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Literary Agents: The Right Way to Nag

January 7, 2015 By Jody Rein 1 Comment

Jody Rein Nagging

You’ve sent off your query to an literary agent and heard…nothing.

Or (heaven be praised) you heard something!  The agent requested a sample from your book or your proposal, you  sent it exactly as required…and no response.

What do you do?

An Unsolicited Query: Should You Ask Again?

With just a couple exceptions, if you have sent a query to an agent and heard nothing, do nothing. There are lots of agents in the publishing sea. Try someone else. Don’t worry that your email has been lost; it probably hasn’t. A “no response” is a “no.”

Exception 1: You have a personal connection to the agent. You’re a friend of her friend, or an editor has recommended you contact her. If there’s a real connection there and you haven’t heard back, it is possible the note has gotten lost.

Exception 2:  You really did experience a technical snafu, and you’re not sure if your email went out.

Exception 3: If you really really want to work with a particular agent, and another agent has expressed strong interest. (Note: if another agent has actually offered representation, I wouldn’t recommend reaching out to someone who hasn’t even answered your query. That seems pretty unfair to the agent who offered.)

Big Boo-Boo in Your Query?

Mortification! You just realized you put the wrong agent’s name in your letter! Or gotten your facts wrong. Or forgot to include your best sales point. Can you send out a correction?

Nope. Alas. The correction will not be welcome.*

*Unless it’s really funny.

The Right Words: Unsolicited Query Re-Send

If you’re in one of the exceptional situations listed above, here’s how you might preface your second attempt:

“Dear Mr. Literary Agent:

Please forgive this second query! Our mutual friend xxx suggested I write. Generally I understand that “no response” means “no,” but given our personal connection I thought it was possible my first query didn’t reach you.”

or “Dear Mr. Literary Agent:

Please forgive me if you’ve seen this query before! Generally I understand that “no response” means “no,” but I’ve just learned my dog ate 75 of my outgoing emails the day I sent yours. I suspect my first attempt may not have reached your desk.”

or “Dear Mr. Literary Agent:

Please forgive me for writing again. Several agents have responded positively to my query for xxx, and asked to review my work. I had so hoped that you would be interested; I heard you speak at the xxxx and was very impressed. Generally I understand that “no response” means “no,” but I thought under the circumstances it was worth one more try.

The Literary Agent asks for Sample Writing–Then Silence

I hate to admit it–I do this. I don’t mean to. What happens: I ask to review material, and it’s not quite right. I feel the author deserves a thoughtful response. Thoughtful responses take time. Time I don’t have. I put the material into the “give thoughtful response” pile. Time passes. And passes.

Would a note from the author sway me to a “yes?” Probably not. But I welcome the nudge.

What (and When) to Say

  • If you have given the agent an exclusive look, don’t wait more than 30 days unless you have explicitly agreed to a longer time frame. It’s fair for an agent to ask for an exclusive look. But not to hold up your career. If the agent doesn’t respond within the agreed-upon time frame, nag away. If you like the agent, give her a chance to explain before moving on. Example:

Dear Ms. Agent,

Just wanted to follow up on your request to read XXX. We agreed on a 30-day period of exclusivity, which began DATE. Have you decided if you are interested in pursuing? I would appreciate your letting me know either way as soon as possible, as a few other agents have requested the material.

I very much hope to work with you, so I will delay sending the material out to others until DATE. After that, you will no longer have my work exclusively, but I would welcome your response any time.

In any case, thanks so much for your time and consideration.

  • If you have not given the agent an exclusive look, 30 days is still a reasonable time frame.

Dear Ms. Agent,

Just wanted to follow up on your request to read XXX, which I sent to your offices DATE.

Would you be able to give me a sense of when you might be able to review it?

As you know, this submission is not exclusive, but I’m keen to work with you and look forward to your response.

In any case, thanks so much for your time and consideration. I’m thrilled that you’re reviewing my work.

