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| This post has nothing to do w cats, but I love this pic. |
But I had a thought today. And I'm curious how you will respond.
I've read plenty of blog stories of how authors found their agents, and one in particular stays with me. The author mentioned that after many form query rejections, an agent finally requested a full. Now, after this author sent the agent her manuscript, she did some digging. Much deeper than the initial who-do-I-query digging. And when the agent called and offered representation, the author asked lots of questions. In the end, the author decided this particular agent would not be a good fit for her. She turned the offer down.
*I really wish I knew whose story this is so I can link to her blog, but I read this some time ago.*
Of course the author eventually did sign with a great agent. But when she turned down the first offer, she had no agents on the back burner.
This got me to thinking. If you queried agents who seemed like they'd be a good fit (AAR, book sales, etc.) but then felt they may not be the one, would you turn down their offer of representation? Or would you figure the door is open, and hope it's the one to walk through?
I'm not asking because this is a personal issue of mine. I just thought it'd be interesting to read your views on it. :)
~Also, I was thinking of posting the darkest scene from my ms, Dark Waters, on my blog on Halloween. Do you know of any blog-a-thons doing this?~
I've heard stories similar to this in the past. If I were ever in the position to have an agent want my work, but felt like they weren't a good fit, I'd probably turn the offer down, too. I'm very protective of my characters and don't want them falling into the wrong hands!
ReplyDeleteSo true. Very good point. :)
DeleteI wish I had been more discriminating, but when I found an agent who wanted to work with me and had great ideas, and worked in NY. I was hooked. It was a mistake. Yes, ask questions, find the right fit, it will only pay off in the long run.
ReplyDeleteWow, so you have experienced it? I've heard from those who have had not great experiences that no agent is better than a bad agent. And you would agree. Have you found one that's a better fit since then?
DeleteI've had a few close-calls where agents were interested but I didn't entirely feel comfortable about things. Perhaps luckily, they didn't go anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI've had one of those recently, too. And I was glad it didn't go anywhere. :)
DeleteGreat post! (And I love the photo.)
ReplyDeleteI think if the agent had all the criteria you mentioned, it would really just come down to personality and where they wanted to take my story. If we didn't "get along" well and didn't have the same vision for my story, I really think I would say no.