What to Do When An Agent Calls

By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy

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. 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 of questions 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 your 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.

Lots of much more informed folks have blogged about this, so here's an easy-to-find list of some fantastic posts on the subject from the agents themselves:

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.

The Agents at Bookends

Agent Query