Comments on: Let Your Agent Be the Bad Guy

By: March Manuscripting: Some Links on Agenting | Hallie Tibbetts

March Manuscripting: Some Links on Agenting | Hallie Tibbetts — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:57:24 +0000

[…] Gardner on letting your agent run interference for you and what to ask an agent if you’re offered […]

By: Carroll B. Merriman

Carroll B. Merriman — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:32:35 +0000

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By: Kylie

Kylie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:21:06 +0000

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Charlotte — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:26:07 +0000

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By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:29:36 +0000

Great post, Rachelle. I’ll be mentioning it during the Master’s class I’m teaching at the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ conference this weekend. The course is on Publishing contracts, and while I think it’s critical for authors to understand the contracts they receive, I think it’s equally important for those who have representation to understand the value of letting the professional do his or her job. I have seen many deals skewed by authors so focused on a grain of sand that they missed the waves entirely.

By: MaDonna

MaDonna — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:40:46 +0000

I like what you said about the agent not being emotional about the piece. I think that is a good point. The ms is the writer’s “baby” and may get offended by comments/changes. Having a third party (agent) to help with the “scrapes and bruises” can be helpful in opening the eyes of the writer to see the truth. Thanks for another tip to put into my pocket for the day I need to use it. =)

By: marion

marion — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:16:43 +0000

Thanks for the heads up, Rachelle.
Angry letters have been a bit of a trap for me at times in the past. I hope I’ve learned better.
But in case I haven’t, and the publishing pressure cooker interferes with my common sense–and in case I’m lucky enough to get an agent for my first novel in the revision stage–I’ll let my long-suffering agent take the flak.
[Sorry about that awfully-constructed sentence!]

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:31:21 +0000

In reply to Joseph Baran. Joseph, thanks for the concern! And yes, I've tried a few times to reconcile, but she isn't having it. I figure if she ever wants to reconcile in the future, she knows I'm willing. But I have to move on though I find it tough not to dwell on it. As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.

By: Anne Love

Anne Love — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:15:37 +0000

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It helps form a realistic expectation for an agent relationship.

I think you’ve describe the role of an advocate for the author, and the importance of communicating professionally about something so personal and so public as the words we write.

You share birthdays with my mom and my niece, that must make you very special–Happy Birthday!

By: Kathryn Elliott

Kathryn Elliott — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:03:41 +0000

Good advice, and I love the picture selection. LOL

By: Joseph Baran

Joseph Baran — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:48:32 +0000

In reply to Melissa Jagears.

Mellisa,

I read your email and was reminded of a somewhat similar situation of mine own. I know it’s your business and not mine, but did you try to reach out to your friend since time has past for both of you to look back and to understand your disagreement better? I ask because you say that it bothers you to this day still.

In case you are wondering, no it didn’t work out for me, although I am a bridge builder, cool and not hot-headed, and don’t rely on hasty spoken words that are difficult to take back. And yes, it’s on my mind. Still.

By: Let Your Agent Be the Bad Guy | Rachelle Gardner | Educating Our Workforce

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:52:40 +0000

[…] the original here: Let Your Agent Be the Bad Guy | Rachelle Gardner Tagged as: disagreement, point, result, […]

By: Joseph Baran

Joseph Baran — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:25:06 +0000

A great working relationship between an agent and author is a match in heaven, so to say. Such an agent is worth her / his wages in gold, having direct influence over the advancement of the author’s career.