Reading this post late via a link in a newer post — this is such helpful information! Love how you provided examples and details rather than just abstract comments.
Reading this post late via a link in a newer post — this is such helpful information! Love how you provided examples and details rather than just abstract comments.
OK, I was in this situation, and I went with the wrong one. I spent two years and countless $$$$ with independent editors (I stress independent, the agents said only "We think this and this and this and this needs to be fixed" and I hired the editors myself on my own dime.) After two full, extensive revisions, the agents said "Sorry, still no. Another book?"
Well, no, not another book. I mean yes, there is one, but I'm not giving upon the blood sweat and tears one, not just yet.
I did politely notify the other interested agents (and the small press) who had expressed interest, but how do I go back to them now? Or do I not go back -- is it too insulting? Do I just move on?
So, if your book has been on submission with agent 1, it's best to go to the other agents with a new book. Other agents can't shop that book again to the same editors, and they may not be able to go to other editors at those same houses. That's more of the issue than going back to the previously interested. If it hasn't been shopped and you're not happy with agent 1, fire them and you can def go back to the other interested agents. You don't have to give them the whole run down. You can just say "I've parted ways with my agent and am looking for new representation."
It's fine to tell agents who they are in competition with, at this point in the game. And agents will use this info in different ways. I usually ask b/c I'm curious (and I usually ask after everything's said and done, but that's just me). An offer is an offer is an offer. Either another agent wants in or they don't. You can't control whether they think the first agent is a "big deal" or not or if they will use it to judge you. They're already judging you(r book)! Not telling won't necessarily ensure that other agents will offer. Congrats on your offer!!!
I love your helpful newsletter!! Thank you!
Do you have any idea when you’ll be posting the newsletter on what questions to ask agents on the phone?!? Waiting to read w bells on :)
Thanks again, Kate!
Thank you! And Yes, I can do that one! Will do soon!
Oh so exciting! Thank you !!
Reading this post late via a link in a newer post — this is such helpful information! Love how you provided examples and details rather than just abstract comments.
Reading this post late via a link in a newer post — this is such helpful information! Love how you provided examples and details rather than just abstract comments.
OK, I was in this situation, and I went with the wrong one. I spent two years and countless $$$$ with independent editors (I stress independent, the agents said only "We think this and this and this and this needs to be fixed" and I hired the editors myself on my own dime.) After two full, extensive revisions, the agents said "Sorry, still no. Another book?"
Well, no, not another book. I mean yes, there is one, but I'm not giving upon the blood sweat and tears one, not just yet.
I did politely notify the other interested agents (and the small press) who had expressed interest, but how do I go back to them now? Or do I not go back -- is it too insulting? Do I just move on?
So, if your book has been on submission with agent 1, it's best to go to the other agents with a new book. Other agents can't shop that book again to the same editors, and they may not be able to go to other editors at those same houses. That's more of the issue than going back to the previously interested. If it hasn't been shopped and you're not happy with agent 1, fire them and you can def go back to the other interested agents. You don't have to give them the whole run down. You can just say "I've parted ways with my agent and am looking for new representation."
Thank you!
It's fine to tell agents who they are in competition with, at this point in the game. And agents will use this info in different ways. I usually ask b/c I'm curious (and I usually ask after everything's said and done, but that's just me). An offer is an offer is an offer. Either another agent wants in or they don't. You can't control whether they think the first agent is a "big deal" or not or if they will use it to judge you. They're already judging you(r book)! Not telling won't necessarily ensure that other agents will offer. Congrats on your offer!!!