- Joined
- Jan 16, 2007
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Answer for Red Sapphire
1. I do career planning with my authors. However, when I first take someone on, they've probably already told me (because I'd likely have asked when I requested the complete) what other works they have in progress, etc., so I'll already have a good idea of where they want to go in the near future. If they have multiple projects, we'll probably discuss which are the most marketable and the order in which to pursue them. We'll talk about the author's strengths, anything that can be improved prior to submission, the houses I'd plan to target, the way I work and our commission structure. I'll also answer any questions they might have.
2. How long would you expect an agent to work with you before letting you go? The answer depends on several variables. Has the agent been actively submitting your work and keeping you informed of progress? Has the agent lost enthusiasm for your work or is he/she keeping the faith and continuing to work hard on your behalf with the conviction that sometimes these things take time? If the answers are that the agent has been lackadaisical, uncommunicative or unenthusiastic, then it's time to go. Likewise, if an agent decides he or she has run out of options for your work or is losing steam, he or she should release you to search out other representation.
1. I do career planning with my authors. However, when I first take someone on, they've probably already told me (because I'd likely have asked when I requested the complete) what other works they have in progress, etc., so I'll already have a good idea of where they want to go in the near future. If they have multiple projects, we'll probably discuss which are the most marketable and the order in which to pursue them. We'll talk about the author's strengths, anything that can be improved prior to submission, the houses I'd plan to target, the way I work and our commission structure. I'll also answer any questions they might have.
2. How long would you expect an agent to work with you before letting you go? The answer depends on several variables. Has the agent been actively submitting your work and keeping you informed of progress? Has the agent lost enthusiasm for your work or is he/she keeping the faith and continuing to work hard on your behalf with the conviction that sometimes these things take time? If the answers are that the agent has been lackadaisical, uncommunicative or unenthusiastic, then it's time to go. Likewise, if an agent decides he or she has run out of options for your work or is losing steam, he or she should release you to search out other representation.
Red Sapphire said:Hi Ms. Diver,
I have a couple of questions:
1. When you agree to represent a writer, do you usually have a conversation with them about their goals as a writer, and where they would like to go with their writing career.
2. What would you say is the appropriate length of time to stay with an agent before you let them go? Say for example an agent has an author's book for over a year and has been unable to get a publishing house for it. Is it wise for the writer to let this agent go and search for another or wait another year?
Thanks in advance for your response.