Comments on: What Agents Are Doing These Days

By: Richard Sutton

Richard Sutton — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 20:59:20 +0000

I agree that with the ground changing almost daily, the average writer needs to keep writing, knowing that there is someone out there watching for opportunities to develop and seeding the clouds. Spending enough time to follow trends, keep up on industry shifts, personnel changes as well as legal tempests and dangers takes away from writing time. It all makes a good agent an inexpensive advocate and business partner. Wish I had one!

By: Toby White

Toby White — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:44:09 +0000

I have to say that most of these comments must be from writers without agents. Anyone who has had an agent knows that they really don’t do much at all. My published writer friends and myself find their own editors to contract their books and find that their agents are quite a self serving bunch, meaning they’ll look out for their interest more than yours even when deciding where to “shop” your book. However they are part of the system and even though they are none of the things people have mentioned, especially when things get tough for the writer, you need them to negotiate your contract. Try and go with a big agency. At least they have resources that somehow justify having an agent. Sorry. Not a big fan.

By: Elise Kinsey

Elise Kinsey — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 07:24:30 +0000

dear Rachael, I am as writing a bbook based upon my personal experience
incarcerated with Texas penal system. this from the aspect of a correctional officer
and as a wrongfully convicted felon. the raw truth!!
I quite confided. as to what direction I should projection. my brief iZn. I
offer some really good advise. But I understand too
that you are selling yourself. what makes you different from all the other agents? this book is really something want to
awccomplish. Your words give me great encourage ment to move forward. But how can I when different agents use different methods, and theyS all claim to lead to the Same finale.

By: Friday Features #43, #44, #45 - YESENIA VARGAS

Friday Features #43, #44, #45 - YESENIA VARGAS — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 04:28:06 +0000

[…] What Agents Are Doing These Days – Rachelle Gardner […]

By: Kitty Sutton

Kitty Sutton — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 07:38:55 +0000

Dear Rachelle: I am already published with a really good small publisher that I don’t want to change. I write Native American historical fiction mysteries based on heavily researched, almost unknown events that have gone unnoticed and have almost been forgotten. My series is Mysteries from the Trail of Tears, the books are Wheezer and the Painted Frog and Wheezer and the Shy Coyote. I am working on a third now. I give lectures locally on the aftermath of the Trail of Tears as well. My question is, what benefit can an agent give to someone like me? I would like to do more speaking engagements and I would want to explore film opportunities, but is that enough to attract a good agent? Thanks Kitty Sutton

By: Thirsty Thursday Blog Round-up - Writing, Reading, and Life

Thirsty Thursday Blog Round-up - Writing, Reading, and Life — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:25:42 +0000

[…] What Agents Are Doing These Days […]

By: Patent box guy

Patent box guy — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:22:32 +0000

Very interesting article… though I will admit that when I saw the title, I thought you meant SECRET agents! I clicked through thinking, “hm, what ARE secret agents up to these days?!”

By: Angelina Rain

Angelina Rain — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:19:13 +0000

I wish I would have gotten an agent to protect my rights. I’m now stuck with one publisher that refuses to return my rights.

By: Why: The Writing and Publishing edition « Chris Negron

Why: The Writing and Publishing edition « Chris Negron — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 04:33:31 +0000

[…] say about agents and how they work but again this isn’t a post on literary agents. Nevertheless, here’s some basics of what they […]

By: Shadia Hrichi

Shadia Hrichi — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:07:53 +0000

As a business professional, I’ve always recognized the value of professional representation. I may have the skills and gifts of writing but I know I don’t have the unique knowledge and experience of the publishing industry. I’ve been on the hunt for an agent for several years but my topic is a tough one: abortion recovery. I’m currently writing a bible study on the topic which translates into a powerful tool and substantially broadens the market so I’m eager to start sending out proposals. Working with an agent (I hear 😉 means you have someone fighting for you and your work in a realm I know nothing about. What could be better than that?

By: Book Bits: Paire-Davis dies at 88, Crumbling Poe House, Books as prescriptions, ‘Schroder’ « The Sun Singer's Travels

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:31:51 +0000

[…] What Agents Are Doing These Days – “‘Do authors need agents anymore?’ While I can’t answer the question […]

By: Anne Martin Fletcher

Anne Martin Fletcher — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:44:28 +0000

In reply to Dan Erickson. Dan, I agree with you, but I would like to add #6 (I know, Rachelle, readers like to stick to multiples of five): 6. Agents give publishers creative suggestions to help pull them into the existing tech-based world.

By: Roxanne Sherwood Gray

Roxanne Sherwood Gray — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:00:49 +0000

I can’t imagine a successful writing career, while also handling the tasks you listed. If I had to manage all that on my own, when would I have time to write? Thanks for confirming why I need an agent.

By: Roxanne Sherwood Gray

Roxanne Sherwood Gray — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:50:10 +0000

In reply to Laura K. Cowan. Yes, a future post of other blogs you find important would be great.