner
The Agents at Bookends
Agent Ginger Clark
Guest blogging for Nathan Bransford
Agent Query
Association of Authors' Representatives
When you talk to an agent, chances are you're going to be excited and terrified. This is it. This is what you've been dreaming of forever. But just breathe and try to keep in mind that this is a great chance for you to get to know that agent a little and see how you click with them. This is a person you could be working with, and you need to be able to talk to them without freaking out or feeling terribly intimidated.
It's important to remember that they're people, too. Every single one I've met was nice (even Janet Reid, though she'd probably deny that). They're scary only because of what they represent. (no pun intended) And if they're calling you, then there's something about your book they like, so you don't have to stress over that anymore.
You can even have your list ready just in case. (and kinda fun, like living a bit of the dream). If you have agents reading your manuscript, you might do some extra research before they call and answer a lot of the questions just by reading their website. And it's not a bad list of things to keep in mind as you put together your list of agents before you even query.
Most important, enjoy the moment when it happens. cause it's a good one.
CreatingConflict
Backstory
Finding aCritique Group
Writing aSynopsis
WordCount
Plotting In Layers
What Your QuerySays About Your Book
DescribingYour Characters
Point of View& Characters
The First250 Words
PassiveVoice
Is Your Writing
Getting Better?
Findingan Agent
Tips OnWriting Action
Nice WriterSyndrome?
Red Flag: WordsThat Are Trouble
Plotting
The FirstDraft
Edit -vs- Revise:Deathmatch!
Guest AuthorClaudia Gray
On Outlining
Guest AuthorKody Keplinger
On Dialog
Guest AuthorCynthia L. Smith
On Process
Guest AuthorK.A. Stewart
On Character
Guest AuthorJana DeLeon
On Pantsing
Guest AuthorHolly Cupala
On Writing Secrets
Guest AuthorNancy Holzner
On Dialog
Guest AuthorGini Koch
On Process
Guest AuthorVincent H O'Neil
On Research
OnlineResources
Books byJanice Hardy
The Shifterby Janice Hardy
Blue Fireby Janice Hardy
8 Against Realityinc. Janice Hardy
Diagnostics:Submit Your Work
7 comments:
Thanks for the links! :) I already have a running list of questions (I'll be in the query stage soon), but I'd like to gather more info.
Thank you for the links! I have always heard that one should ask interested agents questions before accepting the offer of representation, but I couldn't find out what the right questions to ask are. These are very useful. Thank you. :>
The best part about "the call" is hearing someone gush over your work. Humbling and thrilling at once!
This is great, Janice. Thanks for the links!
Most welcome all!
Thanks for putting all the links together. I'll be starting the query process soon and I want to have the right questions together. You've made it so much easier. I've read on other blogs too that it's important to ask questions to be sure you are the agent are the right fit. I hope I get to that point some day.
You will!
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