Friday, May 11, 2012

Be Nice

I wanted to take some time today to talk about being nice. On the door of a place where I live there is a sign  that reads: "It's nice to feel important, but more important to be nice." I feel that this needed to be said to authors. Agents are very busy people. I feel some authors do not know the hard work and time that go into being a literary agent. They become impatient with agents because of the time that it takes to get an answer.

Believe me I understand. I started out submitting my material and that is how I became a jr. agent at the Corvisiero Literary Agency. I know the frustrations of having to wait.
However, this doesn't mean to get angry with an agent because she/he is taking too long. Especially, when the agent takes the time out to give you pointers to improve your novel.

A few things authors need to know.

1. Agents are super duper busy. Be patient.

2. Please do not send rude emails, we WILL get back to you.

3. When an agent gives you advice, do not get mad, take it or not. It's up to you.

4. When an agents says 'this is not for me,' and gives you advice, it does not mean they are interested, they are just trying to help you out.

5. Please be respectful. It is a stressful job to be an agent and we have tons of queries to read. Your query is not the only material we have to read.

 Last and not least....if you are rejected...try, try again! :)

1 comment:

  1. Great tips. I could only imagine how stressful it must be, and even more, I would think your brain almost turns off after a short while of reading queries! Patience is very difficult for me to exercise, but I do my best, and I think it's just common sense to not send nasty e-mails.

    Regardless if an agent declines my work, I still want to keep a good standing professional relationship with them. I've heard several authors grumble about how "we writers" are the talent, and agents need writers as much as writers need agents. Both is true, and if there is a mutual respect shown while communicating about a MS, I think the process of submitting and review can be a pleasant one.

    I've seen your published books, and I'm happy for you! Congratulations on your success. I wish you all the best!

    ReplyDelete

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