  • If you still don’t get a response, it’s probably worth just one more try after another 30 days. Be polite and brief  (and complimentary) in your note. You might want to add this:

(If you’re not interested, by the way, I don’t need details!)

Agents Do Know What They’ve Requested

Most literary agents track requested material, and feel bad if they haven’t responded. (I’m so sorry, Lance and Steve!) And, to be harsh on our kind–if an agent can’t get it together to respond, that’s probably a big red flag. The agent isn’t quite interested enough, or is conflicted, or is over-booked. An agent who takes forever to respond to polite inquiries about requested material is probably not the best publishing partner for you, at least not right now.

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Working With Agents

Thru Dec. 9! Holiday Raffle for Art Books, Lessons and Equipment

December 8, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

Author Planet and Jody Rein Books client Mark Kistler is raffling off  a bunch of great prizes–enter as often as you like through midnight tomorrow (December 9). He’s just added a new prize–a fabulous light board  (see below), so I thought you might be interested.

Click here for the raffle: www.markkistler.com/giveaway/ Prizes include:

Acurite LED LightTabletThe ACURIT LED LightTablet, worth $110, great for drawing and tracing anything! (I want one!);
A one-on-one lesson with Emmy Award winner artist Mark Kistler:
Five spots in each of two semi-private live group lessons(one class for kids and one class for adults, both virtual);
Ten complete sets of Mark’s newly reissued (by Author Planet!) Draw! Draw! Draw! four-book series;
20 individual books.

The raffle ends midnight, December 9 (EST). We’ve received more than 1200 entries and hope you join in the fun. Enter any time, and as often as you like!

Everyone who enters gets a coupon for half off Draw! Draw! Draw! Cartoon Animals

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Quick Question*
Should I buy the Xlibris marketing package?

November 5, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questions
Q. I am currently self-publishing with Xlibris and they have been aggressively marketing for me to spend additional money on one of their marketing packages. I haven’t even seen the final product yet. Should I take them up on their “special offer?”

A. We can’t speak specifically to the Xlibris packages, but can tell you generally that there is NO one size fits all when it comes to book marketing, and generic packages are rarely a good idea. Books must be promoted and marketed to succeed, of course. Most books disappear. So spending time and money on marketing is essential. But the type of marketing that works, whether you’re publishing fiction or nonfiction, is marketing that reaches people who are predisposed to purchase your book. Targeted marketing to people who have demonstrated a willingness to buy similar books in the past, and to people who are interested in your subject matter. It’s hard to reach those people through a generic press release that gets sent out to a thousand media outlets who will delete it before they read it. You won’t find your readers with generic review package, either, or [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

Helen Sedwick on Seven Common (and Avoidable) Copyright Mistakes

October 1, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

 

Photo in jacket.original

Thanks to copyright expert attorney Helen Sedwick for this key information about copyright for authors.

 While speaking at a recent conference I asked the audience if anyone used song lyrics in their manuscripts. A third of the writers raised their hands. After all, well-placed lyrics create setting. A crooning Frank Sinatra places readers in a war-time romance, while a droning Jim Morrison transports them to a smoky love-in. When I explained that using lyrics may be infringement, an audible groan filled the room. One writer leaned forward and put his head between his hands. Using lyrics is one of the most common mistakes writers make. Our brains are so packed with familiar tunes, we forget someone owns them. The sad truth is even if you know every word of a Beatles’ song, you do not have the right to use a single line in your novel. If you are blogging or publishing (either traditionally or as an indie author), a little knowledge about copyright will save time, embarrassment and money. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Self Publishing, Uncategorized

Quick Question*
When do I look for an agent? Before or after the book is finished?

July 22, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questions
When to look for an agent?

Short Answer

If you’re writing a novel, don’t submit until after you’ve written and rewritten the novel. In other words: after.
If you’re writing nonfiction, you’ll submit a query for a proposal, not a finished book. Agents and publishers base their nonfiction publishing decisions on proposals, and don’t expect you to finish until after the contract is signed. So: before.

