Comments on: Reading for a Living

By: Prem Nair

Prem Nair — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 10:31:00 +0000

A4U:
Introducing new talent to the world, and their reader’s gratitude for it! 🙂

By: Crystal Laine Miller

Crystal Laine Miller — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 03:45:30 +0000

>Oh, and I have to say, in all that I've learned about editing/story/fiction and working as a reader, I have never lost my joy of reading, either, Rachelle. I can still get lost in a story. What you said totally resonates with me. 🙂

By: Crystal Laine Miller

Crystal Laine Miller — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 03:41:11 +0000

>I would love the acquiring part, the looking for clients, talking to potential clients. I would like getting excited about a project and the pitch to editors. I would like working on the manuscripts of my clients. I would like working with my clients on building their careers and the personal relationships with "book" people.

What I wouldn't like--feeling behind all the time with stacks and stacks of queries, manuscripts (both the requested and my clients',)people constantly in my face. I would not like it when I thought a project fit a particular publishing house--and they didn't agree with my judgment. (Ha)

I admire agents because I think you all do a great job overall/provide a needed service, and really care about what you do. While "reading for a living" is a calling and one I think you are obviously doing well (judging your clients here!) I know it has its moments and frustrations.

It's easy to stand outside, saying what you would do or wouldn't do.

And I'm late on all of these topics. You've had some good ones that I can't resist commenting on!

By: CraftyMama

CraftyMama — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:10:49 +0000

>I would love to be an editor! I have the training, but haven't been able to find work. 🙁 After finishing a book the other day, I found myself piecing apart the work, trying to figure out why I didn't enjoy parts of it. Critiquing the book was just about as enjoyable as reading the book! 😉

By: christianne

christianne — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:55:18 +0000

>I love this post, Rachelle. You articulated for me the exact experience of reading as a profession. I'm also like you in that being an editor and reading for work hasn't dampened or diminished the experience of reading for pleasure on my own time. I do find, however, that life gets so busy outside work that my time for reading books is less and less than it used to be. I've started re-engaging the habit of reading a bit before bed, which used to be my all-time favorite indulgence but hasn't been as much of a priority for me the past couple years. Re-engaging in this small activity feels like meeting upon an old friend. 🙂

By: Neil Larkins

Neil Larkins — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:46:04 +0000

>When I was a young man about to enter college – which was a LONG time ago, I might add – I wanted to be an architect, a designer of beautiful buildings. I loved to draw and paint, had for years, and also liked houses and buildings of all sorts. So, to my thinking, the two likes meshed well.
But when I thought about having to "work" at what I had always done for pleasure, my perspective changed. I felt somehow that my love of art and creating would fade when I had do it on demand. I therefore decided not to mix work with pleasure, even though many people have and do and also knowing the importance of loving your work. For me, this mix would have made me miserable. So when I see people who are able to blend a pleasurable hobby or pastime with "work", I feel a little envious. I'm glad they have been able to do on demand and make a living on what I knew I couldn't. I'm happy for you, Rachelle.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:33:48 +0000

>I've always wanted to read for a living, but not by way of agenting and/or editing. I've always wanted to review books for, I don't know, the Times or the LA Review and such, and write my opinions of the book. I review books on my blog now. Of course, I don't get paid for it, but that is pretty much my dream job. To read books for authors for review and get paid for it. Of course, I understand that I would feel the same things you do about not getting into the story, not caring about the characters, etc. I've been there, experienced that, and loathe it while it's happening, but then I like hashing out my qualms and concerns with the work – in a nice way, of course. 🙂

By: KJ Bain

KJ Bain — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:07:54 +0000

>I would definitely hate to have to send a rejection out and possibly hurt someone.

However, the phone call to tell someone I'd represent them would be the best feeling. I imagine there would be tears on both ends of the line.

I also like to see what other people consider to be good ideas for a book. I've always found it interesting when I've critiqued for writer's groups I'm in.

By: Kelly Combs

Kelly Combs — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:46:05 +0000

>Best: Making THE CALL, and making someone's dream come true.

Worst: Rejection - or killing (or at least injuring) someone's dream. Or I guess we could call it on the job training, or the pathway to improving their work. That's what I'd have to tell myself.

By: Mallory Snow

Mallory Snow — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:41:39 +0000

>It's the same for me when I critique a friend's work. It usually takes me twice as long and twice as much brain power!

By: Edwina

Edwina — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:06:22 +0000

>Even with your comments on reading, that would still be my favorite because that is where the great books are found. Then I would love to take that great book and help the author turn it into a superb book!

By: Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:26:10 +0000

>I think both agents and editors have the opportunity to help a writer find and develop their voice.
I edit a magazine, and when a writer tells me that I've helped them sound like a "better" version of themselves, I'm satisfied I've done my job well. My goal is to never tamper with a writer's voice--but to untangle it from whatever is hindering it from "singing."
I think that's the best part of being an agent of an editor: helping a writer "sing."

By: Judith Robl

Judith Robl — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:29:54 +0000

>I occasionally do screening reading for a small publisher. I love seeing what people come up with.

I am ecstatic when I get to give an unqualified thumbs up on a manuscript for the editor to read.

I love seeing the possibilities in those manuscripts that are not yet ready for publication.

I have no problem saying no to people who really cannot cut it and directing them to resources for improvement.

What really gets to me is the manuscript on the cusp - the one that is a really good manuscript, catches my eye, needs very little line edit, but may have only a small niche market. That decision is one I'm very glad to leave to the editor.

By: sue harrison

sue harrison — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:28:19 +0000

>I think one of the great things about an agent's job would be to do what is going on today with Billy Coffey's SNOW DAY! I've been following his numbers on Amazon and having a ball being a cheerleader all the way from here in Michigan. Unfortunately for me, although I bought 3 of his books (1 for myself to review for Nov/Dec ENCOMPASS Magazine; 1 for a Christmas gift; and one for a give-away book on my blog) I didn't realize I should buy them today to up his numbers. I bought them on preorder and received them a few days ago. Already read it, already loved it, already did that "wish I would have written that!" about 14 times while I was reading it!!

Congrats, Rachelle and Billy on a terrific book!!

Worst part of being an agent? the rejections (any kind of rejection).