Over the weekend I received a partial request. And not just any partial request. It was from one of my top three agents. Wow, was I excited! So now I’m going over my 30 pages again and again, hoping I haven’t missed anything. I’m so nervous and excited all at the same time.
Tag Archives: literary agent
Update
I know, I know, I haven’t posted for a while. I’ve been sending out queries – so far no good news, but I haven’t heard back from over half of the agents I’ve sent to. I’m going to continue sending and hopefully one of those will love it.
I’m getting ready to work hard on my second book again. I have some great scene ideas in mind that need to get on paper before I forget them.
Other than that, there isn’t much new going on. Just keep your fingers crossed for me on the query front.
Filed under author, book, publishing, Writing
The great search for an agent…
Yesterday I started seriously sending out queries. Scary. It’s not even that I’m devastated when I get a rejection. I’m not, really. It’s more worry that all I’ll get is rejections. You only need one yes, but what if it doesn’t come?
I have quite an extensive list of agents who represent young adult authors, and who don’t specifically state they won’t accept fantasy. My question to all of you is: What names do you have of agents in this category. I’ve looked at all the websites and data bases. I’ve checked books I like and found who their agents are, and yet I still find names I’ve never heard of before. I’d love anyone’s input. Even smaller agents or newer agents would be fine. (Sometimes they’re the best because they’re still building a client list.)
And thanks in advance to anyone who replies.
Filed under author, book, publishing, reading, Writing
What really is good writing?
About a month or so back, Kristen Nelson blogged about how good writing is sooooo subjective. She was specifically addressing those books that are million dollar sellers but that get a whole lot of criticism about the quality of the writing (i.e. Stephenie Meyer, Dan Brown, Christopher Paolini). Here’s a link.
Her conclusion? “Millions of readers can’t be wrong.” And I would have to agree.
Let’s face it, most people read to be entertained. I know there are those exceptions who read for good writing, who will read almost anything if it’s written beautifully. I won’t. I’d much rather have a great story, written well enough, than a beautifully written but not that captivating classic.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I do think that if you can have a combination of both: a great story and something that’s written well, then you’ve got the perfect mix.
Personally, I don’t think my writing will ever win a pulitzer prize or anything, but that’s not my goal. My goal is to entertain, to make people love my world and my characters — and my story. Still, it has to be good enough to sell to an agent and publisher, and that’s why I am working so hard still, even though the story is actually complete.
Along these lines, I have to admit I can hardly wait for Stephenie Meyer’s “Breaking Dawn” release this weekend. Say what you want, her story is fabulous. (And yes, I am a little obsessed!!) My husband will be out of town Friday night, so I’m hoping to get a copy at midnight and read a little that night and the next morning. And for those of you rolling your eyes right now, I can live with that.
Filed under author, book, publishing, Writing