Longer Answer: Look for an Agent early; Submit Later

Don’t submit your query until your work is ready (the proposal or the novel), but do start researching in advance. While you’re writing and researching, keep your eyes open and build up your list of potential agents:

  • Create a file of potential agents (digital or a real folder)
  • Note the names of agents that are acknowledged in your favorite books
  • Subscribe to a reputable publishing newsletter or two (Publishers Weekly; Publishers Marketplace, Writers Digest) and notice the names of agents that pop up. Writers Digest interviews agents looking for new clients all the time.
  • Use Google alerts to get book news from one or two reputable sources (USA Today, New York Times)
  • Ask around whenever you run into other writers (your writing group, writing workshops, online groups).

Best of luck!

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

Book Proposal Magic Formula

July 20, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

Globe with Books

“What’s the best formula for a book proposal?” an emailer asked me today.

“What’s the right way to open a book proposal?”a writing workshop attendee asked me yesterday.

We all want rules to govern our lives, guidelines to make the creative process somehow manageable. In the uncertain world of book publishing, of course aspiring writers hope that if they follow the proper 10-step outline, publication will follow. It won’t. Book proposals that are too formulaic can set off negative bells in an acquiring editor’s mind. I propose (heh heh) thinking about a proposal’s magic formula in terms of key ingredients, not rote structure.

Ingredient #One: Integrity

What? Since when did writing a book proposal have a moral component? It doesn’t–I’m not talking about “integrity” as in “being honest,” but as in “being unified, and sound in construction” (cribbing from my handy dandy online dictionary.) Internally consistent. If you’re writing a humor book, your proposal should be funny. If you’re writing a how-to book, your tone will be instructive and engaging. The writing in your proposal for a work of narrative nonfiction must be intelligent and compelling, demonstrating a fresh voice and perspective.

Ingredient #Two: Answers to Key Questions

The structure of your book proposal doesn’t matter. (Egad!) The content does matter. Your proposal must answer these common sense questions:

  • What’s the book about?
  • Who is going to buy it?
  • How do you know someone is going to buy it?
  • Why are you the right person to write it?
  • How are you going to help promote it?
  • How will the book be structured?
  • What books are comparable, and how do they prove the market for your book?
  • What’s in the book? (Detailed table of contents, sample writing)

The Book Dictates the Proposal

I have acquired, represented–and sold–vastly different book proposals.  Proposals from my company have opened with fun facts about camels, an essay about Beethoven, writing from the book (placed before anything else), old photos, art  and quotations–as well as straightforward “Overview” sections. How do we choose? We think about the book, and we think about the editor’s needs.

Ingredient #Three: Clarity

Proposals aren’t read the way books are read. There is no forgiveness; there is no leisure. There is no room for confusion.

Headings

This is why, when you have answered all the questions listed above, and written the answers in a voice that is topically consistent, you will work very hard to add logical clear headings. From this organic need was born a world of instructional books that tell you to write “Author Bio” and “The Market” and “My Platform” sections in every single book proposal.

Your proposal may have those headings, or it may have other headings that conform to the logic of the proposal as a whole. But without headings and structure that makes sense and grounds the editor in the proposal, your editor will give up and move on to the next proposal.

Expectations

Every sentence you write creates an expectation in the reader. (For example, the sentence I just wrote created the expectation that you will soon read something about what that expectation is, exactly. And, by now, you may be getting a little frustrated as I still haven’t addressed that expectation. If I move on to the next topic without saying more about that expectation, you will be left a little uneasy. You won’t quite know why, but you’ll start to feel that there’s something off in the writing; something missing, something wrong. That’s not good. Oh wait–I have just explained it, haven’t I? Yes!)

If you write, “The parenting field is very crowded,” early in your proposal, editors will expect you to drop the other shoe. To explain why your book will stand out from the crowd. If you let such expectations hang around too long, you lose the editor.

