The Agent Game: Unlocking That First Door

     It took a while for me to get my thoughts together on this one, primarily because I had to reflect on my first few months of seeking publication to adequately address this subject. I know this has been covered a gazillion times (yes, I said gazillion >add to dictionary<), but here are my two cents worth. For those seeking to publish for the first time: if you decide to seek an Agent, the process will probably be a little shocking to you once you begin. For me, "oblivious" would best describe my prior knowledge of this ritual. So, here are the main points and lessons learned that I need to pass on to you:

 1. Do your homework. What does that mean? It means understand the process. I would start by searching for literary Agents and reading everything you can find about them. Read their blogs, bios, interviews, etc.. You'll get a better understanding about how they work and how the system works. You'll also come to understand the onslaught they face every day, day in and day out. I'm still amazed when an Agent describes the volume of queries they face everyday. But that's just part of the equation. When they represent someone, a good deal of their time must be spent taking care of that client. It's a pretty intense relationship, and it's important to both parties. When you land an Agent, you'll understand that all the better. They are relying on their skills and taking a chance on you and your body of work. It's their bread and butter. On that note, look for an Agent that's a good fit for you. That process will not always be easy, but pay attention to the info out there. You'll get a good feel for what they like and don't like, on a personal and professional level. It's not perfect science, just do the best you can.

2.  Patience. Lord knows, if you thought you were a patient person, you will see the error of your ways. You MUST be patient. You WILL be patient if you successfully navigate this process. Because of everything (and then some more) mentioned above, it will take time. Any impatience on your part will not speed up the process. Accept it.

3. Rejection. I know, I know. Who would reject your masterpiece? A lot would and will. But have faith. It's not necessarily because you wrote a steaming pile of....well, that's not always the reason. Think of an Agent as a buyer for a big department store chain. The company seeks product based on trends and needs. An agency seeks product based on that. You may have a masterpiece on you hands, but if the need is not there, or the agency is taking another direction on genre acquisition, the agency cannot justify taking your work. The Agent may love your book, but the agencies do not drive the market. Consumers do. But don't lose faith. Trends change like the seasons. Your ship may come in before long. Start that next novel! Anyone in this business will tell you that rejection is standard fare for every aspiring writer. Welcome to the writing life!

4. Finally, don't take it personal. Remember, Agents are real people, just like you! I won't elaborate...oh, wait. I did elaborate! (see above).

     Now, I have to go tally my rejections for the week.  But all is not lost. I have a few fulls out there in the dream world.

The Relationship of Writing (or My Obsession)

     It has occurred to me over the last few months that I am embroiled in an illicit affair of the heart. An affair so intense that it truly feels wicked. However, it is not adulterous...at least I don't think so, anyway. I'm talking about my current manuscript. You know, the one I finished back in January. The one that survived numerous revisions through February and March. The one I've tried to stay away from for the entire month of April and parts of May. Like a lover that you yearn to touch constantly, to help, to soothe and comfort. (Now do you see what I mean?)

     I'm not sure how many writers out there are like me, but I have a compulsion to fix, improve, fix, improve...almost to the point of fixing unbroken things just for the sake of fixing! For me, the ideal situation would be this: I finish my novel, do numerous revisions, final edits, etc., take it immediately to a Starbucks or a library, leave the book on a table, and walk around outside while an Agent slips in and leaves my contract and first advance in a discreet brown bag, and takes my book away to the Publishing machine to touch the lives of millions. Then my work would be safe from my constant whittling.

     Besides, I have two other lovely manuscripts in progress that are longing for my attention. I just hope my wife doesn't get jealous...

My Journey Through the Publishing World

This is my initial blog post and I thought it would be appropriate to start with the reasons for this blog.  In January of 2011 I completed my MG novel Rockapocalypse: A Boy's Tale.  Being fairly new to the publishing world, the learning curve has been tremendous concerning the mechanics of being published through traditional channels. Often I've wondered what it was like for an author 15 or 20 years ago, before technology changed the face of the industry. One of the first things pounded into my skull by those "in the know" was "platform, platform, platform".  This was a new one for me, but once it was explained it made perfect sense. In a nutshell, it's "branding" combined with "exposure" using social networks and the power of the Internet. I already had Facebook and Twitter, but blogging was not on my radar. Thus, here we are. And since I was seeking exposure for my book, what better chance than to create a blog devoted exclusively to my manuscript? My purpose is to brand both of us; myself and this part of me that I toiled to the paper.

I'll try to keep some running news of my success (and possible setbacks) posted here as often as possible. Maybe it will give up and coming authors some insight to the road they have set their feet upon....