Ingredient #Too Super Important to Have a Number (or “Four” if You Must): Interest

There is no room for boredom.
There is no room for boredom.
Yes, I said that twice on purpose.

You do not want an acquiring editor’s attention to wander as she reads your proposal. Once your proposal is written, re-read it ruthlessly. Or get your friend Ruth to read it. She’ll still have to be ruthless, though, which is a conundrum I’ll address no further.

Where was I? Oh, yes, in your proposal, delete any sentences like the one I just wrote up there. No tangents. No unanswered questions. Be an observant reader of your own work–note whenever your own attention wanders. Read digitally and read in print. Mark any spot your attention lags, and cut. Pacing, in proposals, is everything.

Magic Book Proposal Formula: Integrity + Content + Clarity – Boredom = Excellence

I know, I know. Sounds much easier to just write a proposal that has seven sections, four subsections, a pithy mission statement at the beginning and a series of one-paragraph chapter descriptions at the end. And of course you can still do that.

But it might not be magic.

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Rants and Raves, Uncategorized, Working With Agents

Update that Novel in Your Drawer

June 11, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

Success and Failure by Celestine Chua

Success and Failure by Celestine Chua

Hidden reason your novel gets rejected #253: outdated references.

You have finally built up the courage to submit–at long, long last–that novel you’ve been massaging for ten years. You send queries to hundreds of agents and–oh joy!–several agents ask to see your work! So you send it…and the rejections trickle in.

Why? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Uncategorized, Working With Agents, Writing

Quick Question*
What is Most Important to Book Publishers?

May 8, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questions
Q. What’s the main thing a traditional book publisher considers before signing an author?

A. Yes, publishing decision-making can be complex, and acquisitions can take days and involve many people. But it always comes down to one simple question: will people buy this book? No market=no money for publisher=no money for author.

Seems pretty intuitive, doesn’t it? Yet 9 out of 10 queries that cross my desk (or zoom through my email) don’t seem to consider this fact.

And 99 out of 100 people derisively calling traditional book publishers “gatekeepers” and demanding that all books [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

Don’t Write for Free. Do Write for Free.

April 27, 2014 By Jody Rein 3 Comments

Man, it’s a confusing time to be a writer.

Book marketing experts say: “Give away content for free! Blog, tweet, pin, comment, contribute, give away your whole ebook, draft white papers. Do this to get attention, create relationships, join communities, build platforms, gain credibility…”

Gatekeepers say free content is destroying the world. Free content is unedited and unscreened. Writers can’t earn a living if they’re competing against others offering similar work for free. Untrustworthy [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Rants and Raves, Writing

Emailed Queries-Bad for Authors

March 24, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

self addressed stamped envelopeJust read a marvelous essay on writer psychology and snail-mailed rejections by Nick Ripatrazone in The Millions. Here’s a snippet and link:

“Miss You, SASE: On Postal Submissions

By NICK RIPATRAZONE posted at 6:00 am on February 25, 2014 1
…I miss having my envelope of stories weighed and mailed. I miss the handling of paper, the process of submission. The great, unlikely gift of postal submissions was the building of patience and discipline. Now we can publish at any and every moment: status updates, tweets, posts. There are benefits to tearing down those fences between our words and the world, but there is worth to relative silence, to communication between a single sender and recipient.
This is how I satiate my nostalgia for the old rituals. I go through my typical motions of drafting and revising, until a story feels ready to submit. I find a few potential markets and list them in an Excel spreadsheet. Then I print the story, fold it, and leave it in an unsealed envelope, tucked in a desk drawer. Weeks later, I“

Ripatrazone’s article focuses primarily on submissions to literary magazines, but it brought to mind a thought that’s been hovering around back there for years: emailed queries hurt everyone but the environment. (I wonder if there’s an offset between the paper saved and electricity wasted?)

What we lost when we lost snail mailed queries: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Rants and Raves

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Jody was interviewed by Stephanie Chandler in a teleseminar for the Nonfiction Authors Association on April 13, 2016.

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